2008 TOYOTA RAV4 ignition

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Engine (ignition) switch, Transmission and Parking
brake
Engine (ignition) switch142
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
Automatic transmission 143
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
Active torque control 4WD system 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 152
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
“AUTO LSD” system 153
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
Enhanced vehicle stability control system 155
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Downhill assist control system 158
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill −start assist control system 161
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressure warning system 163
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 167
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. . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 168
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SECTION 1 7

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
“START”—Starter motor on. The key
will return to the “ON” position when
released.
For starting tips, see page 341 in Section
3.
“ON”—Engine on and all accessories
on.
This is the normal driving position.
“ACC”—Accessories such as the radio
operate, but the engine is off.
If you leave the engine switch in the
“ACC” or “LOCK” position and open the
driver ’s door, a buzzer will remind you to
remove the key.“LOCK”—Engine is off and the steering
wheel is locked. The key can be re-
moved only at this position.
You must push in the key to turn the
engine switch from the “ACC” to “LOCK”
position. The selector lever must be in the
“P” position before pushing the key.
Vehicles with engine immobilizer sys-
tem—Once you remove the key, the en-
gine immobilizer system is automatically
set. (See “Engine immobilizer system” on
page 15 in Section 1
−2.)
When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck at the “LOCK”
position. To free it, first be sure the key
is pushed all the way in, and then rotate
the steering wheel slightly while turning
the key gently.
Approximately five hours after the engine
is turned off, you may hear sound coming
from under the floor around the driver ’s
seat for several minutes. This is normal
operation and does not indicate a malfunc-
tion. (See “Leak detection pump” on page
ix.)
It is not a malfunction if the needle on all
meters and gauges move slightly when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON” or
“START” position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the engine switch in the
“ON” position if the engine is not
running. The battery will discharge
and the ignition could be damaged.
Engine (ignition) switch

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
The threeway catalytic converter is an
emission control device installed in the
exhaust system.
The purpose is to reduce pollutants in the
exhaust gas.
CAUTION
Keep people and combustible mate-
rials away from the exhaust pipe
while the engine is running. The
exhaust gas is very hot.
Do not idle or park your vehicle
over anything that might burn easi-
ly such as grass, leaves, paper or
rags.
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases
flowing into the threeway catalytic
converter may cause it to overheat
and create a fire hazard. To prevent
this and other damage, observe the
following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
 Do not drive with an extremely low
fuel level; running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, creat-
ing an excessive load on the three
way catalytic converter.
 Do not allow the engine to run at
idle speed for more than 20 min-
utes.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Do not pushstart or pullstart your
vehicle.
 Do not turn off the engine while the
vehicle is moving.
Keep your engine in good running
order. Malfunctions in the engine
electrical system, electronic ignition
system/distributor ignition system
or fuel systems could cause an ex-
tremely high threeway catalytic
converter temperature.
 If the engine becomes difficult to
start or stalls frequently, take your
vehicle in for a checkup as soon
as possible. Remember, your Toyota
dealer knows your vehicle and its
threeway catalytic converter sys-
tem best.
 To ensure that the threeway cata-
lytic converter and the entire emis-
sion control system operate proper-
ly, your vehicle must receive the
periodic inspections required by the
Toyota Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information,
refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner ’s Manual Supple-
ment”.
Threeway catalytic converters

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Be extremely cautious when work-
ing on the battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition
cable carry high currents or volt-
ages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
 Add only “Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” or similar high quality eth-
ylene glycol based nonsilicate,
nonamine, nonnitrite, and nonbo-
rate coolant with longlife hybrid
organic acid technology to fill the
radiator. “Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is a mixture of 50% cool-
ant and 50% deionized water (for
the U.S.A.) or 55% coolant and 45%
deionized water (for Canada).
 If you spill some of the coolant, be
sure to wash it off with water to
prevent it from damaging the parts
or paint.
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 to perform do −it−yourself 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 404 in Section 7− 2 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 Super Long Life Coolant” or
similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non −silicate, non −amine, non− ni-
trite, and non −borate coolant with long −
life hybrid organic acid technology.
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a
mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deion-
ized water (for the U.S.A.) or 55%
coolant and 45% deionized water (for
Canada).
Parts and tools

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
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
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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
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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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’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
P
Parking brakeOperation 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reminder light 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Polishing 383 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning a floor jack 401 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power outlet 288,289 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view mirror control 109 . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 320 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power window switches 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preloaders (seat belt pretensioners) 62 . . . . .
Pretensioners
(seat belt pretensioners) 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota from
corrosion 382 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R
Radiator
Checking the radiator 407 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant, Engine 406 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio 172 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear audio/video system 194 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seat entertainment system 194 . . . . .
Rear cargo net 300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear console box 293 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear cup holder 294 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seat
Third seat entry 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seat precautions 41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear step bumper 321 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirror
Anti −glare inside 110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear view mirrors
Folding 110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside 108 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 109 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window and outside rear view mirror defogger switch 122 . . . . . . . . .
Rear window wiper and washer switch 121 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear/second seat 41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote controls 191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners 440 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof luggage carrier 303 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S
Seat adjustment precautions
Front seats 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt extender 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
Cleaning 386 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fastening 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt precautions 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt pretensioners 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat heater switch 52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seating capacity 335 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second seat 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service and maintenance 390 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicator 129 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side door locks 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side doors 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side vents 283 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare fuse 420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare tire 362 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spark plugs
Iridium −tipped spark plugs 315 . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 428 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS driver airbag and front passenger airbag 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags 71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS warning light 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting
Cold weather 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 357 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering
Adjusting steering wheel 108 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric power steering system 320 . . . . . .
Steering switches overview 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun visors 111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 323 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch
Emergency flasher 116 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight, dimmer and turn signal 114 . . . .
Ignition 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view mirror defogger 122 . . . .
Rear window defogger 122 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window wiper and washer 121 . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer 120 . . . . . . . .
T
Tachometer 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telescopic steering column 108
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels 323
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three −way catalytic converters 312 . . . . . . . .
Tie −down hooks 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Accessories, spare parts andmodification of your Toyota
A wide variety of non −genuine spare parts and accessories
for Toyota vehicles are currently available in the market.
You should know that Toyota does not warrant these prod-
ucts and is not responsible for their performance, repair, or
replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or
adverse effect they may have on, your Toyota vehicle.
This vehicle should not be modified with non −genuine
Toyota products. Modification with non −genuine Toyota
products could affect its performance, safety or durability,
and may even violate governmental regulations. In addi-
tion, damage or performance problems resulting from the
modification may not be covered under warranty.
Spark ignition system of your To y o t a
The spark ignition system in your Toyota meets all require-
ments of the Canadian Interference −Causing Equipment
Standard.

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
1 OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLSPage
1 Overview of instruments and controls
1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Keys and Doors11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
3 Occupant restraint systems33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Steering wheel and Mirrors107
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Lights, Wipers and Defogger11 3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Gauges, Meters and Service reminder indicators125
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Engine (ignition) switch, Transmission and Parking brake141
. . . . . . . . . .
8 Audio and hands −free phone systems171
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Air conditioning system269
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Other equipment287
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
2 INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA 307 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 STARTING AND DRIVING 341 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY 355 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE 381 . . . . . . . .
6 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND CARE 389 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
1 Introduction395
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. . . . . . . . . .
2 Engine and Chassis403
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
3 Electrical components417
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
8 SPECIFICATIONS 427 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . .
9 FOR OWNERS 439 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
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1 0 INDEX 443 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
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Table of contents