2013 TOYOTA RAV4 brake fluid

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1754-1. Before driving
4
Driving
NOTICE
■When encounterin g flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following:
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, tran-
saxle, transfer (AWD models), rear differential (AWD models), etc.
● Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft (AWD models), bearings and
suspension joints (where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings,
etc.

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6-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified in the “Owner’s Warranty
Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Sched-
uled Maintenance Guide”. It is recommended that any problem
you notice should be brought to the attention of your Toyota
dealer or qualified service shop for advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the connections. ( P. 438)
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct
level? (P. 436)
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct
level? (P. 434)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(P. 430)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser
The radiator and condenser should
be free from foreign objects.
(P. 436)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid?
(P. 442)

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself ser vice precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the
correct procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
Battery condition (P. 438)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 436)
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)

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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

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Check the radiator and condenser and clear away any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts is ex tremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have yo ur vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid ty pe and prepare the necessary item.
Radiator and condenser
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.
Brake fluid
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel

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4376-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and 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.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear out or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, there may be a serious problem.

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7
When trouble arises
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If you think something is wrong
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air co nditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● High engine coolant temperature warning light comes on
● Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
● Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spon gy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor
If you notice any of the follow ing symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

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7
When trouble arises
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning
buzzer sounds
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake sys-
tem. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
*: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 3
mph (5 km/h) or more.
Calmly perform the following acti ons if any of the warning lights
comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then
goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the
system. However, if this continues to occur, have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle
may be dangerous.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is
fully released the system is operating normally.