2009 TOYOTA RAV4 maintenance

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1Before drivingAdjusting and operating features such as door locks,
mirrors, and steering column.
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior
featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other
interior features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle
specificationsDetailed vehicle information.
7For ownersReporting safety defects for U.S. owners and seat belt
instructions for Canadian owners
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
4
Using the phone book ........ 292
3-4. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ................. 300
• Personal/interior light main switch ...................... 301
• Personal/interior lights...... 301
• Interior light ...................... 302
• Luggage compartment light .................................. 302
3-5. Using the storage features List of storage features....... 304
• Glove box ......................... 305
• Console box ..................... 306
• Overhead console ............ 307
• Cup holders ...................... 308
• Bottle holders ................... 309
• Auxiliary box ..................... 311
3-6. Other interior features Sun visors .......................... 312
Vanity mirrors ..................... 313
Clock .................................. 314
Power outlets ..................... 315
Seat heaters ....................... 318
Armrest............................... 320
Coat hooks ......................... 321
Floor mat ............................ 322
Luggage compartment features ............................ 323 4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior ........... 332
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ............ 335
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements .................... 338
General maintenance ......... 340
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs .......................... 343
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions ....................... 344
Hood ................................... 348
Positioning a floor jack........ 350
Engine compartment .......... 352
Tires.................................... 368
Tire inflation pressure........... 375
Wheels................................ 380
Air conditioning filter ........... 382
Key battery ......................... 384
Checking and replacing fuses ................................. 388
Light bulbs .......................... 400
4Maintenance and care

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ............ 410
If your vehicle needs to be towed ................................ 411
If you think something is wrong ............................ 418
Fuel pump shut off system .............................. 419
Event data recorder ............ 420
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... .......................... 422
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with standard
tires) .................................. 434
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with run-flat
tires) .................................. 450
If the engine will not start .... 451
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P.................... 453
If you lose your keys ........... 454
If the electronic key does not operate properly
(vehicles with smart key
system) ............................. 455
If the battery is discharged ........................ 457
If your vehicle overheats ..... 460
If the vehicle becomes stuck ................................. 463 6-1. Specifications
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) ........... 466
Fuel information.................. 477
Tire information .................. 480
6-2. Customization Customizable features........ 491
6-3. Initialization Items to initialize ................. 494
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners ................ 496
Seat belt instructions for Canadian owners
(in French) ........................ 497
Abbreviation list ........................ 500
Alphabetical index .................... 502
What to do if... .......................... 513
5When trouble arises6Vehicle specifications
7For owners
Index

93
1-6. Theft deterrent system
1
Before driving
■
System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type of engine immobilizer system.
■ Conditions that may cause the system to malfunction
● If the key is in contact with a metallic object
● If the key is in close proximity to or touching a key to the security system
(key with a built-in transponder chip) of another vehicle
■ Certifications for the engine immobilizer system
●For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
Vehicles without smart key system
FCC ID: MOZRI-20BTY
FCC ID: MOZRI-21BTY
Vehicles with smart key system
FCC ID: NI4TMIMB-1
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
●For vehicles sold in Canada
This device complied with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, includ-
ing interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
NOTICE
■ To prevent damage to the key
Do not modify, remove or disable the engine immobilizer system. If any
unauthorized changes or modifications are made, the proper operation of
the system cannot be guaranteed.

197
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the stream for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect brak-
ing efficiency and may damage brake system components.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

212 2-5. Driving information
HitchTrailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established
by the hitch manufacturer. Even th ough the vehicle may be rated for
towing a higher weight, the operat or must never exceed the maxi-
mum weight rating specified for the trailer hitch.
■ Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 475)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights must work in order to be legal.
● Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
● Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper
tongue load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
● Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any
new power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bear-
ings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■ Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner's Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

Maintenance and care4
331
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior ......... 332
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior .......... 335
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements .................. 338
General maintenance....... 340
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs........................ 343
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions .................... 344
Hood ................................ 348
Positioning a floor jack ..... 350
Engine compartment ........ 352
Tires ................................. 368
Tire inflation pressure ...... 375
Wheels ............................. 380
Air conditioning filter......... 382
Key battery ....................... 384
Checking and replacing fuses .............................. 388
Light bulbs........................ 400

332
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
■Automatic car washes
●Before washing the vehicle, do the following.
• Fold the mirrors back.
• Remove the antenna.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface
and harm your vehicle’s paint.
■ High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity
of the windows.
● Before car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle is closed
properly.
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in prime
condition.
● Working from top to bottom, liber ally apply water to the vehicle
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any
dirt and dust.
Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thor-
oughly with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle
body is cool.