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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
12-volt battery
condition
(→ P. 496)
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
(→ P. 494)• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine/power
control unit cool-
ant level
(→ P. 492)
• “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. 489)• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( →P. 520)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
(→ P. 523)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as origi-
nal
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver• Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser
(→P. 493)⎯
Tire inflation pres-
sure ( →P. 510)• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
(→ P. 495)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for win-
ter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
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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
● Make sure that the “POWER ON” on the multi-information display and the
“READY” indicator are both off.
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, 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. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
■ When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off. With the power switch in ON mode, the
electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is
on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( →P. 493)
■ 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.
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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compartment
■12-volt battery
→P. 496
Fuse box ( →P. 520)
Engine coolant reservoir (→ P. 492)
Engine oil filler cap ( →P. 490)
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( →P. 492)
Brake fluid reservoir (→ P. 494) Radiator (
→P. 493)
Condenser ( →P. 493)
Electric cooling fans
Engine oil level dipstick (→ P. 489)
Washer fluid tank ( →P. 495)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Page 489 of 676
RAV4-HV_OM_OM42B03U_(U)
4897-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
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
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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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.
■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, c hecking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
5
1
2
3
Flat dipstickNon-flat dipstick
Measuring side
6
Engine oil selection →P. 609
Oil quantity (Low → Full) 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp.qt.)
Items Clean funnel
1
2
3
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RAV4-HV_OM_OM42B03U_(U)
4917-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
■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
WARNING
■ Used engine oil
● Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may
cause skin disorders such as inflammation and skin cancer, so care
should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used
engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
● Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do
not dispose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the
ground.
Call your Toyota dealer, service station or auto parts store for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
● Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
■ To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■ When replacing the engine oil
● Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
● Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
● Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
● Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.
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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 hybrid system is cold.
■Engine coolant reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to
the “FULL” line. ( →P. 597)
■
Power control unit coolant reservoir Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to
the “FULL” line. ( →P. 597)
■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/power control unit 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.
Coolant
1
2
3
1
2
3
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RAV4-HV_OM_OM42B03U_(U)
4937-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
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 your vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
WARNING
■ When the hybrid system is hot
Do not remove the engine/power control unit coolant reservoir caps.
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.
Radiator and condenser
WARNING
■When the hybrid system is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri\
-
ous injuries, such as burns.
■ When the electric cooling fans are operating
Do not touch the engine compartment.
With the power switch in ON mode, t he electric cooling fans may automati-
cally start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature
is high. Be sure the power switch is off when working near the electric cool-
ing fans or radiator grille.