oil pressure TOYOTA RAV4 2008 XA30 / 3.G Owners Manual

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
Brake system warning light∗1
Charging system warning light∗1
Low engine oil pressure warning light∗1
Malfunction indicator lamp∗1
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning light∗1
Driver ’s seat belt reminder light∗1
Open door warning light∗1
Low fuel level warning light∗1
SRS warning light∗1
Anti −lock brake system warning light∗
1
or
or
Front passenger ’s seat belt reminder light∗1
or
Tire pressure warning light∗1
Enhanced vehicle stab ility control
system/traction control system warning light∗ 1
“4WD” warning light∗1
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel

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(c) Front Passenger ’s Seat Belt Re-minder Light and Buzzer
The light and buzzer act as a reminder to
have the front passenger buckle up the
seat belt.
Once the engine switch is turned to the
“ON” or “START” position, the reminder
light flashes if a passenger sits in the
front passenger seat and does not fasten
the seat belt. However, if a front passen-
ger uses an additional seat cushion, the
light may not flash even when the seat
belt is not buckled up.
If the vehicle speed rises above 20 km/h
(12 mph) with the seat belt unfastened,
the buzzer will sound for 30 seconds.
Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened,
the buzzer will sound in a different tone
for 90 more seconds. Even if the vehicle
speed drops below 20 km/h (12 mph), the
buzzer will continue to sound. To stop the
buzzer, fasten the seat belt. If the buzzer
still sounds, make sure the driver ’s seat
belt is fastened.
If luggage or other load is placed on the
front passenger seat, depending on its
weight the reminder light may flash. (d) Charging System Warning Light
This warning light comes on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, and goes off when the engine is
started.
When there are problems in the charging
system while the engine is r
unning, the
warning light comes on.
NOTICE
When the charging system warning
light comes on while the engine is
running, malfunctions such as the en-
gine drive belt being broken may have
occurred. If the warning light comes
on, immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your Toyota
dealer.
(e) Low Engine Oil Pressure Warning
Light
This light warns that the engine oil pres-
sure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are
driving, pull off the road to a safe place
and stop the engine immediately. Call a
Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance. The light may occasionally flicker when
the engine is idling or it may come on
briefly after a hard stop. There is no
cause for concern if it then goes out when
the engine is accelerated slightly.
The light may come on when the oil level
is extremely low. It is not designed to
indicate low oil level, and the oil level
must be checked using the level dipstick.
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with the
warning light on—even for one block.
It may ruin the engine.
(f) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position
and goes off after the engine starts.
This means that the warning light sys-
tem is operating properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp
comes on while driving, first check the
followings.
Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immedi-
ately.

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(q) Engine Oil Replacement ReminderLight
This light acts as a reminder to replace
the engine oil.
This light will come on when the engine
switch is turned to the “ON” position and
will go off after about a few seconds.
When you drive for about 7200 km (4500
miles) after the engine oil replacement,
this light illuminates for about 3 seconds
and then flashes for about 12 seconds
with the engine switch turned to the “ON”
position. If you continue driving without
replacing the engine oil, and if the dis-
tance driven exceeds 8000 km (5000
miles), the light will come on after the
engine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. The light will remain on thereafter.
If the light is flashing, we recommend that
you replace the engine oil at an early
opportunity depending on the driving and
road conditions. If the light comes on,
replace it as soon as possible. The system must be reset after the en-
gine oil replacement. Reset the system by
the following procedure:
1. Turn the engine switch to the “OFF” position with the trip meter A reading
shown. (For details, see “Odometer and
two trip meters” on page 127 in this
Section.)
2. Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position while holding down the trip
meter reset knob.
Hold down the knob for at least 5 sec-
onds. The odometer indicates “000000”
and the light goes off.
If the system fails to reset, the light will
continue flashing.
(r) Key Reminder Buzzer
This buzzer acts as a reminder to remove
the key when you open the driver’s door
with the engine switch in the “ACC” or
“LOCK” position. CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER
INDICATORS (except the low fuel level
warning light
and low windshield
washer fluid level warning light)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Open one of the doors. The open door warning light should
come on.
3. Close the door. The open door warning light should go
off.
4. Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine.
All the service reminder indicators ex-
cept the open door warning light should
come on.
The following service reminder indica-
tors go off after a few seconds:
Engine oil replacement reminder light
Automatic transmission fluid tempera-
ture warning light
“ABS” warning light
“VSC” warning light
Tire pressure warning light
“4WD” warning light
Electric power steering system warning
light

