RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
5617-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
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.
Check the battery as follows:
■Battery exterior
Make sure that the battery terminals are not corroded and that
there are no loose connections, cracks, or loose clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
WARNING
■ 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.
Battery
1
2
615
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
If a warning light turns on or a warning
buzzer sounds
Calmly perform the following actions 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.
Warning light and warning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*1
Indicates that:
• The brake fluid level is low; or
• The brake system is malfunctioning 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.
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Toyota dealer. Continuing to drive the vehi-
cle may be dangerous.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp Indicates a malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system;
• The electronic automatic transmission control system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
ABS warning light Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
6188-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
*1: 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.
*2: Driver’s seat belt warning buzzer:The driver’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the driver that his or
her seat belt is not fastened. Once the engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position (vehicles without smart key system) or IGNITION ON mode (vehi-
cles with smart key system), the buzzer sounds for 6 seconds. If the vehi-
cle reaches a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h), the buzzer sounds once. If the
seat belt is still unfastened after 24 seconds, the buzzer will sound intermit-
tently for 6 seconds. Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will
sound in a different tone for 90 more seconds.
Front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer:
The front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the front
passenger that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The buzzer sounds
once if the vehicle reaches a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h). If the seat belt is
still unfastened after 24 seconds, the buzzer will sound intermittently for 6
seconds. Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound in a
different tone for 90 more seconds.
Rear passengers’ seat belt warning buzzer:
The rear passengers’ seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the rear
passengers that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The buzzer sounds
intermittently for 6 seconds after the vehicle reaches a speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h). Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound in
a different tone for 24 more seconds.
*3: The corner and center indicators flash after the indicator for the malfunc-tioning sensor flashes and the vehicle indicator turns off while the buzzer
sounds for approximately 7 seconds.
Tire pressure warning light (if equipped) When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure such as
• Natural causes ( →P. 620)
• Flat tire ( →P. 641)
→ Adjust the tire inflatio n pressure to the specified
level.
The light will turn off after a few minutes. In case the
light does not turn off even if the tire inflation pres-
sure is adjusted, have the system checked by your
Toyota dealer.
When the light comes on after blinking for 1 minute:
Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system
→ Have the system checked by your Toyota dealer.
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
6228-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)■
Warning buzzer
In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard because of noisy place or an
audio sound.
■ Customization
The vehicle speed linked seat belt reminder buzzer can be disabled.
(Customizable features →P. 701)
WARNING
■If both the ABS and the brake system warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact your Toyota
dealer. The vehicle will become extremely unstable during braking, and the
ABS system may fail, which could cause an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.
■ When the electric power steering system warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy.
If the steering wheel becomes heavie r than usual when operating, hold
firmly and operate using more force than usual.
■
If the tire pressure warning light comes on (vehicles with the tire
pressure warning system)
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could
cause a loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire
inflation pressure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light co mes on even after tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires.
If a tire is flat, change it with the spare tire and have the flat tire
repaired by the nearest Toyota dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur (vehicles with the
tire pressure warning system)
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.
6398-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
8
When trouble arises
Once⎯
An attempt was made to start
the engine with the shift lever in
an incorrect position.
→Shift the shift lever to P
and start the engine.
⎯⎯
Power was turned off due to the
automatic power off function.
→Next time when starting
the engine, increase the
engine speed slightly and
maintain that level for
approximately 5 minutes
to recharge the battery.
Once⎯
The electronic key has a low
battery.
→Replace the electronic key
battery. ( →P. 585)
Once⎯
The driver’s door was opened
and closed with the engine
switch turned off and then the
engine switch was put in
ACCESSORY mode twice with-
out the engine being started.
→Press the engine switch
while depressing the brake
pedal.
During an engine starting pro-
cedure in the event that the
electronic key was not function-
ing properly ( →P. 657), the
engine switch was touched with
the electronic key.
→ Press the engine switch
within 10 seconds of the
buzzer sounding.
Interior
buzzerExterior buzzerWarning messageDetails/Actions
(Flashes)
(Flashes)
6558-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
8
When trouble arises
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
●One or both of the battery terminals may be disconnected.
