cooling TOYOTA RAV4 2018 Owners Manual (in English)

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4-2. Driving procedures
■S mode
●When the shift range is 4 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the
shift range to 6.
● To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically
occur.
● To protect the automatic transmission, a higher shift range may automati-
cally selected when the fluid temperature is high.
■ Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switch (if equipped) is oper-
ated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
■ Operation of the air conditio ning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed
* of the
air conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency ( →P. 492, 499). To improve
air conditioning performance, adjust the fan speed
* or turn off Eco drive
mode.
*: Vehicles with automatic air conditioning system only
■ Deactivation of the driving mode
●Eco drive mode will not be canceled until the “ECO MODE” button is
pressed, even if the engine is turned off after driving in Eco drive mode.
● Sport mode will be canceled if the engine is turned off after driving in sport
mode.
■ When driving with cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control acti-
vated (if equipped)
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not activate because cruise control or dynamic
radar cruise control will not be canceled.
● While driving in S mode, downshifting to 5 or 4. ( →P. 209)
● While driving in the D position, downshifting to 5 or 4.
(Vehicles with paddle shift switches only: → P. 208)
● When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in D.
(→P. 207)
■ Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift
lever in starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the engine switch is in the
“ON” position (vehicles without smar t key system) or IGNITION ON mode
(vehicles with smart key system) and the brake pedal is being depressed.

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6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Operation of the air conditio ning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled to prioritize fuel
efficiency by regulating the engine speed and compressor operation to
restrict the heating/cooling capacity.
To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
● Adjust the fan speed
● Adjust the temperature setting
● Turn off Eco drive mode ( →P. 207)
■ Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ Outside/recirculated air mode
When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective
in preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During cooling
operation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior
effectively.
■ When the outside temperature is low (vehicles with the “A/C” button)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when the “A/C” button is
pressed.
■ Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air m\
ode.
● During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
■ Air conditioning filter
→P. 587

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6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Turning on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
● If you turn off, the windows may fog up more easily.
● The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■ Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effec-
tive in preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During
cooling operation, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle
interior effectively.
● Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75 °F (24 °C) and the air condition-
ing system is on
● In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
● Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the engine switch
is in the “ON” position (vehicles without smart key system) or IGNITION ON
mode (vehicles with smart key system)
● It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing .
■ Micro dust and pollen filter
●In order to prevent the windshield from fogging up when the outside air is
cold, the following may occur:
• Outside air mode does not switch to recirculated air mode.
• The dehumidification function operates.
• The operation cancels after approximately 1 minute.
● In rainy weather, the windows may fog up. Press .
● In extremely humid weather, the windows may fog up.
● The pollens are filtered out even if the micro dust and pollen filter is turned
off.
■ When the outside temperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when the “A/C” button is
pressed.

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
● Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
● Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
● Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
● Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
● Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
■ When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Vehicles without smart key system
Be sure the engine switch is off. With the engine switch in the “ON” position,
the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning
is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( →P. 564)
Vehicles with smart key system
Be sure the engine switch is off. With the engine switch in IGNITION ON
mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air condi-
tioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( →P. 564)
■ Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air.

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compartment
Fuse box (→P. 592)
Engine coolant reservoir (→ P. 562)
Engine oil filler cap ( →P. 560)
Battery (→ P. 565)
Brake fluid reservoir (→ P. 564) Radiator (
→P. 564)
Condenser ( →P. 564)
Electric cooling fans
Engine oil level dipstick (→ P. 559)
Washer fluid tank ( →P. 568)1
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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. ( →P. 666)
■Coolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with
long-life hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -31 °F [-35 °C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45%
deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -44 °F [-42 °C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ If the coolant level drops within a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant reservoir cap, drain cock
and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Toyota dealer test the cap and check for
leaks in the cooling system.
Engine coolant
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5637-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■When the engine is hot
Do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor stra ight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
■ If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it from damaging parts or paint.

6658-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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When trouble arises
WARNING
■Battery precautions
The battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while
related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following pre-
cautions when handling the battery:
● When working with the battery, always wear safety glasses and take care
not to allow any battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with skin, clothing
or the vehicle body.
● Do not lean over the battery.
● In the event that battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes,
immediately wash the affected area with water and seek medical attention.
Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention
can be received.
● Always wash your hands after handling the battery support, terminals, an\
d
other battery-related parts.
● Do not allow children near the battery.
NOTICE
■When handling jumper cables
When connecting the jumper cables, ensure that they do not become entan-
gled in the cooling fans or engine drive belt.

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8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
●The needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge ( →P. 8 5 )
enters the red zone or a loss of engine power is experienced. (For
example, the vehicle sp eed does not increase.)
● The warning message indicating ov erheat is shown on the multi-
information display. ( →P. 633)
● Steam comes out from under the hood.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning sys-
tem, and then stop the engine.
If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
After the engine has cooled down su fficiently, inspect the hoses and
radiator core (radiator) for any leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fans
If a large amount of coolant
leaks, immediately contact your
Toyota dealer.
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating.
Correction procedures
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6678-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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When trouble arises
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” lines on the reservoir.
Reservoir
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if coolant is unavailable.
Start the engine and turn the air conditioning system on to check
that the radiator cooling fans oper ate and to check for coolant leaks
from the radiator or hoses.
The fans operate when the air conditioning system is turned on immedi-
ately after a cold start. Confirm that the fans are operating by checking the
fan sound and air flow. If it is difficult to check these, turn the air condition-
ing system on and off repeatedly. (The fans may not operate in freezing
temperatures.)
If the fans are not operating:
Stop the engine immediately and contact your Toyota dealer.
If the fans are operating:
Have the vehicle in spected at the nearest Toyota dealer.
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