2009 TOYOTA RAV4 check engine

5
When trouble arises
427
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
*: Driver's and front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzers:
The driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzers sound to alert
the driver and front passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The
buzzer sounds intermittently for 10 seconds after the vehicle has reached a
speed of 12 mph (20 km/h). Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the
buzzer will sound at a different tone for 20 more seconds.
Follow the correction procedures. (vehicles with smart key system)
After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,
check that the warning light turns off.
Interior
buzzerExterior
buzzerWarning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Once (Comes
on for 8
seconds.) Smart key system warning
light
Indicates that the electronic
key is not present when the
“ENGINE START STOP”
switch is pressed. Confirm the
location of the
electronic
key*.
Once3 times
Smart key system warning
light
Indicates that a door other
than the driver’s door has
been opened and closed with
the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch in any mode other
than OFF and the electronic
key has been taken out of
the detection area. Confirm the
location of the
electronic
key.

5
When trouble arises
429
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
● Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
● Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the malfunction indicator lamp does not go off even after several trips, con-
tact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
■ Front passenger detection sensor and passenger seat belt reminder
● If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger
detection sensor may cause the warning light to flash, even if a passen-
ger is not sitting in the seat.
● If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sensor may not detect a passen-
ger, and the warning light may not operate properly.
■ Changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
Make sure to reset the oil change system. ( P. 358)
■
When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level.
Pushing the tire pressure warning reset switch does not turn off the tire
pressure warning light.
■The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes such
as natural air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caused by temper-
ature. In this case, adjusting the ti re inflation pressure will turn off the
warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire (vehicles with a tire pres-
sure warning system)
The spare tire is also equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter. The tire pressure warning li ght will turn on if the tire inflation
pressure of the spare tire is low. If a tire goes flat, even though the flat
tire is replaced with the spare tire, the tire pressure warning light does
not turn off. Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire and adjust the
proper tire inflation pressure. The ti re pressure warning light will turn off
after a few minutes.

5
When trouble arises
431
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1
minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after flashing for 1 minute fre-
quently when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the engine switch is
turned ON, have it checked by your Toyota dealer.
■
Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
The vehicle speed linked seat belt reminder buzzer can be disabled.
(Customizable features P. 491) However, Toyota recommends that the
seat belt reminder buzzer be operational to alert the driver and front passen-
ger that the seat belts are not fastened.
CAUTION
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could
cause loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Vehicles with run-flat tires:
• Decelerate to the lowest appropr iate speed as soon as possible.
Do not drive over 55 mph (90 km/h).
• Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure immediately.
• If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Have
the tire replaced by the nearest Toyota dealer.
• Avoid abrupt maneuvering and brak ing. If the vehicle tires deterio-
rate, you could lose control of th e steering wheel or the brakes.
●Vehicles with standard tires:
• Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the
tire inflation pressure immediately.
• If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check
the tires. If the tire is flat, change to the spare tire and have the flat
tire repaired by the nearest Toyota dealer.
• Avoid abrupt maneuvering and brak ing. If the vehicle tires deterio-
rate, you could lose control of th e steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.

5
When trouble arises
447
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■After repairing the flat tire (veh
icles with aluminum wheels and a
steel wheel for the spare)
Be sure to reinstall the plastic rings to the wheel nuts before stowing the
spare tire. If the steel wheel is st owed without reinstalling the plastic
rings to the wheel nuts, the spare tire carrier may produce abnormal
noise when the vehicle is moving.
CAUTION
■Using the tire jack
Improper use of the tire jack may lead to death or serious injuries due to
the vehicle suddenly falling off the jack.
●Do not use the tire jack for any pu rpose other than replacing tires or
installing and removing tire chains.
●Only use the tire jack that comes wi th this vehicle for replacing a flat
tire.
Do not use it on other vehicles, and do not use other tire jacks for
replacing tires on this vehicle.
●Always check that the tire jack is securely set to the jack point.
●Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle while it is supported
by the jack.
●Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by the
jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in it.
●When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle to a hei ght greater than that required to
replace the tire.
●Use a jack stand if it is necessary to get under the vehicle.
●Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly set the parking brake
and put the transmission in “P”. Block the wheel diagonally opposite to
the one being changed if necessary.
Take particular care when lowering the vehicle to ensure that no one
working on or near the vehicle will be injured.

458 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Starting the engine when the battery is discharged
The engine cannot be started by push-starting.
■ To prevent battery discharge
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the engine is turned
off.
● Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is run-
ning at a low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.
Maintain the engine speed of the second vehicle, and turn
the engine switch to the “ON” position (vehicles without
smart key system) or turn the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch to IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with smart key sys-
tem), to start the vehicle's engine.
Once the vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order in which they were con-
nected.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle checked at your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.STEP 4
STEP 5

460
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air condi-
tioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: Stop the engine. Carefully lift the hood after the steam
subsides and then restart the engine.
If you do not see steam: Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Check to see if the cooling fans are operating.
If the fans are operating: Wait until the temperature of the engine (shown on the
instrument cluster) begins to fall and then stop the
engine.
If the fans are not operating: Stop the engine and call your Toyota dealer.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
engine coolant level and
inspect the radiator core (radi-
ator) for any leaks.STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 5 STEP 4

473
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
Electrical system
Rear differential (4WD models)
Automatic transaxle
Battery
Open voltage* at
68
F (20 C): 12.6  12.8 V Fully charged
12.2  12.4 V Half charged
11 . 8
 12.0 V Discharged
(*: Voltage is checked 20 minutes
after the engine and all the lights are
turned off)
Charging rates 5 A max.
Oil capacity0.5 qt. (0.5 L, 0.4 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
Fluid capacity 4-speed models
8.6 qt. (8.1 L, 7.1 Imp. qt.) 5-speed models
9.3 qt. (8.8 L, 7.7 Imp. qt.)
Fluid type Toyota Genuine ATF WS
NOTICE
■Automatic transmission fluid type
Using automatic transmission fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF WS”
may cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your transmission
accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage the automatic transmis-
sion of your vehicle.

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