2000 Avalon XLS

http://Mercedes-Benz.autoboardz.com/Replacing-Stereo-ftopict201529.html (Replacing Stereo)
2000 Avalon XLS I bought a OEM replacement for my wife's Avalon. Now I have to take out the original and put in this new (used) one. I printed out a how-to from the Web. Any hints, pitfalls? Thanks. jor
« Only trick is some use an external OEM amplifier --- without it the radio won't work (you'll notice that the plugs won't match up). »
« In article "jor" writes: If it's anything like a Philips radio which came with a Volvo I owned, there'll be a funny tool which slides a cunningly shaped bit of metal in through a slot you'd other.. »
« No special tool - all yota radios are bolted in. »

http://Mercedes-Benz.autoboardz.com/Avalon-Timing-Belt-ftopict206560.html (Avalon Timing Belt)
2000 Avalon XLS My Avalon is in nice shape and has about 88,000 miles. The Scheduled Maintenance Guide calls for timing belt replacement at 90,000. My question is: Has experience shown that these belts break close to this limit? The reason I'm asking is I've had two Camrys in which the belt br..
« Not the same animal, but my '92 Corolla Wagon goes 65,000 between belt changes and the belt looks new when replaced. Now....my Ford Escort used to break about 55,000. No guarantees, but I'd guess yo.. »
« You should not have any problems taking a 3,000 mile road trip before replacing the timing belt or selling the vehicle. -- Ray O (correct punctuation to reply) »
« On 2007-02-16 08:08:52 -0700, jor said: Thanks to all. I think I'll take the trip, then sell the car. I am worried, however, that DH's words will haunt me throughout the trip! If I make it, I'll.. »
« Don't let his post bother you.... You are driving a Toyota, not a Ford! -- Scott in Florida »

http://Mercedes-Benz.autoboardz.com/Avalon-Cruise-Control-ftopict213022.html (Avalon Cruise Control)
2000 Avalon XLS We recently got in a fender bender with our Avalon. We rear ended a Saturn. The Saturn got a scratch on the bumper. The Avalon kinda' went under the Saturns bumper and ended up with a $5,340 repair bill (ouch!) Anyhow, the body shop did an excellent job and it looks good as new...
« If the "cruise" indicator light illuminates, then the fuses are good. If the cruise light is flashing, the cruise ECU detected a problem and has disabled the system. Did the steering wheel air ba.. »
« Since it was crashed, it should be covered in the claim if it was insured. Don't attempt to fix it yourself if you are claiming that. The last thing you need is a denial by the adjuster because th.. »
« On 2007-05-01 07:19:42 -0700, jor said: Thanks, guys. I'll check out Ray's options and I just called the body shop to take it in. The air bag didn't deploy btw and the cruise light doesn't blink.. »
« You're welcome, let us know what they find! -- Ray O (correct punctuation to reply) »

http://Mercedes-Benz.autoboardz.com/Avalon-Clacking-ftopict218444.html (Avalon Clacking??)
I have a 2000 Avalon XLS with 150,000 miles on it. When the engine is cold (I live in central FL) it has a "clacking" sound at 2300 to 3000 rpm. It doesn't happen when engine warms up to normal operating temp, or at any other RPM's. I've been using synthetic oil for the past 50k miles. Could t..
« Piston slap? Try a slightly heavier oil. Maxlife synthetic comes to mind. »
« I'm not sure, but I have a MAzda thatr does the same thing. In the Mazda's case, the valves are actualed by a set of Hydraulic Lash Adjusters, a vlave type thing that fills with oil. After lots of c.. »