2021 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID Owners Manual

5857-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
I f t he le ve l is on o r be low th e “L O W ”
line, add coolant up to the “FULL”
line. (P.677)
■Power control unit coolant
reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
I f t he le ve l is on o r be low th e “L O W ”
line, add coolant up to the “FULL”
line. ( P.678)
■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 tem-
perature: -31°F [-35°C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is
a mixture of 55% coolant and 45%
deionized water. (Minimum tem-
perature: -44°F [-42°C])
For more details about coolant, con-
tact your To yota dealer.
■If the coolant level drops within
a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiators, hoses,
engine/power control unit coolant
reservoir caps, 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 sys-
tem.
Check the radiator and con-
denser, and clear away any for-
eign objects.
If either of the above parts is
extremely dirty or you are not
sure of their condition, have
A
B
C
A
B
C
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 cool-
ant if the cap is removed, causing
serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor
straight 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.
Checking the radiator and
condenser

5867-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
your vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer.
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
■Adding fluid
1 Slide and lift up the rubber
strip to partly remove it as
shown.
2 Disconnect the claws and
remove the service cover.
3 Remove the reservoir cap.
4 Add brake fluid slowly while
checking the fluid level.
Make sure to check the fluid
type and prepare the necessary
item.
WARNING
■When the hybrid system is
hot
Do not touch the r adiator or con-
denser as they m ay be hot and
cause serious injuries, such as
burns.
■When the electric cooling fan
is operating
Do not touch the engine compart-
ment.
With the power switch in ON
mode, the electric cooling fan may
automatically start to run if the air
conditioning is on and/or the cool-
ant temperature is high. Be sure
the power switch is OFF when
working near the electric cooling
fan or radiat or grille.
Checking and adding the
brake fluid

5877-3. 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 brak-
ing efficiency. Use only newly
opened brake fluid.
If any washer does not work or
the warning message appears
on the multi-information display,
the washer tank may be empty.
Add washer fluid.
Fluid
type
FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or
SAE J1703 brake fluid
FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 or
SAE J1704 brake fluid
ItemClean funnel
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Ta ke c ar e a s br ak e f luid ca n ha rm
your hands and eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in
your eyes, flush th e affected area
with clean water immediately.
If you still experien ce 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 ma y be a serious
problem.
Adding the washer fluid
WARNING
■When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the
hybrid system is hot or operating
as washer fluid contains alcohol
and may catch fire if spilled on the
hybrid system, etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other
than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine
antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on
the vehicle’s painted surfaces, as
well as damaging the pump lead-
ing to problems of the washer
fluid not spraying.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as
necessary.
Refer to the freezing tempera-
tures listed on the label of the
washer fluid bottle.

5887-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
The 12-volt battery is located in
the right-hand side of luggage
compartment.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt bat-
tery produces hydrogen gas which
is flammable and explosive. There-
fore, observe the following precau-
tions before recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt bat-
tery installed on the vehicle, be
sure to disconnect the ground
cable.
●Make sure the power switch on
the charger is off when connecting
and disconnecting the charger
cables to the 12-volt battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting
the 12-volt battery (vehicles
with smart key system)
●The hybrid system may not start.
Follow the procedure below to ini-
tialize the system.
1 Shift the shift lever to P.
2 Open and close any of the doors.
3 Restart the hybrid system.
●Unlocking the doors using the
smart key system may not be pos-
sible immediately after reconnect-
ing the 12-volt battery. If this
happens, use the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to
lock/unlock the doors.
●Start the hybrid system with the
power switch in
ACC. The hybrid
system may not start with the
power switch turned off. How-
ever, the hybrid system will oper-
ate normally from the second
attempt.
●The power switch mode is
recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-
volt battery is reconnected, the
vehicle will return the power
switch mode to the status it was in
before the 1 2-volt battery was dis-
connected. Make sure to turn off
the power switch before discon-
nect the 12-volt battery. Take
extra care when connecting the
12-volt battery if the power switch
mode prior to discharge is
unknown.
If the hybrid sys tem will not start
even after multiple attempts at all
methods above, contact your
Toyota dealer.
12-volt battery
Location
WARNING
■Chemicals in the 12-volt bat-
tery
The 12-volt battery contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid
and may produce hydrogen gas
which is flammable and explosive.
To reduce the risk of death or
serious injury, take the following
precautions while working on or
near the 12-volt battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touch-
ing the 12-volt battery terminals
with tools.
●Do not smoke or light a match
near the 12-volt battery.
●Avoid contact with eyes, skin
and clothes.
●Never inhale or swallow electro-
lyte.

5897-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
1Open the deck board
( P.541)
2 Disengage the 12 claws and
pull the luggage side cover to
remove it.
When installing the luggage side
cover, make sure that the claws are
installed securely.
Make sure that the 12-volt bat-
tery terminals are not corroded
and that there are no loose con-
nections, cracks, or loose
WARNING
●Wear protective safety glasses
when working near the 12-volt
battery.
●Keep children away from the
12-volt battery.
■Where to safely charge the
12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery
in an open area. Do not charge
the 12-volt battery in a garage or
closed room where there is insuf-
ficient ventilation.
■Emergency measures regard-
ing electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water
for at least 15 minutes and get
immediate medical attention. If
possible, continue to apply water
with a sponge or cloth while trav-
eling to the nearest medical facil-
ity.
●If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thor-
oughly. If you feel pain or burning,
get medical attention immediately.
●If electrolyte gets on your
clothes
It can soak through clothing on to
your skin. Immediately take off the
clothing and follow the procedure
above if necessary.
●If you accidentally swallow elec-
trolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or
milk. Get emergency medical
attention immediately.
■When there is insufficient 12-
volt battery fluid
Do not use if ther e is insufficient
fluid in the 12-volt battery. There
is a possible danger that the 12-
volt battery may explode.
NOTICE
■When recharging the 12-volt
battery
Never recharge t he 12-volt bat-
tery while the hybrid system is
operating. Also, be sure all acces-
sories are turned off.
Removing the 12-volt bat-
tery cover
Exterior

5907-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp Check if the treadwear indica-
tors are showing on the tires.
Also check the tires for uneven
wear, such as excessive wear
on one side of the tread.
Check the spare tire condition
and pressure if not rotated.
New tread
Worn tread
Treadwear indicator
The location of treadwear indicators
is shown by a “TWI” or “ ” mark,
A
B
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in
accordance with mainte-
nance schedules and tread-
wear.
Checking tires
A
B
C

5917-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
etc., molded into the sidewall of
each tire.
Replace the tires if the treadwear
indicators are showing on a tire.
■When to replace your vehicle’s
tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●The treadwear indicators are
showing on a tire.
●You have tire damage such as
cuts, splits, cracks deep enough
to expose the fabric, and bulges
indicating internal damage.
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or can-
not be properly repaired due to
the size or location of a cut or
other damage.
If you are not sure, consult with your
Toyota dealer.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be
checked by a qualified technician
even if it has seldom or never been
used or damage i s not obvious.
■Maximum load of tire
Check that the number given by
dividing the maximum load by 1.10
of the replacement tire is greater
than 1/2 of the Gross Axle Weight
Ratings (GAWR) of e ither the front
axle or the rear a xle, whichever is
greater.
For the GAWR, see the Certification
Regulation Label. For the maximum
load of the tire, see the load limit at
maximum cold tire inflation pressure
mentioned on the sidewall of the
tire. ( P.696)
■Tire types
●Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed perfor-
mance tires best suited to highway
driving under dry conditions. Since
summer tires do not have the same
traction performance as snow tires,
summer tires are inadequate for
driving on snow-covered or icy
roads. For driving on snow-covered
roads or icy roads, the use of snow
tires is recommended. When install-
ing snow tires, be sure to replace all
four tires.
●All season tires
All season tires are designed to pro-
vide better traction in snow and to
be adequate for driving in most win-
ter conditions as well as for use
year-round. All season tires, how-
ever, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow
tires in heavy or loose snow. Also,
all season tires fall short in accelera-
tion and handling performance com-
pared with summer tires in highway
driving.
●Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads
or icy roads, we recommend using
snow tires. If you need snow tires,
select tires of the same size, con-
struction and load capacity as the
originally installed tires. Since your
vehicle has radial tires as original
equipment, make sure your snow
tires also have radi al construction.
Do not install studded tires without
first checking local regulations for
possible restrictions. Snow tires
should be installed on all wheels.
(  P.378)

5927-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■If the tread on snow tires wears
down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as
snow tires is lost.
Rotate the tires in the order
shown.
To equalize tire wear and extend
tire life, Toyota recommends that
tire rotation is carried out at the
same interval as tire inspection.
Do not fail to initialize the tire pres-
sure warning system after tire rota-
tion. (if equipped)
Front
WARNING
■When inspecting or replacing
tires
Observe the following precautions
to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause dam-
age to parts of the drive train as
well as dangerous handling char-
acteristics, which may lead to an
accident resulting in death or seri-
ous injury.
●Do not mix tires of different
makes, models or tread pat-
terns.
Also, do not mix tires of remark-
ably different treadwear.
●Do not use tire si zes other than
those recommende d by Toyota.
●Do not mix differently con-
structed tires (radial, bias-belted
or bias-ply tires).
●Do not mix summer, all season
and snow tires.
●Do not use tires that have been
used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not
know how they were used previ-
ously.
●Do not tow if your vehicle has a
compact spare tire installed.
NOTICE
■Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving
on roads with loose surfaces or
potholes.
These conditions may cause
losses in tire inflation pressure,
reducing the cush ioning ability of
the tires. In addition, driving on
rough roads may cause damage
to the tires themselves, as well as
the vehicle’s wheels and body.
■If tire inflation pressure of
each tire becomes low while
driving
Do not continue driving, or your
tires and/or wheels may be
ruined.
Tire rotation
A