2009 TOYOTA RAV4 brake fluid

362 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Adding fluid
Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
■ Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean
water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious pro\
blem.

418
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible.
■ Visible symptoms
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air cond itioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature g auge needle continually points
higher than normal
■ Audible symptoms
●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■ Operational symptoms
●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, s pongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

422
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a war ning light tur ns on or a war ning buzzer sounds...
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake sys-
tem. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
*: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer: The buzzer sounds to indicate that the parking brake is still engaged (with
the vehicle having reached a speed of 3 mph [5 km/h]).
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)
(Canada) Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully
released the system is operating normally.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn
on or flash. If a light turns on or flashes, but then turns off, this does
not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the system.

474 6-1. Specifications
Transfer (4WD models)
Brakes
*1: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with a force of 110 lbf (490 N,50 kgf) while the engine is running
*
2: Parking brake pedal travel when depressed with a force of 45 lbf (200 N, 21 kgf)
Steering
Oil capacity 0.48 qt. (0.45 L, 0.40 Imp.qt.)
Oil typeHypoid gear oil API GL-5
Recommended oil viscosityAbove 0
F (-18 C): SAE 90
Below 0 F (-18 C): SAE 80W or SAE
80W-90
Pedal clearance*1Without third seats
3.7 in. (95 mm)
With third seats
4.7 in. (120 mm)
Pedal free play 0.04  0.24 in. (1  6 mm)
Brake pad wear limit 0.04 in. (1.0 mm)
Parking brake lining wear limit 0.04 in. (1.0 mm)
Parking brake pedal travel*26 8 clicks
Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
Free playLess than 1.2 in. (30 mm)

503
Alphabetical index
Back-up lights
Replacing light bulbs ............ 400
Wattage ................................ 476
Back door Back door ............................... 46
Wireless remote control.......... 38
Smart key system ... ................ 26
Battery
Checking .............................. 363
If the vehicle has a discharged battery ............. 457
Preparing and checking before winter ................................. 206
Bluetooth
............................... 270
Bottle holder ............................ 309
Brakes Fluid...................................... 361
Parking brake ....................... 154 Care
Exterior ..................................332
Interior ...................................335
Seat belts ..............................336
Cargo capacity .........................204
Cargo hooks .............................323
CD changer ...............................245
CD player ..................................245
Chains .......................................206
Child restraint system Booster seats, definition ........116
Booster seats, installation .....120
Convertible seats, definition .............................116
Convertible seats, installation ...........................120
Front passenger occupant
classification system ........... 110
Infant seats, definition ...........116
Infant seats, installation.........120
Installing CRS with LATCH anchors ..................122
Installing CRS with seat
belts ....................................124
Installing CRS with a top tether strap..........................127
Child safety Airbag precautions ................104
Battery precautions .......365, 459
Child restraint system............116
Child-protectors .......................44
How your child should wear the seat belt ..........................73
Installing child restraints ........120
Moon roof precautions ............87
BC

505
Alphabetical index
If the electronic key does not
operate properly ................. 455
If the engine will not start...... 451
If the shift lever cannot be shifted ................................ 453
If the vehicle has a discharged battery ............. 457
If you have a flat tire ............ 434
If you lose your keys............. 454
If you think something is wrong ................................. 418
If your vehicle becomes stuck................................... 463
If your vehicle needs to be
towed ................................. 411
If your vehicle overheats ...... 460
Switch ................................... 155
Engine Compartment........................ 352
Engine switch ............... 143, 147
Hood ..................................... 348
How to start the engine ........................ 143, 147
Identification number ............ 468 If the engine will not start ......451
Ignition switch................143, 147
Overheating...........................460
Engine compartment cover.....354
Engine coolant Capacity ................................472
Checking ...............................360
Preparing and checking before winter .......................206
Engine coolan t temperature
gauge ......................................156
Engine immobilizer system.......92
Engine oil Capacity ................................470
Checking ...............................355
Preparing and checking before winter .......................206
Engine oil maintenance data .........................................358
Enhanced vehicle stability
control ....................................180
Enhanced VSC .........................180
EPS ............................................180
Event data recorder .................420
Floor mat...................................322
Fluid Brake .....................................361
Washer ..................................367
F

511
Alphabetical index
Tires
Chains .................................. 206
Checking .............................. 368
If you have a flat tire ............. 434
Inflation pressure .................. 375
Information ........................... 480
Replacing ............................. 434
Rotating tires ........................ 368
Size ...................................... 475
Snow tires............................. 206
Tire pressure warning
system........................ 368, 425
Tools......................................... 434
Total load capacity .................. 204
Towing Dinghy towing ....................... 218
Emergency towing ................ 411
Trailer towing ........................ 210
Traction control ....................... 180
TRAC ........................................ 180
Trip information....................... 162
Trip meter................................. 156
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............ 400
Switch ................................... 153
Wattage ................................ 476
Utility vehicle ........................... 193 Valet key .....................................24
Vanity lights
Vanity lights ...........................313
Wattage .................................476
Vanity mirrors...........................313
Vehicle identification
number ...................................468
Warning buzzers Brake system ........................422
Open door .............................425
Seat belt reminder .................425
Warning lights
Active torque control 4WDsystem ........................423, 425
Anti-lock brake system ..........423
Automatic transmission fluid
temperature ........................425
Brake assist system ..............423
Brake system ........................422
Charging system .... ...............423
Electric power steering
system ................................423
Engine oil pressure ...............423
Low fuel level ........................425
Low washer fluid ...................425
Malfunction indicator lamp ....423
Open door .............................425
Pretensioners ........................423
Seat belt reminder light .........425
SRS airbags ..........................423
Tire pressure warning light ....425
U
V
W

515
What to do if...
■
Warning lights
P. 423
or
P. 4 2 2P. 423
P. 4 2 3P. 425
P. 4 2 3P. 425
P. 425
or
P. 4 2 3P. 425
P. 4 2 3P. 425
P. 4 2 5P. 425
P. 425
or
P. 4 2 3P. 427
Brake system warning
lightElectric power steering
warning light
Active torque control 4WD sys-
tem warning light
Charging system warn-
ing lightLow fuel level warning
light
Low engine oil pressure
warning lightDriver’s seat belt
reminder light
Malfunction indicator
lampFront passenger’s seat belt
reminder light
Engine oil replacement
reminder light
SRS warning lightLow washer fluid warn-
ing light
Open door warning lightAutomatic transmission fluid temper-
ature warning light
ABS warning lightTire pressure warning
light
Smart key system warn-
ing light