Page 425 of 624
425
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Hood
Pull the hood lock release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Push the auxiliary catch lever to
the left and lift the hood.
Hold the hood open by inserting
the supporting rod into the slot.
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
1
2
3
Page 426 of 624
426
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■Pre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion
and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
■ After installing the support rod into the slot
Make sure the rod supports the hood securely from falling down on to your
head or body.
NOTICE
■When closing the hood
Be sure to return the support rod to its clip before closing the hood. Closing
the hood with the support rod up could cause the hood to bend.
Page 427 of 624
427
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Positioning a floor jack
◆Front
◆Rear
When raising your vehicle with a floor jack, position the jack cor-
rectly. Improper placement may damage your vehicle or cause
injury.
Page 428 of 624

428
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■When raising your vehicle
Make sure to observe the following precautions to reduce the possibility of
death or serious injury:
●When using a floor jack, follow the in structions of the manual provided with
the jack.
● Do not use the jack that was supplied with your vehicle.
● Do not put any part of your body underneath the vehicle when it is sup-
ported only by the floor jack.
● Always use floor jack and/or automotive jack stands on a solid, flat, level
surface.
● Do not start the engine while the vehicle is supported by the floor jack.
● Stop the vehicle on level, firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and shift
the shift lever to P.
● Make sure to set the floor jack properly at the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with an improperly positioned floor jack will damage
the vehicle and may cause the vehicle to fall off the floor jack.
● Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in the vehicle.
● When raising the vehicle, do not place any object on top of or underneath
the floor jack.
●Lift up the vehicle using a floor jack
such as the one shown in the illustra-
tion.
Page 429 of 624
429
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Engine compar tment
Engine coolant reservoir ( P. 434)
Engine oil filler cap ( P. 432)
Battery ( P. 438)
Brake fluid reservoir ( P. 436)
Fuse box ( P. 465) Radiator (
P. 436)
Condenser ( P. 436)
Electric cooling fans
Engine oil level dipstick ( P. 430)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 442)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Page 430 of 624
430
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
■Checking the engine oilPark 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.
Holding a rag under the end,
pull the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Flat dipstick: Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Non-flat dipstick: Reinsert
the non-flat dipstick fully with
its protruding areas ( in
the illustration) pointing
towards the engine.
Engine oil
1
2
3
4
1
Page 431 of 624
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
4316-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the
oil level.Low
Normal
Excessive
The shape of the dipstick may differ depending on the type of vehicle or
engine.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
5
1
2
3
Flat dipstickNon-flat dipstick
6
Page 432 of 624

432
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed
before adding oil.Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
■ Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or
after replacing the engine
● If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
● When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, when towing, or
when driving while accelerating or decelerating frequently
● When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
Engine oil selection P. 555
Oil quantity
(Low Full) 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp.qt.)
Items
Clean funnel
1
2
3