2002 TOYOTA RAV4 check transmission fluid

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
1742002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See page 226 in Section 72 for recom-
mended viscosity. Leaving a heavy sum-
mer oil in your vehicle during winter
months may cause harder starting. If you
are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Toyota dealer–he will be pleased to
help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock deicer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti-
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer ’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when
there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into
“P” (automatic) or into first or reverse
(manual) and block the rear wheels. Do
not use the parking brake, or snow or
water accumulated in and around the
parking brake mechanism may freeze,
making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating
under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders
can make steering difficult. During bad
winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving,
we recommend you carry some emer-
gency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
NOTICE
Do not use window scraper or deicer
when the plastic resin moon roof is
heavily coated with frost or ice. The
plastic resin moon roof is easily dam-
aged.
Your vehicle is not designed to be
dinghy towed (with four wheels on the
ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four
wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to your vehicle.
Dinghy towing
(with automatic transmission)

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
1882002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
If your engine stalls while driving...1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the
road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Turn the ignition key to “ACC” or “LOCK”, and try starting the engine
again.
If the engine will not start, see “If your
vehicle will not start” on page 184 in this
section.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the pow-
er assist for the brakes and steering
will not work so steering and braking
will be much harder than usual.
If your engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, if you ex-
perience a loss of power, or if you hear
a loud knocking or pinging noise, the
engine has probably overheated. You
should follow this procedure... 1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve- hicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in “P”
(automatic) or neutral (manual) and ap-
ply the parking brake. Turn off the air
conditioning if it is being used.
2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the engine.
Wait until the steam subsides before
opening the hood. If there is no coolant
boiling over or steam, leave the engine
running and make sure the electric
cooling fan is operating. If it is not,
turn the ignition off.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep
the hood closed until there is no
steam. Escaping steam or coolant is
a sign of very high pressure.
3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from theradiator, hoses, and under the vehicle.
However, note that water draining from
the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands and clothing away from the
moving fan and engine drive belts.
4. If the coolant is leaking, stop the en-gine immediately. Call a Toyota dealer
for assistance.
5. If there are no obvious leaks, check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add
coolant to the reservoir while the en-
gine is running. Fill it about half full.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine and radiator are
hot. Serious injury could result from
scalding hot fluid and steam blown
out under pressure.
If your engine stalls while
driving If your vehicle overheats

’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 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.

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
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

’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)
2562002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
BATTERY
Open voltage
∗ at 20 C (68 F):
12.6—12.8 V Fully charged
12.2—12.4 V Half charged
11.8—12.0 V Discharged
∗: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes af-
ter the key is removed with all the lights
turned off
Charging rates: 5 A max.
CLUTCH
Pedal free play, mm (in.): 5—15 (0.2—0.6)
Fluid type: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.): Twowheel drive models2.5 (2.6, 2.2)
Fourwheel drive models
3.4 (3.6, 3.0)
Oil type: Gear oil API GL4 or GL5
Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 75W90 AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Fluid capacity (drain and ref
ill), L (qt.,
Imp. qt.):
Twowheel drive modelsUp to 3.3 (3.5, 2.9)
Fourwheel drive models Up to 3.9 (4.1, 3.4)
Fluid type: Automatic transmission fluid Type TIV
Change automatic transmission fluid only
as necessary.
Generally, it is necessary to change
automatic transmission fluid only if your
vehicle is driven under one of the Special
Operating Conditions listed in your
“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner ’s Manual Supplement”. When
changing the automatic transmission fluid,
use only Toyota Genuine ATF Type TIV
(ATF JWS3309 or NWS6500) to aid in
assuring optimum transaxle performance.
Notice: Using automatic transmission
fluid other than Toyota Genuine ATF
Type TIV may cause deterioration in
shift quality, locking up of your trans-
mission accompanied by vibration, and
ultimately damage the automatic trans-
mission of your vehicle. TRANSFER
(fourwheel drive models)
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
0.9 (1.0, 0.8)
Oil type: Hypoid gear oil API GL5
Recommended oil viscosity: Above 18 C (0 F)
SAE 90 or 85W90
Below 18 C (0 F)
SAE 80W or 80W90
REAR DIFFERENTIAL
(fourwheel drive models)
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.): 0.9 (1.0, 0.8)
Oil type: Hypoid gear oil API GL5
Recommended oil viscosity: Above 18 C (0 F)
SAE 90
Below 18 C (0 F)
SAE 80W or 80W90

’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)
2662002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
A
Adding washer fluid243
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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
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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
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Handling safety 240
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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
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Directional signals 80
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