service indicator TOYOTA RAV4 2008 XA30 / 3.G User Guide

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
“AUTO LSD” indicator light
Slip indicator light
Downhill assist control system indicator
light
Four−wheel drive lock indicator light
The SRS warning light goes off after
about 6 seconds.
If any service reminder indicator or warn-
ing buzzer does not function as described
above, have it checked by your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible.

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When the vehicle speed exceeds 40 km/h
(25 mph), the four−wheel drive lock will
be cancelled automatically.
The four −wheel drive lock indicator will
come on for a few seconds when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion.
If the indicator light does not come on
when the engine switch is turned to the
“ON” position or the four −wheel drive lock
switch is pushed, contact your Toyota
dealer.
NOTICE
Use the fourwheel drive lock only
when driving on the loose surfaces,
such as sand, gravel, or deep snow,
or if the vehicle gets stuck. After the
fourwheel drive lock is used to pro-
vide traction, cancel the fourwheel
drive lock. Using the fourwheel drive
lock at other times may cause dam-
age to the fourwheel drive system.
SYSTEM FAILURE WARING
The “4WD” warning light warns that there
is a problem somewhere in the active
torque control 4WD system.
The light will come on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position.
When the system works properly, the light
turns off after a few seconds.
If the warning light does not come on
when the engine switch is turned to the
“ON” position, contact your Toyota dealer
to service the vehicle. If the “4WD” warning light flashes...
This indicates that the driveline tempera-
ture has become too high. Without turning
off the engine, do either of the following
to cool the driveline:
Reduce vehicle speed until the light
goes off.
Stop the vehicle at a safe place and
allow the engine to idle until the light
goes off.
If operation of the vehicle is continued
while the light is flashing, the system au-
tomatically shuts off the engine torque that
is applied to the rear wheels to protect
the driveline. If this happens, the light will
flash faster.
When the driveline temperature falls
enough, the light will go off.
If the “4WD” warning light remains on...
This indicates that the system may not
work properly. Contact your Toyota dealer
to service your vehicle.

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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

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Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of
the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have
the cause located and corrected immedi-
ately. (See “Engine exhaust cautions” on
page 313 in Section 2.)
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
−down rear
seatbacks, check that the latches lock se-
curely.
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.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and
that the pedal has the proper clearance.
Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In 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
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle
is held securely with the selector lever in
“P” position and all brakes released.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
Items listed below should be performed
from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-
ter or other fluid after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. If you smell fuel
fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors and back door oper-
ate smoothly and all latches lock securely.
Make sure the engine hood secondary
latch secures the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.

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Some states have vehicle emission in-
spection programs which include OBD
(On−Board Diagnostics) che cks.
The OBD system monitors the operation
of the emission control system. When the
OBD system determines that a problem
exists somewhere in the emission control
system, the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on. In this case, your vehicle may
not pass the I/M test and need to be
repaired. Contact your Toyota dealer to
service the vehicle.
Even if the malfunction indicator lamp
does not come on, your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test as readiness codes
have not been set in the OBD system.
Readiness codes are automatically set
during ordinary driving. However, when the
battery is disconnected or run down, the
codes are erased. Also, depending on
your driving habits, the codes may not be
completely set.
Also, if the malfunction indicator lamp had
come on recently due to temporary mal-
function such as a loose fuel tank cap,
your vehicle may not pass the I/M test. The malfunction indicator lamp will go off
after taking several driving trips, but the
error code in the OBD system will not be
cleared unless about 40 trips or more are
taken.
If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
even the malfunction indicator lamp does
not come on, contact your Toyota dealer
to prepare the vehicle for re
−testing.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs

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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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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P
Parking brakeOperation 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reminder light 167 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Polishing 383 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning a floor jack 401 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power outlet 288,289 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power rear view mirror control 109 . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 320 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power window switches 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preloaders (seat belt pretensioners) 62 . . . . .
Pretensioners
(seat belt pretensioners) 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota from
corrosion 382 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R
Radiator
Checking the radiator 407 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant, Engine 406 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio 172 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear audio/video system 194 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seat entertainment system 194 . . . . .
Rear cargo net 300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear console box 293 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear cup holder 294 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seat
Third seat entry 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seat precautions 41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear step bumper 321 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view mirror
Anti −glare inside 110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear view mirrors
Folding 110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside 108 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power 109 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window and outside rear view mirror defogger switch 122 . . . . . . . . .
Rear window wiper and washer switch 121 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear/second seat 41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote controls 191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners 440 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof luggage carrier 303 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S
Seat adjustment precautions
Front seats 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt extender 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
Cleaning 386 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fastening 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt precautions 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt pretensioners 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat heater switch 52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seating capacity 335 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second seat 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service and maintenance 390 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicator 129 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side door locks 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side doors 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side vents 283 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare fuse 420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare tire 362 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spark plugs
Iridium −tipped spark plugs 315 . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 428 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS driver airbag and front passenger airbag 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags 71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS warning light 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting
Cold weather 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 357 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering
Adjusting steering wheel 108 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric power steering system 320 . . . . . .
Steering switches overview 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun visors 111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 323 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch
Emergency flasher 116 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight, dimmer and turn signal 114 . . . .
Ignition 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside rear view mirror defogger 122 . . . .
Rear window defogger 122 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window wiper and washer 121 . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer 120 . . . . . . . .
T
Tachometer 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telescopic steering column 108
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels 323
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three −way catalytic converters 312 . . . . . . . .
Tie −down hooks 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
1 OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLSPage
1 Overview of instruments and controls
1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Keys and Doors11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
3 Occupant restraint systems33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Steering wheel and Mirrors107
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Lights, Wipers and Defogger11 3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Gauges, Meters and Service reminder indicators125
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Engine (ignition) switch, Transmission and Parking brake141
. . . . . . . . . .
8 Audio and hands −free phone systems171
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 Air conditioning system269
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Other equipment287
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
2 INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA 307 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 STARTING AND DRIVING 341 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY 355 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE 381 . . . . . . . .
6 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND CARE 389 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
1 Introduction395
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .
2 Engine and Chassis403
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
3 Electrical components417
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
8 SPECIFICATIONS 427 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . .
9 FOR OWNERS 439 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . .
1 0 INDEX 443 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of contents

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Publication No. OM42726U
Part No. 01999-42726
Printed in Japan 01−0802 −00
I
 ( U)
Quick index
If a service reminder indicator or warning buzzer comes on 129 . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle will not start 356 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. .
 If your engine stalls while driving 359 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle overheats 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
 If you have a flat tire 361 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . .
 If your vehicle needs to be towed 373 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Tips for driving during break −in period 309 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 How to start the engine 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
 General maintenance 391 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . .
 Complete index 443 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gas station information
Fuel type:
UNLEADED gasoline, Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or
higher
See page 309 for detailed information.
Fuel tank capacity:
60 L (15.9 gal., 13.2 Imp. gal.)
Engine oil:
ILSAC multigrade engine oil is recommended.
See page 405 for detailed information.
Tire information: See pages 408 through 416.
Tire inflation pressure: See page 433.
U1