New owner intro - '99 Avalon

[DonS47]

Hi, all.

Just took ownership of a 1999 Avalon. My first Toyota; although, my son has a '99 Tacoma.

I will have a few questions, which I will submit after the intro and after browsing the knowledge base. Questions like what type of OBD reader do I need to troubleshoot my check engine light warning.

I live in Pittsfield, MA. Car was original owner, having been purchased in Sep 98. It is 183k miles young.

Started reading the owner's manual last night. Discovered I'm supposed to have a sub key, for door and ignition, only. The manual doesn't mention how/where to get a new sub key. Do you have to get one from a dealer? I'm looking forward to whatever else the manual has to offer. ("When all else fails, read the manual." Right?)

My son did some surveys for me:
- Found a source for Master keys at 80% off dealer's price, so I guess I'm set, if I need one of those.
- Hanes (?) repair manual 96 - 01 Camry and Lexus (includes Avalon) for $23.
- Apparently O2 sensors are a problem - could be the cause of my check engine warning.

I look forward to browsing and learning from your site.

DonS47

[avalontom]

No need to buy a code reader - AutoZone will read codes for free if your check engine light is illuminated.

Have fun with your Avalon!

Tom

[DonS47]

Originally Posted by avalontom

No need to buy a code reader - AutoZone will read codes for free if your check engine light is illuminated.

Have fun with your Avalon!

Tom

Tom,

Thanks for the suggestion. Friend from Connecticut vistited today and said same thing. Unofrtunately - no AutoZone for 50 miles. Local Adv Auto Parts doesn't offer that service.

Found and OBD II reader for $100 (regular price $170). Just have to be sure it is compatible with 99 Avalon.

Anybody know of an issue with 99 Avalon and various code readers?

don

[silverxls]

you need an OBDII reader. I purchased an autoxray code scout from ebay for around $80 including shipping. so far i'm pleased with it and has more than paid for itself. it provides the code and a short description which is usefull. I even used it today on my niece's 97 camry that quit running. showed faulty igniter circuit....so check the 2 coils...one was bad....replaced and it's running like new for under $70.00. most shops would have charged that much just to diagnose the prob.

[avalontom]

Don,

If you plan to do any kind of troubleshooting, I would recommend purchasing the factory service manual. In the manual, each code has its own set of test procedures; remember that the code only indicates the system affected by the problem & doesn't really indicate which part is defective.

Tom

[sickwilly]

have you found anywhere cheaper to get the factory manual than books4cars.com. For the 97 its over $100 dollars?

[silverxls]

i'm not sure of the differences in 96 and 97 , but there is an original set of factory manuals on ebay right now for a 96 at $25.00, and lookin further there is a set for 97 like new for $50.00

[KeepItSimple]

Originally Posted by DonS47

My son did some surveys for me:
- Found a source for Master keys at 80% off dealer's price, so I guess I'm set, if I need one of those.

Don,
Would you mind revealing your source? I need master keys for the '95 Avalon I just bought.
Thanks man!

[silverxls]

go to ebay.....ebay motors and parts and accessories and do a search for avalon key.