2012 TOYOTA RAV4 oil temperature

361
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■
When working on the engine compartment
●Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fans and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
● 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.
■ When working near the electric c ooling fans or radiator grille
Vehicles without smart key system: Be sure the engine switch is OFF. With
the engine switch in the “ON” position, the electric cooling fans may auto-
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tempera-
ture is high. ( P. 375)
Vehicles with smart key system: Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
is OFF. With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the
electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on
and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( P. 375)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.

370 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine oilWith the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■ Checking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning it off, wait more than 5 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

489
6-1. Specifications
6
Vehicle specifications
Recommended viscosity:
2.5 L 4-cylinder (2AR-FE) engine
SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20
SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 engine oil
may be used. However, SAE
0W-20 is the best choice for
good fuel economy and good
starting in cold weather.
Oil viscosity (0W-20 is explained here as an example):
●The 0W in 0W-20 indicates the characteristic of the oil which
allows cold startability. Oils with a lower value before the W allow
for easier starting of the engine in cold weather.
● The 20 in 0W-20 indicates the visc osity characteristic of the oil
when the oil is at high temperatur e. An oil with a higher viscosity
(one with a higher value) may be better suited if the vehicle is
operated at high speeds, or under extreme load conditions.
Outside temperature

490 6-1. Specifications
3.5 L V6 (2GR-FE) engine
SAE 5W-30SAE 5W-30 is the best choice for
good fuel economy and good
starting in cold weather.
If SAE 5W-30 is not available,
SAE 10W-30 oil may be used.
However, it should be replaced
with SAE 5W-30 at the next oil
change.
Oil viscosity (5W-30 is explained here as an example):
●The 5W in 5W-30 indicates the characteristic of the oil which
allows cold startability. Oils with a lower value before the W allow
for easier starting of the engine in cold weather.
● The 30 in 5W-30 indicates the viscosity characteristic of the oil
when the oil is at high temperatur e. An oil with a higher viscosity
(one with a higher value) may be better suited if the vehicle is
operated at high speeds, or under extreme load conditions.
How to read oil container label:
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee) Certification Mark is added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
Outside temperature

504 6-1. Specifications
Warning: The temperature grades for this tire are established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire fail-
ure.
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire related termMeaning
Cold tire inflation pres-
sure Tire pressure when the vehicle has been
parked for three hours or more, or has not
been driven more than 1 mile or 1.5 km under
that condition
Maximum inflation
pressure The maximum cold inflated
pressure to which a
tire may be inflated, s hown on the sidewall of
the tire
Recommended infla-
tion pressure Cold tire inflation pressure recommended by a
manufacturer
Accessory weight The combined weight (in excess of those stan-
dard items which may be replaced) of auto-
matic transmission, power steering, power
brakes, power windows, power seats, radio
and heater, to the extent that these items are
available as factory-installed equipment
(whether installed or not)
Curb weight The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment, including the maximum capacity of
fuel, oil and coolant, and if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight optional
engine
Maximum loaded vehi-
cle weight The sum of:
(a) Curb weight
(b) Accessory weight
(c) Vehicle capacity weight
(d) Production options weight

534 Alphabetical index
Electric power steering ........... 191
Electronic keyIf your electronic key battery is discharged........... 471
Emergency flasher
Switch.................................... 424
Emergency, in case of If a warning buzzer
sounds... ............................ 436
If a warning light turns on ........................................ 436
If the electronic key does not operate properly............ 471
If the engine will not start ...... 468
If the shift lever cannot be
shifted ................................. 469
If the vehicle has a
discharged battery .............. 473
If you have a flat tire ............. 449
If you lose your keys ............. 470
If you think something is wrong .................................. 432
If your vehicle becomes
stuck ................................... 478
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency .......................... 480
If your vehicle needs to be towed .................................. 425
If your vehicle overheats ....... 476 Engine
Compartment ........................ 367
Engine switch ................ 145, 149
Hood ..................................... 363
How to start the
engine ......................... 145, 149
Identification number............. 486
If the engine will not start ...... 468
Ignition switch ............... 145, 149
Overheating .......................... 476
Engine compartment cover .... 369
Engine coolant
Capacity ................................ 491
Checking ............................... 373
Preparing and checking before winter ....................... 217
Engine coolan t temperature
gauge ...................................... 158
Engine immobilizer system ...... 95
Engine oil Capacity ................................ 488
Checking ............................... 370
Preparing and checking before winter ....................... 217
Enhanced vehicle stability control .................................... 192
Enhanced VSC ......................... 192
EPS............................................ 191
Event data recorder ................. 434E

537
Alphabetical index
Maintenance
Do-it-yourself
maintenance ...................... 359
General maintenance ........... 355
Maintenance data ................. 484
Maintenance requirements ... 352
Maintenance data .................... 353
Manual air conditioning system ................................... 234
Meter Instrument panel light
control ................................ 159
Meters .................................. 158
Micro dust and pollen filter .... 244
Mirrors
Inside rear view mirror ............ 79
Side mirror heaters ............... 248
Side mirrors ............................ 81
Vanity mirrors ....................... 328
Moon roof................................... 87
MP3 disc................................... 267
Noise from under vehicle ......... 18
Odometer ................................. 158
Oil Engine oil.............................. 370
Opener Hood ..................................... 363
Outside rear view mirrors
Adjusting and folding .............. 81
Outside temperature display ................................... 165
Overhead console ................... 322
Overheating, Engine ............... 476 Parking brake ...........................156
Parking lights
Replacing light bulbs .............413
Switch....................................167
Wattage .................................495
Personal/interior lights Switch....................................316
Wattage .................................495
Power outlet .............................330
Power windows ..........................83
Radiator ....................................375
Radio .........................................254
Rear seat Adjustment ..............................55
Folding down second seatback ...............................58
Folding down third seatback ...............................60
Rear turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs .............413
Wattage .................................495
Rear view monitor system ......183
Rear window defogger ............248
Rear window wiper ..................177
Replacing Fuses ....................................401
Key battery ............................397
Light bulbs .............................413
Tires ......................................449
Reporting safety defects for
U.S. owners ............................516M
N
O
P
R

539
Alphabetical index
Tachometer .............................. 158
Tail lights
Replacing light bulbs ............ 413
Switch ................................... 167
Wattage ................................ 495
Talk switch ............................... 286
Telephone switch .................... 286
Theft deterrent system Engine immobilizer system..... 95
Theft prevention labels ............. 98
Tire inflation pressure ............ 388
Tire information Glossary ............................... 504
Size ...................................... 501
Tire identification number ..... 500
Uniform tire quality grading ............................... 502
Tires Chains .................................. 217
Checking .............................. 381
If you have a flat tire ............. 449
Inflation pressure .................. 388
Information ........................... 499
Replacing ............................. 449
Rotating tires ........................ 381
Size ...................................... 494
Snow tires............................. 217
Tire pressure warning system........................ 381, 438
Tools......................................... 449
Total load capacity .................. 215
Towing Dinghy towing ....................... 231
Emergency towing ................ 426
Trailer towing ........................ 221
Traction control ....................... 191
TRAC ........................................ 191
Trip information....................... 164
Trip meter................................. 158
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ............ 413
Switch ................................... 155
Wattage ................................ 495 Utility vehicle precautions ......204
Valet key .....................................24
Vanity lights
Vanity lights ...........................328
Wattage .................................495
Vanity mirrors...........................328
Vehicle identification
number ...................................486
Vehicle Stability Control..........191
VSC............................................191
Warning buzzers
Brake system ........................436
Seat belt reminder .................438
Warning lights Active Torque Control 4WD system ...............437, 438
Anti-lock brake system ..........437
Automatic transmission fluid temperature ................. 438
Brake assist system ..............437
Brake system ........................436
Charging system .... ...............437
Cruise control indicator light .....................................437
Electric power steering ..........437
Engine oil pressure ...............437
Low fuel level ........................438
Low washer fluid ...................438
Maintenance required
reminder light ......................438
Malfunction indicator lamp ....437
Open door .............................438
Pretensioners ........................437
Seat belt reminder light .........438
Slip indicator light ..................437
Smart key system... ...............442
SRS airbags ..........................437
Tire pressure warning light ....438TU
V
W