Page 3 of 250

Rav4(U)
iii2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Spark ignition system of your
To y o t a
The spark ignition system in your Toyota meets all re-
quirements of the Canadian Interference−Causing Equip-
ment Standard.
Installation of a mobile
two−way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two−way radio system in
your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as
multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system, cruise control system, anti−lock brake
system, SRS airbag system and seat belt pretensioner
system, be sure to check with your Toyota dealer for
precautionary measures or special instructions regarding
installation.
Scrapping of your Toyota
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in
your Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle
is scrapped with the airbags and pretensioners left as
they are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be
sure to have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat
belt pretensioner removed and disposed of by the quali-
fied service shop or by your Toyota dealer before you
dispose of your vehicle.
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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
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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
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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
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Page 13 of 250
Rav4(U)
52000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel
Brake system warning light∗
1
Discharge warning light∗
1
Low oil pressure warning light∗
1
Malfunction indicator lamp∗
1
Headlight high beam indicator light SRS warning light
∗
1
Turn signal indicator lights Seat belt reminder light
∗
1Open door warning light∗
1
Low fuel level warning light∗
1
Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning
light∗
1
Anti-lock brake system warning light∗
1(type A)
(type B)
(type A)
(type B)(type A)
(type B)
Low windshield washer fluid level warning light∗
1
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Page 15 of 250

Rav4(U)
72000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Keys and Doors
Keys8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side doors8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power windows11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quarter window13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back door and tailgate 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel tank cap15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric moon roof16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detachable sun roof17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Soft−top21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1− 2
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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.
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Page 24 of 250

Rav4(U)
162000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
CAUTION
Make sure the cap is tightened se-
curely to prevent fuel spillage in
case of an accident.
Use only a genuine Toyota fuel tank
cap for replacement. It has a built−
in check valve to reduce fuel tank
vacuum.
Electric moon roof
Sliding operation
Tilting operation
To operate the moon roof, use the
switches beside the personal light.
The key must be in the ”ON” position.
Sun shade operation—
The sun shade can be opened or closed
by hand.
Sliding operation—
To open: Push the switch on the ”SLIDE”
side.
The sun shade will be opened together
with the roof.
To close: Push the switch on the opposite
side of the ”SLIDE” side.
As a precaution when closing, the roof
stops at the three−quarters closed position
before fully closing. Therefore, release the
switch and then push it again to close it
completely.
Tilting operation—
To tilt up: Push the switch on the ”UP”
side.
To lower: Push the switch on the opposite
side of the ”UP” side.
You may stop the moon roof at any de-
sired position. The roof will move while
the switch is being pushed and stop when
released.
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