height TOYOTA RAV4 2000 Owners Manual
Page 146 of 250
Rav4(U)
1382000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Off−road vehicle precautions
This vehicle belongs to the utility ve-
hicle class, which has higher ground
clearance and narrower tread in relation
to the height of its center of gravity to
make it capable of performing in a wide
variety of off−road applications. Specific
design characteristics give it a higher
center of gravity than ordinary passen-
ger cars. This vehicle design feature
causes this type of vehicle to be more
likely to rollover. And, utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. An advan-
tage of the higher ground clearance is
a better view of the road allowing you
to anticipate problems. It is not de-
signed for cornering at the same
speeds as ordinary passenger cars any
more than low−slung sports cars de-
signed to perform satisfactorily under
off−road conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds may cause
rollover.CAUTION
Always observe the following precau-
tions to minimize the risk of serious
personal injury or damage to your ve-
hicle:
In a rollover crash, an unbelted per-
son is significantly more likely to
die than a person wearing a seat
belt. Therefore, the driver and all
passengers should fasten their seat
belts whenever the vehicle is mov-
ing.
Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu-
vers, if at all possible. Failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control or vehicle
rollover causing death or serious
injury.
Avoid loading any items on the roof
that will raise the vehicle’s center
of gravity.
Always slow down in gusty cross-
winds. Because of its profile and
higher center of gravity, your ve-
hicle is more sensitive to side
winds than an ordinary passenger
car. Slowing down will allow you to
have better control.
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Page 154 of 250
Rav4(U)
1462000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
When the anti−lock brake system is ac-
tivated, the following conditions may
occur, however, do not indicate a mal-
function of the system:
You may hear the anti−lock brake sys-
tem operating and feel the brake pedal
pulsating and the vibrations of the ve-
hicle body and steering wheel. You
may also hear the motor sound in the
engine compartment even after the ve-
hicle is stopped.
At the end of the anti−lock brake sys-
tem activation, the brake pedal may
move a little to the forward.
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the anti−lock
brake system: Although the anti−lock
brake system assists in providing ve-
hicle control, it is still important to
drive with all due care and maintain
a moderate speed and safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you, be-
cause there are limits to the vehicle
stability and effectiveness of steering
wheel operation even with the anti−
lock brake system on.
If tires grip performance exceeds its
capability, or if hydroplaning occurs
during high speed driving in the rain,
the anti−lock brake system does not
provide vehicle control.
Anti−lock brake system is not de-
signed to shorten the stopping dis-
tance: Always drive at the moderate
speed and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you.
Compared with vehicles not fitted
with an anti−lock brake system, your
vehicle may require a longer stopping
distance in the following cases:
Driving on rough, gravel or snow−
covered roads.
Driving with tire chains installed.
Driving over the steps such as the
joints on the road.
Driving on roads where the road
surface is pitted or has other differ-
ences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at
designated pressure: The anti−lock
brake system detects vehicle speeds
using the speed sensors for respec-
tive wheels’ turning speeds. The use
of tires other than specified may fail
to detect the accurate turning speed,
resulting in a longer stopping dis-
tance.
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Page 162 of 250
Rav4(U)
1542000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Before starting the engine
1. Check the area around the vehicle be-
fore entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle,
head restraint height and steering
wheel angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view
mirrors.
4. Lock side doors, back door (hardtop)
and tailgate (soft−top).
5. Fasten seat belts.1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-
sories.
3.Manual transmission: Press the clutch
pedal to the floor and shift the trans-
mission into neutral. Hold the clutch
pedal to the floor until the engine is
started. A starter safety device will pre-
vent the starter from operating if the
clutch pedal is not fully depressed.
Automatic transmission: Put the se-
lector lever in ”P”. If you need to re-
start the engine while the vehicle is
moving, put the selector lever in ”N”.
A starter safety device will prevent the
starter from operating if the selector
lever is in any drive position.
4.Automatic transmission only: De-
press the brake pedal and hold it to
the floor until driving off.
(b) Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to fol-
low the instructions in ”(a) Before crank-
ing”.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection system in your
engine automatically controls the proper
air−fuel mixture for starting. You can start
a cold or hot engine as follows:
1. With your foot off the accelerator ped-
al, crank the engine by turning the key
to ”START”. Release it when the en-
gine starts.
2. After the engine runs for about 10 se-
conds, you are ready to drive.
If the weather is below freezing, let the
engine warm up for a few minutes before
driving.
If the engine stalls...
Simply restart it, using the correct proce-
dure given in normal starting.
If the engine will not start...
See ”If your vehicle will not start” in Sec-
tion 4.
How to start the engine—
(a) Before cranking
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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 238 of 250
Rav4(U)
2302000 RAV4 (OM42479U)
Dimensions and weight
2−door hardtop4−door hardtopSoft−top
215/70R16 tires235/60R16 tires215/70R16 tires235/60R16 tires215/70R16 tires235/60R16 tires
Overall length mm (in.)3750 (147.6)3765 (148.2)4160 (163.8)4175 (164.4)3750 (147.6)3765 (148.2)
Overall width mm (in.)1695 (66.7)1760 (69.3)1695 (66.7)1760 (69.3)1695 (66.7)1760 (69.3)
Overall height mm (in.)1655 (65.2)∗1
1645 (64.8)∗21635 (64.4)1660 (65.4)∗1
1650 (65.0)∗21640 (64.6)1660 (65.4)∗1
1650 (65.0)∗21640 (64.6)
Wheelbase mm (in.)2200 (86.6)2200 (86.6)2410 (94.9)2410 (94.9)2200 (86.6)2200 (86.6)
Front tread mm (in.)1460 (57.5)1480 (58.3)1460 (57.5)1480 (58.3)1460 (57.5)1480 (58.3)
Rear tread mm (in.)1465 (57.7)∗3
1470 (57.9)∗41490 (58.7)1465 (57.7)∗3
1470 (57.9)∗41490 (58.7)1465 (57.7)∗3
1470 (57.9)∗41490 (58.7)
Vehicle capacity weight
(occupants + luggage) kg(lb.)273 (601)∗
3
333 (734)∗4273 (601)341 (751)∗
3
351 (773)∗4341 (751)273 (601)∗
3
333 (734)∗4273 (601)
∗1: Unladen vehicle (four−wheel drive models)
∗2:Unladen vehicle (two−wheel drive models)
∗3: Four−wheel drive models
∗4:Two−wheel drive models
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