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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Always slow down in gusty cross-
winds. Because of its profile and
higher center of gravity, your ve-
hicle is more sensitive to side
winds than an ordinary passenger
car. Slowing down will allow you to
have better control.
When driving off road or in rugged
terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause
loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage
to your vehicle’s suspension and
chassis.
Do not drive horizontally across
steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your ve-
hicle (or any similar off road ve-
hicle) can tip over sideways much
more easily than forward or back-
ward.
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break−in. But following a few simple tips
for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add
to the future economy and long life of
your vehicle:
Avoid full throttle acceleration when
starting and driving.
Avoid racing the engine.
Try to avoid hard stops during the first
300 km (200 miles).
Do not drive for a long time at any
single speed, either fast or slow.
Do not tow a trailer during the first 800
km (500 miles). FUEL TYPE
Your new vehicle must use only un-
leaded gasoline.
To help prevent gas station mix
−ups, your
Toyota has a smaller fuel tank opening.
The special nozzle on pumps with un-
leaded fuel will fit it, but the larger stan-
dard nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will
not.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use
should meet the specifications of ASTM
D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB 3.5 −M93
in Canada.NOTICE
Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of
leaded gasoline will cause the three
way catalytic converter to lose its ef-
fectiveness and the emission control
system to function improperly. Also,
this can increase maintenance costs.
Break in period Fuel
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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
OCTANE RATING
Select octane rating 87 (Research
Octane Number 91) or higher.
Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than 87 may result in engine
knocking. Persistent knocking can lead to
engine damage.
If your engine knocks...
If you detect heavy knocking even when
using the recommended fuel, or if you
hear steady knocking while holding a
steady speed on level roads, consult your
Toyota dealer.
However, occasionally, you may notice
light knocking for a short time while accel-
erating or driving up hills. This is normal
and there is no need for concern.
GASOLINE CONTAINING DETERGENT
ADDITIVES
Toyota recommends the use of gasoline
that contains detergent additives to
avoid build up of engine deposits.
However, all gasoline sold in the U.S.
contains detergent additives to keep clean
and/or clean intake systems.QUALITY GASOLINE
Automotive manufacturers in the U.S.,
Europe and Japan have developed a
specification for quality fuel named
World Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) that
is expected to be applied world wide.
The WWFC consists of four categories
that depend on required emission lev-
els. In the U.S., category 4 has been
adopted. The WWFC improves air quali-
ty by providing for better emissions in
vehicle fleets, and customer satisfaction
through better vehicle performance.
CLEANER BURNING GASOLINE
Cleaner burning gasoline, including re-
formulated gasoline that contains oxy-
genates such as ethanol or MTBE is
available in many areas.
Toyota recommends the use of cleaner
burning gasoline and appropriately blended
reformulated gasoline. These types of gas-
oline provide excellent vehicle perfor-
mance, reduce vehicle emissions, and im-
prove air quality.
OXYGENATES IN GASOLINE
Toyota allows the use of oxygenate
blended gasoline where the oxygenate
content is up to 10% ethanol or 15%
MTBE. If you use gasohol in your
Toyota, be sure that it has an octane
rating no lower than 87.
Toyota does not recommend the use of
gasoline containing methanol.
GASOLINE CONTAINING MMT
Some gasoline contain an octane en-
hancing additive called MMT (Methylcy-
clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).
Toyota does not recommend the use of
gasoline that contains MMT. If fuel con-
taining MMT is used, your emission con-
trol system may be adversely affected.
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the in-
strument cluster may come on. If this hap-
pens, contact your Toyota dealer for ser-
vice.
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CAUTION
Vehicles with side airbags and cur-
tain shield airbags:
Be careful not to splash water or
spill liquid on the floor. This may
prevent the side airbag and curtain
shield airbag from activating cor-
rectly, resulting in serious injury.
Do not wash the vehicle floor with
water, or allow water to get onto
the floor when cleaning the vehicle
interior or exterior. Water may get
into audio components or other
electrical components above or un-
der the floor carpet (or mat) and
cause a malfunction; and it may
cause body corrosion.
Vinyl interior
The vinyl upholstery may be easily
cleaned with a mild soap or detergent
and water.First vacuum over the upholstery to re-
move loose dirt. Then, using a sponge or
soft cloth, apply the soap solution to the
vinyl. After allowing it to soak in for a few
minutes to loosen the dirt, remove the dirt
and wipe off the soap with a clean damp
cloth. If all the dirt do not come off, re-
peat the procedure. Commercial foaming
−
type vinyl cleaners are also available
which work well. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions.
NOTICE
Do not use solvent, thinner, gasoline
or window cleaner on the interior.
Carpets
Use a good foam type shampoo to
clean the carpets.
