'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
2192001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
DO±IT±YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level220 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level221 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid222 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid223 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the air conditioning filter224 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires226 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires227 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains228 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7± 2
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'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
2202001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
Checking the engine oil level
Low level
To o f u l l O.K. Add oilFull level
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 dipstickÐpush 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 ref-
erence.
When the level reaches within the correct
range, install the filler cap hand±tight.
Oil quantity, L (qt., lmp. qt.):
1.8 (2.0, 1.6)
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, ªEnergy±Conservingº
or ILSAC multigrade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
5W-30 Preferred
Temperature range anticipated before
next oil change
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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'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
2212001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
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 any-
where 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. ªEnergy±
Conservingº 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 ªFULLº and ªLOWº 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
level is on or below the ªLOWº line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the ªFULLº
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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