Power steering TOYOTA RAV4 2008 XA30 / 3.G User Guide

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
319
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
For an explanation of this system’s warn-
ing light, see “Service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers” on page 129 in Sec-
tion 1−6.
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. The electric power steering system, us-
ing an electric motor, assists the turn-
ing of the steering wheel.
In the following cases, you may feel the
steering becomes heavy. However, the
electric power steering system warning
light does not come on. (Because it is
not a malfunction.)
When maneuvering or turning frequently
over a long time
The power steering effect will be re-
duced to prevent the system from over-
heating. Avoid turning the steering
wheel, or stop the vehicle and turn the
engine switch to the “ACC” or “LOCK”
position. The system will become cool
in about 10 minutes.
NOTICE
Frequent maneuvering and turning
over a long time may cause damage
to the system in which the mecha-
nism prevents overheating of the elec-
tric power steering system.
Brake pad wear limit
indicators
Electric power steering system

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
320
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
When the battery is discharged
Check the battery’s condition. If neces-
sary, recharge or replace the battery.
For details, see “Checking battery con-
dition” on page 418 in Section 7−3.
Electric power steering system warning
light
The light comes on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position. If
the electric power steering system works
properly, the light turns off after a few
seconds. If the system has malfunctions,
the light comes on again.
If the following conditions occur, this
indicates a malfunction somewhere in
the components monitored by the warn-
ing light system. Contact your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible to service
the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position or remains on.
The light stays on while you are driv-
ing.
CAUTION
If the electric power steering system
warning light comes on, take your ve-
hicle to your Toyota dealer as soon
as possible. In this case, more effort
is required for the steering wheel to
turn than usual. Drive your vehicle
while firmly gripping the steering
wheel.
INFORMATION
When the steering wheel is turned, a
motor operating sound (whining
sound) may be heard. This occurs
when the power steering motor works
and is not defective.

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
329
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Ti r e relat ed ter mMeaning
Cold tire inflation pressure
tire inflation pressure when the vehicle has been parked for at least 3
hours or more, or it has not been driven more than 1.5 km or 1 mile
under that condition
Maximum inflation pressurethe maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated and it
is shown on the sidewall of the tire
Recommended inflation pressurecold tire inflation pressure recommended by a manufacturer
Accessory weight
the combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be
replaced) of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items
are available as factory −installed equipment (whether installed or not)
Curb weight
the weight of a motor vehicle wi th standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight optional engine
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
t he sum of —
(a) curb weight;
(b) accessory weight;
(c) vehicle capacity weight; and
(d) production options weight
Normal occupant weight68 kg (150 lb.) times the number of occupants specified in the second
column of Table 1 that follows
Occupant distributiondistribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in the third column of Table
1 that follows
—Glossary of tire terminology

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
347
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Check the condition of the battery and
cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of
any battery, so it must be in top shape to
provide enough power for winter starting.
Section 7−3 tells you how to visually in-
spect the battery. Your Toyota dealer and
most service stations will be pleased to
check the level of charge.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for the cold weather.
See page 404 in Section 7 −2 for recom-
mended viscosity. Leaving a heavy sum-
mer oil in your vehicle during winter
months may cause harder starting. If you
are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Toyota dealer–they will be pleased to
help.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de −icer or glycerine into the
locks to keep them from freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an anti-
freeze solution.
This product is available at your Toyota
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow
the manufacturer ’s directions for how
much to mix with water.NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any
other substitute because it may dam-
age your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when
there is a possibility it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into
“P” and block the rear wheels. Do not use
the parking brake, or snow or water accu-
mulated in and around the parking brake
mechanism may freeze, making it hard to
release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating
under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders
can make steering difficult. During bad
winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving,
we recommend you carry some emer-
gency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
Your vehicle is not designed to be
dinghy towed (with four wheels on the
ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four
wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to your vehicle.
Dinghy towing

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
354
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
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 lugging or overrev-
ving. 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 brake
pedal. This causes premature wear,
overheating and poor fuel economy.
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 tunedup 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”.)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast
down hills. Your power steering and
brake booster will not function with-
out the engine running. Also, the
emission control system operates
properly only when the engine is run-
ning.

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
434
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT (No.1)1. SPARE 30 A: Spare fuse
2. SPARE 20 A: Spare fuse
3. SPARE 10 A: Spare fuse
4. ECUB2 7.5 A: Air conditioning sys-
tem, power windows
5. RSE 7.5 A: Rear seat entertainment
system
6. STR LOCK 20 A: No circuit
7. RAD NO.1 20 A: Audio system
8. ECUB 10 A: Wireless remote control
system, electric power steering system,
main body ECU, power door lock, front
passenger occupant classification sys-
tem, clock, audio system, meters and
gauges
9. DOME 10 A: Engine switch light, interi-
or light, vanity lights, luggage compart-
ment light, front personal lights, foot
lights
10. HEAD LH 10 A: Left−hand headlight
(high beam)
11. HEAD RH 10 A: Right−hand headlight
(high beam)
12. HEAD LL 10 A: Left−hand headlight
(low beam) 13. HEAD RL 10 A:
Right−hand headlight
(low beam)
14. AC INV 15 A: AC inverter
15. TOWING 30 A: No circuit
16. STV HTR 25 A: No circuit
17. DEICER 20 A: Windshield wiper de−
icer
18. HTR 50 A: Air conditioning system
19. PTC2 50 A: No circuit
20. PTC1 50 A: No circuit
21. HEAD MAIN 50 A: “HEAD LL”, “HEAD
RL”, “HEAD LH”, “HEAD RH” fuses
22. RDI 30 A (without towing package) or FAN2 50 A (with towing package):
Electric cooling fan
23. CDS 30 A (without towing package) or FAN1 50 A (with towing package):
Electric cooling fan
24. HLP CLN 30 A: No circuit
Fuses

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
435
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT (No.2)1. AMP 30 A: Audio system
2. AM2 30 A: Starting system
3. IG2 15 A: Starting system, multiport
fuel injection system/sequential multi-
port fuel injection system
4. HAZ 10 A: Emergency flashers
5. ETCS 10 A: Multiport fuel injection
system/se quential multiport fuel injec-
tion system
6. AM22 7.5 A: No circuit
7. EFI NO.1 10 A: Multiport fuel injection
system/se quential multiport fuel injec-
tion system
8. EFI NO.2 10 A: Multiport fuel injection
system/se quential multiport fuel injec-
tion system
9. EFI MAIN 20 A: Multiport fuel injection
system/se quential multiport fuel injec-
tion system, “EFI NO.1”, “EFI NO.2”
fuses
10. HORN 10 A: Horn
11. A/F 20 A (3.5 L V6 [2GRFE] engine only): A/F sensor
12. P/I 50 A: “EFI MAIN”, “HORN”, “A/F”
fuses 13. ABS2 30 A:
Anti−lock brake system,
traction control system, enhanced ve-
hicle stability control system, “AUTO
LSD” system, downhill assist control
system, hill− start assist control system
14. ABS1 50 A: Anti−lock brake system,
traction control system, enhanced ve-
hicle stability control system, “AUTO
LSD” system, downhill assist control
system, hill− start assist control system
15. EMPS 60 A: Electric power steering
system
16. MAIN 80 A: “HEAD MAIN”, “ECU −B2”,
“RSE” fuses
17. ALT 120 A (without towing package) or 140 A (with towing package):
“ABS 1”, “ABS 2”, “RDI”, “CDS”,
“FAN1”, “FAN2”, “AC INV”, “TOWING”,
“HTR”, “DEICER” fuses

