[djswizz]

Hey all, first Toyota but lover of Japanese cars (I've had Nissan and Honda).

I just bought a 1998 Toyota Avalon XLS for $3950 with 130k miles because I needed a car with better gas mileage than my SUV. So far so good! Loving the ride.

On to the issues:It rained yesterday and I heard swishing around in the two back doors. I open them up and sure enough, water was filled up in the doors. I loosened the bottom weather stripping to let the water drain out, but was wondering if any of you have experienced this and found a fix for it? All the weather stripping looks good on top so I'm not sure. Maybe the windows are loose from the outside?

Second issue, I bought the car knowing the dash lights were out (all I can see is the speedometer and what gear I am in on the dash). The radio, other buttons are ok. I know this requires removing the dashboard completely but was wondering if any of you have done this or had this issue? If so, where can I get the bulbs and do you have a writeup explaining how to remove the dash?

Third issue, I was reading Consumer Reports reliability record on this car (98) and it indicates this year had issues with suspension. I know this because my car makes noises going over bumps on the road. Time for new struts/shocks? If so, what kind do you recommend?

Fourth, is there a writeup or howto on how to replace the incabin air filter or where it's located?

Other than these issues, the car is in good shape. I hope it gives me 2+ years of reliability until I need a van/suv for when we start having kids :ugh3:

 

[98CamryLE]

Second issue, I bought the car knowing the dash lights were out (all I can see is the speedometer and what gear I am in on the dash). The radio, other buttons are ok. I know this requires removing the dashboard completely but was wondering if any of you have done this or had this issue? If so, where can I get the bulbs and do you have a writeup explaining how to remove the dash?

Third issue, I was reading Consumer Reports reliability record on this car (98) and it indicates this year had issues with suspension. I know this because my car makes noises going over bumps on the road. Time for new struts/shocks? If so, what kind do you recommend?

Fourth, is there a writeup or howto on how to replace the incabin air filter or where it's located?

Congrats on your purchase. Avalons are very nice cars, and I'm sure that you'll be happy once these pesky issues are resolved.

I've never been in an Avalon, but here are some pointers that hopefully will help. You shouldn't have to take apart your whole dash for the lights.

For the dash lights: First make note of the lights that are burned out. (There are probably 4-10 actual lights in the cluster.

In most newer Toyotas, the dash/speedometer has a black surround that has two screws in the top. You'll have to hold the screwdriver upside down to remove them. Once you remove the two screws and pull the black surround out, you should have direct access to the instrument cluster screws. There are probably 4 or 5 screws that you'll have to remove around the outside of the instrument cluster. Be very careful not to let the screws fall into the dash- you'll have a heck of a time getting them back.

Once you unscrew all the screws, pull the cluster out carefully, and unplug the connectors. Take the cluster, turn it over, and you should be able to pull out the bulbs. They should be tiny bulbs with little green covers on them (or whatever color your gauges are). You can't buy the bulbs with the covers from a parts store- the only place that sells them are Toyota dealers- but they usually aren't expensive (About $2/bulb). Most dealers have them in stock, so you shouldn't have to special order them. (You can try peeling off the covers and putting them back on bulbs that you buy at a parts store- but most of the green covers will crack and peel.)

Find out how many you need, buy some from your local dealer, and replace them. (If you take your Avalon to the dealer- make sure you plug the instrument cluster back in during the trip).

Replace the bulbs, screw the cluster back in, and replace the black surround. DONE.

For the 3rd issue, If I remember right, it wasn't the struts that make the noise, it was the strut plates in the front. I'm not very familiar with it though, so you'll have to find more out from others on this board or a mechanic.

4th- Are you sure that you have an in-cabin air filter? I didn't think that Toyota put them in until the 2000 model year. If you do have one, odds are it's hidden behind the glove box. I'd call the dealer first to find out if you have one before trying to take it apart.

 

[djswizz]

Thanks for the lengthy response. I did not know know that there was direct access to the back of the speed/tach meters right from the top. I'll have to look into that and see what I see. If others out there know anything, please let me know! As far as the struts go, I'll get them looked at. If they need replacing, I'll do it myself. Should be easy enough with the proper tools borrowed from Autozone.

The incabin filter may not exist, that is one reason why I was asking. I've replaced them on my Nissan Xterra and it was behind the glovebox as well. I'll check just in case. I'm planning on changing out all filters, fluids, etc this weekend. I might do the struts if I get confirmation on what is causing the clunk noise.

 

[CupCate18]

The water in the door issue: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18453&highlight=water+drain+avalon I do not have this issue with my '95, but a few other members have had the same issue.