'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
ProCarManuals.com
'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
1592001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
Iridium±tipped spark plugs
Your engine is fitted with iridium±tipped
spark plugs.
NOTICE
Use only iridium±tipped spark plugs
and do not adjust gaps for your en-
gine performance and smooth drivabil-
ity.
Brake system
The tandem master cylinder brake system
is a hydraulic system with two separate
sub±systems. If either sub±system should
fail, the other will still work. However, the
pedal will be harder to press, and your
stopping distance will be longer. Also, the
brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a
single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
BRAKE BOOSTER
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to
power±assist the brakes. If the engine
should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal
pedal pressure. There is enough reserved
vacuum for one or two stopsÐbut no
more!
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the
engine stalls. Each push on the
pedal uses up your reserved vacu-
um.
Even if the power assist is com-
pletely lost, the brakes will still
work. But you will have to push the
pedal hard, much harder than nor-
mal. And your braking distance will
be longer.
ANTI±LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(with ªABSº warning light)
The anti±lock brake system is designed
to help prevent lock±up of the wheels
during a sudden braking or braking on
slippery road surfaces. This assists in
providing directional stability and steer-
ing performance of the vehicle under
these circumstances.
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.
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