2000 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual

D Do not carry unneeded weight

in your vehicle. Excess weight puts a heavier the engine, causing greater fuel consumption.

load on

D Avoid lengthy warm−up idling. Once the engine is running smoothly, begin driving—but gently. Remember, howev- er, that on cold winter days this may take a little longer.

D Always keep the automatic transmis- turned on. sion overdrive switch the overdrive switch off Driving with will reduce the fuel economy. (For de- tails, see “Automatic transmission” in Section 1−6.)

D Accelerate

slowly

smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high gear as quickly as possible.

and

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CAUTION

Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your power steering and brake booster will not function with- out the emission control system operates properly only when the engine is run- ning.

the engine running. Also,

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SECTION 4

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY If your vehicle will not start If your engine stalls while driving If your vehicle overheats If you have a flat tire If your vehicle needs to be towed If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever If you lose your keys

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not start— 1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. See “(b) Starting a flooded engine” for further instructions. 2. If the engine still will not start, it needs repair. Call a Toyota

adjustment or dealer or qualified repair shop.

If your vehicle will not start— (a) Simple checks Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the correct starting pro- cedure given in ”How to start the engine” in Section 3 and that you have sufficient fuel. If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too slowly— 1. Check the battery

terminals are

that

tight and clean.

2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch

on the interior light.

3. If the light

is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked, the battery is discharged. You may try jump start- ing. See ”(c) Jump starting” for further instructions.

If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop.

NOTICE

Do not pull−or push−start the vehicle. It may damage the vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts. Also the three−way catalytic converter may overheat and become a fire haz- ard.

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(b) Starting a flooded engine If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. If this happens, turn the key to ”START” with the accelerator pedal held down. Keep the key and accelerator pedal so for 15 seconds and release them. Then try starting the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal. If the engine does not start after 15 se- conds of cranking, release the key, wait a few minutes and try again. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance.

NOTICE

Do not crank for more than 30 se- conds at a time. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems.

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D The gas normally produced by a battery will explode if a flame or spark is brought near. Use only standardized jumper cables and do not smoke or light a match while jump starting.

NOTICE

The battery used for boosting must be 12 V. Do not jump start unless you are sure that the booster battery is correct.

(c) Jump starting To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your vehicle which might re- sult from battery explosion, acid burns, electrical burns, or damaged electronic components, these instructions must be followed precisely. If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we strongly that you seek the help of a competent me- chanic or towing service.

recommend

CAUTION

D Batteries

contain

sulfuric

acid which is poisonous and corrosive. Wear protective safety glasses when jump starting, and avoid spilling acid on your skin, clothing, or ve- hicle.

JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE 1. If

the booster battery

installed in another vehicle, make sure the vehicles are not touching. Turn off all unneces- sary lights and accessories.

is

2. If required, remove all the vent plugs from the booster and discharged batter- ies. Lay a cloth over the open vents on the batteries. (This helps reduce the explosion hazard, personal injuries and burns.)

3. If the engine in the vehicle with the booster battery is not running, start it and let it run for a few minutes. During jump starting, run the engine at about 2000 rpm with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed.

D If you should accidentally get acid on yourself or in your eyes, remove any contaminated clothing and flush the affected area with water im- mediately. Then get immediate medi- cal attention. If possible, continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while en route to the medical office.

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Jumper cable

Discharged battery

Positive terminal (”+” mark)

Booster battery

Positive terminal (”+” mark)

4. Make the cable connections in the or-

der a, b, c, d. a. Connect the clamp of the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal on the discharged battery. b. Connect the clamp at the other end of the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal on the booster battery.

Discharged battery

Jumper cable

Booster battery

Negative terminal (”−” mark)

c. Connect the clamp of the negative (black) cable to the negative (−) termi- nal on the booster battery. d. Connect the clamp at the other end of the negative (black) jumper cable to a solid, stationary, unpainted, metallic point of the vehicle with the discharged battery. The recommended connecting point is shown in the following illustration:

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Connecting point

Do not connect it to or near any part that moves when is cranked.

the engine

CAUTION

the connections,

to When making avoid serious injury, do not lean over the battery or accidentally the jumper cables or clamps touch any- thing except the correct battery termi- nals or the ground.

let

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5. Start your engine in the normal way. After starting, run it at about 2000 rpm for several minutes with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed.

6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order: the negative cable and then the positive cable.

7. Carefully dispose of the battery cover cloths—they may now contain sulfuric acid.

8. If removed, replace all the battery vent

plugs.

If the cause of your battery discharging is not apparent (for example, lights left on), you should have it checked.

If your engine stalls while driving If your engine stalls while driving... 1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place.

