Page 2 of 227
'98 Rav4U
2
Instrument panel overview
1. Side vents
2. Instrument cluster
3. Center vents
4. Electric moon roof switch and personallights
5. Glovebox
6. Power door lock switches
7. Power window switches
8. Parking brake lever
9. Automatic transmission selector lever or manual transmission gear shift lever
10. Ashtray 11. Hood lock release lever
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'98 Rav4.U3
1. Instrument panel light control knob
2. Headlight and turn signal switch
3. Wiper and washer switches
4. Clock
5. Center differential lock button or driving
pattern selector button
6. Air conditioning controls
7. Emergency flasher switch
8. Rear window defogger switch
9. Car audio
10. Cigarette lighter 11. Ignition switch
12. Cruise control switch
13. Tilt steering lock release lever
14. Power rear view mirror control switch
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'98 Rav4U
4
Instrument cluster overview
1. Speedometer
2. Fuel gauge
3. Service reminder indicators and
indicator lights 4. Engine coolant temperature gauge
5. Tachometer
6. Trip meter reset knob
7. Odometer and two trip meters
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'98 Rav4.U5
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel
Brake system warning light
*
1
Discharge warning light *
1
Low oil pressure warning light *
1
Malfunction indicator lamp *
1
Headlight high beam indicator light
SRS airbag warning light
*
1
Turn signal indicator lights
Seat belt reminder light *
1
Open door warning light*
1
Low fuel level warning light *
1 Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning light
*
1
Anti-lock brake system warning light *
1
(type A)
(type B)
(type A)
(type B)
(type A) (type B)
Low windshield washer fluid level
warning light *
1
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'98 Rav4U
6
* 1
: For details, see ºService reminder indicators and warning
buzzersº in Chapter 1- 5.
* 2
: If this light flashes, see ºCruise controlº in Chapter 1- 6.
Cruise control indicator light *
2
Center differential lock indicator light
Driving pattern indicator light
Overdrive- off indicator light
Automatic transmission indicator light
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'98 Rav4U
10
Power windows
The windows can be operated with the
switch on each side door.
The power windows work when the ignition
switch is in the ºONº position.
Key off operation:
If the driver's door is
closed, they work for 45 seconds even
after the ignition switch is turned off. They
stop working when the driver 's door is opened.
OPERATING THE DRIVER'S WINDOW
Use the switch on the driver's door.
Normal operation: The window moves as
long as you hold the switch.
To open: Lightly push down the switch.
To close: Lightly pull up the switch.Automatic operation: Push the switch
completely down or pull it completely up,
and then release it. The window will fully
open or close. To stop the window part-
way, lightly move the switch in the oppo-
site direction and then release it.
Jam protection function: During automat-
ic closing operation, the window stops and
opens half way if something gets caught
between the window and window frame.
If an impact is given to the window, this
function may work without anything
caught.
CAUTION
Never try jamming any part of your
body to make the jam protection
function work intentionally.
The jam protection function may
not work when something gets
caught just before the window is
fully closed.
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'98 Rav4U
12
To open the quarter window, pull the
latch handle toward you and swing it
fully out.
When closing the window, make sure it is
completely closed.
CAUTION
When the quarter windows are
opened, observe the following: Depending on driving conditions,
e.g. driving the vehicle with the
front windows slightly open, you
may smell exhaust fumes in the ve-
hicle. If so, close the quarter win- dows.
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH KEY
Insert the key into the keyhole and turn it.
To lock: Turn the key counterclockwise.
To unlock: Turn the key clockwise.
When closing the back door (hardtop) or
tail gate (soft- top), make sure it is fully
closed.
See ºLuggage stowage precautionsº in
Part 2 for precautions to observe in load-
ing luggage.
CAUTION
Keep the back door (hardtop) or tail
gate (soft- top) closed while driving.
This not only keeps the luggage
from being thrown out but also pre-
vents exhaust gases from entering
the vehicle.
If the open back door (hardtop) or
tail gate (soft- top) hides the rear
stop and tail lights or rear turn sig-
nal lights while you are parked, oth-
er road users must be warned of
the presence of your vehicle by a
warning triangle or other device.
Quarter window
(2- door hardtop) B a c k d o o r (hardtop) and
tail gate (soft- top)
Page 13 of 227
'98 Rav4.U13
Hood
To open the hood, do the following.
1. Pull the hood lock release lever. The hood will spring up slightly.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure that the hood
is closed and securely locked. Other-
wise, the hood may open unexpected-
ly while driving and an accident may
occur.
2. In front of the vehicle, pull up on the auxiliary catch l ever and lift the
hood.3. Hold the hood open by inserting the support rod into the slot.
Before closing the hood, check that you
have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.
and return the support rod to its clipÐthis
prevents rattles. Then lower the hood until
it is about 20 cm (8 in.) above the engine
compartment and release it. If the hood is
still not fully closed, lift and release the
hood again. After closing the hood, make
sure it is securely locked.
If you notice while driving that the hood
is not securely locked, stop the vehicle at
once and close the hood.