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i2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Foreword
Welcome to the growing group of value−conscious people who drive Toyotas. We
are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction of each vehicle we
build.
This Owner ’s Manual explains the features of your new Toyota. Please read it and
follow the instructions carefully so that you can enjoy many years of safe motoring.
When it comes to service, remember that your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle
best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. He will provide quality mainte-
nance and any other assistance you may require.
Please leave this Owner ’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next
owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of
printing. However, because of Toyota’s policy of continual product improve-
ment, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment,
including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipment
not installed on your vehicle.
©1999 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in
part, without the written permission of Toyota Motor Corporation.
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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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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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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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62000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
∗
1: For details, see ”Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” in Section 1−5.
∗
2: If this light flashes, see ”Cruise control” in Section 1−6. Cruise control indicator light
∗
2
Center differential lock indicator light Driving pattern indicator light
Overdrive−off indicator light
Automatic transmission indicator light
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Rav4(U)
482000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
This indicator comes on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the ”ACC” or
”ON” position. It goes off after about
6 seconds. This means the front seat
belt pretensioners are operating proper-
ly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
warning light, interconnecting wiring and
power sources. (For details, see ”Service
reminder indicators and warning buzzers”
in Section 1−5.)The seat belt pretensioner system mainly
consists of the following components and
their locations are shown in the illustra-
tion.
1. Front airbag sensors
2. SRS warning light
3. Seat belt pretensioner assemblies
4. Airbag sensor assembly
The seat belt pretensioner is controlled by
the airbag sensor assembly. The airbag
sensor assembly consists of a safing sen-
sor and airbag sensor.When a seat belt pretensioner is acti-
vated, an operating noise may be heard
and a small amount of smoke−like gas
may be released. This gas is harmless
and does not indicate that a fire is occur-
ring.
Once the seat belt pretensioner has been
activated, the seat belt retractor remains
locked.
CAUTION
Do not modify, remove, strike or open
the front seat belt pretensioner as-
semblies, airbag sensor or surround-
ing area or wiring. Doing any of
these may cause sudden operation of
the front seat belt pretensioners or
disable the system, which could re-
sult in serious injury.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in serious injuries.
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492000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the
seat belt pretensioners in some
cases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile two−way radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
Repairs on or near the front seat
belt retractor assemblies
Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
Modification of the front end struc-
ture
Attachment of a grille guard (bull
bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,
winches or any other equipment to
the front end
Repairs made on or near the front
fenders, front end structure or con-
sole
This front seat belt pretensioner system
has a service reminder indicator to inform
the driver of operating problems. If either
of the following conditions occurs, this
indicates a malfunction of the airbags or
pretensioners. 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 the light remains on.
The light comes on or flashes while
driving.
If either front seat belt does not retract
or can not be pulled out due to a
malfunction or activation of the preten-
sioner.
The front seat belt pretensioner assem-
bly or surrounding area has been dam-
aged.
The front part of the vehicle (shaded
in the illustration) was involved in an
accident that was not severe enough to
cause the seat belt pretensioners to
operate.
The front seat belt pretensioner assem-
bly is scratched, cracked, or otherwise
damaged.
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Rav4(U)
502000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
The SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem) airbags are designed to provide
further protection for the driver and
front passenger in addition to the pri-
mary safety protection provided by the
seat belts.
In response to a severe frontal impact,
the SRS airbags work together with the
seat belts to help reduce injury by inflat-
ing. The SRS airbags help to reduce inju-
ries mainly to the driver’s or front passen-
ger ’s head or chest directly hitting the
steering wheel or dashboard. The passen-
ger airbag is activated even with no pas-
senger in the front seat.
Be sure to wear your seat belt.
CAUTION
A driver or front passenger too close
to the steering wheel or dashboard
during airbag deployment can be
killed or seriously injured. Toyota
strongly recommends that:
The driver sit as far back as pos-
sible from the steering wheel while
still maintaining control of the ve-
hicle.
The front passenger sit as far back
as possible from the dashboard.
All vehicle occupants be properly
restrained using the available seat
belts.This indicator comes on when the igni-
tion key is turned to the ”ACC” or
”ON” position. It goes off after about
6 seconds. This means the SRS airbags
are operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, inflators, warning light, interconnect-
ing wiring and power sources. (For details,
see ”Service reminder indicators and
warning buzzers” in Section 1−5.)
SRS driver and front
passenger airbags
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