2002 TOYOTA RAV4 check engine light

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
1842002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
Before making these checks, make sure
you have followed the correct starting
procedure given in “How to start the
engine” on page 170 in Section 3 and that
you have sufficient fuel. If your vehicle is
equipped with the engine immobiliser sys-
tem, also check whether the other keys
will start the engine. If they work, your
key may be broken. Have the key
checked at your Toyota dealer. If none of
your keys work, the system is possibly
broken. Call your Toyota dealer. (See
“Keys (with engine immobiliser system)”
on page 8 in Section 12.)
If the engine is not turning over or is
turning over too slowly—1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked, the battery
is discharged. You may try jump start-
ing. See “(c) Jump starting” on page
185 for further instructions.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will
not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Toyota dealer or qualified repair
shop.NOTICE
Do not pullor pushstart the vehicle.
It may damage the vehicle or cause
a collision when the engine starts.
Also the threeway catalytic converter
may overheat and become a fire haz-
ard.
If the engine turns over at its normal
speed but will not start— 1. Turn the ignition key to “ACC” or “LOCK” and try starting the engine
again.
2. If the engine will not start, the engine may be flooded because of repeated
cranking. See “(b) Starting a flooded
engine” on page 184 for further instruc-
tions.
3. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Toyota
dealer or qualified repair shop. If the engine will not start, your engine
may be flooded because of repeated
cranking.
If this happens, turn the key to “START”
with the accelerator pedal held down.
Keep the key and accelerator pedal these
positions for 15 seconds and release
them. Then try starting the engine with
your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start after 15 se-
conds of cranking, release the key, wait
a few minutes and try again.
If the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Toyota dealer
or qualified repair shop for assistance.
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 se-
conds at a time. This may overheat
the starter and wiring systems.
If your vehicle will not start—
(a) Simple checks
(b) Starting a flooded engine

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Connecting point
Do not connect it to or near any part
that moves when the engine is
cranked.
CAUTION
When making the connections, to
avoid serious injury, do not lean over
the battery or accidentally let the
jumper cables or clamps touch any-
thing except the correct battery termi-
nals or the ground.
5. Start your engine in the normal way.After starting, run it at about 2000 rpm
for several minutes with the accelerator
pedal lightly depressed.
6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order: the negative cable
and then the positive cable.
7. Carefully dispose of the battery cover cloths—they may now contain sulfuric
acid.
8. If removed, replace all the battery vent plugs.
If the cause of your battery discharging is
not apparent (for example, lights left on),
you should have it checked.
AFTER JUMP STARTING
Insert the 6 removed clips and press
down their heads to fix the battery cover.
NOTICE
After installed the battery cover, make
sure the battery cover is securely in
its original position. If it is not se-
cured, it may be damaged to your
vehicle.

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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 foldingup 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 “Park” 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 “P” 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 243 in Section 73 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between
the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the see
through reservoir when the engine is cold.
See page 227 in Section 72 for addition-
al information.
Radiator, condenser and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and
condenser are clean and not blocked with
leaves, dirt, or insects. See page 228 in
Section 72 for additional information.

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Low levelTo o f u l l
O.K.
Add oil Full 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 dipstick—push 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 f iller cap handtight.
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 “EnergyConserving”,
SL “EnergyConserving” or ILSAC multi-
grade engine oil.
Recommended viscosity (SAE):
5W-30 Preferred
Temperature range anticipated before
next oil change
SAE 5W30 is the best choice for your
vehicle, for good fuel economy and
good starting in cold weather.
If you use SAE 10W30 engine oil in
extremely low temperatures, the engine
may become difficult to start, so SAE
5W30 engine oil is recommended.
Checking the engine oil level

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To check the fluid level, simply look at
the seethrough reservoir. The level
should be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” lines on the reservoir.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go
down slightly as the brake pads wear. So
be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it
may indicate a serious mechanical prob-
lem.
If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or
FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the
brake reservoir. Remove and replace the reservoir cap by
hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted
line. This brings the fluid to the correct
level when you put the cap back on.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once
opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture from
the air, and excess moisture can cause a
dangerous loss of braking.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the r
eservoir
because brake fluid can harm your
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water immediately. If
you still feel uncomfortable with your
eyes, go to the doctor.
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure
to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paint.
Close Open
If cold add If cold O.K.
If hot add
If hot O.K.
Check the fluid level through the reser-
voir. If necessary, add automatic trans-
mission fluid DEXRON
II or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80
km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little
more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is
hot (80 C or 175 F). You may also check
the level when the fluid is cold (about
room temperature, 10 C—30 C or
50 F—85 F) if the engine has not been
run for about five hours.
Checking brake fluid Checking power steering fluid

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c. Tighten the holddown clamp onlyenough to keep the battery firmly in
place. Overtightening may damage the
battery case.
After checking the battery, reinstall the
battery cover.
NOTICE
 Be sure the engine and all accesso-
ries are off before performing main-
tenance.
 When checking the battery, remove
the ground cable from the negative
terminal (“” mark) first and rein-
stall it last.
 Be careful not to cause a short cir-
cuit with tools.
 Take care no solution gets into the
battery when washing it.
Ty p e A
Green Dark Clear or
light yellow
Ty p e B Blue White Red
CHECKING BY INDICATOR
Check the battery condition by the indi-
cator color.
Indicator color
ConditionTy p e ATy p e B
GreenBlueGood
DarkWhite
Charging necessary.
Have battery
checked by your
Toyota dealer.
Clear orlight
yellow
RedHave battery
checked by your
Toyota dealer.
During recharging, the battery is pro-
ducing hydrogen gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect
the ground cable.
2. Be sure the power switch on the re- charger is off when connecting the
charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION
Always charge the battery in an un-
confined area. Do not charge the
battery in a garage or closed room
where there is not sufficient ventila-
tion.
Only do a slow charge (5 A or
less). Charging at a quicker rate is
dangerous. The battery may ex-
plode, causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the
engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.
—Checking battery c ondition Battery recharging pr ecautions

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2662002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
A
Adding washer fluid243
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment
Front seats 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air cleaner 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioning system 128
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbags 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 237
. . . . . . . . . .
Antiglare inside rear view mirror 76 . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system warning light 90 . . . .
Antitheft steering column lock 98
. . . . . . . . .
Appearance care
Cleaning the interior 209
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota from corrosion 206
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 207
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission
Driving with an automatic transmission 99
. . . . . . . . .
Shift lock override button 202
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning light 90
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary boxes 141
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary catch, Engine hood 22
. . . . . . . . . . .
B
Back door 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back door lock 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battery
Checking battery condition 240
. . . . . . . . . .
Gas caution 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handling safety 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recharging precautions 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 164 . . . . . . . .
Brake system 161
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 90
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes
Fluid level 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad wear limit indicators 164
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 104
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakin tips 155
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness control 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Car audio system 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon monoxide caution 159
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette player 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing fuses 242
. . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 226
. . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 228
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint
Child restraint system 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation with ISOFIX rigid anchor 72
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Types of child restraint system 59
. . . . . . . .
Using a top strap 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtrays 136
. . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 209
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 136
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cold weather
Operation 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc auto changer controller 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc player 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Condenser
Checking the condenser 228
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, Instrument panel 2,4
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system
Coolant level 227
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 227
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion prevention 206
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 105
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder
Front 143
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 143
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D
Defogger
Out side rear view mirror 85 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Differential, Limited slip 165
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 80
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy towing 174,175
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 80
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Discharge warning light90
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doityourself maintenance
Parts and tools 221
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service precautions 219
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 215 . . . . .
Doors
Side doors 12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder buzzer 90 . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder light 90
. . . . . . . . .
Driving
Automatic transmission 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 103
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
Driving tips in various conditions 171 . . . . .
Driving with a manual transmission 103
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with an automatic transmission 99
. . . . . . . . .
Economical driving 181
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 99,103
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During
Breakin 155
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Economical driving
Saving money on both fuel and repairs 181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric moon roof 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrical system
Battery 240,241 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 219 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 242 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency, In case of
Blown fuse 242 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 81 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 189 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever 202 . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you lose your wireless remote control transmitter 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your engine stalls while driving 188 . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 198 . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 184 . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 185 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 188 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 198 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs 216 . . . . . . . . .
Engine
Air cleaner 230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 170 . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the coolant level 227 . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control device 158 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment 218 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 159 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 159 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level 226 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 188 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Starting procedure 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Threeway catalytic converter 158 . . . . . . .
Engine coolant
Temperature gauge 88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 88 . . . . . .
Engine immobiliser system 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil
Winter driving tips 173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 159 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F
Facts about engine oil consumption 159 . . . .
Flasher, Headlight 80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire
After changing wheels 197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing tire 194 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 189 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack point 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking precautions 189 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering vehicle 195 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing flat tire 196 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel block 192 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel nuts 195 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 151 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level
Brake 229 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 229 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 243 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light switch, Front 82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries, Operation in 157 . . . . . . . .