2012 TOYOTA RAV4 battery

377
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
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.

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

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Key batter y
Replace the battery with a new one if it is discharged.
■You will need the following items:
●Flathead screwdriver (To prevent damage to the key, cover
the tip of the screwdriver with a rag.)
● Small Flathead screwdriver
● Lithium battery CR2016 (vehicles without smart key system)
or CR1632 (vehicles with smart key system)
■ Replacing the battery (vehicles without smart key system)
Remove the cover.
Remove the module.
STEP 1
STEP 2

398 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Open the case cover using a
coin protected with tape etc.
and remove the depleted bat-
tery.
Insert a new battery with the
“+” terminal facing up.
■Replacing the battery (vehicles with smart key system)
Take out the mechanical key.
Remove the cover.
STEP 3
STEP 1
STEP 2

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■
If the key battery is depleted
The following symptoms may occur.
●The smart key system and wireless remote control will not function prop-
erly.
● The operational range is reduced.
■ Use a CR2016 (vehicles without smart key system) or CR1632 (vehicles
with smart key system) lithium battery
●Batteries can be purchased at your Toyota dealer, jewelers, or camera
stores.
● Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by your
Toyota dealer.
● Dispose of used batteries according to the local laws.
CAUTION
■Removed battery and other parts
Keep away from children. These parts are small and if swallowed by a child,
they can cause choking. Failure to do so could result in death or serious
injury.
Remove the depleted battery.
Insert a new battery with the
“+” terminal facing up.
STEP 3

400 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
NOTICE
■For normal operation after replacing the battery
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
●Always work with dry hands.
Moisture may cause the battery to rust.
● Do not touch or move any other components inside the remote control.
● Do not bend either of the battery terminals.

When trouble arises5
423
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ......... 424
If your vehicle needs to be towed ........................ 425
If you think something is wrong ......................... 432
Fuel pump shut off system ........................... 433
Event data recorder ......... 434 5-2. Steps to take in an
emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ....................... 436
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with
standard tires) ................ 449
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with
run-flat tires)................... 467
If the engine will not start ................................ 468
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P............ 469
If you lose your keys ........ 470
If the electronic key does not operate properly....... 471
If the battery is discharged ..................... 473
If your vehicle overheats ....................... 476
If the vehicle becomes stuck .............................. 478
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ..................... 480