2008 TOYOTA RAV4 open hood

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
CAUTION
Keep the back door closed while
driving. This not only keeps the
luggage from being thrown out but
also prevents exhaust gases from
entering the vehicle.
If the open back door hides the
stop, tail or rear turn signal lights
while you are parked, other road
users must be warned of the pres-
ence of your vehicle by a warning
triangle or other device.
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood lock release lever. The hood will spring up slightly.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure that the hood
is closed and securely locked. Other-
wise, the hood may open unexpected-
ly while driving and an accident may
occur.
2. In front of the vehicle, pull up theauxiliary catch l ever and lift the
hood.
Hood

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
3. Hold the hood open by inserting thesupport rod into the slot.
To insert the support rod into the slot,
move it straight up. If it is moved to the
side or toward the inside of the vehicle,
it may become detached.
Before closing the hood, check to see that
you have not forgotten any tools, rags,
etc. and return the support rod to its
clip—this prevents rattles. Then lower the
hood and make sure it locks into place.
If necessary, press down gently on the
front edge to lock it.
CAUTION
After inserting the support rod into
the slot, make sure the rod supports
the hood securely from falling down
on to your head or body.
NOTICE
Be sure to return the support rod to
its clip before closing the hood. Clos-
ing the hood with the support rod up
could cause the hood to bend.
This indicates that the fuel filler door
is on the left side of your vehicle.
Fuel tank cap

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
If your engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, if you ex-
perience a loss of power, or if you hear
a loud knocking or pinging noise, the
engine has probably overheated. You
should follow this procedure...1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve- hicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in “P”
and apply the parking brake. Turn off
the air conditioning if it is being used.
2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the engine.
Wait until the steam subsides before
opening the hood. If there is no coolant
boiling over or steam, leave the engine
running and make sure the electric
cooling fan is operating. If it is not,
turn the engine off.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep
the hood closed until there is no
steam. Escaping steam or coolant is
a sign of very high pressure.
3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from theradiator, hoses, and under the vehicle.
However, note that water draining from
the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands and clothing away from the
moving fan and engine drive belts.
4. If the coolant is leaking, stop the en-gine immediately. Call a Toyota dealer
for assistance.
5. If there are no obvious leaks, check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add
coolant to the reservoir while the en-
gine is running. Fill it about half full.
For the coolant type, see “Coolant type
selection” on page 406 in Section 7 −2.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to remove the coolant
reservoir cap when the engine and
radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and
steam blown out under pressure.
6. After the engine coolant temperature
has cooled to normal, again check the
coolant level in the reservoir. If neces-
sary, bring it up to half full again. Seri-
ous coolant loss indicates a leak in the
system. You s hould have it checked as
soon as possible at your Toyota dealer.
If your vehicle overheats

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of
the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have
the cause located and corrected immedi-
ately. (See “Engine exhaust cautions” on
page 313 in Section 2.)
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be checked
regularly, e.g. while performing periodic
services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights
are all working.
Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified free play.
Be alert for changes in steering condition,
such as hard steering or strange noise.Seats
Check that all seat controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate
smoothly and that all latches lock securely
in any position. For folding
−down rear
seatbacks, check that the latches lock se-
curely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as
buckles, retractors and anchors operate
properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt
webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dam-
aged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
uneven pedal effort or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do
not pull to one side when applied. Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel
and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle
is held securely with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission “Park” mecha-
nism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle
is held securely with the selector lever in
“P” position and all brakes released.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors and back door oper-
ate smoothly and all latches lock securely.
Make sure the engine hood secondary
latch secures the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Low beam
(outside)High beam (inside)
1. Open the hood. Turn the bulb base
counterclockwise to the front of the
vehicle as shown.
The above illustration shows the left −hand
headlight.2. Unplug the connector while depress- ing the lock release.
If the connector is tight, wiggle it.3. Plug in a new bulb into the connec- tor and install it into the mounting
hole.
Aiming is not necessary after replacing
the bulb. When aiming adjustment is nec-
essary, contact your Toyota dealer.
—Headlights

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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
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Jacking precautions 361
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Jacking up 366
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 365
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Lowering vehicle 368
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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
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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
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Ignition switch 142
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated entry system 119
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Indicator symbols 9
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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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