● The battery may be discharged. ( →P. 658)
● There may be a malfunction in the steering lock system (vehicles
with smart key system).
Contact your Toyota dealer if the problem cannot be repaired, or if repair
procedures are unknown.
When the engine does not start, the following steps can be used as an
interim measure to start the engine if the engine switch is functioning
normally:
Set the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Turn the engine switch to ACCESSORY mode.
Press and hold the engine switch for about 15 seconds while
depressing the brake pedal firmly.
Even if the engine can be started using the above steps, the system
may be malfunctioning. Have the ve hicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
The starter motor does not turn over, the interior lights and head-
lights do not turn on, or the horn does not sound.
Emergency start function (vehicles with smart key system)
1
2
3
4
722What to do if... (Troubleshooting)
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
●Is the window lock switch pressed?
The power window except for the one at the driver’s seat cannot be oper-
ated if the window lock switch is pressed. (→P. 156)
●The auto power off function will be operated if the vehicle is left in ACCES-
SORY or IGNITION ON mode (the engine is not running) for a period of
time. ( →P. 200)
●The seat belt reminder light is flashing
Are the driver and the front passenger wearing the seat belts? ( →P. 616)
●The brake system warning light is on
Is the parking brake released? (→P. 212)
Depending on the situation, other types of warning buzzer may also sound.
( →P. 615, 625)
●Is the message displayed on the multi-information display?
Check the message on the multi-information display. ( →P. 636)
●When a warning light turns on or a warning message is displayed, refer to
P. 615, 625.
The windows do not open or close by operating the power
window switches
The engine switch is turned off automatically
(vehicles with smart key system)
A warning buzzer sounds during driving
A warning buzzer sounds when leaving the vehicle
(vehicles with smart key system)
A warning light turns on or a warning message is displayed
724Alphabetical index
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
Alphabetical index
A/C .................................... 484, 490Air conditioning filter ............. 583
Automatic air conditioning
system ......... ....................... 490
Manual air conditioning
system ......... ....................... 484
Micro dust and pollen filter .... 492
ABS (Anti-lock Brake
System) .................................. 307 Function ................................ 307
Warning light ......................... 615
Air conditioning filter .............. 583
Air conditioning system ............................ 484, 490
Air conditioning filter ............. 583
Automatic air conditioning system ......... ....................... 490
Manual air conditioning system ......... ....................... 484
Micro dust and pollen filter .... 492
Airbags ....................................... 36 Airbag operating conditions .... 44
Airbag precautions for your child .............................. 39
Airbag warning light .............. 615
Correct driving posture ........... 26
Curtain shield airbag operating conditions ............. 44
Curtain shield airbag precautions ........................... 41
Front passenger occupant classification syst em............. 49
General airbag precautions .... 39
Locations of airbags................ 36
Modification and disposal of airbags.............................. 43
Side airbag operating conditions ............................. 44
Side airbag precautions .......... 41
Side and curtain shield
airbags operating
conditions ............................. 44 Side and curtain shield
airbags precautions .............. 41
SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners ............... 709
SRS airbags ........................... 36
All-wheel drive lock switch..... 296
Anchor brackets ........................ 62
Antenna Radio ............................ 335, 408
Smart key system ................. 130
Anti-lock brake system
(ABS) ...................................... 307 Function ................................ 307
Warning light......................... 615
Approach warning Dynamic radar cruise control ................................ 268
Armrest..................................... 521
Assist grips .............................. 522
Audio input ...................... 330, 393
Audio system ........................... 324 Audio input............................ 330
AUX port/USB port............. 330, 346, 352
Bluetooth
® audio .................. 359
CD player.............................. 336
iPod ...................................... 346
MP3/WMA disc ..................... 336
Optimal use .......................... 332
Portable music player ........... 330
Radio .................................... 334
Steering wheel audio switch ................................. 327
USB memory ........................ 352
AUTO LSD ................................ 307
Automatic air conditioning system Air conditioning filter ............. 583
Automatic air conditioning system .......... ...................... 490
A