As a long-standing and reliable presence in Menlo Park, M&R Auto understands the nuances behind the Toyota Avalon. We’ve seen countless Avalons come through our shop over the years, and have built up an expertise on solving the most common issues owners face. Our ASE-certified technicians leverage state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and advanced training to accurately assess problems and recommend cost-effective repairs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide insight into seven of the most reported problems with Toyota Avalons manufactured between 2000-2012. We’ll explore symptoms, diagnose likely causes, and detail the repair process our technicians leverage to get your sedan back out on the roads of Menlo Park.
Excess Oil Consumption Leading to Rising Costs
Excess oil consumption is one of the top complaints from Avalon owners, especially in models made from 2005-2009. Over time, burning through oil at a higher than normal rate can lead to reduced fuel economy, increased maintenance expenses, and even potential engine damage if left unresolved. Typical symptoms include needing to top off oil more frequently, seeing blue smoke from the exhaust pipe, and low oil pressure warning light illumination.
In most cases, the root cause ties back to worn piston rings no longer sealing properly against the cylinder walls, allowing oil to seep past into the combustion chamber. There, it burns off in the normal operation of your engine. To accurately diagnose and resolve excess oil consumption, our technicians will perform a controlled oil consumption test first to measure the specific rate of oil loss. If out of acceptable specification, a cylinder compression test can check the piston ring seal while a borescope allows visual inspection of the cylinder walls.
From there, precision piston and ring replacement can re-establish a proper seal in many situations. For engines with extensive internal wear or damage, a complete rebuild may be necessary to address all affected components. By having your Avalon’s oil consumption rate tested early on, we can help mitigate the need for costlier repairs down the road. And as always, be diligent about keeping up with factory recommended oil change intervals.
Smoothing Out Transmission Shifting Issues
Drivers of 2000-2005 Toyota Avalons may encounter transmission problems ranging from jerky or uneven gear changes to complete transmission failure. The root cause often ties back to issues in the valve body or solenoids, critical components that control the flow and pressure of transmission fluid essential to smooth gear shifts.
Typical symptoms of transmission issues include delayed engagement from park into drive, unexpected RPM jumps between gears, the check engine light coming on with transmission related codes, burning smells from low transmission fluid, or loud clunks when shifting. Our transmission specialists leverage state-of-the-art diagnostic scan tools and a systematic inspection process to get to the bottom of any problems noted behind the wheel. This includes test driving the vehicle to experience the problems firsthand as well as checking for proper fluid levels.
From there, precision adjustments of components or replacements can be made to eliminate harsh shifting patterns. For transmissions with extensive internal wear or damage, a complete rebuild or replacement may be necessary to restore smooth performance. As always, be proactive by keeping up with regular transmission fluid changes as outlined in your owner’s manual. Any perceived change in shifting behavior warrants prompt diagnosis, as ignoring problems indefinitely can accelerate transmission damage.
Restoring Responsiveness with Steering Rack Replacement
Models made between 2005-2012 can develop steering rack leaks leading to a gradual loss of power assist mainly felt at lower speeds. Left unchecked over time, this will progress to complete steering failure and severely impact driving safety. Typical symptoms include increased difficulty turning the wheel, especially when first pulling out or parking. A high pitched whining noise from the power steering pump may also arise as it works harder to maintain adequate pressure. In severe cases, visible fluid staining from leaking power steering fluid may be seen under the vehicle along with illumination of the power steering warning light.
Our expert technicians pinpoint the source of steering rack leaks through close visual inspection first before moving to more advanced diagnostics. High pressure testing can then identify the exact location of any leaks down to the seal or housing component. From there, we can replace damaged seals or the entire rack assembly as needed to permanently resolve the problem. For vehicles with extensive leaks or contamination, flushing the entire power steering system and refilling it with manufacturer-approved and conditioned fluid ensures optimal performance.
Be vigilant with periodically checking power steering fluid levels as part of routine maintenance. Any detection of leaks or increased effort required to turn the wheel warrants immediate investigation to restore confidence in your steering performance and avoid potential driving hazards.
Replacing Failed Water Pumps to Prevent Costly Overheating
Another common issue in Avalons manufactured between 2000-2010 ties to premature water pump failure. As a key component responsible for actively circulating engine coolant, water pump problems can lead to catastrophic overheating incidents. Typical symptoms include the engine temperature gauge reading higher than normal, the check engine light coming on, visible coolant leaks from the pump housing, a high pitched whining or squealing noise from the pump that changes with engine RPMs, white smoke from the tailpipe, and a strong coolant odor emanating from under the hood.
