15Pictorial index
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)Windshield wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 222
Precautions against winter season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 314
To prevent freezing (windshield wiper de-icer)
*. . . . . . . . P. 486, 493
Fuel filler door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 229
Refueling method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 229
Fuel type/fuel tank capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 670
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 565
Tire size/inflation pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 675
Winter tires/tire chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 314
Checking/rotation/tire pressure warning system
*. . . . . . . . P. 565
Coping with flat tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 641
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 551
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 551
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 671
Coping with overheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 662
Headlights/daytime running lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 213
Parking lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 213
Fog lights
* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 221
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 211
Tail lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 213
Stop/tail lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 213
Hill-start assist control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 307
License plate lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 213
Back-up lights
Shifting the shift lever to R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 203
Side marker lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 213
4
5
6
7
Light bulbs of the exter ior lights for driving
(Replacing method: P. 591, Watts: P. 676)
*: If equipped
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
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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.
314
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4-6. Driving tips
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures. • Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician ins pect the condition of the battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
Perform the following accordin g to the driving conditions:
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Al ways drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
3214-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
NOTICE
■To prevent the water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
engine or other components does not occur.
● Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
● Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ulti-
mately damage.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and
transfer case (AWD models), reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■ When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
● Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake drums and around
brake discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system
components.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
536
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7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
●Working from top to bottom, liber ally apply water to the vehicle
body, wheel wells and underside of the vehicle to remove any dirt
and dust.
● Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
● For hard-to-remove marks, use car wash soap and rinse thoroughly
with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the wate rproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle
body is cool.
■Automatic car washes
●Before washing the vehicle:
• Fold the mirrors
• Turn off the power back door (if equipped)
Start washing from the front of the vehicle. Make sure to extend the mirrors
before driving.
● Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface and
harm your vehicle’s paint.
● Rear spoiler may not be washable in some automatic car washes.
There may also be an increased risk of damage to vehicle.
■ High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity of
the windows.
● Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle is
closed properly.
■ When using a car wash (vehicles with smart key system)
●If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effec-
tive range, the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. Place the key in a posi-
tion 6 ft. (2 m) or more separate from the vehicle while the vehicle is being
washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)
● If the electronic key is inside the vehicle and a door handle becomes wet
during a car wash, a buzzer will sound outside the vehicle. To turn off the
alarm, lock all the doors.
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in
prime condition:
545
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7-2. Maintenance
7
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. 561)
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level?
(→P. 560)
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct level?
(→P. 558)
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(→P. 555)
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or strange
sounds.
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free from
foreign objects. ( →P. 560)
Washer fluidIs there sufficient washer fluid? (→P. 564)
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5557-3. 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
556
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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. 671
Oil quantity (Low → Full) 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp.qt.)
Items Clean funnel
1
2
3