206350 miles, and still kickin!

[tstephens]

My 1996 Toyota Avalon XLS just turned 206350 today, and I am thinking of what I can do to it to make it last for another 100000 or so. I am a college student, who knows his way around a car, and can do his own work. However, I would like to know what is more important to do first to my baby. I am replacing the oilpan this weeked, as it is leaking like crazy, then changing the oil. Problem wise, the back two power windows do not work, i'm pretty sure the driver's side is going.... just a matter of when and where. The power antenna got snapped off by some morons at a highschool basketball game. The car has been in the family since we bought it new in 1996, so we have done all the work on it. I am wondering if there are any upgrades or replacements i should do now to prevent costlier problems down the road. The other problem i am trying to figure out, is that my interior climate control lights do not work on the control knob, or the top row of buttons (select air flow) the selection light works, but the light behind the icon does not. Also, the power seat, when adjusted, makes the headlights dim noticeably... i was wondering what i should do to fix that.

Thanks for your help. It is greatly appreciated.
-tim

[dhen]

Originally Posted by tstephens

I am replacing the oilpan this weeked, as it is leaking like crazy, then changing the oil.
-tim

Why do you need a new oil pan? Couldn't you just replace the gaskets?

[toyomoho]

Often the wires going between the drivers door and chassis break due to constant door usage. This can cause window operation problems.

The antenna mast can be replaced. A Google search will find mast, try Ebay or the dealer.

To get to the lights you need to take apart some of the dash trim (pulls out) then unbolt and remove the climate control unit to get behind it.

Most important is changing all the fluids before they become dirty and worn out.

If automatic trans due this every 30K miles. The trans pan has only 1/3 the trans fluid the rest is in the torque converter. You can do 3-4 changes with some driving in between to get most of the fluid changed.

Change the PS fluid by sucking out the old fluid and replacing it with new Do this 3-4 times with some driving in between and the fluid will be clean.

Flush the brake system out if this has never been done.

Keep up with coolant changes and distilled water.

FYI, the Avalon is the almost the same car as the Camry with V6 option. As such info on one can be used for the other plus a majority of parts.

[tstephens]

I am replacing the oil pan because it has been damaged for quite some time, and i found one for a good price. The gaskets are all new... thanks toyomoho... that helps alot....

[95AVALON_GUY]

Nice, glad she is still running strong. I just rolled 219K the other day. I need to replace my valve cover. Oil is leaking onto the manifold

[sarsman45]

The dimming is normal. no problems with that, unless you cant move the seat. Tap at the Climate control panel; it may be a loose wire.

[95AVALON_GUY]

Originally Posted by tstephens

My 1996 Toyota Avalon XLS just turned 206350 today, and I am thinking of what I can do to it to make it last for another 100000 or so. I am a college student, who knows his way around a car, and can do his own work. However, I would like to know what is more important to do first to my baby. I am replacing the oilpan this weeked, as it is leaking like crazy, then changing the oil. Problem wise, the back two power windows do not work, i'm pretty sure the driver's side is going.... just a matter of when and where. The power antenna got snapped off by some morons at a highschool basketball game. The car has been in the family since we bought it new in 1996, so we have done all the work on it. I am wondering if there are any upgrades or replacements i should do now to prevent costlier problems down the road. The other problem i am trying to figure out, is that my interior climate control lights do not work on the control knob, or the top row of buttons (select air flow) the selection light works, but the light behind the icon does not. Also, the power seat, when adjusted, makes the headlights dim noticeably... i was wondering what i should do to fix that.

Thanks for your help. It is greatly appreciated.
-tim

hey PM me about your lights for the climate control. I jsut got done putting mine back together b/c of a light bulb being out. The light that was out was for the selction portion. I found out that the lights bulbs are a dealer item only. They cost me 7.41+tax....

Again if you want me to help you PM me and i will giove you all the details