check engine light TOYOTA RAV4 2001 User Guide

'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
2222001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot.
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage
your engine cooling system. Your coolant
must contain ethylene±glycol type coolant
for a proper corrosion protection of your
engine that contains aluminum compo-
nents. Use ªTOYOTA Long Life Coolantº
or equivalent.
In addition to preventing freezing and sub-
sequent damage to the engine, this type
of coolant will also prevent corrosion. Fur-
ther supplemental inhibitors or additives
are neither needed nor recommended.
Read the coolant container for information
on freeze protection. Follow the manufac-
turer's directions for how much to mix
with plain water (preferably demineralized
water or distilled water). The total capacity
of the cooling system is given on page
247 in Section 8.We recommend to use 50% solution for
your Toyota, to provide protection down to
about ±35C (±31F). When it is extreme-
ly cold, to provide protection down to
about ±50C (±58F), 60% solution is rec-
ommended. Do not use more than 70%
solution for better coolant performance.NOTICE
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or
plain water alone.
Checking brake fluid
To check the fluid level, simply look at
the see±through reservoir. The level
should be between the ªMAXº and
ªMINº 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.
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'01 Rav4_U (L/O 0008)
2332001 RAV4 (OM42483U)
c. Tighten the hold±down clamp only
enough to keep the battery firmly in
place. Overtightening may damage the
battery case.
After checking the battery, reinstall the
battery cover.
NOTICE
Be sure the engine and all accesso-
ries are off before performing main-
tenance.
When checking the battery, remove
the ground cable from the negative
terminal (ª±º mark) first and rein-
stall it last.
Be careful not to cause a short cir-
cuit with tools.
Take care no solution gets into the
battery when washing it.
ÐChecking battery fluid
Ty p e A
Green DarkClear or
light yellow
Ty p e B
Blue White Red
CHECKING BY HYDROMETER
Check the battery condition by the
hydrometer color.
Hydrometer color
ConditionTy p e ATy p e BCondition
GreenBlueGood
DarkWhite
Charging necessary.
Have battery
checked by your
Toyota dealer.
Clear or
light
yellow
RedHave battery
checked by your
Toyota dealer.
Battery recharging precautions
During recharging, the battery is pro-
ducing hydrogen gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. If recharging with the battery installed
on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect
the ground cable.
2. Be sure the power switch on the re-
charger is off when connecting the
charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION

Always charge the battery in an un-
confined area. Do not charge the
battery in a garage or closed room
where there is not sufficient ventila-
tion.

Only do a slow charge (5 A or
less). Charging at a quicker rate is
dangerous. The battery may ex-
plode, causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the
engine is running. Also, be sure all
accessories are turned off.
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