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
436
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
INSTRUMENT PANEL1. SHTR 15 A: Seat heaters
2. WIP 25 A: Windshield wipers
3. RR WIP 15 A: Rear window wiper
4. WSH 15 A: Windshield washer, rear
window washer
5. ECUIG1 10 A: Electric cooling fan,
anti −lock brake system, traction control
system, enhanced vehicle stability con-
trol system, “AUTO LSD” system,
downhill assist control system, hill −start
assist control system, active torque
control 4WD system, tire pressure
monitor system, automatic transmission
shift lock system, air conditioning sys-
tem, main body ECU, electric moon
roof, stop/tail lights, windshield wiper
de− icer, electric power steering system,
clock, AC inverter
6. ECUIG2 10 A: Air conditioning sys-
tem, rear window defogger
7. OBD 7.5 A: On−board diagnosis sys-
tem 8. STOP 10 A:
Stop/tail lights, high
mounted stoplight, automatic transmis-
sion shift lock system, multiport fuel
injection system/sequential multiport
fuel injection system, anti −lock brake
system, traction control system, en-
hanced vehicle stability control system,
“AUTO LSD” system, downhill assist
control system, hill −start assist control
system
9. DOOR 25 A: Main body ECU, power
door lock system
10. ACCB 25 A: “ACC”, “CIG” fuses
11. 4WD 7.5 A: Active torque control 4WD
system
12. FR FOG 15 A: Front fog lights
13. AM1 7.5 A: Starting system
14. TAIL 10 A: Tail lights, parking lights,
license plate light, front fog lights, rear
side marker lights
15. PANEL 7.5 A: Clock, instrument panel
lights, audio system
16. GAUGE1 10 A: Buck−up lights, charg-
ing system
17. D FR DOOR 20 A: Power window
(front doors)
18. RL DOOR 20 A: Power window (rear
left door)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
445
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Console boxRear 293 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, Instrument panel 2,8 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, overhead console 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, steering switches 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system
Coolant level 406 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 406 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 346 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion prevention 382 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 168 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder
Front 294 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 294 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D
Defogger
Outside rear view mirror 122 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window 122
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 114
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy towing 347
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 114
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do −it−yourself maintenance
Parts and tools 400
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service precautions 399
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 393 . . . . .
Doors
Back door 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side doors 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Downhill assist control system 158
. . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder buzzer 129 . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder light 129 . . . . . . . . Driving
Automatic transmission 143,147
. . . . . . . . .
Driving tips 342
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in the rain 344
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
Driving in the rain 344
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips in various conditions 343 . . . . .
Driving with an automatic transmission 143,147
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economical driving 353
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 143,147
. . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 346
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During
Break −in 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DVD player 194
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Economical driving
Saving money on both fuel and repairs 353 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric moon roof 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric power steering system 320 . . . . . . . .
Electric power steering system warning light 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical system
Battery 418,420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 398 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 116 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency, In case of
Blown fuse 420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 116 . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 361 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If you cannot increase
engine speed 359 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever 378 . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys 379 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your engine stalls while driving 359 . . . . .
If your vehicle becomes stuck 373 . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 373 . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 356 . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 357 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 373 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs 394 . . . . . . . . .
Engine
Before starting the engine 342 . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the coolant level 406 . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control device 312 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment 396 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 313 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification number 322 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 314 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level 404 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting procedure 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three −way catalytic converters 312 . . . . . .
Engine coolant
Temperature gauge 126 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 346 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 126 . . . . .
Engine immobilizer system 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil
Winter driving tips 346 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
447
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
J
JackLocation 362 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Audio
AUX 191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 357 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
K
Key reminder buzzer 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 12,379
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
L
Light bulbs 422
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light bulbs
Back −up light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front side marker light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front turn signal light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight 424
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
License plate light 426
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear side marker light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear turn signal light 425
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light, Interior
Interior light 117
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal light 118
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light, Luggage compartment 118
. . . . . . . . . .
Load capacity 335
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lock
Back door 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side doors 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering column 142
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low engine oil pressure warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low fuel level warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Low windshield washer fluid level
warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage compartment light 118
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage cover 296
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Luggage storage box 292
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
M
Maintenance
Do −it−yourself maintenance 399 . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 393 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General maintenance 391 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance requirements 390 . . . . . . . . . .
Parts and tools 400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to go for service 390 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction indicator lamp 394 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction indicator lamp
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs 129 . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicator 129 . . . . . . . . . .
Manual air conditioning system 270 . . . . . . . .
Maximum allowable speed
Automatic transmission 143,147 . . . . . . . . .
Mirror
Anti −glare inside rear view 110 . . . . . . . . . . Mirrors
Folding rear view 110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view 108 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view 109 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vanity 111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moon roof 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N
New vehicle break −in 309 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
O
Odometer 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off −road driving precautions 345
. . . . . . . . . .
Oil
Consumption 314
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Viscosity and grade 404
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 314
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Open door warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 311
. . . . . . . . .
Outside temperature display 128
. . . . . . . . . . .
Overhead console overview 7
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating, Engine 360
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating, Engine coolant 126
. . . . . . . . . .
Overview
Engine compartment 396
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .