2011 TOYOTA RAV4 maintenance

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
Engine oil consumption
●The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the
quality of the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
● More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and
frequent acceleration and deceleration.
● A new engine consumes more oil.
● When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil
may have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level accu-
rately.
● Oil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 Imp. qt./600 miles (1.0 L per
1000 km)
● If your vehicle consumes more than 1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 Imp. qt.) every 600
miles (1000 km), contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
To reset the oil change system, follow the procedure below:
Vehicles without smart key system Turn the engine switch off with the trip meter A reading shown.
(P. 156)
While pressing the trip meter reset button, turn the engine switch to
the “ON” position.
Press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000”.
Vehicles with smart key system Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch off with the trip meter A
reading shown. ( P. 156)
While pressing the trip meter reset button, turn the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch to IGNITION ON mode.
Press and hold the button until the trip meter displays “000000”.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
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.

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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.

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Maintenance and care
Brake fluid
■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■ 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.

368 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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.

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Maintenance and care
Battery
■ Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Te r m i n a l s
Hold-down clamp
■ Checking battery fluid
Check that the level is between
the “UPPER” and “LOWER”
lines.
“UPPER” line
“LOWER” line
If the fluid level is at or below the
“LOWER” line, add distilled water.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
●If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable.
● Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the battery.

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■After recharging/reconnecting the battery (vehicles with smart key sys-
tem)
In some cases, the engine may not start. Follow the procedure below to ini-
tialize the system.
Shift the shift lever to P, and turn the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch OFF.
Open and close any of the doors.
Start the engine. (If the engine does not start first time, repeat the
procedure.)
CAUTION
■Chemicals in the battery
A battery contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid and may produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. To reduce the risk of death
or serious injury, take the following precautions while working on or near the
battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the battery terminals with tools.
● Do not smoke or light a match near the battery.
● Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes.
● Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
● Wear protective safety glasses when working near the battery.
● Keep children away from the battery.
■ Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open area. Do not charge the battery in a
garage or closed room where there is not sufficient ventilation.
■ How to recharge the battery
Only perform a slow charge (5 A or less). The battery may explode if
charged at a quicker rate.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3