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Keep your engine in good running
order. Malfunctions in the engine
electrical system, electronic ignition
system/distributor ignition system
or fuel systems could cause an ex-
tremely high three±way catalytic
converter temperature.
If the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, take your
vehicle in for a check±up as soon
as possible. Remember, your Toyota
dealer knows your vehicle and its
three±way catalytic converter sys-
tem best.
To ensure that the three±way cata-
lytic converter and the entire emis-
sion control system operate proper-
ly, your vehicle must receive the
periodic inspections required by the
Toyota Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information,
refer to the ªScheduled Maintenance
Guideº or ªOwner 's Manual Supple-
mentº.
Engine exhaust cautions
CAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust.
It contains carbon monoxide, which
is a colorless and odorless gas. It
can cause unconsciousness or even
death.
Make sure the exhaust system has
no holes or loose connections. The
system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something,
or notice a change in the sound of
the exhaust, have the system
checked immediately.
Do not run the engine in a garage
or enclosed area except for the
time needed to drive the vehicle in
or out. The exhaust gases cannot
escape, making this a particularly
dangerous situation.
Do not remain for a long time in a
parked vehicle with the engine run-
ning. If it is unavoidable, however,
do so only in an unconfined area
and adjust the heating or cooling
system to force outside air into the
vehicle.
To allow proper operation of your
vehicle's ventilation system, keep
the inlet grilles in front of the wind-
shield clear of snow, leaves, or oth-
er obstructions.
Keep the back door closed while
driving. An open or unsealed back
door may cause exhaust gases to
be drawn into the vehicle.
If you smell exhaust fumes in the
vehicle, drive with the windows
open and the back door closed.
Have the cause immediately located
and corrected.
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'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
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FUNCTIONS OF ENGINE OIL
Engine oil has the primary functions of
lubricating and cooling the inside of the
engine, and plays a major role in main-
taining the engine in proper working order.
ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
It is normal that an engine should con-
sume some engine oil during normal
engine operation. The causes of oil
consumption in a normal engine are as
follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston
rings and cylinders. A thin film of oil
is left on the cylinder wall when a pis-
ton moves downwards in the cylinder.
High negative pressure generated when
the vehicle is decelerating sucks some
of this oil into the combustion chamber.
This oil as well as some part of the oil
film left on the cylinder wall is burned
by the high temperature combustion
gases during the combustion process.
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 ªChecking the engine oil levelº on
page 220 in Section 7±2.
Facts about engine oil
consumption
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'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
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INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working.
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified free play.
Be alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all seat controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate
smoothly and that all latches lock securely
in any position. For folding±up rear seat-
backs, check that the latches lock secure-
ly.Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles, retractors and anchors operate
properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt
webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dam-
aged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching.
Clutch pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle
is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.Automatic transmission ªParkº mecha-
nism
Check the lock release button of the se-
lector lever for proper and smooth opera-
tion. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in ªPº position and all brakes re-
leased.
IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Items listed below should be checked
from time to time, e.g. each time when
refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the
tank. See page 235 in Section 7±3 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between
the ªFULLº and ªLOWº lines on the see±
through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See page 221 in Section 7±2 for addition-
al information.
Battery electrolyte level
Your Toyota has a maintenance free bat-
tery. You do not have to add distilled wa-
ter. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 232 for additional information.
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Fuel gauge
The gauge works when the ignition
switch is on and indicates the approxi-
mate quantity of fuel remaining in the
tank.
Nearly fullÐNeedle at ªFº
Nearly emptyÐNeedle at ªEº
It is a good idea to keep the tank over
1/4 full.
The needle moves when braking, acceler-
ating or making turns. This is caused by
the movement of the fuel in the tank.
If the fuel level approaches ªEº 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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3. Trip meter reset knobÐResets the two
trip meters to zero, and also change
the meter display.
To change the meter display, quickly
push and release the knob. The meter
display changes in the order from the
odometer to trip meter A to trip meter
B, then back to the odometer each
time you push.
To reset the trip meter A to zero, dis-
play the meter A reading, then push
and hold the knob until the meter is
set to zero. The same process can be
applied for resetting the trip meter B.
(a) If parking brake
is off, stop
immediately and
contact Toyota
dealer.
(b) Fasten driver 's
seat belt. If the indicator or
buzzer comes on...
(d) Stop and check.(indicator and buzzer)
(e) Stop and check.or
Do this.
(c) Fasten front
passenger 's seat
belt.
(h) Take vehicle to
Toyota dealer.
If brake system
warning light is
also on, stop
immediately and
contact Toyota
dealer. or (g) Fill up tank. (f) Take vehicle to
Toyota dealer.
or
If the indicator or
buzzer comes on...Do this.
Service reminder indicators
an d warn in g bu zzers
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'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
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For high±pitch tone adjustment, push
ªCTRL / MODEº repeatedly until ªTREº
appears on the display. Then turn the
knob to suit your preference.
The display will show the range from
ªTRE ±5º to ªTRE 5º.
Sound balance adjustment functionÐ
This knob is also used to adjust the
sound balance between the front and rear,
and the right and left speakers.
For front/rear adjustment, push ªCTRL /
MODEº repeatedly until ªFAdº appears on
the display. Then turn the knob to adjust
the front/rear balance.
The display will show the range from
ªFAd±F7º to ªFAd±R7º.
For left/right adjustment, push ªCTRL /
MODEº repeatedly until ªBALº appears on
the display. Then turn the knob to adjust
the left/right balance.
The display will show the range from
ªBAL±L7º to ªBAL±R7º.CD (Compact Disc)
Push ªCDº to switch from radio or cas-
sette operation to compact disc operation.
If the audio system is off, you can turn
on the compact disc player by pushing
ªCDº. In both cases, a disc must already
be loaded in the player.
When the audio is set into compact disc
operation, the display shows the track or,
track and disc number currently being
played. Each time you push ªCDº, the
system changes to the automatic changer.
If the player malfunctions, your audio sys-
tem will display one of the six following
error messages.
If ªWAITº appears on the display, it indi-
cates that the inside of the player unit
may be too hot due to the very high ambi-
ent temperature. Remove the disc or mag-
azine from the player and allow the player
to cool down.
If ªErr 1º appears on the display, it
indicates the disc is dirty, damaged, or it
was inserted up±side down. Clean the
disc or insert it correctly.
If ªErr 2º appears on the display, it
indicates no disc is loaded inside the
magazine. Insert a disc.If ªErr 3º or ªErr 4º appears on the
display, it indicates there is a trouble in-
side the system. Eject the disc or maga-
zine. Set the disc or magazine again.
If ªOPEnº appears on the display, it
indicates the compact disc auto changer
lid is open. Close the compact disc auto
changer lid.
If the malfunction is not rectified, take
your vehicle to your Toyota dealer.
DISC
Compact disc auto changer onlyÐ
By using this button, you can select a
disc you wish to listen to.
Push either side of the button until the
number of the disc you want to listen to
appears on the display.
Dolby
B NR*
If you are listening to a tape that was
recorded with Dolby B Noise Reduction,
push the button marked with the double±D
symbol. The double±D symbol will appear
on the display. Push the button again to
turn off Dolby B NR.
The Dolby NR mode reduces tape noise
by about 10 dB. For best sound reproduc-
tion, play your tapes with this button on
or off according to the mode used for
recording the tape.
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SCAN
Radio
You can either scan all the frequencies on
a band or scan only the preset stations
for that band.
To scan the preset stations:
Push and hold ªSCANº until you hear a
beep. The radio will tune in the next pres-
et station up the band, stay there for 5
seconds, and then move to the next pre-
set station. To select a station, push
ªSCANº again.
To scan all the frequencies:
Quickly push and release ªSCANº. If you
hear a beep, you held the button too long,
and the radio will scan the preset sta-
tions. The radio will find the next station
up the station band, stay there for 5 se-
conds, and then scan again. To select a
station, push ªSCANº again.
Compact disc player
There are two scan featuresÐyou can ei-
ther scan the tracks on a specific disc or
scan the first tracks of all the discs in the
magazine.Scanning the tracks on a disc:
Quickly push and release ªSCANº. ªSCANº
will appear on the display and the player
will scan all the tracks on the disc you
are listening to. If you hear a beep, you
held the button too long, and the player
will scan the first track of all the discs in
the magazine. To select a track, push
ªSCANº again. If the player scanned all
the tracks on the disc, it will stop scan-
ning.
Compact disc auto changer onlyÐ
Scanning the first track of all the discs in
the magazine:
Push ªSCANº until you hear a beep.
ª
´SCANº will appear on the display
and the player will perform the first track
of the next disc. To select a disc, push
the ªSCANº again. If the player has
scanned all the discs, it will stop scan-
ning.
SEEK (Seeking)
Radio
In the seek mode, the radio finds and
plays the next station up or down the
station band.
To seek a station, quickly push and re-
lease the ªº or ªº under the ªSEEKº.
Do this again to find another station.Cassette Player
By using this button, you can skip up or
down to a different track.
You can skip up to nine tracks at a time.
Push the up or down side of the button.
ªFF 1º or ªREW 1º will appear on the
display.
Next, push either side of the track button
until the number on the display reaches
the number of tracks you want to skip. If
you push the button ten times, the skip
feature will be turned off.
When counting the number of tracks you
want to rewind, remember to count the
current track as well. For example, if you
want to rewind to a song that is two be-
fore the song you are listening to, push
on the down side of the button until ªREW
3º appears on the display.
If you have pushed the track button more
than you wanted to, push the other side
of the button. The track number will be
reduced.
The track number you select is not valid
if it is higher than the number of tracks
remaining on the current cassette side.
After the beginning of the tape is
reached, the player will automatically
start playing the same side.
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'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
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After the end of the tape is reached,
the player will automatically reverse
sides and start playing the other side.
There must be at least 3 seconds of blank
space between tracks for the track button
to work correctly. In addition, the feature
may not work well with some spoken
word, live, or classical recordings.
ST (Stereo reception) display
Your radio automatically changes to stereo
reception when a stereo broadcast is re-
ceived. ªSTº appears on the display. If the
signal becomes weak, the radio reduces
the amount of channel separation to prev-
ent the weak signal from creating noise.
If the signal becomes extremely weak, the
radio switches from stereo to mono recep-
tion.
TA P E
Push ªTAPEº to switch from radio or com-
pact disc operation to cassette operation.
If the audio system is off, you can turn
on the cassette player by pushing ªTAPEº.
In both cases, a cassette must already be
loaded in the player.TRACK (Track up/down button):
Compact disc player
By using this button, you can skip up or
down to a different track.
Push either side of the track button until
the number of the track you want to listen
to appears on the display. If you want to
return to the beginning of the current
track, push the down side of the button
one time, quickly.
TUNE (Tuning)
Your Toyota has an electronic tuning radio
(ETR). Turn the knob clockwise to step up
the frequency. Turn the knob counterclock-
wise to step down the frequency.
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