2002 TOYOTA RAV4 power steering

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2202002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
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
compartment—the engine, radiator,
exhaust manifold, power steering
fluid reservoir and spark plug
boots, etc.—will 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.
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.
Be extremely cautious when work-
ing on the battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Warning: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
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.

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2212002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
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 iridiumtipped spark
plugs by cleaning or regapping.
 Do not overfill automatic transmis-
sion fluid, or the transmission
could be damaged.
 Do not drive with the air cleaner
filter removed, or excessive engine
wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine
compartment.
 Be careful not to scratch the glass
surface with the wiper frame.
 When closing the engine hood,
check to see that you have not for-
gotten any tools, rags, etc.Here is a list of parts and tools you will
need on performing doityourself mainte-
nance. Remember all Toyota parts are de-
signed in metric sizes, so your tools must
be metric.
CHECKING THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
Engine oil API grade SJ
“EnergyConserving”, SL
“EnergyConserving” or ILSAC
multigrade having viscosity proper for
your climate
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
“TOYOTA Long Life Coolant” or equiva-
lent
See page 227 in Section 72 for de-
tails about coolant type selection.
Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant) CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
Parts (if level is low):
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
brake fluid
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
CHECKING POWER STEERING FLUID
Parts (if level is low):
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON II
or III
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding fluid)
CHECKING BATTERY CONDITION
Tools:
Warm water
Baking soda
Grease
Conventional wrench (for terminal
clamp bolts)
CHECKING AND REPLACING FUSES
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Fuse with same amperage rating as
original
Parts and tools

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2252002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level226
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 227
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 228
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
Checking power steering fluid 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the air conditioning filter 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 231
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Checking and replacing tires 232
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7 2

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2292002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
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

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2302002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
Clean all dirt from outside of the reservoir
tank and look at the fluid level. If the fluid
is cold, the level should be in the “COLD”
range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
should be in the “HOT” range. If the level
is at the low side of either range, add
automatic transmission fluid DEXRONII or
III to bring the level within the range.
To remove the reservoir cap, turn it coun-
terclockwise and lift up. To reinstall it,
turn it clockwise. After replacing the reser-
voir cap, visually check the steering box
case, vane pump and hose connections
for leaks or damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir tank may be hot so be
careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steer-
ing could be damaged.
The air conditioning filter is behind the
glove box.
The air conditioning filter may clog af-
ter long use. The filter may need to be
replaced if the air flow of the air condi-
tioning and heater experiences extreme
reductions in operating efficiency, or if
the windows become to fog up easily.
To maintain the air conditioning efficiency,
inspect and replace the air conditioning
filter according to the maintenance sched-
ule. (For scheduled maintenance informa-
tion, please refer to the “Scheduled Main-
tenance Guide” or “Owner ’s Manual
Supplement”.)1. Push each side of the glove box to disconnect the claws.
Checking and replacing the
air conditioning filter

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2572002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with the force of 490 N (50 kgf, 110 lbf)
with the engine running, mm (in.):118 (4.6)
Pedal free play, mm (in.): 1—6 (0.04—0.24)
Pad wear limit, mm (in.): 1.0 (0.04)
Lining wear limit, mm (in.): 1.0 (0.04)
Parking brake adjustment when pulled with
the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 44 lbf): 6—8 clicks
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 STEERING
Wheel free play:
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid type: Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON II
or III Tire size:
215/70R16 99S
235/60R16 100H
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi):
200 (2.0, 29)
Wheel size: Steel wheel 16 61/2J
Aluminum Wheel 16 7JJ
Wheel nut torque, N
·m (kgf·m, ft·lbf):
103 (10.5, 76)
NOTE: For a complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or re-
placing wheels), see “Checking
tire pressure” through “Aluminum
wheel precautions”, pages 231
through 237, in Section 72.
Tires

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2672002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
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 . . . . . . . .

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2692002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
Low windshield washer fluid level warning light 90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage cover 146 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage stowage precautions 164 . . . . . . . . .
M
Maintenance
Doityourself maintenance 219 . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 215 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General maintenance 213 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance requirements 212 . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 221 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to go for service 212 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction indicator lamp 90,216 . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission
Driving with a manual transmission 103 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 103
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 103
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum allowable speed
Automatic transmission 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 103
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirror
Antiglare inside rear view 76
. . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors
Folding rear view 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view 74
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view 75
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vanity 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moon roof 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N
New vehicle breakin 155
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
O
Odometer 89
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Offroad driving precautions 172
. . . . . . . . . .
Offroad vehicle precautions 154
. . . . . . . . . .
Oil
Consumption 159
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Viscosity and grade 226
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 159
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Open door warning light 90
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 157
. . . . . . . . .
Overdrive switch 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating, Engine 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating, Engine coolant 88
. . . . . . . . . . .
Overview
Engine compartment 218
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
P
Parking brake
Operation 104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reminder light 104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal light 83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Polishing 207 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning the jack 222 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power outlet 137 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view mirror control 75 . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering
Fluid level 229 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power window switches 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preloaders (seat belt pretensioners) 48
. . . . .
Pretensioners (seat belt pretensioners) 48 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R
Radiator
Checking the radiator 228 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant, Engine 227 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio 110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear cup holder 143 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirror
Antiglare inside 76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirrors
Folding 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside 74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window and outside rear view mirror defogger switch 85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window wiper and washer switch 84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners 262 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof luggage carrier 150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S
Seat adjustment precautions
Front seats 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt extender 46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
Cleaning 209 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fastening 40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .