2013 TOYOTA RAV4 maintenance

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Pictorial indexSearch by illustration
1For safety
and securityMake sure to read through them
2Instrument
clusterHow to read the gauges and meters, the variety of
warning lights and indicators, etc.
3Operation of
each componentOpening and closing the doors and windows,
adjustment before driving, etc.
4DrivingOperations and advices which are necessary for
driving
5Interior featuresUsage of the interior features, etc.
6Maintenance
and careCaring for your vehicle and maintenance
procedures
7When trouble
arisesWhat to do in case of malfunction or emergency
8Vehicle
specificationsVehicle specifications, customizable features, etc.
9For ownersReporting safety defects for US owners, and seat
belt and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian
owners
IndexSearch by symptom
Search alphabetically

5
1
8 7
6
5
4
3
2
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9
5-4. Using the storage featuresList of storage features...... 380
• Glove box...................... 381
• Console box .................. 382
• Cup holders .................. 383
• Bottle holders ................ 384
Luggage compartment features ........................... 385
5-5. Other interior features Sun visors and vanity mirrors ............................. 395
Clock ................................. 396
Power outlets .................... 397
Seat heaters ...................... 398
Armrest.............................. 400
Coat hooks ........................ 401
Assist grips ........................ 402
6-1. Maintenance and care Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 404
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 408
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 412
General maintenance ........ 415
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs ......................... 419 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ...................... 420
Hood .................................. 425
Positioning a floor jack....... 427
Engine compartment ......... 429
Tires................................... 443
Tire inflation pressure ........ 454
Wheels............................... 457
Air conditioning filter .......... 460
Wireless remote control/electronic
key battery ....................... 462
Checking and replacing fuses ................................ 465
Light bulbs ......................... 476
7-1. Essential information Emergency flashers ........... 492
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency....................... 493
6Maintenance and care
7When trouble arises

TABLE OF CONTENTS6
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed ..................... 495
If you think something is wrong ......... 501
Fuel pump shut off system............................. 502
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................ 503
If you have a flat tire .......... 519
If the engine will not start ..................... 536
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P ............. 538
If the electronic key does not operate properly
(vehicles with a
smart key system) ........... 539
If the vehicle battery is discharged ................... 542
If your vehicle overheats ... 546
If the vehicle becomes stuck................................ 549 8-1. Specifications
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) .......... 552
Fuel information ................. 563
Tire information.................. 566
8-2. Customization Customizable features ....... 579
8-3. Items to initialize Items to initialize ................ 587
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners ........................ 590
Seat belt instructions for Canadian owners
(in French)................................ 591
SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners
(in French)................................ 593
8Vehicle specifications
9For owners

771-2. Theft deterrent system
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
1
For safety and security
Engine immobilizer system
Vehicles without a smart key
system
The indicator light flashes after
the key has been removed from
the engine switch to indicate that
the system is operating.
The indicator light stops flashing
after the registered key has been
inserted into the engine switch to
indicate that the system has been
canceled.
Vehicles with a smart key system
The indicator light flashes after the engine switch has been turned off
to indicate that the system is operating.
The indicator light stops flashing after the engine switch has been
turned to ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode to indicate that the
system has been canceled.
■ System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type engine immobilizer system.
■ Conditions that may cause the system to malfunction
●If the grip portion of the key is in contact with a metallic object
● If the key is in close proximity to or touching a key to the security system
(key with a built-in transponder chip) of another vehicle
The vehicle’s keys have built-in transponder chips that prevent
the engine from starting if a key has not been previously regis-
tered in the vehicle’s on-board computer.
Never leave the keys inside the vehicle when you leave the vehi-
cle.

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2. Instrument cluster
*1: These lights turn on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position(vehicles without a smart key system) or IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with
a smart key system), to indicate that a system check is being performed.
They will turn off after the engine is started, or after a few seconds. There
may be a malfunction in a system if the lights do not come on, or turn off.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
*2: The light flashes to indicate a malfunction.
*3: The light comes on to indicate that the intuitive parking assist sensor is dirtyor covered with ice.
Seat belt reminder light
(P. 507)
*1
(yellow)
(if equipped)
Automatic High Beam
warning light ( P. 505)
Low fuel level warning
light (P. 507)*1Low washer fluid
warning light ( P. 507)
*1High engine coolant
temperature warning
light (P. 507)
(yellow)
(if equipped)
Smart key system
indicator ( P. 506, 511)
*1
(U.S.A.)
Maintenance required
reminder light ( P. 508)*2, 3
(if equipped)
Intuitive parking assist
indicator (P. 506, 509)
*1
(if equipped)
Automatic transmission
fluid temperature
warning light ( P. 505)
(yellow)
(if equipped)
LDA warning lights
(P. 505)
*1
(if equipped)
Dynamic Torque Control
AWD system warning
light ( P. 509)*1
(if equipped)
BSM warning light
(P. 505)
(yellow)
Cruise control warning
light ( P. 505)*1
(if equipped)
Tire pressure warning
light (P. 508)

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4-1. Before driving
■Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components
(such as an engine, transmission, differ ential or wheel bearing), Toyota rec-
ommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven for
over 500 miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start
towing. However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a speed
of less than 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle
acceleration.
■ Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately
600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
■ If trailer sway occurs
One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can
adversely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability.
●If trailer swaying occurs:
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.
• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to
reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle
and trailer should stabilize.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems
CAUTION
■Before using the LDA system
Do not rely solely on the LDA system. The LDA system does not drive the
vehicle automatically, nor does it reduce the amount of care you need to
take. As such, the driver must always assume full responsibility for under-
standing his/her surroundings, for operating the steering wheel to correct
the driving line, and for driving safely.
Inappropriate or negligent driving could lead to an accident.
■ To avoid operating the LDA by mistake
Switch the LDA system off using the “LDA” switch when not in use.
■ Situations unsuitable for LDA system
Do not use LDA system in any of the following situations.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an
accident.
●When driving with tire chains, a spare tire, or similar equipment
● When there are objects or structures along the roadside that might be mis-
interpreted as lane markers (such as guardrails, curb, reflector posts, etc.)
● When driving on snowy roads
● When pavement lane markers are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog,
sand, dirt, etc.
● When there are visible lines on the pavement from road repairs, or if the
remains of old lane markers are still visible on the road
● When driving on a road with lane closures due to maintenance, or when
driving in a temporary lane

RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
2854-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
NOTICE
■To prevent the water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
engine or other components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
● Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ulti-
mately damage.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and
transfer case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■ When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the stream for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake drums and around
brake discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system
components.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.