’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
282002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
While the vehicle is being driven, all ve-
hicle occupants should have the seatback
upright, sit well back in the seat and prop-
erly wear the seat belts provided.
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle unless the
occupants are properly seated. Do
not allow sitting on top of a
folded down seatback, or in the
luggage compartment or cargo area.
Persons not properly seated and/or
properly restrained by seat belts
can be severely injured in the event
of emergency braking or a collision.
During driving, do not allow pas-
sengers to stand up or move
around between seats. Severe inju-
ries can occur in the event of emer-
gency braking or a collision.
Adjust the driver’s seat so that the foot
pedals, steering wheel and instrument
panel controls are within easy reach of
the driver.
CAUTION
Adjustments should not be made
while the vehicle is moving, as the
seat may unexpectedly move and
cause the driver to lose control of
the vehicle.
When adjusting the seat, be careful
that the seat does not hit a passen-
ger or luggage.
After adjusting the seat position,
try sliding it forward and backward
to make sure it is locked in posi-
tion.
After adjusting the seatback, push
back your body to make sure it is
locked in position.
Do not put objects under the seats.
The objects may interfere with the
seat lock mechanism or unexpect-
edly push up the seat position ad-
justing lever. Otherwise the seat
may suddenly move, causing the
driver to lose control of the vehicle.
While adjusting the seat, do not put
your hands under the seat or near
the moving parts. Otherwise you
may catch and injure your hands or
fingers.
SeatsFront seats—
—Seat adjustment precautions
’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
302002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
CAUTION
Adjustment should not be made
while the vehicle is moving.
When adjusting the seat, be careful
that the seat does not hit a passen-
ger or luggage.
Adjust both seat cushions to the
same position and align both seat-
backs at the same angle when a
person sits in the rear center posi-
tion. Otherwise, the person cannot
wear the seat belt properly and this
may cause serious injuries in a col-
lision.
After adjusting the seat position,
try sliding it forward and backward
to make sure it is lock in position.
After adjusting the seatback, push
back your body to make sure it is
locked in position.
When returning seats to their origi-
nal position, observe the following
precautions in order to prevent per-
sonal injury in a collision or sud-
den stop:
Make sure the seat is securely
locked by pushing forward and rear-
ward on the top of the seatback or
by trying to pull up the edge of the
bottom cushion. Failure to do so
will prevent the seat belt from oper-
ating properly.
Make sure the seat belts are not
twisted or caught under the seat
and are arranged in their proper
position and are ready to use.
Folding the seats up will enlarge the lug-
gage compartment. See “Luggage stowage
precautions” on page 164 in Section 2 for
precautions in loading luggage.
Rear seats—
—Rear seat precautions—Adjusting rear seats
’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
312002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
1. SEAT POSITION ADJUSTING LEVER
Hold the center of the lever and pull it
up. Then slide the seat to the desired
position with slight body pressure and
release the lever.
When a person sits in the rear center
position, adjust both seat cushions to
the same position.
Do not place anything under the seats. It
might interfere with the seat lock mecha-
nism.
2. SEATBACK ANGLE ADJUSTING STRAP
Pull the strap up. Then lean back to the
desired angle and release the strap.
When a person sits in the rear center
position, align both seatbacks at the
same angle.
CAUTION
Adjustments should not be made
while the vehicle is moving.
Adjust both seat cushions to the
same position and align both seat-
backs at the same angle when a
person sits in the rear center posi-
tion. Otherwise, the person cannot
wear the seat belt properly and this
may cause serious injuries in a col-
lision.
To reduce the risk of sliding under
the lap belt during a collision,
avoid reclining the seatback any
more than needed. The seat belts
provide maximum protection in a
frontal or rear collision when the
passengers are sitting up straight
and well back in the seats. If you
are reclined, the lap belt may slide
past your hips and apply restraint
forces directly to the abdomen.
Therefore, in the event of a frontal
collision, the risk of personal injury
may increase with increasing recline
of the seatback.
After adjusting the seatback, push
back your body to make sure it is
locked in position.
NOTICE
Do not fold the seatback forward
while the luggage cover is set.
’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
412002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
CAUTION
Persons should ride in their seats
properly wearing their seat belts
whenever the vehicle is moving.
Otherwise, they are much more likely
to suffer serious bodily injury or
death in the event of sudden braking
or a collision.
When using the seat belts, observe
the following:
Use the belt for only one person at
a time. Do not use a single belt for
two or more people—even children.
Avoid reclining the seatbacks too
much. The seat belts provide maxi-
mum protection when the seatbacks
are in the upright position. (Refer
to the seat adjustment instructions.)
Be careful not to damage the belt
webbing or hardware. Take care that
they do not get caught or pinched
in the seat or side doors.
Inspect the belt system periodically.
Check for cuts, fraying, and loose
parts. Damaged parts should be re-
placed. Do not disassemble or
modify the system.
Keep the belts clean and dry. If
they need cleaning, use a mild soap
solution or lukewarm water. Never
use bleach, dye, or abrasive clean-
ers—they may severely weaken the
belts. (See “Cleaning the interior”
on page 209 in Section 5.)
Replace the belt assembly (includ-
ing bolts) if it has been used in a
severe impact. The entire assembly
should be replaced even if damage
is not obvious.Adjust the seat as needed and sit up
straight and well back in the seat. To
fasten your belt, pull it out of the re-
tractor and insert the tab into the
buckle.
You will hear a click when the tab locks
into the buckle.
The seat belt length automatically adjusts
to your size and the seat position.
The retractor will lock the belt during a
sudden stop or on impact. It also may
lock if you lean forward too quickly. A
slow, easy motion will allow the belt to
extend, and you can move around freely.
—Front and rear seat belts
’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
422002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
If the seat belt cannot be pulled out of the
retractor, firmly pull the belt and release
it. You will then be able to smoothly pull
the belt out of the retractor.
When a passenger ’s shoulder belt is com-
pletely extended and is then retracted
even slightly, the belt is locked in that
position and cannot be extended. This fea-
ture is used to hold the child restraint
system securely. (For details, see “Child
restraint” on page 57 in this section.) To
free the belt again, fully retract the belt
and then pull the belt out once more.
CAUTION
After inserting the tab, make sure
the tab and buckle are locked and
that the belt is not twisted.
Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in
the buckle as this may prevent you
from properly latching the tab and
buckle.
If the seat belt does not function
normally, immediately contact your
Toyota dealer. Do not use the seat
until the seat belt is fixed. It cannot
protect an adult occupant or your
child from injury.
Seat belts with an adjustable shoulder
anchor—
Adjust the shoulder anchor position to
your size.
To raise: Slide the anchor up.
To lower: Push in the lock release button
and slide the anchor down.
After adjustment, make sure the anchor is
locked in position.
CAUTION
Always make sure the shoulder belt
is positioned across the center of
your shoulder. The belt should be
kept away from your neck, but not
falling off your shoulder. Failure to
do so could reduce the amount of
protection in an accident and cause
serious injuries in a collision.
’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
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
. . . . . . . . . .
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break in 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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2692002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
Low windshield washer fluid level warning light 90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage cover 146 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage stowage precautions 164 . . . . . . . . .
M
Maintenance
Do it yourself 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
Anti glare 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 break in 155
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
O
Odometer 89
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off road driving precautions 172
. . . . . . . . . .
Off road 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
Anti glare 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .