Page 550 of 741

549
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Do-it-yourself service 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. 561)• Warm water• Baking soda• Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
(→ P. 560)• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant
level ( →P. 558)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high
quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-
amine, non-nitrite and non-borate coolant with long-
life hybrid organic acid technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with
55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
(→ P. 555)• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( →P. 588)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(→ P. 591)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as origi-
nal
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver• Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser
(→P. 560)⎯
Tire inflation pres-
sure ( →P. 577)• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(→ P. 564)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
Page 551 of 741

550
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WARNING
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 fan 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 and 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.
■ When working near the electric cooling 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 automatically start to run if the air conditioning
is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( →P. 560)
Vehicles with smart key system
Be sure the engine switch is off. With the engine switch in IGNITION ON
mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air condi-
tioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( →P. 560)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.
Page 555 of 741
554
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compartment
Fuse box (→P. 588)
Engine coolant reservoir (→ P. 558)
Engine oil filler cap ( →P. 556)
Battery (→ P. 561)
Brake fluid reservoir (→ P. 560) Radiator (
→P. 560)
Condenser ( →P. 560)
Electric cooling fans
Engine oil level dipstick (→ P. 555)
Washer fluid tank ( →P. 564)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Page 559 of 741

558
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. ( →P. 664)
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 °F [-35 °C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45%
deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -44 °F [-42 °C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir cap, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
Engine coolant
1
2
3
Page 560 of 741
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
5597-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor stra ight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.
Page 614 of 741

613
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
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 (with
monochrome display) or engine coolant temperature gauge needle
continually points higher than normal (with color display).
● 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
Page 618 of 741

6178-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
8
When trouble arises
Low fuel level warning lightIndicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.4 gal.
(9.0 L, 2.0 Imp. gal.) or less
→ Refuel the vehicle.
High engine coolant temperature warning light (if
equipped)
Indicates that the engine is almost overheating.
→ P. 664
(U.S.A.)
Maintenance required reminder light (if equipped)
Indicates that maintenance is required according to the
driven distance on the maintenance schedule.
*4
Illuminates for about 3 seconds and then flashes for about
15 seconds approximately 4500 miles (7200 km) after the
reminder light has been reset.
→ If necessary, perform maintenance.
Comes on and remains on if the distance driven exceeds
5000 miles (8000 km) after the reminder light has been
reset.
(The indicator will not work properly unless the reminder
light has been reset.)
→ Perform the necessary maintenance.
Please reset the reminder lig ht after the maintenance
is performed. (
→P. 543)
Automatic transmission flui d temperature warning light
(if equipped) Indicates that the automatic transmission fluid tempera-
ture is too high if the light comes on
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Dynamic Torque Control AWD system warning light (if
equipped)
When the light blinks:
The system has been overloaded and front-wheel drive
has been automatically engaged.
→ Drop your speed or stop the vehicle until the light
stops blinking. (Do not stop the engine.)
When the light comes on:
Malfunction in the Dynamic Torque Control AWD system.
→ Have the system checked by your Toyota dealer.
(Yellow)
Cruise control warning light (If equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control
→ P. 275
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
Page 631 of 741
6308-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is
too highA buzzer also sounds.
→ P. 664
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging
system.
→Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place
and contact your Toyota dealer. Continuing
to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
(If equipped)
Indicates that the radar sensor is dirty or covered
with ice A buzzer also sounds.
→ Clean the sensor.
(If equipped)
Indicates that the dynamic radar cruise control
system cannot be used temporarily due to bad
weather
A buzzer also sounds.
→ Use the radar cruise control system when it
becomes available again.
Warning messageDetails/Actions