2. Turn on your emergency flashers. 3. Try starting the engine again. If the engine will not start, see ”If your vehicle will not start”.

CAUTION

If the engine is not running, the pow- er assist for the brakes and steering will not work so steering and braking will be much harder than usual.

If your vehicle overheats If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, if you ex- perience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has probably overheated. You should follow this procedure... 1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve- turn on your emergency hicle and flashers. Put the transmission in ”P” (automatic) or neutral (manual) and ap- ply the parking brake. Turn off the air conditioning if it is being used.

2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the engine. Wait until the steam subsides before opening the hood. If there is no coolant boiling over or steam, leave the engine running and make sure the electric cooling fan is operating. If it is not, turn the ignition off.

CAUTION

injury, keep To help avoid personal the hood closed until there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is a sign of very high pressure.

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6. After

the engine coolant

temperature has cooled to normal, again check the coolant level in the reservoir. If neces- sary, bring it up to half full again. Seri- ous coolant loss indicates a leak in the system. You should have it checked as soon as possible at your Toyota dealer.

3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from the radiator, hoses, and under the vehicle. However, note that water draining from the air conditioning is normal if it has been used.

CAUTION

the engine

When is running, keep hands and clothing away from the moving fan and engine drive belts.

4. If the coolant is leaking, stop the en- gine immediately. Call a Toyota dealer for assistance.

5. If there are no obvious leaks, check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add coolant to the reservoir while the en- gine is running. Fill it about half full.

CAUTION

Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure.

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If you have a flat tire— 1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place well away from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the center divider of a highway. Park on a level spot with firm ground.

2. Stop

the engine and

turn on your

emergency flashers.

3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in ”P” (automatic) or reverse (manual).

4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle

on the side away from traffic.

5. Read oughly.

the

following

instructions

thor-

CAUTION

When jacking, be sure to observe the following to reduce the possibility of personal injury: D Follow jacking instructions. D Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle supported by the jack. Personal injury may occur.

D Do not start or run the engine while is supported by the

your vehicle jack.

D Stop the vehicle on a

the transmission

level firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and put in ”P” (automatic) or (manual). Block the wheel diagonally opposite to the one being changed if neces- sary.

reverse

D Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack point. Raising the ve- hicle with improperly posi- tioned will damage the vehicle or may allow the vehicle to fall off the jack and cause personal injury.

jack

D Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is supported by the jack alone.

D Use the jack only for lifting your

vehicle during wheel changing.

D Do not raise the vehicle with some-

one in the vehicle.

D When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack. D Raise the vehicle only high enough

to remove and change the tire.

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—Required tools and spare tire

NOTICE

Do not continue driving with a de- flated tire. Driving even a short dis- tance can damage a tire beyond re- pair.

the required

tools and spare

1. Get tire. Tool bag (in the right side miscellany box) Jack (under the right side front seat) Spare tire (on the back door or tail gate)

To prepare yourself for an emergency, you should familiarize yourself with the use of the jack, each of the tools and their stor- age locations.

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To remove the jack, move the seat to the front−most position and turn the jack joint by hand. To remove: Turn the joint in direction 1
until the jack is free. To store: Turn the joint in direction 2 until the jack is firmly secured to prevent it flying forward during a collision or sudden braking.

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To remove the spare tire: Turn the hold−down nuts counterclockwise with the wheel nut wrench and remove them. When storing the spare tire, put it in place and secure flying forward during a collision or sudden brak- ing.

to prevent

from

it

it

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—Blocking the wheel

—Removing wheel ornament

Steel wheels

2. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire to keep the vehicle from rolling when it is jacked up.

When blocking the wheel, place a wheel block from the front for the front wheels or from the rear for the rear wheels.

3. Remove the wheel ornament. Pry off the beveled end of the wheel nut wrench as shown.

the wheel ornament, using

CAUTION

Do not try to pull the ornament by hand. Take due care in handling the ornament to avoid unexpected person- al injury.

Aluminum wheels

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—Loosening wheel nuts

—Positioning the jack

—Raising your vehicle

4. Loosen all the wheel nuts. Always loosen the wheel nuts before rais- ing the vehicle. Turn the wheel nuts counterclockwise to loosen. To get maximum leverage, fit the wrench to the nut so that the handle is on the right side, as shown above. Grab the wrench near the end of the handle and pull up on the handle. Be careful that the wrench does not slip off the nut. Do not remove the nuts yet—just unscrew them about one−half turn.

5. Position the

jack at the following

jack points. 1 Front suspension arm rear mounting 2 Rear suspension arm

Make sure the jack level and solid place.

is positioned on a

6. After making sure that no one is in the vehicle, raise it high enough so that the spare tire can be installed. Remember you will need more ground clearance when putting on the spare tire than when removing the flat tire. To raise the vehicle, insert the jack handle into the jack (it is a loose fit) and turn it clockwise. As the jack touches the vehicle and begins to lift, double−check that it is properly positioned.

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—Changing wheels

CAUTION

Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle jack alone.

is supported by

the

7. Remove the wheel nuts and change

tires. the

it

flat

the spare wheel

tire straight off and put

Lift aside. Roll into position and align the holes in the wheel with the bolts. Then lift up the wheel and get at least the top bolt started through its hole. Wiggle the tire and press it back over the other bolts.

Before putting on wheels, remove any cor- rosion on the mounting surfaces with a wire brush or such. Installation of wheels without good metal−to−metal contact at the mounting surface can cause wheel nuts to loosen and eventually cause a wheel to come off while driving. Therefore after the first 1600 km (1000 miles), check to see that the wheel nuts are tight.

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—Reinstalling wheel nuts

—Lowering your vehicle

CAUTION

When lowering the vehicle, make sure all portions of your body and all oth- er persons around will not be injured as the ground.

the vehicle

lowered

to

is

8. Reinstall all the wheel nuts finger

tight.

Reinstall the wheel nuts (tapered end in- ward) and tighten them as much as you can by hand. Press back on the tire back and see if you can tighten them more.

9. Lower

the vehicle completely and

tighten the wheel nuts.

Turn the jack handle counterclockwise to lower the vehicle. Use only the wheel nut wrench and turn it clockwise to tighten the nuts. Do not use other tools or any additional leverage other than your hands, such as a hammer, pipe or your foot. Make sure the wrench is securely engaged over the nut. Tighten each nut a little at a time in the order shown. Repeat the process until all the nuts are tight.

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—Reinstalling wheel ornament

10. Reinstall the wheel ornament. Put the wheel ornament into position and then tap it firmly with the side or heel of your hand to snap it into place.

CAUTION

Take due care in handling the orna- ment to avoid unexpected personal injure.

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—After changing wheels 11. Check the air pressure of the re-

placed tire.

Adjust the air pressure to the specification designated in Section 8. If the pressure is lower, drive slowly to the nearest service station and fill to the correct pressure. Do not forget to reinstall the tire inflation valve cap as dirt and moisture could get into the valve core and possibly cause air leakage. If the cap is missing, have a new one put on as soon as possible. 12. Restow all the tools, jack and flat

tire securely.

As soon after changing wheels as pos- sible, tighten the wheel nuts to the torque specified torque wrench, have a technician repair the flat tire and replace the spare tire with it.

in Section 8 with a

CAUTION

Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat tire are securely in place in their storage location to reduce the possibility of personal in- jury during a collision or sudden braking.

If your vehicle needs to be towed—

(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck—

—From front

—From rear

(b) Using flat bed truck

Two−wheel drive models

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(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck—

—From front

—From rear

(b) Using flat bed truck

If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your Toyota dealer or a commercial tow truck ser- vice. In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using either (a) or (b). Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a Toyota dealer or com- mercial tow truck service, tow your ve- hicle carefully in accordance with the instructions given in ”—Emergency tow- ing” in this section. Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are generally aware of local laws pertaining to towing. Your vehicle can be damaged is towed incorrectly. Although most operators know the correct procedure, it is possible to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure the following pre- cautions are observed. If necessary, show this page to the tow truck driver.

the state/provincial and

if

it

TOWING PRECAUTIONS: Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use a towing dolly. Two−wheel drive models— (a) Towing with wheel lift type truck From front—Release the parking brake.

NOTICE

When lifting wheels, take care to en- sure adequate ground clearance for towing at the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Otherwise, the bumper and/or underbody of the towed vehicle will be damaged during towing.

From rear— D Manual transmission:

We recommend using a towing dolly under the front wheels. If you do not use a towing dolly, place the ignition key in the ”ACC” position and put the transmission in neutral.

Four−wheel drive models

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NOTICE

(c) Towing with sling type truck

—Emergency towing

Do not tow with the key removed or in the ”LOCK” position when towing from the rear without a towing dolly. The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough front wheels straight.

to hold

the

D Automatic transmission:

Use a wheels.

towing dolly under

the

front

NOTICE

Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission from the rear with the front wheels on the ground, as this may cause serious damage the transmission.

to

(b) Using flat bed truck Four−wheel drive models— (a) Towing with wheel lift type truck Use a towing dolly under the wheels not lifted by the truck. (b) Using flat bed truck

All models— (c) Towing with sling type truck

NOTICE

Do not tow with sling type truck, ei- ther from the front or rear. This may cause body damage.

