ECO mode TOYOTA RAV4 2000 User Guide
Page 153 of 250
Rav4(U)
1452000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Brake system
The tandem master cylinder brake system
is a hydraulic system with two separate
sub−systems. If either sub−system should
fail, the other will still work. However, the
pedal will be harder to press, and your
stopping distance will be longer. Also, the
brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a
single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
BRAKE BOOSTER
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to
power−assist the brakes. If the engine
should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal
pedal pressure. There is enough reserved
vacuum for one or two stops—but no
more!
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the
engine stalls. Each push on the
pedal uses up your reserved vacu-
um.
Even if the power assist is com-
pletely lost, the brakes will still
work. But you will have to push the
pedal hard, much harder than nor-
mal. And your braking distance will
be longer.
ANTI−LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(with ”ABS” warning light)
The anti−lock brake system is designed
to help prevent lock−up of the wheels
during a sudden braking or braking on
slippery road surfaces. This assists in
providing stability and steering perfor-
mance of the vehicle under these cir-
cumstances.
Effective way to press the ABS brake
pedal:
When the anti−lock brake system func-
tion is in action, just hold the brake
pedal down more firmly. Especially, in a
panic stop, you need to keep it de-
pressed more firmly, and do not pump
the brake. Pumping the brake pedal
makes the stopping distance longer.
The anti−lock brake system becomes op-
erative after the vehicle has accelerated
to a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
Depressing the brake pedal on slippery
road surfaces such as on the manhole
cover, the steel plate under the construc-
tion, joints in the bridge, etc. on a rainy
day tends to activate the anti−lock brake
system.
You may hear a click or motor sound in
the engine compartment for a few seconds
when the engine is started or just after
the vehicle is started. This means that the
anti−lock brake system is in the self−
check mode, and does not indicate a mal-
function.
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Page 172 of 250
Rav4(U)
1642000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Getting more kilometers/mileage from a
liter/gallon of fuel is easy—just take it
easy. It will help make your vehicle last
longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and
repairs:
Keep your tires inflated at the cor-
rect pressure. Underinflation causes
tire wear and wastes fuel. See Section
7−2 for instructions.
Do not carry unneeded weight in
your vehicle. Excess weight puts a
heavier load on the engine, causing
greater fuel consumption.
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.
Always keep the automatic transmis-
sion overdrive switch turned on.
Driving with the overdrive switch off
will reduce the fuel economy. (For de-
tails, see “Automatic transmission” in
Section 1−6.)
Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high
gear as quickly as possible.
Avoid long engine idling. If you have
a long wait and you are not in traffic,
it is better to turn off the engine and
start again later.
Avoid engine lug or overrevving. Use
a gear position suitable for the road on
which you are travelling.
Avoid continuous speeding up and
slowing down. Stop−and−go driving
wastes fuel.
Avoid unnecessary stopping and
braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try
to time the traffic signals so you only
need to stop as little as possible or
take advantage of through streets to
avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper dis-
tance from other vehicles to avoid sud-
den braking. This will also reduce wear
on your brakes.
Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams
whenever possible.
Do not rest your foot on the clutch
or brake pedal. This causes premature
wear, overheating and poor fuel econo-
my.
Maintain a moderate speed on high-
ways. The faster you drive, the greater
the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel con-
sumption.
Keep the front wheels in proper
alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and
slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire
wear but also puts an extra load on
the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
Keep the bottom of your vehicle free
from mud, etc. This not only lessens
weight but also helps prevent corro-
sion.
Keep your vehicle tuned−up and in
top shape. A dirty air cleaner, improp-
er valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil
and grease,brakes not adjusted, etc. all
lower engine performance and contrib-
ute to poor fuel economy. For longer
life of all parts and lower operating
costs, keep all maintenance work on
schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your vehicle
receives more frequent maintenance.
(For scheduled maintenance informa-
tion, please refer to the ”Scheduled
Maintenance Guide” or ”Owner ’s Manu-
al Supplement”).
How to save fuel and make
your vehicle last longer, too
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Page 188 of 250
Rav4(U)
1802000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck—
—From front
—From rear
(b) Using flat bed truck
Four−wheel drive modelsIf 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 the state/provincial and local
laws pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it 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.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.
Tw o−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—
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.
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Page 195 of 250
Rav4(U)
1872000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
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.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.
When driving in a coastal area
When driving on a road sprinkled with
antifreeze
When having stuck of coal tar, tree
sap, bird droppings and carcass of an
insect
When driving in the areas where there
is a lot of smoke, soot, dust, iron dust
and chemical substance
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.
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 vehicle or in the
wheel wells.
Washing and waxing your
To y o t a
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Page 197 of 250
Rav4(U)
1892000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the antenna,
make sure it is retracted before
driving your Toyota through an au-
tomatic car wash.
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.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.
Add water as needed until the cleaner
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 the top while wet or damp may
cause interior water damage, water stains
or mildew of the top material.
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Page 221 of 250
Rav4(U)
2132000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
To equalize tire wear and help extend
tire life, Toyota recommends that you
rotate your tires approximately every
12000 km (7500 miles). However, the
most appropriate timing for tire rotation
may vary according to your driving hab-
its and road surface conditions.
See ”If you have a flat tire” in Section 4
for tire change procedure.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear
and damage. Abnormal wear is usually
caused by incorrect tire pressure, improper
wheel alignment, out−of−balance wheels, or
severe braking.WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR
CHAINS
Snow tires or chains are recommended
when driving on snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional tires pro-
vide better traction than snow tires.
SNOW TIRE SELECTION
If you need snow tires, select tires of
the same size, construction and load
capacity as the original tires on your
Toyota. Make sure all the snow tires are
the same brand.
Do not install studded tires without first
checking local regulations for possible re-
strictions.
NOTICE
Do not use tires of different brands,
sizes and constructions. This may
damage the drive system.
SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION
Snow tires should be installed on all
wheels.Installing snow tires on the front wheels only
can lead to an excessive difference in road
grip capability between the front and rear
tires which could cause loss of vehicle con-
trol.
When storing removed tires, you should
store them in a cool dry place.
Mark the direction of rotation and be sure
to install them in the same direction when
replacing.
CAUTION
Do not drive with the snow tires
incorrectly inflated.
Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph)
with any type of snow tires.
TIRE CHAIN SELECTION
Use tire chains of the correct size.
Tw o−wheel drive models only—
Use only genuine Toyota tire chains or equiv-
alent for use on the RAV4.
Installing snow tires and
chains
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Page 222 of 250
Rav4(U)
2142000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
NOTICE
If the wrong combination of tire and
chain is used, the chains could dam-
age the vehicle body.
∗ RAV4 genuine tire chains
(Part No. 08329−42801)
Laws about using tire chains vary ac-
cording to locality and type of road, so
always check your local laws before
you install tire chains.
CHAIN INSTALLATION
Four−wheel drive models:
Install the chains on the rear tires as
tightly as possible. Do not use tire
chains on the front tires. Retighten
chains after driving 0.5—1.0 km
(1/4—1/2 mile).
Tw o−wheel drive models:
Install the chains on the front tires as
tightly as possible. Do not use tire
chains on the rear tires. Retighten
chains after driving 0.5—1.0 km
(1/4—1/2 mile).When installing chains on your tires, care-
fully follow the instructions of the chain
manufacturer.
If wheel covers are used, they will be
scratched by the chain band, so remove the
covers before putting on the chains.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or
the chain manufacturer ’s recom-
mended speed limit, whichever is
lower.
Drive carefully avoiding bumps,
holes, and sharp turns, which may
cause the vehicle to bounce.
Avoid sharp turns or locked−wheel
braking, as use of chains may ad-
versely affect vehicle handling.
Replacing wheels
WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS
If you have wheel damage such as
bending, cracks or heavy corrosion, the
wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels, the
tire may slip off the wheel or cause loss
of handling control.
WHEEL SELECTION
When replacing wheels, care should be
taken to ensure that the wheels are re-
placed by ones with the same load ca-
pacity, diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at
your Toyota dealer.
A wheel of a different brand, size and type
may adversely affect handling, wheel and
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/
odometer calibration, stopping ability, head-
light aim, bumper height, vehicle ground
clearance, and tire or snow chain clearance
to the body and chassis.
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Page 240 of 250
Rav4(U)
2322000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Oil grade:
API grade SJ, ”Energy−Conserving” or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recom-
mended.
Recommended oil viscosity (SAE):
COOLING SYSTEM
Total capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Manual transmission
8.0 (8.5, 7.0)
Automatic transmission
7.7 (8.1, 6.8)
Coolant type:
”TOYOTA Long Life Coolant” or equiva-
lent
With ethylene−glycol type coolant for a
proper corrosion protection of aluminum
components
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.BATTERY
Open voltage
∗ at 20 C (68 F):
12.6—12.8 V Fully charged
12.2—12.4 V Half charged
11.8—12.0 V Discharged
∗: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes af-
ter the key is removed with all the lights
turned off
Charging rates:
5 A max.
CLUTCH
Pedal free play, mm (in.):
5—15 (0.2—0.6)
Fluid type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Tw o−wheel drive models
3.9 (4.1, 3.4)
Four−wheel drive models
5.0 (5.3, 4.4)
Oil type:
Tw o−wheel drive models
Gear oil API GL−4 or GL−5
Four−wheel drive models
Gear oil API GL−5
Recommended oil viscosity:
SAE 75W−90AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Fluid capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
Up to 3.3 (3.5, 2.9)
Fluid type:
Tw o−wheel drive models
Automatic transmission fluid
D−II or DEXRONIII (DEXRONII)
Four−wheel drive models
Toyota automatic transaxle fluid
type T or T−IV or equivalent
TRANSFER
(four−wheel drive models with an auto-
matic transaxle)
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
0.7 (0.7, 0.6)
Oil type:
Gear oil API GL−5
Recommended oil viscosity:
SAE 75W−90
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Page 241 of 250
Rav4(U)
2332000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
REAR DIFFERENTIAL
(four−wheel drive models)
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
0.9 (1.0, 0.8)
Oil type:
Hypoid gear oil API GL−5
Recommended oil viscosity:
Above −18 °C (0 °F)
SAE 90
Below −18 °C (0 °F)
SAE 80W or 80W−90BRAKES
Minimum pedal clearance when depressed
with the pressure of 490 N (50 kgf, 110
lbf) with the engine running, mm (in.):
75 (3.0)
Pedal free play, mm (in.):
1—6 (0.04—0.24)
Pad wear limit, mm (in.):
1.0 (0.04)
Lining wear limit, mm (in.):
1.0 (0.04)
Parking brake adjustment when pulled with
the force of 196 N (20 kgf, 44 lbf):
5—8 clicks
Fluid type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3STEERING
Wheel freeplay:
Less than 30 mm (1.2 in.)
Power steering fluid type:
Automatic transmission fluid
DEXRONII or III
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