air suspension TOYOTA RAV4 2008 XA30 / 3.G Owners Manual

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
63
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
The seat belt pretensioners are controlled
by the airbag sensor assembly. The airbag
sensor assembly consists of a safing sen-
sor and airbag sensor.
When the seat belt pretensioners are acti-
vated, an operating noise may be heard
and a small amount of non−toxic gas may
be released. This does not indicate that
a fire is occurring. This gas is normally
harmless.
Once the seat belt pretensioners have
been activated, the seat belt retractors
remain locked.
If the vehicle is involved in multiple colli-
sions, the pretensioner will activate for the
first collision, but will not activate for the
second or subsequent co llisions.CAUTION
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of injury in the event
of sudden braking or an accident.
Failure to do so may cause death or
severe injury.
If the pretensioner has activated,
the seat belt becomes locked: it
cannot be further extended, nor will
it return to the stowed position.
The seat belt cannot be used again
and must be replaced at your
Toyota dealer.
Do not modify, remove, strike or
open the seat belt pretensioner as-
semblies, airbag sensor or sur-
rounding area or wiring. Consult
your Toyota dealer about any repair
and modification.
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the
seat belt pretensioners in some
cases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile twoway radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
 Repairs on or near the front seat
belt retractor assemblies
 Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
 Modification of the front end struc-
ture
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull
bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,
winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repairs made on or near the front
fenders, front end structure or con-
sole

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
70
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the
SRS front airbag system in some
cases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile twoway radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
 Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
 Modification of the front end struc-
ture
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull
bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow,
winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repairs made on or near the front
fenders, front end structure, con-
sole, steering column, steering
wheel or dashboard near the front
passenger airbag
This indicator comes on when the en-
gine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. It goes off after about 6 seconds.
This means the SRS front airbags are
operating properly. This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen-
sors, side and curtain shield airbag sen-
sors, curtain shield airbag sensors, driv-
er ’s seat position sensor, driver ’s seat belt
buckle switch, “AIR BAG ON” indicator
light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, front
passenger ’s seat belt buckle switch, seat
belt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, in-
terconnecting wiring and power sources.
(For details, see “Service reminder indica-
tors and warning buzzers” on page 129 in
Section 1
−6.)
If any of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position or remains on for more than
6 seconds.
The light comes on while driving.
The SRS warning light and “AIR BAG
OFF” indicator light will come on if there
is a malfunction in the front passenger
occupant classification system.

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
79
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Do not disassemble or repair the
front, center and roof side garnish
containing the curtain shield air-
bags. Such changes may disable
the system or cause the curtain
shield airbags to inflate accidental-
ly, resulting in death or serious in-
jury.
Do not modify or change the sus-
pension system. Such changes may
cause the curtain shield airbags to
inflate accidentally, which could re-
sult in death or serious injury.
Do not use tires or wheels other
than the manufacturer ’s recom-
mended size. Such a use may cause
the curtain shield airbags to inflate
accidentally, which could result in
death or serious injury. For details,
see “Checking and replacing tires”
on page 410 in Section 72.
Do not place luggage heavier than
specified on the roof luggage carri-
er. Such luggage may cause the
curtain shield airbags to inflate ac-
cidentally, which could result in
death or serious injury. For details,
see “Roof luggage carrier” on page
303 in Section 110.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death or serious injury.
Consult your Toyota dealer about any
repair and modification.
If you wish to modify your vehicle for
a person with physical disability, con-
sult your Toyota dealer. It may dan-
gerously interfere with the SRS side
airbags and curtain shield airbags op-
eration.NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the
SRS side airbag and curtain shield
airbag system in some cases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile twoway radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
 Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
 Modification of the side structure of
the passenger compartment
 Repairs made on or near the con-
sole or front seat

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
346
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
In a rollover crash, an unbelted per-
son is significantly more likely to
die than a person wearing a seat
belt. Therefore, the driver and all
passengers should fasten their seat
belts whenever the vehicle is mo-
ving.
When driving offroad or in rugged
terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause
loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage
to your vehicle’s suspension and
chassis.
NOTICE
If driving through water, such as
when crossing shallow streams,
first check the depth of the water
and the bottom of the stream for
firmness. Drive slowly and avoid
deep water.
Take all necessary safety measures
to ensure that water damage to the
engine or other components does
not occur.
Water entering the engine air intake
will cause severe engine damage.
Water entering the automatic trans-
mission will cause deterioration in
shift quality, looking up of your
transmission accompanied by vibra-
tion, and ultimately damage.
Water can wash the grease from
wheel bearings, causing rusting and
premature failure, and may also en-
ter the differentials, transmission
and transfer case, reducing the gear
oil’s lubricating qualities.
 Sand and mud that has accumulated
around brake discs may affect brak-
ing efficiency and may damage
brake system components.
 Always perform a maintenance in-
spection after each day of offroad
driving that has taken you through
rough terrain, sand, mud, or water.
For scheduled maintenance informa-
tion, refer to the “Scheduled Main-
tenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual
Supplement”.Make sure your coolant is properly pro-
tected against freezing.
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.)
See “Checking the engine coolant level”
on page 406 in Section 7 −2 for details of
coolant type selection.
For the U.S.A.—“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and
50% deionized water. This coolant pro-
vides protection down to about −35 C
( − 31 F).
For Canada—“Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and
45% deionized water. This coolant pro-
vides protection down to about −42 C
( − 44 F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Winter driving tips

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
393
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge ev-
ery two weeks, or at least once a
month. See page 408 in Section 7−2
for additional information.
Tire surface and wheel nuts
Check the tires carefully for cuts,
damage or excessive wear. See page
410 in Section 7− 2 for additional in-
formation. When checking the tires,
make sure no nuts are missing, and
check the nuts for looseness. Tighten
them if necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the
maintenance schedule. (For sched-
uled maintenance information, please
refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner ’s Manual Supple-
ment”.) See page 412 in Section 7 −2
for additional information.Be on the alert for changes in perfor-
mance, sounds, and visual tip −offs that
indicate service is needed. Some impor-
tant clues are as follows:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A leak under the vehicle (However, wa-
ter dripping from the air conditioning
after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may
indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked im-
mediately.)
Flat −looking tire; excessive tire squeal
when cornering; uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension
movement
Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy
feeling brake pedal; pedal almost
touches floor; vehicle pulls to one side
when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually
higher than normal If you notice any of these clues, take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the ve-
hicle unchecked. It could result in se-
rious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.
Does your vehicle need
repairing?

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)
448
2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .