brake TOYOTA RAV4 2008 XA30 / 3.G Owner's Guide

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
164
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
If the tire pressure warning light
comes on even after tire inflation
pressure adjustment, it is probable
that you have a flat tire. Check the
tires. If the tire is flat, change to
the spare tire and have the flat tire
repaired by the nearest Toyota deal-
er.
Avoid abrupt maneuvering and bra-
king. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steer-
ing wheel or the brakes.
The tire pressure warning light may turn
on due to natural causes such as natural
air leaks or tire inflation pressure changes
caused by temperature. In this case, ad-
justing the tire inflation pressure will turn
off the light after a few minutes.
The spare tire is also equipped with the
tire pressure warning valve and transmit-
ter. The tire pressure warning light will
turn on if the tire inflation pressure of the
spare tire is low. If a tire goes flat, even
though the flat tire is replaced with the
spare tire, the warning light does not turn
off. Replace the spare tire with the re-
paired tire and adjust the proper tire infla-
tion pressure. The tire pressure warning
light will turn off after a few minutes.
CAUTION
Each tire, including the spare (if pro-
vided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label (tire
and load information label). (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size
than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label
(tire and load information label), you
should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your ve-
hicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS–
tire pressure warning system) that il-
luminates a low tire pressure telltale
(tire pressure warning light) when one
or more of your tires is significantly
underinflated. Accordingly, when the
low tire pressure telltale (tire pres-
sure warning light) illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a sig-
nificantly underinflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Underinflation also re-
duces fuel efficiency and tire tread
life, and may affect the vehicle’s han-
dling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS (tire pres-
sure warning system) is not a substi-
tute for proper tire maintenance, and
it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if
underinflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale (tire
pressure warning light).

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
167
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Connect the equipment into an outlet
on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not ex-
pressly approved by the party respon-
sible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equip-
ment.
For vehicles sold in Canada
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
REPLACING TIRES AND WHEELS
When replacing the tires and wheels, be
sure to install tire pressure warning valves
and transmitters. ID codes on the tire
pressure warning valves and transmitters
are registered in the tire pressure warning
computer. When replacing a tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter, it is neces-
sary to register the ID code of tire pres-
sure warning valve and transmitter. Have
the ID code registered by your Toyota
dealer.
If the ID code is not registered, the sys-
tem will not work properly. After driving
about 20 minutes, the tire pressure warn-
ing light comes on after blinking for 1
minute to indicate a system malfunction.
NOTICE
When the tires or tire pressure warn-
ing valves and transmitters must be
replaced, have them replaced by your
Toyota dealer. The tire pressure warn-
ing valves and transmitters will be
affected by the installation or removal
of tires.
For the U.S.A.
For Canada
Parking brake

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
168
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
When parking, firmly apply the parking
brake to avoid inadvertent creeping.
To set: Pull up the lever. For better hold-
ing power, first depress the brake pedal
and hold it while setting the parking
brake.
To release: Pull up the lever slightly (1),
press the lock release button (2), and low-
er (3).
To remind you that the parking brake is
set, the parking brake reminder light in
the instrument panel remains on until you
release the parking brake.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure the parking
brake is fully released and the park-
ing brake reminder light is off.
The cruise control is designed to main-
tain a set cruising speed without requir-
ing the driver to operate the accelera-
tor. Cruising speed can be set to any
speed above 40 km/h (25 mph).
Within the limits of the engine’s capabili-
ties, cruising speed can be maintained up
or down grades. However, changes in ve-
hicle speed may occur on steeper grades.
CAUTION
To help maintain maximum control
of your vehicle, do not use the
cruise control when driving in
heavy or varying traffic, or on slip-
pery (rainy, icy or snowcovered) or
winding roads.
Be careful about vehicle speed as
it may increase when driving down-
hill with the cruise control on.
TURNING THE SYSTEM ON AND OFF
To turn the cruise control on, press the
“ON−OFF” button. The “CRUISE” indicator
light on the instrument panel will come on
to indicate that the cruise control is opera-
tional. Pressing the “ON −OFF” button
again turns the system off.
When the system is turned off, cruising
speed must be reset when the cruise con-
trol is turned on again.
Cruise control

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
169
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
CAUTION
To avoid accidentally engaging the
cruise control, turn the system off
when it is not in use. Make sure the
“CRUISE” indicator light is off.
SETTING THE CRUISING SPEED
The transmission must be in “D”, “3”
(4−speed) or “4” (5 −speed) before you set
the cruising speed.
Bring your vehicle to the desired speed,
push the lever down in the “ − SET” direc-
tion and release it. This sets the vehicle
at that speed. If the speed is not satisfac-
tory, tap the lever up for a faster speed,
or tap it down for a slower speed. Each
tap changes the set speed by 1.6 km/h
(1.0 mph). You can now take your foot off
the accelerator pedal. If you need acceleration—for example,
when passing—depress the accelerator
pedal enough for the vehicle to exceed
the set speed. When you release it, the
vehicle will return to the speed set prior
to the acceleration.
CANCELLING THE CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control may be temporarily
cancelled by the driver or by the system
itself under certain circumstances. Tempo-
rary cancellation allows the set cruising
speed to remain in memory.
The cruise control can be temporarily can-
celled by doing the following:
Pulling the lever in the “CANCEL” di-
rection and releasing it
Depressing the brake pedal
Under certain circumstances, the cruise
control is temporarily cancelled:
When vehicle speed falls below 40
km/h (25 mph)
When vehicle stability control is acti-
vated
When vehicle speed drops 16 km/h (10
mph) below the set speed, the cruise con-
trol is cancelled and the set speed is
erased from memory.

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
170
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
The “CRUISE” indicator light remains on
to indicate that the system is still in op-
eration.
To turn the cruise control off, press the
“ON−OFF” button. Make sure the
“CRUISE” indicator light is off.
If the cruise control automatically cancels
out other than for the above cases, have
your vehicle checked by your Toyota deal-
er at the earliest opportunity.
RESUMING THE CRUISE CONTROL
If the cruise control is temporarily can-
celled, the cruising speed can be resumed
by pushing the lever up in the “+ RES”
direction.
Vehicle speed must be above 40 km/h (25
mph).
RESETTING TO A FASTER SPEED
Push the lever up in the “+ RES” direction
and hold it. Release the lever when the
desired speed is attained. While the lever
is held up, the vehicle will gradually gain
speed.
However, a faster way to reset is to ac-
celerate the vehicle and then push the
lever down in the “− SET” direction. RESETTING TO A SLOWER SPEED
Push the lever down in the “
− SET” direc-
tion and hold it. Release the lever when
the desired speed is attained. While the
lever is held down, the vehicle speed will
gradually decrease.
A sound may occur due to brake opera-
tion while the vehicle speed is decreasing.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
However, a faster way to reset is to de-
press the brake pedal and then push the
lever down in the “− SET” direction.
Even if you downshift the transmission
from the “D” position to “3” (4 −speed) or
“4” (5 −speed) with the cruise control on,
engine braking will not be enabled be-
cause the cruise control is not cancelled.
To decrease the vehicle speed, reset to a
slower speed with the cruise control lever
or depress the brake pedal. If you use the
brake pedal, cruise control is cancelled. CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE WARNING
If the “CRUISE” indicator light flashes
when using the cruise control, press the
“ON
−OFF” button to turn the system off
and then press it again to turn it on.
If any of the following conditions then oc-
curs, there is some trouble in the cruise
control system.
The indicator light does not come on.
The indicator light flashes again.
The indicator light goes out after it
comes on.
If this is the case, contact your Toyota
dealer and have your vehicle inspected.

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
307
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR
TOYOTA
Information before driving your Toyota
Utility vehicle precautions308
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break −in period 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . .
Fuel 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 311
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 311
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three −way catalytic converters 312
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust cautions 313
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Facts about engine oil consumption 314
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iridium −tipped spark plugs 315
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 315
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 319
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric power steering system 319
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear step bumper 321
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . .
Your Toyota’s identification 321
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theft prevention labels 323
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Suspension and chassis 323
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
Tire information 324
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . .
Vehicle load limits 335
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . .
Cargo and luggage 336
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . .
Types of tires 338
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 2

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
315
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Your engine is fitted with iridiumtipped
spark plugs.
NOTICE
Use only iridiumtipped spark plugs.
Do not adjust gaps for engine perfor-
mance or smooth driveability.
Your engine is fitted with iridiumtipped
spark plugs.
NOTICE
Use only Toyota genuine iridium
tipped spark plugs. Do not adjust
gaps for engine performance or
smooth driveability.
For details about the spark plug type, see
“Service specifications” on page 429 in
Section 8. The tandem master cylinder brake system
is a hydraulic system with two separate
sub
−systems. If either sub −system s hould
fail, the other will still work. However, the
pedal will be harder to press, and your
stopping distance will increase. Also, the
brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a
single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
BRAKE BOOSTER
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to
power −assist the brakes. If the engine
should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal
pedal pressure. There is enough reserved
vacuum for one or two stops—but no
more!
Iridiumtipped spark plugs
(2.4 L 4cylinder [2AZFE]
engine) Iridiumtipped spark plugs
(3.5 L V6 [2GRFE] engine)
Brake system

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
316
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the
engine stalls. Each push on the
pedal uses up your reserved vacu-
um.
Even if the power assist is com-
pletely lost, the brakes will still
work. But you will have to push the
pedal hard, much harder than nor-
mal. And your braking distance will
increase.
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
The antilock brake system is designed
to help prevent lockup of the wheels
during a sudden braking or braking on
slippery road surfaces. This assists in
providing directional stability and steer-
ing performance of the vehicle under
these circumstances.
Effective way to press the ABS brake
pedal: When the anti −lock brake system
function is in action, you may feel the
brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise.
In this situation, to let the anti −lock
brake system work for you, just hold the
brake pedal down more firmly. Do not
pump the brake in a panic stop. This
will result in reduced braking performan-
ce.
The anti −lock brake system becomes op-
erative after the vehicle has accelerated
to a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
Depressing the brake pedal on slippery
road surfaces such as on a manhole cov-
er, a steel plate at a construction site,
joints in a bridge, etc. on a rainy day
tends to activate the anti −lock brake sys-
tem.
A sound may be heard from the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the
engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the anti −
lock brake system is in the self −check
mode. This sound does not indicate a
malfunction. When the antilock brake system is ac-
tivated, the following conditions may
occur. They do not indicate a malfunc-
tion of the system:
You may hear the anti
−lock brake sys-
tem operating and feel the brake pedal
pulsating and the vibrations of the ve-
hicle body and steering wheel. You
may also hear the motor sound in the
engine compartment even after the ve-
hicle is stopped.
At the end of the anti −lock brake sys-
tem activation, the brake pedal may
move a little forward.

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
317
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the antilock
brake system: Although the antilock
brake system assists in providing ve-
hicle control, it is still important to
drive with all due care and maintain
a moderate speed and safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you, be-
cause there are limits to the vehicle
stability and effectiveness of steering
wheel operation even with the anti
lock brake system on.
If tire grip performance exceeds its
capability, or if hydroplaning occurs
during high speed driving in the rain,
the antilock brake system does not
provide vehicle control.
Antilock brake system is not de-
signed to shorten the stopping dis-
tance: Always drive at a moderate
speed and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you.
Compared with vehicles without an
antilock brake system, your vehicle
may require a longer stopping dis-
tance in the following cases:
Driving on rough, gravel or snow
covered roads.
Driving with tire chains installed.
Driving over the steps such as the
joints on the road.
Driving on roads where the road
surface is pitted or has other differ-
ences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at
appropriate pressure: The antilock
brake system detects vehicle speeds
using the speed sensors for respec-
tive wheels’ turning speeds. The use
of tires other than specified may fail
to detect the accurate turning speed
resulting in a longer stopping dis-
tance.
For the U.S.A.
For Canada

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
318
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
“ABS” warning light
The light comes on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position. If
the anti−lock brake system and the brake
assist system work properly, the light
turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter,
if the system malfunctions, the light
comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
following systems do not operate, but the
brake system still operates conventionally.
Anti −lock brake system
Brake assist system
Traction control system
“AUTO LSD” system
Enhanced vehicle stab ility control sys-
tem
Downhill assist control system
Hill −start assist control system
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and
the brake system warning light is off), the
anti −lock brake system does not operate
so that the wheels could lock up during
a sudden braking or braking on slippery
road surfaces. If either of the following conditions
occurs, this indicates a malfunction
somewhere in the components moni-
tored by the warning light. 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 comes on while you are driv-
ing.
A warning light turning on briefly during
operation does not indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on
together with the brake system warn-
ing light, immediately stop your ve-
hicle at a safe place and contact your
Toyota dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock
brake system will fail but also the
vehicle will become extremely unsta-
ble during braking.
DRUMINDISC TYPE PARKING BRAKE
SYSTEM
Your vehicle has a drum −in −disc type
parking brake system. This type of brake
system n eeds bedding −down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking
brake shoes and/or drums are replaced.
Have your Toyota dealer perform the bed-
ding− down.
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM
When you slam the brakes on, the
brake assist system judges as an emer-
gency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold
down the brake pedal firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more pow-
erful braking will be applied. At this time,
you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibrations of the
brake pedal. This does not indicate a mal-
function.
The brake assist system becomes opera-
tive after the vehicle has accelerated to
a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the
vehicle decelerates to a speed below
approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).