2008 TOYOTA RAV4 coolant

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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 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 ADDING WASHER FLUID
Parts:
Water
Washer fluid containing antifreeze
(for winter use)
Tools:
Funnel
REPLACING LIGHT BULBS
Parts:
Bulb with same number and wattage
rating as original (See charts in
“Replacing light bulbs” on page 422 in
Section 7 −3.)
Tools:
Screwdriver
Front
Rear
Positioning a floor jack

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DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level404
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 406
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
Checking tire inflation pressure 408
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 410
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 412
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 413
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 415
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 416
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7 2

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To ensure excellent lubrication perfor-
mance for your engine, “Toyota Genuine
Motor Oil” is available, which has been
specifically tested and approved for all
Toyota engines.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details about “Toyota Genuine Motor
Oil”.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 the
coolant. (For the coolant type, see
“Coolant type selection” described be-
low.)
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is below the “LOW” line, add cool-
ant. Bring the level between the “FULL”
and “LOW” lines.
If the coolant level drops within a short
time after replenishing, there may be a
leak in the system. Visually check the
radiator, hoses, coolant reservoir 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.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the coolant reservoir cap
when the engine is hot.
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage
your engine cooling system.
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non
−silicate, non −amine, non− nitrite,
and non− borate coolant with long −life
hybrid organic acid technology. (Coolant
with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology consists of the combination of
low phosphates and organic acids.)
For the U.S.A.—“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and
50% deionized water. This coolant pro-
vides protection down to about −35 C
( − 31 F).
For Canada—“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and
45% deionized water. This coolant pro-
vides protection down to about −42 C
( − 44 F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Checking the engine coolant
level

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Toyota recommends “Toyota Super Long
Life Coolant”, which has been tested to
ensure that it will not cause corrosion nor
result in malfunction of your engine
coolant system with proper usage. “Toyota
Super Long Life Coolant” is formulated
with long−life hybrid organic acid
technology and has been specifically
designed to avoid engine cooling system
malfunction on Toyota vehicles.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for
further details. If any of the above parts are extremely
dirty or you are not sure of their condi-
tion, take your vehicle to a 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 refi
lling, 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.
Checking the radiator and
condenser Checking brake fluid

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COOLING SYSTEMTotal capacity, L(qt., lmp. qt.):2.4 L 4 −cylinder (2AZ −FE) engine
6.8 (7.2, 6.0)
3.5 L V6 (2GR −FE) engine
Without towing package 8.9 (9.4, 7.8)
With towing package
9.3 (9.8, 8.2)
Coolant type:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is
used in your Toyota vehicle at factory
fill. In order to avoid technical problems,
only use “Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non −silicate, non −amine,
non− nitrite, and non− borate coolant with
long− life hybrid organic acid technology.
(Coolant with long −life hybrid organic
acid technology consists of the combina-
tion of low phosphates and organic
acids.)
Do not use plain water alone.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for
further details. 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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Fluid capacity (drain and refill), L (qt.,
Imp. qt.): Up to 3.5 (3.7, 3.1)
Fluid type: Toyota Genuine ATF WS
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 WS” (ATF
JWS3324 or NWS9638) to aid in assuring
optimum transaxle performance. Notice: Using automatic transmission
fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF
WS” may cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission
accompanied by vibration, and ultimate-
ly damage the automatic transmission
of your vehicle.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details.
TRANSFER
(fourwheel drive models)
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
0.45 (0.48 0.40)
Oil type: Hypoid gear oil API GL −5
Recommended oil viscosity: Above −18 C (0 F)
SAE 85W −90
Below −18 C (0 F)
SAE 80W −90

