hood release TOYOTA RAV4 2008 XA30 / 3.G Owners Manual

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
1. Side defroster outlets
2. Side vents
3. Instrument cluster
4. Center vents
5. Auxiliary box
6. Power door lock switches
7. Power window switches
8. Glove box
9. Automatic transmission selector lever
10. Rear console box
11. A/V input adapter
12. Power outlet (115 VAC)
13. Power outlet (12 VDC)
14. AUX adapter
15. Power rear view mirror control switches
16. Parking brake lever
17. Cup holders
18. Hood lock release lever
19. Window lock switch
Instrument panel overview
 View A

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
CAUTION
Keep the back door closed while
driving. This not only keeps the
luggage from being thrown out but
also prevents exhaust gases from
entering the vehicle.
If the open back door hides the
stop, tail or rear turn signal lights
while you are parked, other road
users must be warned of the pres-
ence of your vehicle by a warning
triangle or other device.
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood lock release lever. The hood will spring up slightly.
CAUTION
Before driving, be sure that the hood
is closed and securely locked. Other-
wise, the hood may open unexpected-
ly while driving and an accident may
occur.
2. In front of the vehicle, pull up theauxiliary catch l ever and lift the
hood.
Hood

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
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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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Low beam
(outside)High beam (inside)
1. Open the hood. Turn the bulb base
counterclockwise to the front of the
vehicle as shown.
The above illustration shows the left −hand
headlight.2. Unplug the connector while depress- ing the lock release.
If the connector is tight, wiggle it.3. Plug in a new bulb into the connec- tor and install it into the mounting
hole.
Aiming is not necessary after replacing
the bulb. When aiming adjustment is nec-
essary, contact your Toyota dealer.
—Headlights

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

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Engine oil replacement reminder light 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine switch 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 313 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F
“4WD” warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 314 . . . .
Flasher, Headlight 114
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire
After changing wheels 372
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing tire 367
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 361
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack point 366
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking precautions 361
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up 366
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 365
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering vehicle 368
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reinstalling w heel ornament 371
. . . . . . . . .
Removing wheel ornament 364
. . . . . . . . . .
Stowing flat tire 369
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel block 364
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel nuts 367
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level
Brake 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 422
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light switch, Front 117
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries, Operation in 311 . . . . . . . .
Four −wheel drive system 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front cup holder 294
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog light switch 117
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front passenger occupant
classification system 81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger ’s seat belt
reminder buzzer 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger ’s seat belt
reminder light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seat
Seatback flattening 38,39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats 35,36,37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
Filler door opener 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy 353
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 311
. . . . . . . . . .
Gauge 126
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 311 . . . . . . .
Tank cap 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel information 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 311
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse
Fuse box 420
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 398
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature 126 . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 126 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove box 291 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 143,147 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grocery bag hooks 296 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
H
Hands−free phone system 239 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard switch 116 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight switch 114 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High speed operation
During break −in 309 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill −start assist control system 161 . . . . . . . .
Hood release, Engine 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I
I/M test 394
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification
Engine 322
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire 325
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle 321
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch 142
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated entry system 119
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing front towing eyelet 376
. . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel
Brightness control 116
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 288
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge 126
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip meter 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 116
. . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel overview 2,8
. . . . . . . . . . . .