TOYOTA RAV4 2004 XA20 / 2.G Owners Manual

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DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level284
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Checking the engine coolant level 286
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Checking the radiator and condenser 287
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Checking brake fluid 288
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Checking power steering fluid 288
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Checking and replacing the air conditioning filter 289
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Checking tire inflation pressure 291
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Checking and replacing tires 293
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Rotating tires 295
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Installing snow tires and chains 296
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Replacing wheels 298
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Aluminum wheel precautions 298
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SECTION 7 2

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Low level Full level
Add oil O.K. Too full
With the engine at operating tempera-
ture and turned off, check the oil level
on the dipstick. 1. To get a correct reading, the vehicle should be on level ground. After turning
off the engine, wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain back into the bottom of
the engine.
2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under the end and wipe it clean.
3. Reinsert the dipstick—push it in as far as it will go, or the reading will not be
correct.
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil level while holding a rag under the
end.
CAUTION
Be careful not to touch the hot ex-
haust manifold.
NOTICE
Be careful not to drop engine oil on
the vehicle components.
If the oil level is below or only slightly
above the low level, add engine oil of
the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine
oil in small quantities at a time, checking
the dipstick. We recommend that you use
a funnel when adding oil.
The approximate quantity of oil needed to
raise the level between low and full on the
dipstick is indicated below for reference.
When the level reaches within the correct
range, install the filler cap hand− tight.
Oil quantity, L (qt., Imp. qt.): 1.0 (1.1, 0.9)
NOTICE
 Be careful not to spill engine oil on
the vehicle components.
 Avoid overfilling, or the engine
could be damaged.
 Check the oil level on the dipstick
once again after adding the oil.
Checking the engine oil level

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ENGINE OIL SELECTION
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is used in
your Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
to satisfy the following grade and
viscosity.
Oil grade:API grade SL “Energy −Conserving” or
ILSAC multigrade engine oil
Recommended viscosity: SAE 5W −30
Outside temperature
SAE 5W30 is the best choice for good
fuel economy and good starting in cold
weather.
If SAE 5W30 is not available, SAE
10W30 may be used. However, it
should be replaced with SAE 5W30 at
the next oil change.
API service symbol
ILSAC certification mark

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Oil identification marks
Either or both API registered marks are
added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
The API Service Symbol is located any-
where on the outside of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil
quality by API (American Petroleum Insti-
tute) designations such as SL. The center
portion of the label shows the SAE viscos-
ity grade such as SAE 5W−30. “Energy −
Conserving” shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuel −saving ca-
pabilities.
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-
fication Mark is displayed on the front of
the container.
To ensure excellent lubrication perfor-
mance for your engine, “Toyota Genuine
Motor Oil” is available, which has been
specifically tested and approved for all
Toyota engines.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details about “Toyota Genuine Motor
Oil”. Look at the seethrough coolant reser-
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-
ant level is satisfactory if it is between
the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the
reservoir. If the level is low, add the
coolant. (For the coolant type, see
“Coolant type selection” described be-
low.)
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the “LOW” line, add
coolant. Bring the level up to the “FULL”
line.
If the coolant level drops within a short
time after replenishing, there may be a
leak in the system. Visually check the
radiator, hoses, radiator cap and drain
cock and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Toyota
dealer test the cap pressure and check
for leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot.
Checking the engine coolant
level

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Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage
your engine cooling system.
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non−silicate, non −amine, non− nitrite,
and non− borate coolant with long −life
hybrid organic acid technology. (Coolant
with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology is a combination of low
phosphates and organic acids.)
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mix-
ture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized
water. This coolant provides protection
down to about −35 C ( −31 F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Toyota recommends “Toyota Super Long
Life Coolant”, which has been tested to
ensure that it will not cause corrosion nor
result in malfunction of your engine
coolant system with proper usage. “Toyota
Super Long Life Coolant” is formulated
with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology and has been specifically
designed to avoid engine cooling system
malfunction on Toyota vehicles.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for
further details. If any of the above parts are extremely
dirty or you are not sure of their condi-
tion, take your vehicle to a Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, be care-
ful not to touch the radiator or con-
denser when the engine is hot.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the radiator
and condenser, do not perform the
work by yourself.
Checking the radiator and
condenser

