warning TOYOTA RAV4 2002 XA20 / 2.G Owner's Manual
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The brake pad wear limit indicators on
your disc brakes give a warning noise
when the brake pads are worn to where
replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise
while driving, have the brake pads
checked and replaced by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible. Expensive ro-
tor damage can result if the pads are not
replaced when necessary.When stowing luggage or cargo in the
vehicle, observe the following:
Put luggage or cargo in the luggage
compartment when at all possible. Be
sure all items are secured in place.
Be careful to keep the vehicle bal-
anced. Locating the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain bal-
ance.
For better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded weight.
CAUTION
To prevent luggage or packages
from sliding forward during braking,
do not stack anything in the lug-
gage compartment higher than the
seatbacks. Keep luggage or pack-
ages low, as close to the floor as
possible.
Never allow anyone to ride in the
luggage compartment. It is not de-
signed for passengers. They should
ride in their seats with their seat
belts properly fastened. Otherwise,
they are much more likely suffer
serious bodily injury, in the event
of sudden braking or a collision.
Do not place anything on the flat-
tened seat, or it may slide forward
during braking.
Do not place anything on the lug-
gage cover. Such items may be
thrown about and possibly injure
people in the vehicle during sudden
braking or an accident. Secure all
items in a safe place.
Do not drive with objects left on
top of the instrument panel. They
may interfere with the driver’s field
of view. Or they may move during
sharp vehicle acceleration or turn-
ing, and impair the driver’s control
of the vehicle. In an accident they
may injure the vehicle occupants.
NOTICE
Do not load the vehicle beyond the
vehicle capacity weight specified on
page 254 in Section 8.
Brake pad wear limit
indicators
Luggage stowage pr
ecautions
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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 recommend that
you seek the help of a competent me-
chanic or towing service.
CAUTION
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.
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.
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.
Warning: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
NOTICE
The battery used for boosting must
be 12 V. Do not jump start unless you
are sure that the booster battery is
correct.
BEFORE JUMP STARTING
Remove the 6 cover clips using a coin
and then take off the cover.
(c) Jump starting
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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 free play.
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 page 243 in Section 7 3 for
additional information.
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 page 227 in Section 7 2 for addition-
al information.
Radiator, condenser and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and
condenser are clean and not blocked with
leaves, dirt, or insects. See page 228 in
Section 7 2 for additional information.
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CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from the moving fan and engine
drive belts. (Removing rings,
watches, and ties is advisable.)
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.
If the engine is hot, do not remove
the radiator cap or loosen the drain
plugs to prevent burning yourself.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or al-
low open flames around fuel or the
battery. Their fumes are flammable.
Do not get under your vehicle with
just the body jack supporting it. Al-
ways use automotive jack stands or
other solid supports.
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.
Use eye protection whenever you
work on or under your vehicle
where you may be exposed to flying
or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
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.
Do not leave used oil within the
reach of children.
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 for information
concerning recycling or disposal.
Be extremely cautious when work-
ing on the battery. It contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Warning: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition
cable carry high currents or volt-
ages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
Add only demineralized or distilled
water to fill the radiator. And if you
spill some of the coolant, be sure
to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paint.
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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.
When driving with chains installed,
be sure to drive carefully. Slow
down before entering the curves to
avoid losing control of the vehicle.
Otherwise an accident may occur.
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 size or type may
adversely affect handling, wheel and bear-
ing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odom-
eter calibration, stopping ability, headlight
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clear-
ance, and tire or snow chain clearance to
the body and chassis. Replacement with used wheels is not rec-
ommended as they may have been sub-
jected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent
wheels which have been straightened may
have structural damage and therefore
should not be used. Never use an inner
tube in a leaking wheel which is designed
for a tubeless tire.
NOTICE
Four wheel drive models:
Do not use wheels of different
brands, sizes and types. This may
damage the drive system.
Replacing wheels
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CAUTION
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable and
explosive hydrogen gas.
Do not cause a spark from the bat-
tery with tools.
Do not smoke or light a match near
the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin or
clothes.
Never ingest electrolyte.
Wear protective safety glasses when
working near the battery.
Keep children away from the bat-
tery.
EMERGENCY MEASURES
If electrolyte gets in your eyes,
flush your eyes with clean water
immediately and get immediate
medical attention. If possible, con-
tinue to apply water with a sponge
or cloth while en route to the medi-
cal office.
If electrolyte gets on your skin,
thoroughly wash the contact area. If
you feel pain or burning, get medi-
cal attention immediately.
If electrolyte gets on your clothes,
there is a possibility of its soaking
through to your skin, so immediate-
ly take off the exposed clothing and
follow the procedure above, if nec-
essary.
