Page 196 of 250

Rav4(U)
1882000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Soft−top models: Spray water on the quar-
ter windows, rear window or top seals
from above, at a 45° angle to the ground.
NOTICE
Soft−top models only:
Do not spray water at side windows,
rear window and top seals in a way
which may cause water to enter the
vehicle.
2. Wash with a mild car−wash soap,
mixed according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. Use a soft cotton mitt and
keep it wet by dipping it frequently into
the wash water. Do not rub hard—let
the soap and water remove the dirt.
Plastic wheel ornaments: The plastic
wheel ornaments are damaged easily by
organic substances. If any organic sub-
stances splashes an ornament, be sure to
wash it off with water and check if the
ornament is damaged.
CAUTION
Do not attach the heavily damaged
plastic wheel ornament. It may fly off
the wheel and cause accidents while
the vehicle is moving.
Aluminum wheels: Use only a mild soap
or neutral detergent.
Plastic bumpers: Wash carefully. Do not
scrub with abrasive cleaners. The bumper
faces are soft.
Road tar: Remove with turpentine or
cleaners that are marked safe for painted
surfaces.
NOTICE
Do not use organic substances (gaso-
line, kerosene, benzine or strong sol-
vents), which may be toxic or cause
damage.
3. Rinse thoroughly—dried soap can
cause streaking. In hot weather you
may need to rinse each section right
after you wash it.
4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle
using a clean soft cotton towel. Do not
rub or press hard—you might scratch
the paint.
Automatic car wash
Hardtop models may be washed in an
automatic car wash, but remember that
the paint can be scratched by some type
of brushes, unfiltered washing water, or
the washing process itself. Scratching re-
duces paint durability and gloss, especially
on darker colors. The manager of the car
wash should be able to advise you wheth-
er the process is safe for the paint on
your vehicle.
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Page 211 of 250

Rav4(U)
2032000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Dispose of used oil and filter only
in a safe and acceptable manner.
Do not dispose of used oil and fil-
ter in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your dealer or
a service station for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition
cable carry high currents or volt-
ages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
Add only demineralized or distilled
water to fill the radiator. And if you
spill some of the coolant, be sure
to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paint.
Do not allow dirt or anything else
to fall through the spark plug holes.
Do not pry the outer electrode of a
spark plug against the center elec-
trode.
Use only spark plugs of the speci-
fied type. Using other types will
cause engine damage, loss of per-
formance or radio noise.
Do not reuse platinum−tipped spark
plugs by cleaning or regapping.
Do not overfill automatic transmis-
sion fluid and transfer oil, or the
transmission and transfer could be
damaged.
Do not drive with the air cleaner
filter removed, or excessive engine
wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine
compartment.
Be careful not to scratch the glass
surface with the wiper frame.
When closing the engine hood,
check to see that you have not for-
gotten any tools, rags, etc.
Parts and tools
Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need on performing do−it−yourself mainte-
nance. Remember all Toyota parts are de-
signed in metric sizes, so your tools must
be metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):
Engine oil API grade SJ,
”Energy−Conserving” or ILSAC
multigrade having viscosity proper for
your climate
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
”TOYOTA Long Life Coolant” or equiva-
lent
See Section 7−2 for details about cool-
ant type selection.
Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant)
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
brake fluid
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Page 239 of 250
Rav4(U)
2312000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Engine
Model:
3S−FE
Type:
4 cylinder in line, 4 cycle, gasoline
Bore and stroke, mm (in.):
86.0 86.0 (3.39 3.39)
Displacement, cm
3
(cu. in.):
1998 (121.9)
Fuel
Fuel type:
Unleaded gasoline, Octane Rating 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or
higher
Fuel tank capacity, L (gal., lmp. gal.):
58 (15.3, 12.8)
Service specifications
ENGINE
Valve clearance (engine cold), mm (in.):
Intake 0.19—0.29 (0.007—0.011)
Exhaust 0.28—0.38 (0.011—0.015)
Spark plug type:
DENSO PK20TR11
NGK BKR6EKPB11
Spark plug gap, mm (in.):
1.1 (0.043)
Drive belt tension measured with Bor-
roughs drive belt tension gauge No.
BT−33−73F (used belt), Ibf:
Generator belt 65
20
Air conditioning
compressor belt 100
20
Power steering
pump belt 80
20
ENGINE LUBRICATION
Oil capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
With filter
4.1 (4.3, 3.6)
Without filter
3.9 (4.1, 3.4)
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