Page 59 of 265

'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
2092001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
If you are a skilled do±it±yourself mechan-
ic, the Toyota service manuals are recom-
mended. Please be aware that do±it±your-
self maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See ªOwner 's Warranty Informa-
tion Bookletº or ªOwner 's Manual Supple-
mentº for the details.
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance
items that should be performed as fre-
quently as specified. In addition to check-
ing the items listed, if you notice any
unusual noise, smell or vibration, you
should investigate the cause or take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer or a quali-
fied service shop immediately. It is recom-
mended that any problem you notice be
brought to the attention of your dealer or
the qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where ade-
quate ventilation can be obtained if
you run the engine.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every
two weeks, or at least once a month. See
page 225 in Section 7±2 for additional
information.Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage
or excessive wear. See page 226 in Sec-
tion 7±2 for additional information. When
checking the tires, make sure no nuts are
missing, and check the nuts for loose-
ness. Tighten them if necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the
maintenance schedule. (For scheduled
maintenance information, please refer to
the ªScheduled Maintenance Guideº or
ªOwner 's Manual Supplementº.) See page
227 in Section 7±2 for additional
information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors and back door oper-
ate smoothly and all latches lock securely.
Make sure the engine hood secondary
latch secures the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
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Page 76 of 265
'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
22001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
Instrument panel overview
1. Side defroster outlets
2. Side vents
3. Instrument cluster
4. Center vents
5. Garage door opener box
6. Electric moon roof switch and personal
light
7. Glove box
8. Power door lock switches
(with power windows)
9. Power window switches
10. Automatic transmission selector lever
or manual transmission gear shift lever
11. Parking brake lever
12. Cup holders
13. Ashtray
14. Power outlet
15. Auxiliary box
16. Hood lock release lever
17. Window lock switch
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Page 96 of 265

'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
222001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
When all the side doors and back door
are unlocked simultaneously with a key,
the interior light comes on for about 15
seconds and then fades out, even if the
door is not opened. (For further informa-
tion, see ªInterior lightsº on page 82 in
Section 1±4.)
Operating the power door lock switch or
wireless remote control transmitter simul-
taneously locks or unlocks the back door
(see ªSide doorsº on page 12 in this sec-
tion).
When closing the back door, make sure
it is fully closed.
See ªLuggage stowage precautionsº on
page 162 in Section 2 for precautions to
observe in loading luggage.CAUTION
Keep the back door closed while
driving. This not only keeps the
luggage from being thrown out but
also prevents exhaust gases from
entering the vehicle.
If the open back door hides the
stop, tail or rear turn signal lights
while you are parked, other road
users must be warned of the pres-
ence of your vehicle by a warning
triangle or other device.
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood lock release lever. The
hood will spring up slightly.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure that the hood
is closed and securely locked. Other-
wise, the hood may open unexpected-
ly while driving and an accident may
occur.
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Page 249 of 265
'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
2372001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
Light bulbsBulb
No.WTy p e
Interior lightsÐ8D
Personal lightÐ10D
A: HB2 halogen bulbs
B: HB4 halogen bulbs
C: Wedge base bulbs
D: Double end bulbs
ÐHeadlights
1. Open the hood. Unplug the connec-
tor. Remove the rubber cover.
If the connector is tight, wiggle it.2. Release the bulb retaining spring
and remove the bulb. Install a new
bulb and the bulb retaining spring.
To install a bulb, align the tabs of the
bulb with the cutouts of the mounting
hole.
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