Page 1 of 250
Rav4(U)
i2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Foreword
Welcome to the growing group of value−conscious people who drive Toyotas. We
are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction of each vehicle we
build.
This Owner ’s Manual explains the features of your new Toyota. Please read it and
follow the instructions carefully so that you can enjoy many years of safe motoring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle
best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. He will provide quality mainte-
nance and any other assistance you may require.
Please leave this Owner ’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next
owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of
printing. However, because of Toyota’s policy of continual product improve-
ment, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment,
including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipment
not installed on your vehicle.
©1999 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in
part, without the written permission of Toyota Motor Corporation.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 5 of 250
Rav4(U)
v2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
After starting your engine, always turn the
overdrive switch on.
Even during ordinary driving, keep the over-
drive switch turned on. (At this time, the
“O/D OFF” indicatior light on the instrument
cluster will be off.)
Always turn the overdrive switch on for
better fuel economy and quieter driving.
Automatic Transmission Overdrive Switch
For details, see “Automatic transmission” in
Section 1−6 on pages 97 to 100 and “How
to save fuel and make your vehicle last
longer, too” in Section 3 on pages 164 to
165. Overdrive switch for selecting either a
three−speed or four−speed transmission
ON position (shifting into
overdrive possible)
OFF position (shifting into
overdrive not possible)
“O/D OFF” indicator light
shows the overdrive switch
is in “OFF” position
ProCarManuals.com
Page 8 of 250
Rav4(U)
2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Publication No. OM42479U
Part No. 01999-42479
Printed in Japan 01-9908-00
I
(U)
Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 90. . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 168. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your engine stalls while driving 171. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 171. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 172. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 179. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for driving during break-in period 139. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 154. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General maintenance 195. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Complete index 243. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas station information
Fuel type:
UNLEADED gasoline, Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91)
or higher
See page 139 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity:
58 L (15.3 gal., 12.8 lmp.gal.)
Engine oil:
API grade SJ, ”Energy−Conserving” or ILSAC multigrade engine oil is
recommended.
See page 206 for detailed information.
Tire information: See pages 210 through 215.
Tire pressure: See page 234.
U 6
ProCarManuals.com
Page 12 of 250
Rav4(U)
42000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Instrument cluster overview
1. Speedometer
2. Fuel gauge
3. Service reminder indicators and
indicator lights4. Engine coolant temperature gauge
5. Tachometer
6. Trip meter reset knob7. Odometer and two trip meters
ProCarManuals.com
Page 22 of 250
Rav4(U)
142000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Hood
To open the hood:
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 the
auxiliary catch lever 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 clip—this
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.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 23 of 250
Rav4(U)
152000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
CAUTION
Right after driving the support rod
may be hot, so only touch the part
coated with nylon.
After inserting the rodinto the
slot, make sure the rod supports
the hood securely from falling down
on to your head or body.
When closing the hood, be careful
not to get your hands caught be-
tween the hood and the vehicle
body.
NOTICE
Do not press on the hood, or you
may deform the hood.
Fuel tank cap
1. To open the fuel filler door, pull the
lever up.
When refueling, turn off the engine.
CAUTION
Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-
low open flames when refueling.
The fumes are flammable.
When opening the cap, do not re-
move the cap quickly. In hot weath-
er, fuel under pressure could cause
injury by spraying out of the filler
neck if the cap is suddenly re-
moved.
2. To remove the fuel tank cap, turn
the cap slowly counterclockwise,
then pause slightly before removing
it. After removing the cap, hang it
on the cap hanger.
It is not unusual to hear a slight swoosh
when the cap is opened. When installing,
turn the cap clockwise till you hear a
click.
If the cap is not tightened securely, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on.
Make sure the cap is tightened securely.
The indicator lamp goes off after driving
several times. If the indicator lamp does
not go off, contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 88 of 250
Rav4(U)
802000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Headlights and turn signals
HEADLIGHTS
To turn on the following lights: Twist
the headlight/turn signal lever knob.
Position 1—Parking, tail, license plate,
side marker and instrument panel lights
Position 2—Headlights and all of the
above
Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer will remind you to turn the lights
off when the driver’s door is opened if you
remove the key with the headlights left
on.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being dis-
charged, do not leave the lights on
for a long period when the engine is
not running.
Daytime running light system (on some
models)
The headlights turn on when the parking
brake is released with the engine started,
even with the light switch in the ”OFF”
position. They will not go off until the
ignition switch is turned off.
To turn on the other exterior lights and
instrument panel lights, twist the knob to
the position 1.
Under the daytime running light system,
the headlights turn on at reduced intensity.
Twist the knob to the position 2 to turn
to full intensity for driving at night.
High−Low beams—For high beams, turn
the headlights on and push the lever away
from you (position 1). Pull the lever to-
ward you (position 2) for low beams.
The headlight high beam indicator light
(blue light) on the instrument panel will
tell you that the high beams are on.
Flashing the high beam headlights
(position 3)—Pull the lever all the way
back. The high beam headlights turn off
when you release the lever.
You can flash the high beam headlights
with the knob turned to ”OFF”.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 93 of 250
Rav4(U)
852000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Make sure you turn the defogger off when
the window is clear. Leaving the defogger
on for a long time could cause the battery
to discharge, especially during stop−and−
go driving. The defogger is not designed
for drying rain water or for melting snow.
NOTICE
Without timer: To prevent the bat-
tery from being discharged, turn the
switch on when the engine is run-
ning.
When cleaning the inside of the
rear window, be careful not to
scratch or damage the heater wires.
ProCarManuals.com
