Read This For '06 Avalon Oil/Filter Change Instructions

[Mike Murrell]

Those of you who have recently purchased a new Avalon and plan on using the dealers "free oil/filter change coupons" that may have come with your purchase.

Beware!!!

The coupons read "up to 5 qts." - unfortunately your car holds close to 7 qts. It's either 6.4 or 6.8 - I forget the exact amt., but it IS NOT 5 qts.

I've searched the WEB and have learned that many Toyota dealers are only installing 5 qts. in the '06 Avalon motor.

All the more reason to change your own oil. Here's the URL with the instructions:

http://members.cox.net/n0v8or/avalon_oil_change.pdf

Regards,

Mike Murrell

[tom_in_tx]

Something I learned the hard way - the .pdf suggests a Wal-Mart oil filter wrench. I went to the nearest auto parts store (Pep Boys) instead and bought a steel cup wrench. DO NOT use one of these. The Wally World wrench is heavy plastic, gets a much better grip, and is cheaper in my area ($2.98 v $4.00). The directions on the filter package suggest 19 ft lbs - I could only get 15 before the steel wrench slipped off.

[benbeaux]

Those of you who have recently purchased a new Avalon and plan on using the dealers "free oil/filter change coupons" that may have come with your purchase.

Beware!!!

The coupons read "up to 5 qts." - unfortunately your car holds close to 7 qts. It's either 6.4 or 6.8 - I forget the exact amt., but it IS NOT 5 qts.

I've searched the WEB and have learned that many Toyota dealers are only installing 5 qts. in the '06 Avalon motor.

All the more reason to change your own oil. Here's the URL with the instructions:

http://members.cox.net/n0v8or/avalon_oil_change.pdf

Regards,

Mike Murrell

6.4 qts.

Yeah, I change my own oil. I liked the idea of that filter assy being a little more eco friendly, but it is a certified PITA to deal with.

Ya'll remember to spray some tire dressing on the cv joint boots to protect them & keep them pliable. I also do the dust boots on the rack & pinion steering assy. The foaming stuff works best since it clings & doesn't get all over everything else.

[davison.rj]

Much appreciated! In the past, I have always changed my own oil. Have been on the lookout for a correct method for changing the oil in my new '06. Thanks again.

Rich Davison

[ElDiabloJoe]

Done. Thanks for the tips. Now, how do I turn off that @#% "Maint Reqd" light on the dash?

EDJ

[jim256]

The system must be reset after the engine
oil replacement. Reset the system by
the following procedure:
1. Turn the engine off with the odometer
reading shown. (For details, see
“Odometer and two trip meters” on
page 143 in this Section.)
2. Turn the ignition switch is set at ON
while holding down the trip meter reset
knob.
Hold down the knob for at least 5 seconds.
The odometer indicates “000000”
and the light goes off.
If the system fails to reset, the light will
continue flashing.


Or, read page 153 in your manual.

[haljay007]

Sorry, this is not a reply but a new question. If I am doing a no-no
will someone set me right.

Where can I find the little gadget shown in the repair manual that is
a "pipe" to connect to a hose and push up into the oil filter housing
to drain the oil in the housing without getting oil down your arm,
your neck, etc? I tried two dealers but no luck. They want Toyota
buyers to pay them for their oil change.

Thank you.

[benbeaux]

Sorry, this is not a reply but a new question. If I am doing a no-no
will someone set me right.

Where can I find the little gadget shown in the repair manual that is
a "pipe" to connect to a hose and push up into the oil filter housing
to drain the oil in the housing without getting oil down your arm,
your neck, etc? I tried two dealers but no luck. They want Toyota
buyers to pay them for their oil change.

Thank you.

I use a piece of common 5/8" garden hose. Also, Lowes & local True Value hardware stores sell hose in different diameters by the foot. You're looking at under a $1 for what you need. Retain for the next oil change, of course.

[inov8]

haljay - a new plastic adapter is included in the box with every oil filter kit. I have ~6 extra and would be glad to send you one - no charge. Use the private message (PM) system (upper right corner of the screen) to contact me.

[haljay007]

Thank you benbeaux and inov8.

I got a filter and sure enough, the needed item is included. The
mechanics at two dealerships failed to tell me this. They really
are money-grubbers. Thanks again.

[Yelf]

I have a hard time understanding Engrish, "Turn the ignition switch is set at ON while holding down the trip meter reset knob." HUH?

I tried what they say in the OM, but I have a keyless Avalon Limited. Anyone reset the oil change light in a Avalon Limited??

The system must be reset after the engine
oil replacement. Reset the system by
the following procedure:
1. Turn the engine off with the odometer
reading shown. (For details, see
“Odometer and two trip meters” on
page 143 in this Section.)
2. Turn the ignition switch is set at ON
while holding down the trip meter reset
knob.
Hold down the knob for at least 5 seconds.
The odometer indicates “000000”
and the light goes off.
If the system fails to reset, the light will
continue flashing.


Or, read page 153 in your manual.

[inov8]

I have an '05 limited, and have reset the light several times. This is what has worked for me.
===========

Before starting, be sure the odometer displays total mileage, not trip mileage.
Car off; transmission in park; foot OFF the brake pedal.
Push in the trip reset button and hold it in during the following 2 steps . . .
-1- Depress and release the start button;
-2- Depress and release the start button a second time;

-3- Continue to hold the trip reset button for another 15 seconds, then release it.
-4- Depress and release the start button to turn off the car.

[Wavegoodbye]

silly question here, but you all are talking about using one of the oil filter wrenches. I was told by the dealer that the 05 Avalon uses an oil filter cartidge and not a traditional round oil filter. I've taken the car to a local Honda dealer to have the oil changed before and they had to special order an oil filter cartridge as well. Did they change this for the 06 model?

[inov8]

The '05-'07 Avalon cartridge is designed such that a conventional Type B cap-type oil filter wrench fits it perfectly. I can spin mine off without any tools if I did not overtighten it at the previous oil change.

As far as I know, the filter element is only available from Toyota, so what your Honda service person told you regarding a special order is true.

[Wavegoodbye]

Ok, thanks for the information. It's been a while since I changed my own oil, obviously not yet on this car, so I wasn't sure exactly what that filter looked like. Thanks again.