2000 TOYOTA RAV4 check engine

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.
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Rav4(U)
912000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
(m) Remove key. (i) Stop and check.
(j) Take vehicle to
Toyota dealer
immediately.
(l) Turn off light.Light reminder
buzzer
Key reminder
buzzer (h) Close all side
doors, back door
(hardtop) and
tailgate (soft−top).
(k) Add washer fluid.If the indicator or
buzzer comes on...Do this.(a) Brake System Warning Light
This light comes on in the following cases
when the ignition key is turned on.
When the parking brake is applied...
When the brake fluid level is low...
Have your vehicle checked at your
Toyota dealer in the following case:
The light does not come on even if the
parking brake is applied with the ignition
“ON”.
CAUTION
If the light does not go out even after
the parking brake is released during
the engine running, immediately stop
your vehicle at a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer. In this case,
the brakes may not work properly and
your stopping distance will be longer.
Depress the brake pedal firmly.
(b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and
Buzzer
This light and buzzer remind you to
buckle up the driver’s seat belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to ”ON” or
”START”, the reminder light flashes and
buzzer sounds if the driver ’s seat belt is
not pulled out. Unless the driver starts to
pull the shoulder belt out of the retractor,
the light keeps flashing and the buzzer
stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
(c) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being
discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, there
is a problem somewhere in the charging
system.
The engine ignition will continue to oper-
ate, however, until the battery is dis-
charged. Turn off the air conditioning,
blower, radio,etc., and drive directly to the
nearest Toyota dealer or repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine
drive belt is broken or loose.
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Rav4(U)
922000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
(d) Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pres-
sure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are
driving, pull off the road to a safe place
and stop the engine immediately. Call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
The light may occasionally flicker when
the engine is idling or it may come on
briefly after a hard stop. There is no
cause for concern if it then goes out when
the engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level
is extremely low. It is not designed to
indicate low oil level, and the oil level
must be checked using the level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the
warning light on—even for one block.
It may ruin the engine.
(e) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following
cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty. (See
”Fuel gauge” in Section 1−5 for instruc-
tions.)b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened se-
curely. (See ”Fuel tank cap” in Section
1−2 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in your
engine or automatic transmission electrical
system.
If it comes on while you are driving in
case c, have your vehicle checked/re-
paired by your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
(f) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level
in the tank becomes nearly empty. Fill up
the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the move-
ment of fuel in the tank, the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than
usual.
(g) ”ABS” Warning Light
The light comes on with the ignition key
turned to “ON”. If the anti−lock brake sys-
tem works properly, the light goes out
after a few seconds. Thereafter, if the
system malfunctions, the light comes on.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti−lock brake system does not operate,
but the brake system still operates con-
ventionally.When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti−lock brake system does not operate
so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces.
If the following conditions occur, this
indicates a malfunction somewhere in
the parts monitored by the warning
light system. Contact your Toyota deal-
er as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
The light does not come on with the
ignition key turned to “ON”, or remains
on.
The light comes on while driving.
If the light lit during driving goes out and
does not come on again, it is a normal
operation.
(h) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the doors,
back door (hardtop) and tailgate (soft−top)
are completely closed.
(i) Automatic Transmission Fluid Tem-
perature Warning Light (four−wheel
drive models)
This light warns that the automatic trans-
mission fluid temperature is too high.
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Rav4(U)
932000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
If this light comes on while you are driv-
ing, slow down and pull off the road. Stop
the vehicle at a safe place and put the
selector lever in ”P”. With the engine id-
ling, wait until the light goes off. If the
light goes off, you can start the vehicle
again. If the light does not go off, call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
NOTICE
Continued driving with the warning
light on may damage the automatic
transmission.
(j) SRS Warning Light
This light will come on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the ”ACC” or
”ON” position. After about 6 seconds,
the light will go off. This means the
system of the airbag and front seat belt
pretensioners are operating properly.
The warning light system monitors the air-
bag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
inflators, warning light, interconnecting wir-
ing and power sources.If either of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction somewhere in
the parts monitored by the warning light
system. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
ignition key is turned to the ”ACC” or
”ON” position or remains on.
