2011 TOYOTA RAV4 check engine

361
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■ Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level gro und. After turning off the engine,
wait more than five minutes for the oil to drain back into the
bottom of the engine.
Hold a rag under the end and
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check
the oil level.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
2.5 L 4-cylinder (2AR-FE) engine
Low
Full
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
STEP 6

362 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engineLow
Full
■ Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as already in
the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
Engine oil selec-
tion P. 478
Oil quantity
(Low  Full) 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 lmp. qt.)
Item Clean funnel
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

364 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should
be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine
oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
● Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground. Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for
information concerning recycling or disposal.
● Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■ When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
● Avoid overfilling, as the engine could be damaged.
● Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
● Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

365
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir cap, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
■ Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. (Enabled: -31 F [-35 C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. (Enabled: -44 F [-42 C])
For more details about engine coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■ When the engine is hot
Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing burns or other injuries.

366 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Radiator and condenserCheck the radiator and condenser, and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are ex tremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicl e checked by your Toyota dealer.
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor stra ight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and may cause
burns.

392
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Checking and replacing fuses
If any of the electrical components do not operate, a fuse may have
blown. If this happens, check and replace the fuses as necessary.
Vehicles without smart key system: Turn the engine switch
off.
Vehicles with smart key system: Turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch off.
The fuses are located in the following places. To check the
fuses, follow the in structions below.
Open the fuse box cover.
Engine compartment Type A: Push the tab in and lift
the lid off.
Type B: Push the tab in and lift
the lid off.STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

404
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Light bulbs
You may replace the following bulbs yourself. The difficulty level of
replacement varies depending on the bulb. If necessary bulb
replacement seems difficult to perfor m, contact your Toyota dealer.
For more information about replacing other light bulbs, contact your
Toyota dealer.
■ Preparing a light bulb for replacement
Check the wattage of the light bulb being replaced. ( P. 485)
■ Removing the engine compartment cover
 P. 360
■ Front bulb locations
Headlight
low beam
Front turn signal, parking and
front side marker lights
Headlight high beam and
daytime running lights
Front fog lights
(if equipped)

5
When trouble arises
429
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Follow the correction procedures.
After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,
check that the warning light turns off.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Open door warning light Indicates that a door is not
fully closed. Check that all doors are
closed.
Low fuel level warning
light Indicates that remaining
fuel is about 2.4 gal. (9.0
L, 2.0 Imp. gal.) or less Refuel the vehicle.
Driver’s seat belt
reminder light
(warning buzzer)
*
Warns the driver to fasten
his/her seat belt. Fasten the seat belt.
(on the center panel) Front passenger’s seat
belt reminder light
(warning buzzer)
*
Warns the front passen-
ger to fasten his or her
seat belt.
Fasten the seat belt.
(Flashes) Active Torque Control
4WD system warning light
(4WD models)
Indicates that the driveline
temperature is too high.
(When the light comes on.
P. 427) Reduce vehicle speed (until
the light goes off) or stop
the vehicle at a safe place
and allow the engine to idle
until the light goes off.