'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
1512001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR
TOYOTA
Off±road vehicle precautions152 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break±in period153 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel153 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system155 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three±way catalytic converter156 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust cautions157 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption158 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iridium±tipped spark plugs159 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system159 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators162 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage stowage precautions162 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limited±slip differential163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Toyota's identification163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels165 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis165 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires165 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 2
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'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
1532001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
Always slow down in gusty cross-
winds. Because of its profile and
higher center of gravity, your ve-
hicle is more sensitive to side
winds than an ordinary passenger
car. Slowing down will allow you to
have better control.
When driving off±road or in rugged
terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause
loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage
to your vehicle's suspension and
chassis.
Do not drive horizontally across
steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your ve-
hicle (or any similar off±road ve-
hicle) can tip over sideways much
more easily than forward or back-
ward.
Break±in period
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break±in. But following a few simple tips
for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add
to the future economy and long life of
your vehicle:
Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph).
Run the engine at moderate speed be-
tween 2000 and 4000 rpm.
Avoid full±throttle starts.
Try to avoid hard stops during the first
300 km (200 miles).
Do not drive slowly with the manual
transmission in a high gear.
Do not drive for a long time at any
single speed, either fast or slow.
Do not tow a trailer during the first 800
km (500 miles).
Fuel
FUEL TYPE
Your new vehicle must use only un-
leaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mix±ups, your
Toyota has a smaller fuel tank opening.
The special nozzle on pumps with un-
leaded fuel will fit it, but the larger stan-
dard nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will
not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use
should meet the specifications of ASTM
D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB 3.5±M93
in Canada.
NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of
leaded gasoline will cause the three±
way catalytic converter to lose its ef-
fectiveness and the emission control
system to function improperly. Also,
this can increase maintenance costs.
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'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
1542001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
OCTANE RATING
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Oc-
tane Number 91) or higher.
Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating or research octane number lower
than stated above will cause persistent
heavy knocking. If it is severe, this will
lead to engine damage.
If your engine knocks...
If you detect heavy knocking even when
using the recommended fuel, or if you
hear steady knocking while holding a
steady speed on level roads, consult your
Toyota dealer.
However, now and then, you may notice
light knocking for a short time while accel-
erating or driving up hills. This is no need
of concern.
GASOLINE CONTAINING DETERGENT
ADDITIVES
Toyota recommends the use of gasoline
that contains detergent additives to
avoid build±up of engine deposits.
However, all gasoline sold in the U.S.
contains detergent additives to keep clean
and/or clean intake systems.QUALITY GASOLINE
Automotive manufacturers in the U.S.,
Europe and Japan have developed a
specification for quality fuel named
World±Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) that
is expected to be applied world wide.
The WWFC consists of three categories
that depend on required emission lev-
els. In the U.S., category 3 has been
adopted. The WWFC improves air quali-
ty by providing for better emissions in
vehicle fleets, and customer satisfaction
through better vehicle performance.
CLEANER BURNING GASOLINE
Cleaner burning gasoline, including re-
formulated gasoline that contains oxy-
genates such as ethanol or MTBE is
available in many areas.
Toyota recommends the use of cleaner
burning gasoline and appropriately blended
reformulated gasoline. These types of gas-
oline provide excellent vehicle perfor-
mance, reduce vehicle emissions, and im-
prove air quality.OXYGENATES IN GASOLINE
Toyota allows the use of oxygenate
blended gasoline where the oxygenate
content is up to 10% ethanol or 15%
MTBE. If you use gasohol in your
Toyota, be sure that it has an octane
rating no lower than 87.
Toyota does not recommend the use of
gasoline containing methanol.
SULFUR IN GASOLINE
If your vehicle is certified to California
Emission Regulations, the vehicle is
designed to operate on California
cleaner burning gasoline (CBG) that
contains lower sulfur. If you cannot use
California CBG, your emission control
system may suffer damage and turn on
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp.
If the malfunction is caused by the type
of fuel used, repairs may not be covered
by your warranty.
ProCarManuals.com
'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
2472001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
Fuel
Fuel type:
Unleaded gasoline, Octane Rating 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or higher
Fuel tank capacity, L (gal., lmp. gal.):
56 (14.8, 12.3)
Service specifications
ENGINE
Valve clearance (engine cold), mm (in.):
Intake 0.19Ð0.29 (0.007Ð0.012)
Exhaust 0.30Ð0.40 (0.012Ð0.016)
Spark plug type:
DENSO SK20R11
NGK IFR6A11
Spark plug gap, mm (in.):
1.1 (0.043)
ENGINE LUBRICATION
Oil capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
With filter 4.2 (4.4, 3.7)
Without filter 4.0 (4.2, 3.5)
Oil grade:
API grade SJ, ªEnergy±Conservingº or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recom-
mended.Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
5W-30 Preferred
Temperature range anticipated before
next oil change
COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Manual transaxle 6.3 (6.7, 5.6)
Automatic transaxle 6.2 (6.6, 5.5)
Coolant type:
ªTOYOTA Long Life Coolantº or equiva-
lent
With ethylene±glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
ProCarManuals.com
'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
2502001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
Fuses
Instrument panel
Fuses (type A)
1. RADIO 15 A: Car audio system
2. DOME 10 A: Clock, personal light, in-
terior lights, air conditioning system,
wireless remote control system, head-
light high beam indicator light, gauges
and meters
3. CUT 30 A: ªRADIOº and ªDOMEº fuses
4. A/C 5 A: Air conditioning system
5. MAIN 30 A: ªH±LP RHº and ªH±LP LHº
fuses
6. HAZ 10 A: Emergency flashers7. ALT±S 5 A: Charging system
8. IGN 15 A: Starting system, multiport
fuel injection system/sequential multi-
port fuel injection system
9. EFI3 10 A: Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system, emission control system
10. EFI2 5 A: Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system
11. A/F 20 A: A/F sensor
12. ABS2 30 A: Anti±lock brake system
13. EFI1 20 A: Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injection
system, ªEFI2º and ªEFI3º fuses
14. H±LP RH 10 A: Right±hand headlight
15. H±LP LH 10 A: Left±hand headlight
16. ST 5 A: Starting system
17. STOP 10 A: Stop lights, high±mounted
stoplight, anti±lock brake system, shift
lock control system, multiport fuel in-
jection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system, cruise control system
18. CIG 15 A: Cigarette lighter
19. POWER OUTLET 15 A: Power outlets
20. S±HTR 10 A: No circuit
ProCarManuals.com
'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
2512001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
21. PANEL 7.5 A: Instrument panel light,
gauges and meters, front fog lights,
instrument panel light control, outside
rear view mirror defoggers, air condi-
tioning system
22. FR FOG 15 A: Front fog lights
23. HORN 10 A: Horn
24. TAIL 7.5 A: Tail lights, license plate
lights, instrument cluster lights
25. TAIL&PANEL 15 A: ªPANELº and
ªTAILº fuses
26. ACC 7.5 A: Car audio system, shift
lock control system, clock, power rear
view mirrors
27. DEF 20 A: Rear window defogger
28. GAUGE 10 A: Back±up lights, electric
cooling fans, air conditioning system,
automatic transmission indicator lights,
charging system
29. OBD 7.5 A: On±board diagnosis sys-
tem
30. IG2 10 A: Discharge warning light,
multiport fuel injection system/sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection system,
starting system, SRS airbag system
31. DOOR 20 A: Power door lock system32. MIR HTR 10 A: Outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers
33. RR WIP 15 A: Rear window wiper and
washer
34. WIP 25 A: Windshield wipers and
washer
35. ECU IG 10 A: Emergency flashers,
gauges and meters, anti±lock brake
system, SRS airbag system, shift lock
control system, cruise control system
Fuses (type B)
36. RDI 30 A: Electric cooling fan
37. CDS 30 A: Electric cooling fan
38. AM2 30 A: Discharge warning light,
multiport fuel injection system/sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection system,
starting system, SRS airbag system
and ªIG2º fuse
39. ABS 1 40 A: Anti±lock brake system
40. HTR 40 A: Air conditioning system
41. PWR 30 A: Electric moon roof, power
windows
42. AM1 40 A: Power outlets, rear window
defogger, ªACCº, ªCIGº, ªECU IGº,
ªGAUGEº, ªRR WIPº, ªS±HTRº and
ªWIPº fuses
ProCarManuals.com
'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
2162001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from the moving fan and engine
drive belts. (Removing rings,
watches, and ties is advisable.)
Right after driving, the engine
compartmentÐthe engine, radiator,
exhaust manifold, power steering
fluid reservoir and spark plug
boots, etc.Ðwill be hot. So be care-
ful not to touch them. Oil, fluids
and spark plugs may also be hot.
If the engine is hot, do not remove
the radiator cap or loosen the drain
plugs to prevent burning yourself.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-
low open flames around fuel or the
battery. Their fumes are flammable.
Be extremely cautious when work-
ing on the battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Do not get under your vehicle with
just the body jack supporting it. Al-
ways use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
Be sure that the ignition is off if
you work near the electric cooling
fans or radiator grille. With the
ignition on, the electric cooling fans
will automatically start to run if the
engine coolant temperature is high
and/or the air conditioning is on.
Use eye protection whenever you
work on or under your vehicle
where you may be exposed to flying
or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
Used engine oil contains potentially
harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as in-
flammation or skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged
and repeated contact with it. To re-
move used engine oil from your
skin, wash thoroughly with soap
and water.
Do not leave used oil within the
reach of children.
Dispose of used oil and filter only
in a safe and acceptable manner.
Do not dispose of used oil and fil-
ter in household trash, in sewers or
onto the ground. Call your dealer or
a service station for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition
cable carry high currents or volt-
ages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
Add only demineralized or distilled
water to fill the radiator. And if you
spill some of the coolant, be sure
to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paint.
Do not allow dirt or anything else
to fall through the spark plug holes.
Use only spark plugs of the speci-
fied type. Using other types will
cause engine damage, loss of per-
formance or radio noise.
Do not reuse iridium±tipped spark
plugs by cleaning or regapping.
ProCarManuals.com
'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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