’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2142002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
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 folding up 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 7 3 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 7 2 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 7 2 for additional information.
’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.
’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2332002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
Check the tires regularly for damage
such as cuts, splits and cracks. If any
damage is found, consult with a techni-
cian and have the tire repaired or re-
placed.
Even if the damage does not appear seri-
ous, a qualified technician should examine
the damage. Objects which have pene-
trated the tire may have caused internal
damage.
Any tires which are over 6 years old
must be checked by a qualified techni-
cian even if damage is not obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they
have never or seldom been used.
This also applies to the spare tire and
tires stored for future use.
REPLACING YOUR TIRES
Two wheel drive models—When replac-
ing a tire, use only the same size and
construction as originally installed and
with the same or greater load capacity.
Four wheel drive models—When replac-
ing tires, make sure all the tires are the
same brand. Only use the same size
and construction as the originally
installed tires, with the same or greater
load capacity.Using any other size or type of tire may
seriously affect handling, ride, speedome-
ter/odometer calibration, ground clearance,
and clearance between the body and tires
or snow chains.
CAUTION
Do not mix radial, bias belted, or
bias ply tires on your vehicle. It
can cause dangerous handling char-
acteristics, resulting in loss of con-
trol.
Do not use tire or wheels other
than the manufacturer ’s recom-
mended size.
NOTICE
Four wheel drive models:
Do not use tires of different brands,
sizes and constructions. This may
damage the drive system.
Toyota recommends all four tires, or at
least both front or rear tires be re-
placed as a set.
See “If you have a flat tire” on page 189
in Section 4 for tire change procedure.When a tire is replaced, the wheel
should always be balanced.
An unbalanced wheel may affect vehicle
handling and tire life. Wheels can get out
of balance with regular use and should
therefore be balanced occasionally.
When replacing a tubeless tire, the air
valve should also be replaced with a
new one.
’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2662002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
A
Adding washer fluid243
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Adjustment
Front seats 29
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Rear seats 30
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Seat belt 40
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Air cleaner 230
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Air conditioning system 128
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Airbags 50
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Aluminum wheel precautions 237
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Anti glare inside rear view mirror 76 . . . . . . .
Anti lock brake system warning light 90 . . . .
Anti theft steering column lock 98
. . . . . . . . .
Appearance care
Cleaning the interior 209
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Protecting your Toyota from corrosion 206
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Washing and waxing 207
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Automatic transmission
Driving with an automatic transmission 99
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Shift lock override button 202
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Shift pattern 99
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Shifting speed 99
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Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning light 90
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Auxiliary boxes 141
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Auxiliary catch, Engine hood 22
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B
Back door 21
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Back door lock 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battery
Checking battery condition 240
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Gas caution 240
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Handling safety 240
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Recharging precautions 241
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Winter driving tips 173
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Before starting the engine 170
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Brake pad wear limit indicators 164 . . . . . . . .
Brake system 161
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Brake system warning light 90
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Brakes
Fluid level 229
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Pad wear limit indicators 164
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Parking 104
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Break in tips 155
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Brightness control 82
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C
Car audio system 110
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Carbon monoxide caution 159
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Cassette player 110
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Checking and replacing fuses 242
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Checking brake fluid 229
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Checking the engine oil level 226
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Checking the radiator and condenser 228
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Child restraint
Child restraint system 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation 60
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Installation with ISOFIX rigid anchor 72
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Precautions 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Types of child restraint system 59
. . . . . . . .
Using a top strap 69
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Cigarette lighter and ashtrays 136
. . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 209
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Clock 136
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Cold weather
Operation 173
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Compact disc auto changer controller 110
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Compact disc player 110
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Condenser
Checking the condenser 228
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Controls, Instrument panel 2,4
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Cooling system
Coolant level 227
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Engine overheating 188
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Radiator and reservoir 227
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Radiator cap 188
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Winter driving tips 173
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Corrosion prevention 206
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Cruise control 105
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Cup holder
Front 143
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Rear 143
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D
Defogger
Out side rear view mirror 85 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window 85
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Differential, Limited slip 165
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Dimmer switch, Headlight 80
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Dinghy towing 174,175
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Directional signals 80
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