2000 TOYOTA RAV4 Owners Manual

Rav4(U)
2092000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once
opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture from
the air, and excess moisture can cause a
dangerous loss of braking.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir
because brake fluid can harm your
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water.
NOTICE
If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash
it off with water to prevent it from
damaging the parts or paint.
Checking power steering fluid
CloseOpen
If hot O.K.
If hot
addIf cold O.K.
If cold
add
Check the fluid level through the reser-
voir. If necessary, add automatic trans-
mission fluid DEXRONII or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80
km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little more
in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot
(60C—80C or 140F—175F). You may
also check the level when the fluid is cold
(about room temperature, 10C—30C or
50F—85F) if the engine has not been run
for about five hours.Clean all dirt from outside of the reservoir
tank and look at the fluid level. If the fluid
is cold, the level should be in the ”COLD”
range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the ”HOT” range. If the level
is at the low side of either range, add auto-
matic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
to bring the level within the range.
To remove the reservoir cap, turn it counter-
clockwise and lift up. To reinstall it, turn it
clockwise. After replacing the reservoir cap,
visually check the steering box case, vane
pump and hose connections for leaks or da-
mage.
CAUTION
The reservoir tank may be hot so be
careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steer-
ing could be damaged.
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2102000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Checking tire pressure
2−door hardtop and soft−top
4−door hardtop
Keep your tire pressures at the proper
level.
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire
size and the vehicle capacity weight are giv-
en in Section 8. They are also on the tire
pressure label as shown.
You should check the tire pressures every
two weeks, or at least once a month. And
do not forget the spare!
Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire
life and make your vehicle less safe to
drive.
Low tire pressure results in excessive wear,
poor handling, reduced fuel economy, and
the possibility of blowouts from overheated
tires. Also, low tire pressure can cause poor
sealing of the tire bead. If the tire pressure
is excessively low, there is the possibility
of wheel deformation and/or tire separation.
High tire pressure produces a harsh ride,
handling problems, excessive wear at the
center of the tire tread, and a greater possi-
bility of tire damage from road hazards.
If a tire frequently needs refilling, have it
checked by your Toyota dealer.
The following instructions for checking
tire pressure should be observed:The pressure should be checked only
when the tires are cold. If your ve-
hicle has been parked for at least 3
hours and has not been driven for
more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you
will get an accurate cold tire pressure
reading.
Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of a tire can be mis-
leading. Besides, tire pressures that
are even just a few pounds off can
degrade handling and ride.
Take special care when adding air to
the compact spare tire. The smaller
tire size can gain pressure very quick-
ly. Add compressed air in small quanti-
ties and check the pressure often until
it reaches the specified pressure.
Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure
after driving. It is normal for the tire
pressure to be higher after driving.
Never exceed the vehicle capacity
weight. The passenger and luggage
weight should be located so that the
vehicle is balanced.
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Rav4(U)
2112000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Be sure to reinstall the tire inflation
valve caps. Without the valve caps,
dirt or moisture could get into the valve
core and cause air leakage. If the caps
have been lost, have new ones put on
as soon as possible.
Checking and replacing tires
Tread wear indicator
CHECKING YOUR TIRES
Check the tire tread for the tread wear
indicators. If the indicators show, re-
place the tires.
The tires on your Toyota have built−in tread
wear indicators to help you know when the
tires need replacement. When the tread
depth wears to 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less,
the indicators will appear. If you can see
the indicators in two or more adjacent
grooves, the tire should be replaced. The
lower the tread, the higher the risk of skid-
ding.
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost
if the tread wears down below 4 mm
(0.16 in.).Check the tires regularly for damage
such as cuts, splits and cracks. If any
damage is found, consult with a techni-
cian and have the tire repaired or re-
placed.
Even if the damage does not appear serious,
a qualified technician should examine the
damage. Objects which have penetrated the
tire may have caused internal damage.
Any tires which are over 6 years old
must be checked by a qualified techni-
cian even if damage is not obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they have
never or seldom been used.
This also applies to the spare tire and tires
stored for future use.
REPLACING YOUR TIRES
When replacing a tire, use only the
same size and construction as original-
ly installed and with the same or great-
er load capacity.
Using any other size or type of tire may seri-
ously affect handling, ride, speedometer/
odometer calibration, ground clearance, and
clearance between the body and tires or
snow chains.
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2122000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
CAUTION
Do not mix radial, bias belted, or
bias−ply tires on your vehicle. It
can cause dangerous handling char-
acteristics, resulting in loss of con-
trol.
Do not use tire or wheels other
than the manufacturer ’s recom-
mended size.
NOTICE
Do not use tires of different brands,
sizes and constructions. This may
damage the drive system.
Never use second−hand tires on your
To y o t a .
Using tires whose previous history is un-
known is a risk.
