2012 TOYOTA RAV4 engine

374 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■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 serious injuries, such as burns.
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.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser, and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicl e checked by your Toyota dealer.
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
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.
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.

378 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■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

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Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■
Emergency measures regarding electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get immedi-
ate medical attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or
cloth while traveling to the nearest medical facility.
● If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
● If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your skin. Immediately take off the cloth-
ing and follow the procedure above if necessary.
● If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk. Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
NOTICE
■When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.

380 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Washer fluidFor vehicles sold in U.S.A. Add washer fluid in the following
situations.
●Any washer does not work.
● The low washer fluid warning
light comes on.
For vehicles sold in Canada
If any washer does not work or the low windshield washer fluid warn-
ing light comes on, the washer tank may be empty. Add washer fluid.
CAUTION
■ When filling the washer fluid
Do not refill the washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as the
washer fluid contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
■ Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid bot-
tle.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Air conditioning filter
The air conditioning filter must be changed regularly to maintain air
conditioning efficiency.
■ Removal method
Vehicles without smart key system: Turn the engine switch
off.
Vehicles with smart key system: Turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch off.
Open the glove box. Slide off
the damper.
Push in each side of the glove
box to disconnect the claws.
Remove the filter cover.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4

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Maintenance and care
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

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Fuse layout and amperage ratings
■ Engine compartment
Type A (driver’s side)
FuseAmpereCircuit
1 SPARE 30 A Spare fuse
2 SPARE 20 A Spare fuse
3 SPARE 10 A Spare fuse
4 ECU-B2 7.5 A Air conditioning system, power win-
dows, smart key system
5 ALT-S 7.5 A Charging system
6 STR LOCK 20 A Smart key system
7 RAD NO.1 20 A Audio system