Page 8 of 466
’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
8
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
1. Tachometer
2. Service reminder indicators andindicator lights
3. Speedometer 4. Engine coolant temperature gauge
5. Fuel gauge
6. Odometer, two trip meters and outside
temperature display 7. Trip meter reset knob
Instrument cluster overview
Page 10 of 466
’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
10
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
∗1: For details, see “Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” on page 129 in Section 1 −6.
∗
2: If this light flashes, see “Cruise control” on page 168 in
Section 1 −7.Cruise control indicator light
∗
2
Four −wheel drive lock indicator light
Headlight high beam indicator light
Turn signal indicator lights
Automatic transmission indicator lights
(4 −speed)
Engine oil replacement reminder light
∗ 1
Slip indicator light
Front fog light indicator light Headlight indicator light
Tail light indicator light
“AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF” indicator
lights
Downhill assist control system indicator light “AUTO LSD” indicator light
Low windshield washer fluid level warning
light∗1
Electric power steering system warning light∗1
Automatic transmission indicator lights
(5 −speed)
Page 64 of 466

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
64
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
This indicator comes on when the en-
gine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. It goes off after about 6 seconds.
This means the seat belt pretensioners
are operating properly.This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, side and curtain shield airbag sen-
sors, curtain shield airbag sensors, driv-
er ’s seat position sensor, driver ’s seat belt
buckle switch, “AIR BAG ON” indicator
light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, front
passenger ’s seat belt buckle switch, seat
belt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, in-
terconnecting wiring and power sources.
(For details, see “Service reminder indica-
tors and warning buzzers” on page 129 in
Section 1
−6.)
If any of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position or remains on for more than
6 seconds.
The light comes on while driving.
If any seat belt does not retract or
cannot be pulled out due to a malfunc-
tion or activation of the relevant seat
belt pretensioner.
The seat belt pretensioner assembly or
surrounding area has been damaged.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible:
The front of the vehicle (shaded in the
illustration) was involved in an accident
that was not severe enough to cause
the seat belt pretensioners to operate.
Either seat belt pretensioner assembly
or surrounding area is scratched,
cracked, or otherwise damaged.
Page 70 of 466

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
70
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the
SRS front airbag system in some
cases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile two way radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
Modification of the front end struc-
ture
Attachment of a grille guard (bull
bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,
winches or any other equipment to
the front end
Repairs made on or near the front
fenders, front end structure, con-
sole, steering column, steering
wheel or dashboard near the front
passenger airbag
This indicator comes on when the en-
gine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. It goes off after about 6 seconds.
This means the SRS front airbags are
operating properly. This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, side and curtain shield airbag sen-
sors, curtain shield airbag sensors, driv-
er ’s seat position sensor, driver ’s seat belt
buckle switch, “AIR BAG ON” indicator
light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, front
passenger ’s seat belt buckle switch, seat
belt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, in-
terconnecting wiring and power sources.
(For details, see “Service reminder indica-
tors and warning buzzers” on page 129 in
Section 1
−6.)
If any of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position or remains on for more than
6 seconds.
The light comes on while driving.
The SRS warning light and “AIR BAG
OFF” indicator light will come on if there
is a malfunction in the front passenger
occupant classification system.
Page 80 of 466

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
80
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
This indicator comes on when the en-
gine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. It goes off after about 6 seconds.
This means the SRS side airbags and
curtain shield airbags are operating
properly.This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, side and curtain shield airbag sen-
sors, curtain shield airbag sensors, driv-
er ’s seat position sensor, driver ’s seat belt
buckle switch, “AIR BAG ON” indicator
light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, front
passenger ’s seat belt buckle switch, seat
belt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, in-
terconnecting wiring and power sources.
(For details, see “Service reminder indica-
tors and warning buzzers” on page 129 in
Section 1
−6.)
If either of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position or remains on for more than
6 seconds.
The light comes on while driving.
The SRS warning light and “AIR BAG
OFF” indicator light will come on if there
is a malfunction in the front passenger
occupant classification system.
Page 125 of 466
’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
125
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Gauges, Meters and Service reminder indicators
Fuel gauge126
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 126
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and two trip meters 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside temperature display 128
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1 6
Page 129 of 466
’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
129
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
If the indicator or buzzer comes on...Do this.
(a)orIf parking brake is off, stop immediately and contact Toyota dealer.
(b)
(indicator and buzzer)
Fasten driver ’s seat belt.
(c)
(indicator and buzzer)
Fasten front passenger ’s seat belt.
(d)Stop immediately and contact Toyota dealer.
(e)Stop and check.
(f)orTake vehicle to Toyota dealer.
(g)Fill up tank.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Page 134 of 466

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
134
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely
tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off
after taking several driving trips.
If the lamp does not go off even after
several trips, contact your Toyota dealer
as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel
tank cap is not loose...
There is a problem somewhere in the
engine, emission control system, elec-
tronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warn-
ing light system itself.
Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.
If engine speed does not increase when
the accelerator pedal is depressed, there
may be a problem somewhere in the elec-
tronic throttle control system.
At this time, vibration may occur. Howev-
er, if you depress the accelerator pedal
more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle
checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. Even if the abnormality of the electronic
throttle control system is corrected during
low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and
the engine switch is turned to the “ACC”
or “LOCK” position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erro-
neous pedal operation.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state
emission inspection if the malfunction
indicator lamp remains on. Contact your
Toyota dealer to check your vehicle’s
emission control system and OBD
(On
−Board Diagnostics) system before
taking your vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see “Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs” on page 394
in Section 6. (g) Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light comes on when the fuel level
in the tank becomes nearly empty. Fill up
the tank as soon as possible.
On inclines or curves, due to the move-
ment of fuel in the tank, the low fuel level
warning light may come on earlier than
usual.
(h) “ABS” Warning Light
The light comes on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position. If
the anti
−lock brake system and the brake
assist system work properly, the light
turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter,
if either of the systems malfunctions, the
light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
following systems do not operate, but the
brake system still operates conventionally.
Anti −lock brake system
Brake assist system
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Enhanced vehicle stability control sys-
tem
Downhill assist control system
Hill −start assist control system