Toyota recommends all four tires, or at
least both front or rear tires be re-
placed as a set.
See ”If you have a flat tire” in Section 4
for tire change procedure.When a tire is replaced, the wheel
should always be balanced.
An unbalanced wheel may affect vehicle han-
dling and tire life. Wheels can get out of
balance with regular use and should there-
fore be balanced occasionally.
When replacing a tubeless tire, the air
valve should also be replaced with a
new one.
Rotating tires
With a spare tire of the same wheel type
as the installed tires
With a spare tire of different wheel type
from the installed tires
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Rav4(U)
2132000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
To equalize tire wear and help extend
tire life, Toyota recommends that you
rotate your tires approximately every
12000 km (7500 miles). However, the
most appropriate timing for tire rotation
may vary according to your driving hab-
its and road surface conditions.
See ”If you have a flat tire” in Section 4
for tire change procedure.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear
and damage. Abnormal wear is usually
caused by incorrect tire pressure, improper
wheel alignment, out−of−balance wheels, or
severe braking.WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR
CHAINS
Snow tires or chains are recommended
when driving on snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional tires pro-
vide better traction than snow tires.
SNOW TIRE SELECTION
If you need snow tires, select tires of
the same size, construction and load
capacity as the original tires on your
Toyota. Make sure all the snow tires are
the same brand.
Do not install studded tires without first
checking local regulations for possible re-
strictions.
NOTICE
Do not use tires of different brands,
sizes and constructions. This may
damage the drive system.
SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION
Snow tires should be installed on all
wheels.Installing snow tires on the front wheels only
can lead to an excessive difference in road
grip capability between the front and rear
tires which could cause loss of vehicle con-
trol.
When storing removed tires, you should
store them in a cool dry place.
Mark the direction of rotation and be sure
to install them in the same direction when
replacing.
CAUTION
Do not drive with the snow tires
incorrectly inflated.
Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph)
with any type of snow tires.
TIRE CHAIN SELECTION
Use tire chains of the correct size.
Tw o−wheel drive models only—
Use only genuine Toyota tire chains or equiv-
alent for use on the RAV4.
Installing snow tires and
chains
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2142000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
NOTICE
If the wrong combination of tire and
chain is used, the chains could dam-
age the vehicle body.
∗ RAV4 genuine tire chains
(Part No. 08329−42801)
Laws about using tire chains vary ac-
cording to locality and type of road, so
always check your local laws before
you install tire chains.
CHAIN INSTALLATION
Four−wheel drive models:
Install the chains on the rear tires as
tightly as possible. Do not use tire
chains on the front tires. Retighten
chains after driving 0.5—1.0 km
(1/4—1/2 mile).
Tw o−wheel drive models:
Install the chains on the front tires as
tightly as possible. Do not use tire
chains on the rear tires. Retighten
chains after driving 0.5—1.0 km
(1/4—1/2 mile).When installing chains on your tires, care-
fully follow the instructions of the chain
manufacturer.
If wheel covers are used, they will be
scratched by the chain band, so remove the
covers before putting on the chains.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or
the chain manufacturer ’s recom-
mended speed limit, whichever is
lower.
Drive carefully avoiding bumps,
holes, and sharp turns, which may
cause the vehicle to bounce.
Avoid sharp turns or locked−wheel
braking, as use of chains may ad-
versely affect vehicle handling.
Replacing wheels
WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS
If you have wheel damage such as
bending, cracks or heavy corrosion, the
wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels, the
tire may slip off the wheel or cause loss
of handling control.
WHEEL SELECTION
When replacing wheels, care should be
taken to ensure that the wheels are re-
placed by ones with the same load ca-
pacity, diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at
your Toyota dealer.
A wheel of a different brand, size and type
may adversely affect handling, wheel and
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/
odometer calibration, stopping ability, head-
light aim, bumper height, vehicle ground
clearance, and tire or snow chain clearance
to the body and chassis.
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Rav4(U)
2152000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Replacement with used wheels is not rec-
ommended as they may have been sub-
jected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent
wheels which have been straightened may
have structural damage and therefore
should not be used. Never use an inner
tube in a leaking wheel which is designed
for a tubeless tire.
NOTICE
Do not use wheels of different
brands, sizes and types. This may
damage the drive system.
Aluminum wheel precautions
After driving your vehicle the first 1600
km (1000 miles), check that the wheel
nuts are tight.
If you have rotated, repaired, or
changed your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving
1600 km (1000 miles).
When using tire chains, be careful not
to damage the aluminum wheels.
Use only the Toyota wheel nuts and
wrench designed for your aluminum
wheels.
When balancing your wheels, use only
Toyota balance weights or equivalent
and a plastic or rubber hammer.
As with any wheel, periodically check
your aluminum wheels for damage. If
damaged, replace immediately.
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Rav4(U)
2162000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
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