Front

Rear

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CAUTION

CAUTION

If the engine is not running, the pow- er assist for the brakes and steering will not work so steering and braking will be much harder than usual.

Use extreme caution when towing ve- hicles. Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet and towing cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.

NOTICE

Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chain to the towing eyelet provided.

Before towing, release the parking brake and put the transmission in neutral (manu- al) or ”N” (automatic). The key must be in ”ACC” (engine off) or ”ON” (engine run- ning).

If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your Toyota dealer or a commercial tow truck ser- vice. If towing service is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be tempo- rarily towed by a cable or chain se- cured to one of the emergency towing eyelets under the vehicle. Use extreme caution when towing vehicles.

NOTICE

Only use specified towing eyelet; otherwise your vehicle may be dam- aged.

A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the brakes. Towing in this manner may be done only on hard−surfaced roads for a short dis- tance and at the train, steering and wheels, axles, drive brakes must all be in good condition.

low speeds. Also,

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towing eyelet

—Emergency precautions D Before emergency

towing, check

that the eyelet is not broken or damaged and that the installation bolts are not loose.

D Fasten the towing cable or chain se-

curely to the eyelet.

D Do not jerk the eyelet. Apply steady

and even force.

D To avoid damaging the eyelet, do not the side or at a vertical

pull angle. Always pull straight ahead.

from

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CAUTION

towing eyelet

the emergency

If is used to get out when your vehicle becomes struck in mud, sand or oth- er condition from which the vehicle cannot be driven out under its own power, make sure to observe the pre- cautions mentioned below. Otherwise, excessive stress will be put on the eyelet and the towing cable or chain may break, causing serious injury or damage. the D If

towing vehicle can hardly move, do not forcibly continue the towing. Contact your Toyota dealer or a commercial tow truck service for assistance.

—Tips for towing a stuck vehicle The following methods are effective to get out when your vehicle is struck in mud, sand or other condition from which the vehicle cannot be driven out under its own power. Use extreme caution when towing vehicles. In addition, keep away from the vehicles and towing cable or chain when towing. D Remove the soil and sand in the front

and the back of the tires.

D Place a stone or wood under the tires.

D Tow the vehicle as straight ahead

as possible.

D Keep away from the vehicle during

towing.

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If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever

though

If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ”P” position to other positions even is de- pressed, use the shift lock override but- ton as follows: 1. Turn

the brake pedal

ignition key

the

to ”LOCK” the parking

position. Make sure brake is set.

2. Pry up the cover with a flat−bladed

screwdriver or equivalent.

3. Insert the screwdriver or equivalent into the hole to push down the shift lock override button. You can shift out of ”P” position only while push- ing the button.

4. Shift into ”N” position. 5. Insert the cover. 6. Start the engine. For your safety,

keep the brake pedal depressed.

Be sure to have the system checked by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

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in ”Keys”

the suggestion given

If you lose your keys You can purchase a new key at your Toyota dealer if you can give them the key number. See Section 1−2. If your keys are locked in the vehicle and you cannot get a duplicate, many Toyota dealers can still open the door for you, If you must using break a window in, we suggest breaking the smallest side window be- cause it is the least expensive to replace. Be extremely cautious to avoid cuts from the glass.

their special

to get

tools.

in

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SECTION 5

CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE Protecting your Toyota from corrosion Washing and waxing your Toyota Cleaning the interior

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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D Wetness or dampness to certain parts of your vehicle for an extended period of time, may cause corrosion even though other parts of the vehicle may be dry.

D High ambient temperatures can cause corrosion to those components of the vehicle which are prevented from quick−drying due to lack of proper ven- tilation.

The above signifies the necessity to keep your vehicle, particularly the underside, as clean as possible and to repair any dam- age to paint or protective coatings as soon as possible. To help prevent corrosion on your Toyota, follow these guidelines: Wash your vehicle frequently. It is, of course, necessary to keep your vehicle clean by regular washing, but to prevent corrosion, the following points should be observed: D If you drive on salted roads

the winter or if you live near the ocean, you should hose off the undercarriage at least once a month to minimize cor- rosion.

in

D High pressure water or steam is effec- tive for cleaning the vehicle’s underside and wheel housings. Pay particular attention to these areas as it is difficult to see all the mud and dirt. It will do more harm than good to simply wet the mud and debris without removing them. The lower edge of doors, rocker panels and frame members have drain holes which should not be allowed to clog with dirt as these areas can cause corrosion.

trapped water

in

D Wash the underside of the vehicle thor-

oughly when winter is over.

See ”Washing and waxing your Toyota” for more tips. Check the condition of your vehicle’s paint and trim. If you find any chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up im- mediately to prevent corrosion from start- ing. If the chips or scratches have gone through the bare metal, have a qualified body shop make the repair.

the

Protecting your Toyota from corrosion Toyota, through its diligent research, de- sign and use of the most advanced technology available, has done its part to help prevent corrosion and has provided you with vehicle construction. Now, it is up to you. Proper care of your Toyota can help ensure long− term corrosion prevention. The most common causes of corrosion to your vehicle are: D The accumulation of road salt, dirt and moisture in hard−to−reach areas under the vehicle.

quality

finest

D Chipping of paint, or undercoating caused by minor accidents or by stones and gravel.

Care is especially important if you live in particular areas or operate your ve- hicle under certain environmental condi- tions: D Road salt or dust control chemicals will accelerate corrosion, as will the pres- ence of salt in the air near the sea− coast or in areas of industrial pollution. D High humidity accelerates corrosion es- pecially when temperatures range just above the freezing point.

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Washing and waxing your Toyota Washing your Toyota Keep your vehicle clean by regular washing. The following cases may cause weakness to the paint or corrosion to the body and parts. Wash your vehicle as soon as pos- sible. D When driving in a coastal area D When driving on a road sprinkled with

antifreeze

D When having stuck of coal

tree sap, bird droppings and carcass of an insect

tar,

Soft−top models—For washing instruction for the soft−top, see ”Soft−top”. 1. Rinse off loose dirt with a hose. Re- move any mud or road salt from the underside of the wheel wells.

the vehicle or

in

D When driving in the areas where there is a lot of smoke, soot, dust, iron dust and chemical substance

D When the vehicle becomes remarkably

dirty with dust and mud Hand−washing your Toyota Work in the shade and wait until the vehicle body is not hot to the touch.

CAUTION

When cleaning under floor or chassis, be careful not to injure your hands.

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Check the interior of your vehicle. Wa- ter and dirt can accumulate under the floor mats and could cause corrosion. Oc- casionally check under the mats to make sure the area is dry. Be particularly care- ful when transporting chemicals, cleans- ers, fertilizers, salt, etc; these should be transported in proper containers. If a spill or leak should occur, immediately clean and dry the area. Use mud shields on your wheels. If you drive on salted or gravel roads, mud shields help protect your vehicle. Full−size shields, which come as near to the ground as possible, are the best. We recommend that the fittings and the area where the shields are installed be treated to resist corrosion. Your Toyota dealer will be happy to assist in supplying and installing the shields if they are recommended for your area. Keep your vehicle in a well ventilated garage or a roofed place. Do not park your vehicle in a damp, poorly venti- lated garage. If you wash your vehicle in the garage, or if you drive it in covered with water or snow, your garage may be so damp it will cause corrosion. Even if your garage is heated, a wet vehicle can corrode if the ventilation is poor.

Rav4(U)

2. Wash with a mild car−wash soap, mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a soft cotton mitt and keep it wet by dipping it frequently into the wash water. Do not rub hard—let the soap and water remove the dirt.

Plastic wheel ornaments: The plastic wheel ornaments are damaged easily by organic substances. If any organic sub- stances splashes an ornament, be sure to wash it off with water and check if the ornament is damaged.

CAUTION

Do not attach the heavily damaged plastic wheel ornament. It may fly off the wheel and cause accidents while the vehicle is moving.

Aluminum wheels: Use only a mild soap or neutral detergent. Plastic bumpers: Wash carefully. Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners. The bumper faces are soft. Road turpentine or cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces.

tar: Remove with

Soft−top models: Spray water on the quar- ter windows, rear window or top seals from above, at a 45° angle to the ground.

NOTICE

Soft−top models only: Do not spray water at side windows, rear window and top seals in a way which may cause water to enter the vehicle.

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NOTICE

Do not use organic substances (gaso- line, kerosene, benzine or strong sol- vents), which may be toxic or cause damage.

3. Rinse

thoroughly—dried

can cause streaking. In hot weather you may need to rinse each section right after you wash it.

soap

4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a clean soft cotton towel. Do not rub or press hard—you might scratch the paint.

Automatic car wash in an Hardtop models may be washed automatic car wash, but remember that the paint can be scratched by some type of brushes, unfiltered washing water, or the washing process itself. Scratching re- duces paint durability and gloss, especially on darker colors. The manager of the car wash should be able to advise you wheth- er the process is safe for the paint on your vehicle.

NOTICE

z To prevent damage to the antenna, make sure is retracted before driving your Toyota through an au- tomatic car wash.

it

z Soft−top models—Do not run soft− top models through automatic car washes or possible damage to the soft−top may result.