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FUNCTIONS OF ENGINE OIL
Engine oil has the primary functions of
lubricating and cooling the inside of the
engine, and plays a major role in main-
taining the engine in proper working order.
ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
It is normal that an engine should con-
sume some engine oil during normal
engine operation. The causes of oil
consumption in a normal engine are as
follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston
rings and cylinders. A thin film of oil
is left on the cylinder wall when a pis-
ton moves downwards in the cylinder.
High negative pressure generated when
the vehicle is decelerating sucks some
of this oil into the combustion chamber.
This oil as well as some part of the oil
film left on the cylinder wall is burned
by the high temperature combustion
gases during the combustion process.
Oil is also used to lubricate the stems
of the intake valves. Some of this oil
is sucked into the combustion chamber
together with the intake air and is
burned along with the fuel. High tem-
perature exhaust gases also burn the
oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve
stems.The amount of engine oil consumed de-
pends on the viscosity of the oil, the
quality of the oil and the conditions the
vehicle is driven under.
More oil is consumed by high
−speed driv-
ing and frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since
its pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls
have not become conditioned.
Oil consumption: Max. 1.0 L per 1000
km (1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 Imp. qt./600
miles)
When judging the amount of oil con-
sumption, note that the oil may become
diluted and make it difficult to judge
the true level accurately.
As an example, if a vehicle is used for
repeated short trips, and consumes a nor-
mal amount of oil, the dipstick may not
show any drop in the oil level at all, even
after 1000 km (600 miles) or more. This
is because the oil is gradually becoming
diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out
when the vehicle is then driven at high
speeds, as on an expressway, making it
appear that oil is excessively consumed
after driving at high speeds. IMPORTANCE OF ENGINE OIL LEVEL
CHECK
One of the most important points in prop-
er vehicle maintenance is to keep the en-
gine oil at the optimum level so that oil
function will not be impaired. Therefore, it
is essential that the oil level be checked
regularly. Toyota recommends that the oil
level be checked every time you refuel
the vehicle.
NOTICE
Failure to check the oil level regularly
could lead to serious engine trouble
due to insufficient oil.
For detailed information on oil level check,
see “Checking the engine oil level” on
page 404 in Section 7
−2.
Facts about engine oil
consumption

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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

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If your engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating, if you ex-
perience a loss of power, or if you hear
a loud knocking or pinging noise, the
engine has probably overheated. You
should follow this procedure...1. Pull safely off the road, stop the ve- hicle and turn on your emergency
flashers. Put the transmission in “P”
and apply the parking brake. Turn off
the air conditioning if it is being used.
2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator or reservoir, stop the engine.
Wait until the steam subsides before
opening the hood. If there is no coolant
boiling over or steam, leave the engine
running and make sure the electric
cooling fan is operating. If it is not,
turn the engine off.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep
the hood closed until there is no
steam. Escaping steam or coolant is
a sign of very high pressure.
3. Look for obvious coolant leaks from theradiator, hoses, and under the vehicle.
However, note that water draining from
the air conditioning is normal if it has
been used.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep
hands and clothing away from the
moving fan and engine drive belts.
4. If the coolant is leaking, stop the en-gine immediately. Call a Toyota dealer
for assistance.
5. If there are no obvious leaks, check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add
coolant to the reservoir while the en-
gine is running. Fill it about half full.
For the coolant type, see “Coolant type
selection” on page 406 in Section 7 −2.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to remove the coolant
reservoir cap when the engine and
radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and
steam blown out under pressure.
6. After the engine coolant temperature
has cooled to normal, again check the
coolant level in the reservoir. If neces-
sary, bring it up to half full again. Seri-
ous coolant loss indicates a leak in the
system. You s hould have it checked as
soon as possible at your Toyota dealer.
If your vehicle overheats

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DOITYOURSELF MAINTENANCE
Engine and Chassis
Checking the engine oil level404
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine coolant level 406
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
Checking tire inflation pressure 408
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 410
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 412
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 413
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 415
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 416
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 7 2

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To ensure excellent lubrication perfor-
mance for your engine, “Toyota Genuine
Motor Oil” is available, which has been
specifically tested and approved for all
Toyota engines.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details about “Toyota Genuine Motor
Oil”.Look at the seethrough coolant reser-
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-
ant level is satisfactory if it is between
the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the
reservoir. If the level is low, add the
coolant. (For the coolant type, see
“Coolant type selection” described be-
low.)
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is below the “LOW” line, add cool-
ant. Bring the level between the “FULL”
and “LOW” lines.
If the coolant level drops within a short
time after replenishing, there may be a
leak in the system. Visually check the
radiator, hoses, coolant reservoir cap and
drain cock and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Toyota
dealer test the cap pressure and check
for leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not
remove the coolant reservoir cap
when the engine is hot.
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage
your engine cooling system.
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 consists of the combination of
low phosphates and organic acids.)
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.
Checking the engine coolant
level

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

’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