If you accidentally swallow electro-
lyte, drink a large quantity of water
or milk. Follow with milk of magne-
sia, beaten raw egg or vegetable
oil. Then go immediately for emer-
gency help.
Warning: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Terminals
Hold down clamp
Ground cable
Before checking the battery, remove the
battery cover. (See “(c) Jump starting”
on page 185 in Section 4.)
Check the battery for corroded or loose
terminal connections, cracks, or loose
hold down clamp.
a. If the battery is corroded, wash it off with a solution of warm water and bak-
ing soda. Coat the outside of the termi-
nals with grease to prevent further cor-
rosion.
b. If the terminal connections are loose, tighten their clamp nuts—but do not
overtighten.
Checking battery c ondition—
—Precautions —Checking battery exterior
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21. PANEL 7.5 A: Instrument panel light,
gauges and meters, front fog lights,
instrument panel light control, outside
rear view mirror defoggers, air condi-
tioning system
22. FR FOG 15 A: Front fog lights
23. HORN 10 A: Horn
24. TAIL 7.5 A: Tail lights, license plate
lights, instrument cluster lights
25. TAIL&PANEL 15 A: “PANEL” and
“TAIL” fuses
26. ACC 7.5 A: Car audio system, shift
lock control system, clock, power rear
view mirrors
27. DEF 20 A: Rear window defogger
28. GAUGE 10 A: Back up lights, electric
cooling fans, air conditioning system,
automatic transmission indicator lights,
charging system
29. OBD 7.5 A: On board diagnosis sys-
tem
30. IG2 10 A: Discharge warning light,
multiport fuel injection system/sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection system,
starting system, SRS airbag system
31. DOOR 20 A: Power door lock system 32. MIR HTR 10 A:
Outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers
33. RR WIP 15 A: Rear window wiper and
washer
34. WIP 25 A: Windshield wipers and
washer
35. ECU IG 10 A: Emergency flashers,
gauges and meters, anti lock brake
system, SRS airbag system, shift lock
control system, cruise control system
Fuses (type B)
36. RDI 30 A: Electric cooling fan
37. CDS 30 A: Electric cooling fan
38. AM2 30 A: Discharge warning light,
multiport fuel injection system/sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection system,
starting system, SRS airbag system
and “IG2” fuse
39. ABS 1 40 A: Anti lock brake system
40. HTR 40 A: Air conditioning system
41. PWR 30 A: Electric moon roof, power
windows
42. AM1 40 A: Power outlets, rear window
defogger, “ACC”, “CIG”, “ECU IG”,
“GAUGE”, “RR WIP”, “S HTR” and
“WIP” fuses
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Treadwear—The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the wear rate
of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test
course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and a half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may de-
part significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service prac-
tices and differences in road characteris-
tics and climate. Traction AA, A, B, C—
The traction
grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C, and they represent the tire’s
ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on spe-
cified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on braking (straight
ahead) traction tests and does not include
cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature A, B, C— The temperature
grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissi-
pate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the material of the tire to de-
generate and reduce tire life, and exces-
sive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a lev-
el of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No.109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law. Warning: The temperature grades for this
tire are established for a tire that is prop-
erly inflated and not overloaded. Exces-
sive speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combina-
tion, can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.
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A
Adding washer fluid243
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment
Front seats 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air cleaner 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioning system 128
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbags 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 237
. . . . . . . . . .
Anti glare inside rear view mirror 76 . . . . . . .
Anti lock brake system warning light 90 . . . .
Anti theft steering column lock 98
. . . . . . . . .
Appearance care
Cleaning the interior 209
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota from corrosion 206
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 207
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission
Driving with an automatic transmission 99
. . . . . . . . .
Shift lock override button 202
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning light 90
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary boxes 141
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary catch, Engine hood 22
. . . . . . . . . . .
B
Back door 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back door lock 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battery
Checking battery condition 240
. . . . . . . . . .
Gas caution 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handling safety 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recharging precautions 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 164 . . . . . . . .
Brake system 161
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 90
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes
Fluid level 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad wear limit indicators 164
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 104
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break in tips 155
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness control 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Car audio system 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon monoxide caution 159
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette player 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing fuses 242
. . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 226
. . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 228
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint
Child restraint system 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation with ISOFIX rigid anchor 72
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Types of child restraint system 59
. . . . . . . .
Using a top strap 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtrays 136
. . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 209
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 136
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cold weather
Operation 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc auto changer controller 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc player 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Condenser
Checking the condenser 228
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, Instrument panel 2,4
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system
Coolant level 227
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 227
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion prevention 206
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 105
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder
Front 143
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 143
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D
Defogger
Out side rear view mirror 85 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Differential, Limited slip 165
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 80
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy towing 174,175
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 80
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .