2003 TOYOTA RAV4 engine

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
2212003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
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):
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equiva-
lent
See page 226 in Section 72 for de-
tails about engine oil selection.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or
equivalent
See page 228 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

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
2232003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
When jacking up your vehicle with the
jack, position the jack correctly as
shown in the illustrations.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the
following to reduce the possibility of
personal injury:
Follow jacking instructions.
Do not put any part of your body
under the vehicle supported by the
jack. Personal injury may occur.
Do not start or run the engine while
your vehicle is supported by the
jack.
Stop the vehicle on a level firm
ground, firmly set the parking brake
and put the transmission in “P”
(automatic) or reverse (manual).
Block the wheels on the opposite
side of the jack up point if neces-
sary.
Make sure to set the jack properly
in the jack point. Raising the ve-
hicle with jack improperly posi-
tioned will damage the vehicle or
may allow the vehicle to fall off the
jack and cause personal injury.
Never get under the vehicle when
the vehicle is supported by the jack
alone; use vehicle support stands.
Do not raise the vehicle with some-
one in the vehicle.
When raising the vehicle, do not
place any objects on top of or un-
derneath the jack.
NOTICE
Make sure to place the jack correctly,
or your vehicle may be damaged.

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
2252003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level226
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 228
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
Checking power steering fluid 231
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the air conditioning filter 231
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 233
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Checking and replacing tires 234
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 235
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 236
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 237
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 238
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7 2

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
2262003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
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 the dipstick out, hold a rag under the end and wipe it clean.
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 while holding a rag under the
end.
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot ex-
haust manifold.
NOTICE
Be careful not to drop the engine oil
on the vehicle components.
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. We recommend that you use
a funnel when adding oil.
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
 Be careful not to spill the engine
oil on the vehicle components.
 Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
 Check the oil level on the dipstick
once again after adding the oil.
Checking the engine oil level

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
2272003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
ENGINE OIL SELECTION
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is filled in
your Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
to satisfy the following grade and
viscosity.
Oil grade: API grade SL “EnergyConserving” or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil
Recommended viscosity: SAE 5W30
Outside temperature
SAE 5W30 is the best choice for good
fuel economy and good starting in cold
weather.
If SAE 5W30 is not available, SAE
10W30 may be used. However, it
should be replaced with SAE 5W30 at
the next oil change.
API service symbol
ILSAC certification mark

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
2282003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
Oil identification marks
Either or both API registered marks are
added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located any-
where on the outside of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil
quality by API (American Petroleum Insti-
tute) designations such as SL. The center
portion of the label shows the SAE viscos-
ity grade such as SAE 5W30. “Energy
Conserving” shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuelsaving ca-
pabilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-
fication Mark is displayed on the front of
the container.
To ensure the excellent lubrication
performance for your engine, the “Toyota
Genuine Motor Oil” range is available,
which has been specifically tested and
approved for all Toyota engines.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details of the “Toyota Genuine Motor
Oil” range.Look at the seethrough coolant reser-
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-
ant level is satisfactory if it is between
the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the
reservoir. If the level is low, add ethyl-
eneglycol type coolant for a proper
corrosion protection of aluminum com-
ponents.
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the “LOW” line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the “FULL”
line.
Always use ethyleneglycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of alumi-
num components. See information in the
next column.
If the coolant level drops within a short
time after replenishing, there may be a
leak in the system. Visually check the
radiator, hoses, radiator cap and drain
cock and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Toyota
dealer test the cap pressure and check
for leaks in the cooling system.
Checking the engine coolant
level

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
2292003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot.
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage
your engine cooling system. Your coolant
must contain ethyleneglycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of your
engine that contains aluminum compo-
nents.
We have used “Toyota Genuine Long Life
Coolant” in your Toyota vehicle. In order
to avoid technical problems, we strongly
recommend using “Toyota Genuine Long
Life Coolant” or equivalent.
In addition to preventing freezing and sub-
sequent damage to the engine, this type
of coolant will also prevent corrosion. Fur-
ther supplemental inhibitors or additives
are neither needed nor recommended.Read the coolant container for information
on freeze protection. Follow the manufac-
turer’s directions for how much to mix
with plain water (preferably demineralized
water or distilled water). The total c
apacity
of the cooling system is given on page
255 in Section 8.
We recommend to use 50% solution for
your Toyota, to provide protection down to
about 35 C (31 F). When it is extreme-
ly cold, to provide protection down to
about 50 C (58 F), 60% solution is rec-
ommended. Do not use more than 70%
solution for better coolant performance.
NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
The engine cooling system is integral to
maximizing performance of your Toyota
vehicle. In line with this, it is strongly
recommended that you use “Toyota
Genuine Long Life Coolant” for protecting
the system, as it is an ethyleneglycol
based premium antifreeze coolant with
excellent corrosion protection properties
that has been specifically formulated for
use in Toyota vehicles.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details of the “Toyota Genuine Long
Life Coolant” range.

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
2302003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
If any of the above parts are extremely
dirty or you are not sure of their condi-
tion, take your vehicle to Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, be care-
ful not to touch the radiator or con-
denser when the engine is hot.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the radiator
and condenser, do not perform the
work by yourself.
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.
Checking the radiator and
condenser Checking brake fluid