2000 TOYOTA RAV4 checking oil

Rav4(U)
1442000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Oil is also used to lubricate the stems
of the intake valves. Some of this oil
is sucked into the combustion chamber
together with the intake air and is
burned along with the fuel. High tem-
perature exhaust gases also burn the
oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve
stems.
The amount of engine oil consumed de-
pends on the viscosity of the oil, the
quality of the oil and the conditions the
vehicle is driven under.
More oil is consumed by high−speed driv-
ing and frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since
its pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls
have not become conditioned.
When judging the amount of oil con-
sumption, note that the oil may become
diluted and make it difficult to judge
the true level accurately.
As an example, if a vehicle is used for
repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km (600 miles) or more. This
is because the oil is gradually becoming
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.The diluting ingredients evaporate out
when the vehicle is then driven at high
speeds, as on an expressway, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed
after driving at high speeds.
IMPORTANCE OF ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CHECK
One of the most important points in prop-
er vehicle maintenance is to keep the en-
gine oil at the optimum level so that oil
function will not be impaired. Therefore, it
is essential that the oil level be checked
regularly. Toyota recommends that the oil
level be checked every time you refuel
the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly
could lead to serious engine trouble
due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check,
see ”Checking the engine oil level” in Sec-
tion 7−2.
Your engine is fitted with twin ground
electrode platinum−tipped spark plugs.
NOTICE
Use only twin ground electrode plati-
num−tipped spark plugs and do not
adjust gaps for your engine perfor-
mance.
Twin ground electrode
platinum−tipped spark plugs
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Rav4(U)
1952000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
If you are a skilled do−it−yourself mechan-
ic, the Toyota service manuals are recom-
mended. Please be aware that do−it−your-
self maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See ”Owner ’s Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet” or ”Owner ’s Manual Supple-
ment” for the details.
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance
items that should be performed as fre-
quently as specified. In addition to check-
ing the items listed, if you notice any
unusual noise, smell or vibration, you
should investigate the cause or take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer or a quali-
fied service shop immediately. It is recom-
mended that any problem you notice be
brought to the attention of your dealer or
the qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where ade-
quate ventilation can be obtained if
you run the engine.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every
two weeks, or at least once a month. See
Section 7−2 for additional information.Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage
or excessive wear. See Section 7−2 for
additional information. When checking the
tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and
check the nuts for looseness. Tighten
them if necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500
miles). See Section 7−2 for additional in-
formation.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors and back door oper-
ate smoothly and all latches lock securely.
Make sure the engine hood secondary
latch secures the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
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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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Rav4(U)
2052000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
DO−IT−YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level206 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level207 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid208 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid209 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure210 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires211 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires212 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels214 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions215 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7− 2
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Rav4(U)
2062000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Checking the engine oil level
Low level Full level
Add oil O.K. Too full
With the engine at operating tempera-
ture and turned off, check the oil level
on the dipstick.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle
should be on a level spot. After turning
off the engine, wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of
the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean
with a rag.
3. Reinsert the dipstick—push it in as far
as it will go, or the reading will not be
correct.
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil
level on the end.
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot ex-
haust manifold.
If the oil level is below or only slightly
above the low level, add engine oil of
the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine
oil in small quantities at a time, checking
the dipstick.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to
fill between the low level and the full level
on the dipstick is indicated below for refer-
ence.
When the level reaches within the correct
range, install the filler cap hand−tight.
Oil quantity, L (qt., lmp. qt.):
1.0 (1.1, 0.9)
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick
once again after adding the oil.
Engine oil selection
Use API grade SJ, ”Energy−Conserving” or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
SAE 5W−30 is the best choice for your
vehicle, for good fuel economy and
good starting in cold weather.
If you use SAE 10W−30 engine oil in
extremely low temperatures, the engine
may become difficult to start, so SAE
5W−30 engine oil is recommended.
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Rav4(U)
2072000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
API service symbol
ILSAC certification mark
Oil identification marks
Either or both API registered marks are
added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located anywhere
on the outside of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil
quality by API (American Petroleum Insti-
tute) designations such as SJ. The center
portion of the label shows the SAE viscos-
ity grade such as SAE 5W−30. ”Energy−
Conserving” shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuel−saving ca-
pabilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-
fication Mark is displayed on the front of
the container.Look at the see−through coolant reser-
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-
ant level is satisfactory if it is between
the ”FULL” and ”LOW” lines on the
reservoir. If the level is low, add ethyl-
ene−glycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum com-
ponents.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the lev-
el is on or below the ”LOW” line, add coolant.
Bring the level up to the ”FULL” line.
Always use ethylene−glycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of alumi-
num components. See information in the
next column.
If the coolant level drops within a short time
after replenishing, there may be a leak in
the system. Visually check the radiator,
hoses, radiator cap and drain cock and water
pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Toyota
dealer test the cap pressure and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
Checking the engine coolant
level
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Rav4(U)
2182000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
CAUTION
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable and
explosive hydrogen gas.
Do not cause a spark from the bat-
tery with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match near
the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin or
clothes.
Never ingest electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses when
working near the battery.
Keep children away from the bat-
tery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES
If electrolyte gets in your eyes,
flush your eyes with clean water
immediately and get immediate
medical attention. If possible, con-
tinue to apply water with a sponge
or cloth while en route to the medi-
cal office.
If electrolyte gets on your skin,
thoroughly wash the contact area. If
you feel pain or burning, get medi-
cal attention immediately.
If electrolyte gets on your clothes,
there is a possibility of its soaking
through to your skin, so immediate-
ly take off the exposed clothing and
follow the procedure above, if nec-
essary.
If you accidentally swallow electro-
lyte, drink a large quantity of water
or milk. Follow with milk of magne-
sia, beaten raw egg or vegetable
oil. Then go immediately for emer-
gency help.
—Checking battery exterior
Ground cableTerminals
Hold−down clamp
Check the battery for corroded or loose
terminal connections, cracks, or loose
hold−down clamp.
a. If the battery is corroded, wash it off
with a solution of warm water and baking
soda. Coat the outside of the terminals
with grease to prevent further corrosion.
b. If the terminal connections are loose,
tighten their clamp nuts—but do not over-
tighten.
c. Tighten the hold−down clamp only
enough to keep the battery firmly in place.
Overtightening may damage the battery
case.
Checking battery condition—
—Precautions
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