The light comes on or flashes while
driving.
(k) Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Warning Light (Canada)
The light warns that the windshield washer
fluid level is too low. Add washer fluid at
your earliest opportunity. (For instructions,
see ”Adding washer fluid” in Section 7−3.)
(l) Light Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer will sound if the headlight
switch is left on and the driver’s door is
opened with the key removed from the
ignition switch.
(m) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer reminds you to remove the
key when you open the driver’s door with
the ignition key in the ”ACC” or ”LOCK”
position.CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER INDICA-
TORS (except the low fuel level warning
light and low windshield washer fluid
level warning light)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open one of the doors or tailgate
(soft−top).
The open door warning light should
come on.
3. Close the door or tailgate (soft−top).
The open door warning light should go
off.
4. Turn the ignition key to ”ACC”.
The SRS warning light should come on.
It goes off after about 6 seconds.
5. Turn the ignition key to ”ON”, but do
not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators ex-
cept the open door warning light, SRS
warning light and automatic transmis-
sion fluid temperature warning light
should come on. The ”ABS” warning
light goes off after a few seconds.
6. Turn the ignition key to ”START”. The
automatic transmission fluid tempera-
ture warning light should come on.
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Rav4(U)
1022000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use the fifth gear.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to spin or
skid.
NOTICE
Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped before shifting into reverse.The center differential lock system is pro-
vided for use only when the vehicle does
not have enough traction to move itself
out of the following situations.
All front wheels or rear wheels are off
the ground or on a slippery surface.
One of the four wheels is off the
ground or on a slippery surface.
Operating precautions
If the front wheels and rear wheels are
worn unevenly, the center differential
may not lock or unlock smoothly.
Before locking the center differential,
make sure the wheels have stopped
spinning.
Unlock the center differential immedi-
ately after you finish using the center
differential lock system. An indicator
buzzer will sound while the center dif-
ferential is being unlocked.
After you have pushed the center dif-
ferential lock switch to lock and moved
the vehicle a short distance, the indica-
tor light in the instrument panel stays
on. If the light either fails to come on
or goes out, ask your Toyota dealer to
check the electrical system and the
locking mechanism.
CAUTION
The center differential must be un-
locked in normal driving. Locking the
center differential will result in diffi-
cult cornering control.
NOTICE
Do not drive on a dry paved surface
with the center differential locked.
This may damage the locking mecha-
nism and the drive system.
Center differential lock system
(four−wheel drive models
with manual transmission)
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Rav4(U)
1062000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
If the preset speed automatically cancels
out other than for the above cases or, if
the indicator light flashes several times,
the cruise control may be malfunctioning.
In such cases, have your vehicle checked
by your Toyota dealer at the earliest op-
portunity.
RESETTING TO A FASTER SPEED
Push the lever up in the ”RES/ACC” direc-
tion and hold it. Release the lever when
the desired speed is attained. While the
lever is held up, the vehicle will gradually
gain speed.
However, a faster way to reset is to ac-
celerate the vehicle and then push the
lever down in the ”SET/COAST” direction.
RESETTING TO A SLOWER SPEED
Push the lever down in the ”SET/COAST”
direction and hold it. Release the lever
when the desired speed is attained. While
the lever is held down, the vehicle speed
will gradually decrease.
However, a faster way to reset is to de-
press the brake pedal and then push the
lever down in the ”SET/COAST” direction.On vehicles with automatic transmission,
even if you turn off the overdrive switch
with the cruise control on, engine braking
will not be applied because the cruise
control is not cancelled. To decrease the
vehicle speed, reset to a slower speed
with the cruise control lever or depress
the brake pedal. If you use the brake
pedal, cruise control is cancelled.
RESUMING THE PRESET SPEED
If the preset speed is cancelled by pulling
the control lever or by depressing the
brake pedal or clutch pedal, pushing the
lever up in the ”RES/ACC” direction will
restore the speed set prior to cancellation.
However, once the vehicle speed falls be-
low about 40 km/h (25 mph), the preset
speed will not be resumed.