Waxing your Toyota Polishing and waxing is recommended to maintain the original beauty of your Toyota’s finish. Once a month or if the vehicle surface does not repel water well, apply wax. 1. Always wash and dry the vehicle be- fore you begin waxing, even if you are using a combined cleaner and wax.

2. Use a good quality polish and wax. If the finish has become extremely weath- ered, use a car−cleaning polish, fol- lowed by a separate wax. Carefully fol- low the manufacturer’s instructions and precautions. Be sure to polish and wax the chrome trim as well as the paint.

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3. Wax

the vehicle again when water does not bead but remains on the sur- face in large patches.

NOTICE

Always remove the plastic bumpers if your vehicle is re−painted and placed in a high heat paint waxing booth. High temperatures could damage the bumpers.

Soft−top Wash using mild soap suds, lukewarm wa- ter and a sponge.

NOTICE

Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners or bleaching agents on the top mate- rial or damage may result.

If further cleaning is required after using soap and water, a mild foaming cleaner can be used. First, rinse the top. then use a mild foaming cleaner on the entire top. Scrub with a small soft bristle hand−brush. the cleaner Add water as needed until gets soapy. Use a cloth or sponge to remove dirt so it will not be ground into the top. Be careful to keep any cleaner from drying on the body paint as it may cause streaks. After the top has been cleaned, rinse ve- hicle with clean water to remove all traces of cleaner. After cleaning, always make sure the top is completely dry before you lower it. Low- ering top while wet or damp may cause interior water damage, water stains or mildew of the top material.

the

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NOTICE

NOTICE

Do not use solvent, thinner, gasoline or window cleaner on the interior.

z Do not use dye or bleach on the

belts—it may weaken them.

to

foam−type shampoo

Carpets Use a good clean the carpets. Begin by vacuuming thoroughly to remove as much dirt as possible. Several types of foam cleaners are available; some are in aerosol cans and others are powders or liquids which you mix with water to pro- duce a foam. To shampoo the carpets, use a sponge or brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not apply water—the best results are obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as possible. Read the shampoo instructions and follow them closely. Seat belts The seat belts may be cleaned with mild soap and water or with lukewarm water. Use a cloth or sponge. As you are clean- ing, check the belts for excessive wear, fraying, or cuts.

z Do not use the belts until they be-

come dry.

Windows The windows may be cleaned with any household window cleaner.

NOTICE

When cleaning the inside of the win- dows, be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires on the rear window.

Air conditioning control panel, car au- dio, instrument panel, console panel, and switches Use a soft damp cloth for cleaning. Soak a clean soft cloth in water or luke- warm water then lightly wipe off dirt.

Cleaning the interior

CAUTION

Do not wash the vehicle floor with water, or allow water to get onto the floor when cleaning the vehicle interi- or or exterior. Water may get into audio components or other electrical components above or under the floor carpet (or mat) and cause a malfunc- tion; and it may cause body corro- sion.

Vinyl interior The vinyl upholstery may be easily cleaned with a mild soap or detergent and water. First vacuum over the upholstery to re- move loose dirt. Then, using a sponge or soft cloth, apply the soap solution to the vinyl. After allowing it to soak in for a few minutes to loosen the dirt, remove the dirt and wipe off the soap with a clean damp cloth. If all the dirt do not come off, re- peat the procedure. Commercial foaming− type vinyl cleaners are also available which work well. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

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NOTICE

z Do not use organic substances (sol- vents, kerosene, alcohol, gasoline, etc.) or alkaline or acidic solutions. These chemicals can cause discol- oring, staining or peeling of the surface.

z If you use cleaners or polishing agents, make sure their ingredients do not include the substances men- tioned above.

z If you use a liquid car freshener, do not apply the liquid onto the ve- hicle’s interior surfaces. It may con- tain ingredients mentioned above. Immediately clean any spill using the method mentioned above.

the

Leather Interior The leather upholstery may be cleaned with neutral detergent for wool. Remove dirt using a soft cloth dampened with 5% solution of neutral detergent for wool. Then thoroughly wipe off all traces of detergent with a clean damp cloth.

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After cleaning or whenever any part of the leather gets wet, dry with a soft clean cloth. Allow the leather to dry in a venti- lated shaded area.

NOTICE

z If a stain should fail to come out with a neutral detergent, apply a cleaner that does not contain an organic solvent.

z Never use organic substances such as benzine, alcohol or gasoline, or alkaline or acid solutions for clean- ing these could cause discoloring.

leather as

the

z The interior of your vehicle is apt to heat up on hot summer days, so avoid placing on the upholstery items made of vinyl or plastic or containing wax as these tend to stick to leather when warm.

z Improper cleaning of the leather up- in discolor-

holstery could result ation or staining.

