2002 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual - Page 264

'02 AVALON U (L/O 0107) Do −it −yourself service precautions If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct procedure given in this section. You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing may result in operating problems. Performing do−it −yourself maintenance during the warranty period may affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate Toyota Warranty statement for details and suggestions. This section gives instructions only for those items that are relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in Section 6, there are still a number of items that must be done by a qualified technician with special tools. For information on tools and parts for do− it −yourself maintenance, see "Parts and tools". Utmost care ing on your injury. Here you should serve: should be taken when workvehicle to prevent accidental are a few precautions that be especially careful to ob- CAUTION D Be sure that the ignition is off if you work near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille. With the ignition on, the electric cooling fans will automatically start to run if the engine coolant temperature is high and/or the air conditioning is on. D When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belts. (Removing rings, watches, and ties is advisable.) D Right after driving, the engine compartment-the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold and spark plug boots, etc.-will be hot. So be careful not to touch them. Oil, fluids and spark plugs may also be hot. the radiator cap or loosen the drain plugs to prevent burning yourself. D Use eye protection whenever you work on or under your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. D Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact with it. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water. D If the engine is hot, do not remove D Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are flammable. D Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or other solid supports. D Do not leave used oil within the reach of children. D Dispose of used oil and filter only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil and filter in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground. Call your dealer or a service station for information concerning recycling or disposal. 2002 MY AVALON_U (OM22493U) 263