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE WARNING
If the ”CRUISE” indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes when using the
cruise control, press the ”CRUISE
ON·OFF” button to turn the system off and
then press it again to turn it on.If any of the following conditions then oc-
curs, there is some trouble in the cruise
control system.
The indicator light does not come on.
The indicator light flashes again.
The indicator light goes out after it
comes on.
If this is the case, contact your Toyota
dealer and have your vehicle inspected.
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Rav4(U)
1422000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
The three−way catalytic converter is an
emission control device installed in the
exhaust system.
The purpose is to reduce pollutants in the
exhaust gas.
CAUTION
Keep people and combustible mate-
rials away from the exhaust pipe
while the engine is running. The
exhaust gas is very hot.
Do not idle or park your vehicle
over anything that might burn easi-
ly such as grass, leaves, paper or
rags.
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases
flowing into the three−way catalytic
converter may cause it to overheat
and create a fire hazard. To prevent
this and other damage, observe the
following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
Do not drive with an extremely low
fuel level; running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, creat-
ing an excessive load on the three−
way catalytic converter.
Do not allow the engine to run at
idle speed for more than 20 min-
utes.
Avoid racing the engine.
Do not push−start or pull−start your
vehicle.
Do not turn off the ignition while
the vehicle is moving.
Keep your engine in good running
order. Malfunctions in the engine
electrical system, electronic ignition
system/distributor ignition system
or fuel systems could cause an ex-
tremely high three−way catalytic
converter temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, take your
vehicle in for a check−up as soon
as possible. Remember, your Toyota
dealer knows your vehicle and its
three−way catalytic converter sys-
tem best.To ensure that the three−way cata-
lytic converter and the entire emis-
sion control system operate proper-
ly, your vehicle must receive the
periodic inspections required by the
Toyota Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information,
refer to the ”Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or ”Owner ’s Manual Supple-
ment”.
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Rav4(U)
1432000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Engine exhaust cautions
CAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust.
It contains carbon monoxide, which
is a colorless and odorless gas. It
can cause unconsciousness or even
death.
Make sure the exhaust system has
no holes or loose connections. The
system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something,
or notice a change in the sound of
the exhaust, have the system
checked immediately.
Do not run the engine in a garage
or enclosed area except for the
time needed to drive the vehicle in
or out. The exhaust gases cannot
escape, making this a particularly
dangerous situation.
Do not remain for a long time in a
parked vehicle with the engine run-
ning. If it is unavoidable, however,
do so only in an unconfined area
and adjust the heating or cooling
system to force outside air into the
vehicle.
To allow proper operation of your
vehicle’s ventilation system, keep
the inlet grilles in front of the wind-
shield clear of snow, leaves, or oth-
er obstructions.
Hardtop: Keep the back door closed
while driving. An open or unsealed
back door may cause exhaust gases
to be drawn into the vehicle.
If you smell exhaust fumes in the
vehicle, drive with the windows
open and the back door closed.
Have the cause immediately located
and corrected.
Soft−top: When you drive with the
soft−top closed, keep the tail gate
and rear window securely closed.
An open or unsealed tail gate and
rear window, may cause exhaust
gases to be drawn into the vehicle.
If you smell exhaust fumes in the
vehicle, drive with the windows
open and the tailgate and rear win-
dow closed. Have the cause im-
mediately located and corrected.
FUNCTIONS OF ENGINE OIL
Engine oil has the primary functions of
lubricating and cooling the inside of the
engine, and plays a major role in main-
taining the engine in proper working order.
ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
It is normal that an engine should con-
sume some engine oil during normal
engine operation. The causes of oil
consumption in a normal engine are as
follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston
rings and cylinders. A thin film of oil
is left on the cylinder wall when a pis-
ton moves downwards in the cylinder.
High negative pressure generated when
the vehicle is decelerating sucks some
of this oil into the combustion chamber.
This oil as well as some part of the oil
film left on the cylinder wall is burned
by the high temperature combustion
gases during the combustion process.
Facts about engine oil
consumption
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