Begin by vacuuming thoroughly to remove
as much dirt as possible. Several types of
foam cleaners are available; some are in
aerosol cans and others are powders or
liquids which you mix with water to pro-
duce a foam. To shampoo the carpets,
use a sponge or brush to apply the foam.
Rub in overlapping circles. Do not apply water—the best results are
obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as
possible. Read the shampoo instructions
and follow them closely.
Seat belts
The seat belts may be cleaned with
mild soap and water or with lukewarm
water.
Use a cloth or sponge. As you are clean-
ing, check the belts for excessive wear,
fraying, or cuts.
NOTICE
Do not use dye or bleach on the
belts —it may weaken them.
Do not use the belts until they be-
come dry.
Windows
The windows may be cleaned with any
household window cleaner.
NOTICE
When cleaning the inside of the rear
window, be careful not to scratch or
damage the heater wires or connec-
tors.
Cleaning the interior
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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Model:2AZ− FE and 2GR −FE
Type: 2AZ− FE engine
4 cylinder in line, 4 cycle, gasoline
2GR −FE engine
6 cylinder V type, 4 cycle, gasoline
Bore and stroke, mm (in.): 2AZ− FE engine
88.5 96.0 (3.48 3.78)
2GR −FE engine
94.0 83.0 (3.70 3.27)
Displacement, cm
3 (cu. in.):
2AZ− FE engine 2362 (144.1)
2GR −FE engine 3456 (210.9)Fuel type:
Unleaded gasoline, Octane Rating 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or higher
Fuel tank capacity, L (gal., Imp. gal.): 60 (15.9, 13.2) ENGINE
Valve clearance (engine cold), mm (in.):
2.4 L 4 −cylinder (2AZ −FE) engine only
Intake 0.19—0.29 (0.007—0.011)
Exhaust 0.38—0.48 (0.015—0.019)
Spark plug type: 2.4 L 4 −cylinder (2AZ −FE) engine
DENSO SK20R11
NGK IFR6A11
3.5 L V6 (2GR −FE) engine
DENSO FK20HR11
Spark plug gap, mm (in.): 1.1 (0.043)
NOTICE
3.5 L V6 (2GR FE) engine—Use only
above spark plugs. Do not adjust
gaps for engine performance or
smooth driveab ility.
Engine FuelService specifications
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A
“ABS” warning light129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
“AUTO LSD” system 153
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Active torque control 4WD system 150 . . . . .
Adding washer fluid 422
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment
Front seats 36,37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear/second seat 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioning filter 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioning system
Automatic air conditioning system 276 . . . .
Manual air conditioning system 270 . . . . . .
Airbags 64,71,81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 416
. . . . . . . . . .
Anti −glare inside rear view mirror 110 . . . . . .
Anti −theft steering column lock 142 . . . . . . . .
Appearance care
Cleaning the interior 386
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota from corrosion 382
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 383
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio system 172
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio system
AUX 191
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio/video system 194
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio/video system operating tips 232 . . . . . .
Automatic air conditioning system 276 . . . . . .
Automatic transmission
Driving with an automatic transmission 143,147
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift lock override button 378
. . . . . . . . . . . . Shift pattern
143,147
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 143,147
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission fluid
temperature warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . .
AUX 191
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary box 291,292
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary catch, Engine hood 27
. . . . . . . . . . .
B
Back door 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery
Checking battery condition 418
. . . . . . . . . .
Gas caution 418
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handling safety 418
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recharging precautions 420
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 346
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 342
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bluetooth 239
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bottle holders 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 319 . . . . . . . .
Brake system 316
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes
Fluid level 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad wear limit indicators 319
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 167
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break −in tips 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness control 116
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Carbon monoxide caution 313
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo and luggage
Capacity 335
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacity and distribution 337
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowage precautions 336
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo net 300
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification label 321
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging system warning light 129
. . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing fuses 420
. . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing the air conditioning filter 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 404
. . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and
condenser 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint
Child restraint system 86
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation 88
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation with child restraint lower anchorages 104
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of child restraint system 87 . . . . . . . .
Using a top strap 100
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 386
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 288
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cold weather
Operation 346
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc changer 172
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc changer controller 172 . . . . . . .
Compact disc player 172
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Condenser
Checking the condenser 407
. . . . . . . . . . . .
’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Publication No. OM42726U
Part No. 01999-42726
Printed in Japan 01−0802 −00
I
( U)
Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 129 . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 356 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. .
If your engine stalls while driving 359 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
If you have a flat tire 361 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 373 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for driving during break −in period 309 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
General maintenance 391 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . .
Complete index 443 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas station information
Fuel type:
UNLEADED gasoline, Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or
higher
See page 309 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity:
60 L (15.9 gal., 13.2 Imp. gal.)
Engine oil:
ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recommended.
See page 405 for detailed information.
Tire information: See pages 408 through 416.
Tire inflation pressure: See page 433.
U 1