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Console boxRear 293 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, Instrument panel 2,8 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, overhead console 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, steering switches 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system
Coolant level 406 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 406 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 346 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion prevention 382 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 168 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder
Front 294 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 294 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D
Defogger
Outside rear view mirror 122 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window 122
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 114
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy towing 347
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 114
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do −it−yourself maintenance
Parts and tools 400
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service precautions 399
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 393 . . . . .
Doors
Back door 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side doors 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Downhill assist control system 158
. . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder buzzer 129 . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder light 129 . . . . . . . . Driving
Automatic transmission 143,147
. . . . . . . . .
Driving tips 342
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in the rain 344
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
Driving in the rain 344
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips in various conditions 343 . . . . .
Driving with an automatic transmission 143,147
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economical driving 353
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 143,147
. . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 346
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During
Break −in 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DVD player 194
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Economical driving
Saving money on both fuel and repairs 353 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric moon roof 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric power steering system 320 . . . . . . . .
Electric power steering system warning light 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical system
Battery 418,420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 398 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 116 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency, In case of
Blown fuse 420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 116 . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 361 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If you cannot increase
engine speed 359 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever 378 . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys 379 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your engine stalls while driving 359 . . . . .
If your vehicle becomes stuck 373 . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 373 . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 356 . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 357 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 373 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs 394 . . . . . . . . .
Engine
Before starting the engine 342 . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the coolant level 406 . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control device 312 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment 396 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 313 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification number 322 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 314 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level 404 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting procedure 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three −way catalytic converters 312 . . . . . .
Engine coolant
Temperature gauge 126 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 346 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 126 . . . . .
Engine immobilizer system 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil
Winter driving tips 346 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Engine oil replacement reminder light 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine switch 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 313 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F
“4WD” warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 314 . . . .
Flasher, Headlight 114
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire
After changing wheels 372
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing tire 367
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 361
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack point 366
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking precautions 361
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up 366
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 365
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering vehicle 368
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reinstalling w heel ornament 371
. . . . . . . . .
Removing wheel ornament 364
. . . . . . . . . .
Stowing flat tire 369
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel block 364
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel nuts 367
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level
Brake 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 422
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light switch, Front 117
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries, Operation in 311 . . . . . . . .
Four −wheel drive system 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front cup holder 294
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog light switch 117
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front passenger occupant
classification system 81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger ’s seat belt
reminder buzzer 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger ’s seat belt
reminder light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seat
Seatback flattening 38,39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats 35,36,37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
Filler door opener 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy 353
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 311
. . . . . . . . . .
Gauge 126
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 311 . . . . . . .
Tank cap 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel information 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 311
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse
Fuse box 420
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 398
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature 126 . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 126 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove box 291 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 143,147 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grocery bag hooks 296 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
H
Hands−free phone system 239 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard switch 116 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight switch 114 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High speed operation
During break −in 309 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill −start assist control system 161 . . . . . . . .
Hood release, Engine 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I
I/M test 394
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification
Engine 322
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire 325
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle 321
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch 142
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated entry system 119
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing front towing eyelet 376
. . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel
Brightness control 116
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 288
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge 126
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip meter 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 116
. . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel overview 2,8
. . . . . . . . . . . .

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J
JackLocation 362 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Audio
AUX 191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 357 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
K
Key reminder buzzer 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 12,379
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
L
Light bulbs 422
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light bulbs
Back −up light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front side marker light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front turn signal light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight 424
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
License plate light 426
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear side marker light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear turn signal light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light, Interior
Interior light 117
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal light 118
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light, Luggage compartment 118
. . . . . . . . . .
Load capacity 335
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lock
Back door 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side doors 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering column 142
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low engine oil pressure warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low fuel level warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Low windshield washer fluid level
warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage compartment light 118
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage cover 296
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage storage box 292
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
M
Maintenance
Do −it−yourself maintenance 399 . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 393 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General maintenance 391 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance requirements 390 . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to go for service 390 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction indicator lamp 394 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction indicator lamp
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs 129 . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicator 129 . . . . . . . . . .
Manual air conditioning system 270 . . . . . . . .
Maximum allowable speed
Automatic transmission 143,147 . . . . . . . . .
Mirror
Anti −glare inside rear view 110 . . . . . . . . . . Mirrors
Folding rear view 110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view 108 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view 109 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vanity 111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moon roof 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N
New vehicle break −in 309 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
O
Odometer 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off −road driving precautions 345
. . . . . . . . . .
Oil
Consumption 314
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Viscosity and grade 404
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 314
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Open door warning light 129
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Operation in foreign countries 311
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Outside temperature display 128
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Overhead console overview 7
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Overheating, Engine 360
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Overheating, Engine coolant 126
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Overview
Engine compartment 396
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