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To check the fluid level, simply look at
the seethrough reservoir. The level
should be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” lines on the reservoir.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go
down slightly as the brake pads wear. So
be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it
may indicate a serious mechanical prob-
lem.
If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or
FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the
brake reservoir.Remove and replace the reservoir cap by
hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted
line. This brings the fluid to the correct
level when you put the cap back on.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once
opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture from
the air, and excess moisture can cause a
dangerous loss of braking.
CAUTION
Take care when filling the r
eservoir
because brake fluid can harm your
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If
fluid gets in your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water immediately. If
you still feel uncomfortable with your
eyes, go to the doctor.
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure
to wash it off with water to prevent
it from damaging the parts or paint.
Close Open
If cold add If cold O.K.
If hot add
If hot O.K.
Check the fluid level through the reser-
voir. If necessary, add automatic trans-
mission fluid DEXRON
II or III.
If the vehicle has been driven around 80
km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little
more in frigid temperatures), the fluid is
hot (80 C or 175 F). You may also check
the level when the fluid is cold (about
room temperature, 10 C—30 C or
50 F—85 F) if the engine has not been
run for about five hours.
Checking brake fluid Checking power steering fluid

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Clean all dirt from the outside of the res-
ervoir tank and look at the fluid level. If
the fluid is cold, the level should be in the
“COLD” range. Similarly, if it is hot, the
fluid level should be in the “HOT” range.
If the level is at the low side of either
range, add automatic transmission fluid
DEXRONII or III to bring the level within
the range.
To remove the reservoir cap, turn it coun-
terclockwise and lift up. To reinstall it,
turn it clockwise. After replacing the reser-
voir cap, visually check the steering box
case, vane pump and hose connections
for leaks or damage.
CAUTION
The reservoir tank may be hot so be
careful not to burn yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steer-
ing could be damaged.
The air conditioning filter information
label is placed inside of the glove box
as shown and indicates that a filter has
been installed.
The air conditioning filter prevents dust
from entering the vehicle through the air
conditioning vent.The air conditioning filter is behind the
glove box.
The air conditioning filter may clog af-
ter long use. The filter may need to be
replaced if the air flow of the air condi-
tioning and heater experiences extreme
reductions in operating efficiency, or if
the windows begin to fog up easily.
Checking and replacing the
air conditioning filter

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To maintain the air conditioning efficiency,
inspect and replace the air conditioning
filter according to the maintenance sched-
ule. In dusty areas or areas with heavy
traffic flow, such as inner city or desert
areas, early replacement may be required.
(For scheduled maintenance information,
please refer to the “Scheduled Mainte-
nance Guide” or “Owner ’s Manual Supple-
ment”.)
1. Push in each side of the glove boxto disconnect the claws.2. Remove the filter case from the filteroutlet as shown in the illustration.

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3. Remove the filter from the filtercase.
4. Inspect the filter on the surface.
If it is dirty, it should be replaced.
INFORMATION
The air filter should be installed prop-
erly in position. The use of air condi-
tioning with the air filter removed
may cause deteriorated dustproof per-
formance and then affect air condi-
tioning performance.
Keep your tire inflation pressures
at the proper level.
The recommended cold tire inflation
pressures, tire sizes and the com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo
(vehicle capacity weight) are de-
scribed on page 312 and 316. They
are also on the tire and loading infor-
mation label.
You should check the tire inflation
pressure every two weeks, or at least
once a month. And do not forget the
spare!
Checking tire inflation
pressure

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The following instructions for
checking tire inflation pressure
should be observed: The pressure s hould be
checked only when the tires are
cold. If your vehicle has been
parked for at least 3 hours and has
not been driven for more than 1.5
km or 1 mile since, you will get
an accurate cold tire inflation pres-
sure reading.
 Always use a tire pressure
gauge. The appearance of a tire
can be misleading. Besides, tire
inflation pressures that are even
just a few pounds off can degrade
ride and handling.
 Do not bleed or reduce tire
inflation pressure after driving.
It is normal for the tire inflation
pressure to be higher after driving.
 Never exceed the vehicle capac-
ity weight. Passenger and lug-
gage weight should be located so
that the vehicle is balanced.Tire pressure gauge
INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT
PROCEDURE 1. Remove the tire valve cap.
2. Press the tip of the tire pressure gauge to the tire valve.
3. Read the pressure using the grad- uations of the gauge.
4. In case the tire inflation pressure
is not within the prescribed range,
insert the compressed air from the
valve. In case of applying too
much air, press the center of the
valve and release the air to adjust. 5. After completing the tire inflation
pressure measurement and ad-
justment, apply soapy water to the
valve and check for leakage.
6. Install the tire valve cap.
If a gauge and air pump are not avail-
able, have your vehicle checked by
your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
Be sure to reinstall the tire valve
caps. Without the valve caps, dirt
or moisture could get into the
valve core and cause air leakage.
If the caps have been lost, have
new ones put on as soon as pos-
sible.
Incorrect tire infl ation pressure may
waste fuel, reduce the comfort of driv-
ing, reduce tire life and make your ve-
hicle less safe to drive.
If a tire frequently needs refilling,
have it checked by your Toyota deal-
er.