If you have any questions about the cleaning of your Toyota, your local Toyota dealer will be pleased to answer them.

z Use of a nylon brush or synthetic fiber cloth, etc. may scratch the fine grained surface of the leather. z Mildew may develop on soiled leath- er upholstery. Be especially careful to avoid oil spots. Try to keep your upholstery always clean.

to direct sunlight z Long exposure may cause the leather surface to harden and shrink. Keep your ve- hicle in a shaded area, especially in the summer.

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SECTION 6

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND CARE Maintenance requirements General maintenance Does your vehicle need repairing?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

194
195
197

For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the ”Sched- uled Maintenance Guide” or ”Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

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Maintenance requirements Your Toyota vehicle has been designed to for fewer maintenance requirements with longer service intervals to save both your time and money. However, each regular maintenance, as well as day−to−day care, is more important than ever before to en- sure smooth, and trouble−free, safe, and economical drivings. It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified maintenance, including general maintenance service, is performed. Note that both the new vehicle and emis- sion control system warranties specify that proper maintenance and care must be per- formed. See ”Owner’s Warranty Informa- tion Booklet” or ”Owner’s Manual Supple- ment” for complete warranty information. General maintenance General maintenance items are those day− to−day care practices that are important to your vehicle for proper operation. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the general maintenance items are performed regularly. These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or a qualified technician, or if you prefer, your Toyota dealer will be pleased to do them at a nominal cost.

194

Scheduled maintenance The scheduled maintenance items listed in the ”Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or ”Owner’s Manual Supplement” are those required to be serviced at regular inter- vals. For details of your maintenance schedule, read the ”Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or ”Owner’s Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any replacement parts used for maintenance or for the repair of the emission control system be Toyota supplied. The owner may elect to use non−Toyota supplied parts replacement pur- poses without invalidating the emission control system warranty. However, use of replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the effec- tiveness of the emission control sys- tems. You may also elect to have mainte- nance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system performed by any automotive repair es- tablishment or individual without invali- dating this warranty. See ”Owner’s War- ranty Information Booklet” or ”Owner’s Manual Supplement” for complete war- ranty information.

for

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Where to go for service? Toyota technicians are well−trained spe- cialists and are kept up to date with the latest service information through technical bulletins, service tips, and in−dealership training programs. They learn to work on Toyotas before they work on your vehicle, rather than while they are working on it. You can be confident that your Toyota dealer’s service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance require- ments on your vehicle—reliably and eco- nomically. Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required maintenance has been per- formed for warranty coverage. And if any problems should arise with your vehicle while under warranty, your Toyota dealer will promptly take care of it. Again, be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service performed on your Toyota. What about do−it−yourself maintenance? Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have a little mechani- cal ability and a few basic automotive tools. Simple instructions for how to per- form them are presented in Section 7.

If you are a skilled do−it−yourself mechan- ic, the Toyota service manuals are recom- mended. Please be aware that do−it−your- self maintenance can affect your warranty coverage. See ”Owner’s Warranty Informa- tion Booklet” or ”Owner’s Manual Supple- ment” for the details.

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the

items

listed,

General maintenance Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed as fre- quently as specified. In addition to check- ing if you notice any unusual noise, smell or vibration, you should investigate the cause or take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer or a quali- fied service shop immediately. It is recom- mended that any problem you notice be brought to the attention of your dealer or the qualified service shop for their advice.

CAUTION

Make these checks only where ade- quate ventilation can be obtained if you run the engine.

to

time

OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE Items listed below should be performed from time, unless otherwise specified. Tire pressure Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at least once a month. See Section 7−2 for additional information.

for

the nuts

Tire surface and wheel nuts Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear. See Section 7−2 for additional information. When checking the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and check looseness. Tighten them if necessary. Tire rotation Rotate the tires every 12000 km (7500
miles). See Section 7−2 for additional in- formation. Fluid leaks Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa- ter or other the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected immediately. Doors and engine hood Check that all doors and back door oper- ate smoothly and all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood secondary latch secures the hood from opening when the primary latch is released.

fluid after

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INSIDE THE VEHICLE Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc. Lights Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all working. Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers Check that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers function properly. Steering wheel Check that it has the specified freeplay. Be alert for changes in steering condition, such as hard steering or strange noise. Seats Check that all seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly and that all latches lock securely in any position. For folding−up rear seat- backs, check that the latches lock secure- ly.

Seat belts Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dam- aged. Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or catching. Clutch pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation. Brake pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and that the pedal has the proper clearance. Check the brake booster function. Brakes At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when applied. Parking brake Check that the lever has the proper travel and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied.

Automatic transmission ”Park” mecha- nism Check the lock release button of the se- lector lever for proper and smooth opera- tion. On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in ”P” position and all brakes re- leased. IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT Items listed below should be checked from time to time, e.g. each time when refueling. Washer fluid Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See Section 7−3 for additional in- formation. Engine coolant level Make sure the coolant level is between the ”FULL” and ”LOW” lines on the see− through reservoir when the engine is cold. See Section 7−2 for additional information. Battery electrolyte level Make sure the electrolyte level of all bat- tery cells is between upper and lower lev- el lines on the case. Add only distilled water when replenishing. See Section 7−3
for additional information.

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Brake fluid level Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See Section 7−2 for additional information. Engine oil level Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and the vehicle parked on a level spot. See Section 7−2 for addi- tional information. Power steering fluid level Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in the ”HOT” or ”COLD” range depending on the fluid temperature. See Section 7−2 for additional information. Exhaust system If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected immedi- ately. in Section 2.)

(See engine exhaust cautions

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tip−offs

for changes

Does your vehicle need repairing? Be on the alert in perfor- mance, sounds, and visual that indicate service is needed. Some impor- tant clues are as follows: D Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging D Appreciable loss of power D Strange engine noises D A leak under the vehicle (however, wa- ter dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or repair.

CAUTION

Do not continue driving with the ve- hicle unchecked. It could result in se- rious vehicle damage and possibly personal injury.

D Change

in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked im- mediately.)

D Flat−looking tire; excessive tire squeal

when cornering; uneven tire wear

D Vehicle pulls to one side when driving

straight on a level road

D Strange noises related to suspension

movement

D Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy feeling brake or clutch pedal; pedal al- most touches floor; vehicle pulls to one side when braking

D Engine coolant temperature continually

higher than normal

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SECTION 7− 1

DO−IT−YOURSELF MAINTENANCE Introduction Engine compartment overview Fuse locations Do−it−yourself service precautions Parts and tools

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

200
201
202
203

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Engine compartment overview

1. Windshield and

rear window washer

fluid tank

2. Battery 3. Fuse blocks 4. Engine oil filler cap 5. Brake fluid reservoir 6. Engine coolant reservoir 7. Electric cooling fans 8. Engine oil level dipstick 9. Power steering fluid reservoir 10. Windshield and

rear window washer

fluid level dipstick

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Fuse locations

Spare fuses

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Do−it−yourself service precautions If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct procedure given in this section. You should be aware that improper or in- complete servicing may result in operating problems. Performing do−it−yourself maintenance during the warranty period may affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate Toyota Warranty statement for details and suggestions. This section gives for those items that are relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in Section 6, there are still a number of items that must be done by a qualified technician with special tools. For information on tools and parts for do− it−yourself maintenance, see ”Parts and tools”. Utmost care should be taken when work- ing on your vehicle to prevent accidental injury. Here are a few precautions that you should be especially careful to ob- serve:

instructions only

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CAUTION

D When the engine is running, keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive rings, watches, and ties is advisable.)

(Removing

belts.

D Right after driving,

the engine compartment—the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, power steering fluid reservoir and spark plug boots, etc.—will be hot. So be care- ful not to touch them. Oil, fluids and spark plugs may also be hot.

D If the engine is hot, do not remove the radiator cap or loosen the drain plugs to prevent burning yourself.

D Do not smoke, cause sparks or al- low open flames around fuel or the battery. Their fumes are flammable. D Be extremely cautious when work- ing on the battery. It contains poi- sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid. D Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack supporting it. Al- ways use automotive jack stands or other solid supports.

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D Be sure that the ignition is off if you work near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille. With the ignition on, the electric cooling fans will automatically start to run if the engine coolant temperature is high and/or the air conditioning is on.

D Use eye protection whenever you work on or under your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. D Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin disorders such as in- flammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid prolonged and repeated contact with it. To re- move used engine oil from your skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

D Do not

leave used oil within the

reach of children.

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z Do not reuse platinum−tipped spark

plugs by cleaning or regapping.

z Do not overfill automatic transmis- sion fluid and transfer oil, or the transmission and transfer could be damaged.

z Do not drive with the air cleaner filter removed, or excessive engine wear could result. Also backfiring could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

z Be careful not to scratch the glass

surface with the wiper frame.

z When closing

the engine hood, check to see that you have not for- gotten any tools, rags, etc.

2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)

D Dispose of used oil and filter only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dispose of used oil and fil- ter in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground. Call your dealer or a service station information concerning recycling or disposal.

for