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 14 of 250
Rav4(U)
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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Page 21 of 250

Rav4(U)
132000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
To open the quarter window, pull the
latch handle toward you and swing it
fully out.
When closing the window, make sure it is
completely closed.
CAUTION
When the quarter windows are
opened, observe the following:
Depending on driving conditions,
e.g. driving the vehicle with the
front windows slightly open, you
may smell exhaust fumes in the ve-
hicle. If so, close the quarter win-
dows.
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH KEY
Insert the key into the keyhole and turn
it.
To lock: Turn the key counterclockwise.
To unlock: Turn the key clockwise.
When closing the back door (hardtop) or
tailgate (soft−top), make sure it is fully
closed.
See ”Luggage stowage precautions” in
Section 2 for precautions to observe in
loading luggage.
CAUTION
Keep the back door (hardtop) or
tailgate (soft−top) closed while driv-
ing. This not only keeps the lug-
gage from being thrown out but
also prevents exhaust gases from
entering the vehicle.
If the open back door (hardtop) or
tailgate (soft−top) hides the rear
stop and tail lights or rear turn sig-
nal lights while you are parked, oth-
er road users must be warned of
the presence of your vehicle by a
warning triangle or other device.
Quarter window
(2−door hardtop)Back door (hardtop) and
tailgate (soft−top)
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Page 56 of 250

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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Page 58 of 250

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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Page 60 of 250

Rav4(U)
522000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Hitting a curb, edge
of pavement or
hard materialFalling into or
jumping over a
deep hole
Landing hard or vehicle falling
The SRS airbags may deploy if a seri-
ous impact occurs to the underside of
your vehicle. Some examples are shown
in the illustration.The SRS airbag system consists mainly of
the following components, and their loca-
tions are shown in the illustration.
1. Front airbag sensors
2. SRS warning light
3. Airbag module for passenger (airbag
and inflator)
4. Airbag sensor assembly
5. Airbag module for driver (airbag and
inflator)
The airbag sensor assembly consists of a
safing sensor and airbag sensor.In a severe frontal impact, sensors detect
deceleration and the system triggers the
airbag inflators. Then a chemical reaction
in the inflators quickly fills the airbags
with non−toxic gas to help restrain the
forward motion of the occupants.
When the airbags inflate, they produce a
fairly loud noise and release some smoke
and residue along with non−toxic gas. This
does not indicate a fire. This gas is nor-
mally harmless; however, for those who
have delicate skin, it may cause a minor
skin irritation. Be sure to wash off any
residue as soon as possible to prevent
any potential skin irritation.
Deployment of the airbags happens in a
fraction of a second, so the airbags must
inflate with considerable force. While the
system is designed to reduce serious inju-
ries, it may also cause minor burns or
abrasions and swelling.
Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel
hub, dashboard) may be hot for several
minutes, but the airbags themselves will
not be hot. The airbags are designed to
inflate only once.
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Page 96 of 250

Rav4(U)
882000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Fuel gauge
The gauge works when the ignition
switch is on and indicates the approxi-
mate quantity of fuel remaining in the
tank.
Nearly full—Needle at ”F”
Nearly empty—Needle at ”E”
It is a good idea to keep the tank over
1/4 full.
This fuel gauge has a non−return type
needle which remains at the last indicated
position when the ignition switch is turned
off.
If the fuel level approaches ”E” or the low
fuel level warning light comes on, fill the
fuel tank as soon as possible.On inclines or curves, due to the move-
ment of fuel in the tank, the fuel gauge
needle may fluctuate or the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than
usual.
If the fuel tank is completely empty, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Fill
the fuel tank immediately.
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.The gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature when the ignition switch is
on. The engine operating temperature
will vary with changes in weather and
engine load.
If the needle moves into the red zone,
your engine is too hot. If your vehicle
overheats, stop your vehicle and allow the
engine to cool.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge
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Page 99 of 250

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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