TABLE OF CONTENTS6
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)6-4. Using the other interior
features
Other interior features ....... 519 • Sun visors .................... 519
• Vanity mirrors ............... 519
• Power outlets ................ 520
• Armrest ......................... 521
• Coat hooks.................... 521
• Assist grips .................. 522
Garage door opener .......... 523
Compass ........................... 530
7-1. Maintenance and care Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 536
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 539
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 542
General maintenance ........ 545
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs ......................... 548 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ...................... 549
Hood .................................. 551
Positioning a floor jack....... 553
Engine compartment ......... 554
Tires................................... 565
Tire inflation pressure ........ 577
Wheels............................... 580
Air conditioning filter .......... 583
Wireless remote control/electronic
key battery ....................... 585
Checking and replacing fuses ................................ 588
Light bulbs ......................... 591
8-1. Essential information Emergency flashers ........... 604
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency....................... 605
7Maintenance and care
8When trouble arises
488
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Operation of the air conditio ning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled to prioritize fuel
efficiency by regulating the engine speed and compressor operation to
restrict the heating/cooling capacity.
To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
● Adjust the fan speed
● Adjust the temperature setting
● Turn off Eco drive mode ( →P. 205)
■ Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ Outside/recirculated air mode
When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective
in preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During cooling
operation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior
effectively.
■ When the outside temperature is low (vehicles with the “A/C” button)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when the “A/C” button is
pressed.
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air m\
ode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
■ Air conditioning filter
→P. 583
492
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Automatic mode indicator
If the fan speed setting or air fl ow modes are operated, the auto-
matic mode indicator goes off. However, automatic mode for func-
tions other than that operated is maintained.
■Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes
Press .
The mode switches between outside air mode (the indicator is off) and
recirculated air mode (the indicator is on) each time is pressed.
■
Micro dust and pollen filter mode button
Operates micro dust and pollen
filter mode on/off.
Outside air mode switches to
recirculated air mode. Pollen is
removed from the air and the air
flows to the upper part of the
body.
Usually the system will turn off
automatically after approxi-
mately 3 minutes.
Other functions
496
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effec-
tive in preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During
cooling operation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle
interior effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75 °F (24 °C) and the air condition-
ing system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the engine switch
is in the “ON” position (vehicles without smart key system) or IGNITION ON
mode (vehicles with smart key system)
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing .
■ Micro dust and pollen filter
●In order to prevent the windshield from fogging up when the outside air is
cold, the following may occur:
• Outside air mode does not switch to recirculated air mode.
• The dehumidification function operates.
• The operation cancels after approximately 1 minute.
● In rainy weather, the windows may fog up. Press .
● In extremely humid weather, the windows may fog up.
● The pollens are filtered out even if the micro dust and pollen filter is turned
off.
■ When the outside temperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when the “A/C” button is
pressed.
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
4976-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
■Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air m\
ode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time
immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic
mode.
■ Air conditioning filter
→P. 583
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. outside/recirculated air mode) can be changed.
(Customizable features →P. 702)
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
● Do not use
during cool air operation in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, block-
ing your vision.
■ To prevent burns
● Vehicles with outside rear view mirror defoggers: Do not touch the rear
view mirror surfaces when the outsi de rear view mirror defoggers are on.
● Vehicles with windshield wiper de-icer: Do not touch the glass at lower part
of the windshield or to the side of the front pillars when the windshield
wiper de-icer is on.
●Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging.
535
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
7Maintenance and care
7-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 536
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 539
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 542
General maintenance........ 545
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs......................... 548
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 549
Hood ................................. 551
Positioning a floor jack ...... 553
Engine compartment ......... 554
Tires .................................. 565
Tire inflation pressure ....... 577
Wheels .............................. 580
Air conditioning filter.......... 583
Wireless remote control/electronic
key battery ...................... 585
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 588
Light bulbs......................... 591
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.
583
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Air conditioning filter
Vehicles without smart key system: Turn the engine switch to the
“LOCK” position.
Vehicles with smart key system: Turn the engine switch off.
Open the glove box. Slide off
the damper.
Push in each side of the glove
box to disconnect the claws.
Remove the filter cover.
The air conditioning filter must be changed regularly to maintain
air conditioning efficiency.
Removal method
1
2
3
4