When these symptoms arise, immediate diagnosis by our expert technicians is recommended. We leverage a combination of pressure testing the cooling system to check for leaks as well as a close visual inspection of the water pump, its housing, and the surrounding area. Checking the water pump pulley bearing for noise indicating wear along with confirming the cooling fan operation provides additional insight. In most cases, replacement with a new water pump meeting original manufacturer specifications is required to permanently resolve cooling issues related to pump failure.
As a final step, a complete flush of the cooling system helps remove any accumulated sediment or contaminants that could impact the new water pump’s longevity. Stay proactive with annual inspections of your Avalon’s cooling system to reduce the risk of overheating incidents associated with water pump failure.
Restoring Smooth and Quiet Braking Performance
While Avalons have very reliable braking systems as a whole, some owners encounter issues like high pitched squeaking or grinding noises, pedal pulsations or vibrations, and uneven brake pad wear after years of use. Our expert technicians restore confidence in your sedan’s stopping power through precise inspection and replacement of any components affecting braking performance.
We start with a thorough brake system inspection, measuring pad life across all wheels along with rotor thickness and runout specifications. Checking brake fluid for contamination and confirming proper levels is also important. From there, any pads or rotors outside of acceptable wear thresholds or runout tolerances get replaced. For vehicles experiencing pedal pulsation or vibration, our on-car brake lathe resurfacing service can eliminate thickness variations causing the issue.
A final test drive ensures all problems are fully resolved before returning your Avalon. While brake components are built to last, remember to keep up with factory recommended brake fluid flushes as well. Bring your sedan in promptly for inspection whenever perceiving changes in braking performance or notification of a problem through warning lights in the instrument cluster. Investing in timely brake component replacement preserves the safety Avalon owners expect.
Fuel Economy and Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Models made between 2000-2012 can suffer oxygen sensor failures overtime. As they degrade, symptoms like reduced fuel economy, rough idle quality, and repeated illumination of the check engine light can result. Oxygen sensors play an integral role helping the engine computer maintain the optimal fuel-air ratio. Check engine lights triggered by oxygen sensor related trouble codes should be promptly diagnosed rather than ignored.
M&R Auto accurately diagnoses oxygen sensor issues through electronic diagnostic trouble code scans to identify any sensor specific codes recorded. From there, electrical response testing of the sensors can confirm if they are still functioning within acceptable ranges. We also inspect for any oil or coolant leaks that could cause contamination and accelerate degradation. In most situations where faulty oxygen sensors are detected, replacement with new OEM or equivalent aftermarket sensors is the only permanent solution. A final confirmation test drive after the new oxygen sensors are installed ensures your Avalon is running efficiently again.
Be vigilant if you notice any symptoms of a failing oxygen sensor as the engine computer depends on accurate readings to maintain fuel economy and emissions compliance. Our ASE-certified technicians leverage the latest diagnostic tools to keep your Avalon running efficiently for years to come.
Replacing Worn Suspension Components
Avalons are rightfully prized for their smooth and quiet ride quality, which can degrade over years as suspension components like struts, shocks and bushings wear out. This process accelerates when driving predominantly on rougher roads with more varied terrain.
Typical symptoms of worn out suspension components include a bouncier ride over bumps, nose diving when braking, body roll or swaying during cornering, uneven tire wear, and new knocking or squeaking noises going over bumps.
Our expert technicians can accurately diagnose suspension wear issues through a combination of visual inspection and bounce testing of each wheel. The visual inspection allows checking for signs of fluid leakage or damage to components like struts while bounce tests check damping function. From there, any components found to be worn out of specification get replaced with new OEM equivalent parts to restore ride quality. Bushings are particularly prone to wear over time so we check their tightness and condition closely.
After component replacement, a full four-wheel alignment ensures proper suspension geometry within factory specifications so new tires and parts last as long as expected. Have your Avalon’s suspension checked during routine services like oil changes or tire rotations to maximize longevity of these wearing components. Addressing issues early on reduces the chance of accelerated tire or suspension part wear.
Trust M&R Auto for Reliable Avalon Repairs
Here at M&R Auto, we have the experience, training, and state-of-the-art equipment to accurately diagnose and cost-effectively resolve any Avalon issue. By following the factory recommended maintenance schedule and addressing symptoms early on, costly repairs or breakdowns can be avoided. We invite you to read through our outstanding reputation and rave customer reviews as we keep your Avalon running smoothly for years to come.
Contact us today for any questions on maintaining your sedan or to schedule an appointment. We proudly service all vehicle makes and models. As your neighborhood auto repair shop in Menlo Park, ensuring your complete satisfaction is our top priority.
