TOYOTA RAV4 PRIME 2021 Owners Manual (in English)
Manufacturer: TOYOTA, Model Year: 2021, Model line: RAV4 PRIME, Model: TOYOTA RAV4 PRIME 2021Pages: 616, PDF Size: 34.66 MB
Page 461 of 616

4617-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
check the oil level on the dip-
stick.
■Checking the engine oil
1 Park the vehicle on level 
ground. After warming up the 
engine and turning off the 
hybrid system, wait more 
than 5 minutes for the oil to 
drain back into the bottom of 
the engine.
2 Holding a rag under the end, 
pull the dipstick out.
3 Wipe the dipstick clean.
4 Reinsert the dipstick fully.
5 Holding a rag under the end, 
pull the dipstick out and 
check the oil level.
Low
Normal
Excessive
The shape of the dipstick may differ 
depending on the type of vehicle or 
engine.
6Wipe the dipstick and reinsert 
it fully.
■Checking the oil type and 
preparing the items needed
Make sure to check the oil type 
and prepare the items needed 
before adding oil.
 Engine oil selection
P.552
 Oil quantity (Low   Full)
1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.)
 Item
Clean funnel
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near 
the low level mark, add engine 
oil of the same type as that 
already in the engine.
1 Remove the oil filler cap by 
turning it counterclockwise.
2 Add engine oil slowly, check-
ing the dipstick.
3 Install the oil filler cap by 
turning it clockwise.
A
B
C 
Page 462 of 616

4627-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will 
be consumed while driving. In the 
following situatio ns, oil consump-
tion may increase, and engine oil 
may need to be ref illed in between 
oil maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for 
example directly after purchasing 
the vehicle or after replacing the 
engine
●If low quality oil or oil of an inap-
propriate viscosity is used
●When driving at high engine 
speeds or with  a heavy load, 
when towing, or when driving 
while accelerating o r decelerating 
frequently
●When leaving the engine idling for 
a long time, or wh en driving fre-
quently through heavy traffic
The coolant level is satisfactory 
if it is between the “FULL” and 
“LOW” lines on the reservoir 
when the hybrid system is cold.
■Engine coolant reservoir
WARNING
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil  contains poten-
tially harmful contaminants 
which may cause skin disorders 
such as inflammation and skin 
cancer, so care should be taken 
to avoid prolonged and 
repeated contact. To remove 
used engine oil from your skin, 
wash thoroughly with soap and 
water.
●Dispose of used oil and filters 
only in a safe an d acceptable 
manner. Do not dispose of used 
oil and filters in household trash, 
in sewers or onto the ground. 
Call your Toyota dealer, service 
station or auto parts store for 
information concerning recy-
cling or disposal.
●Do not leave used engine oil 
within the rea ch of children.
NOTICE
■To prevent serious engine 
damage
Check the oil le vel on a regular 
basis.
■When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil 
on the vehicle components.
●Avoid overfilling, or the engine 
could be damaged.
●Check the oil level on the dip-
stick every time  you refill the 
vehicle.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap 
is properly tightened.
■If oil is spilled on the engine 
cover
To prevent the engine cover from 
being damaged, remove any 
engine oil from the engine cover 
as soon as possible using a neu-
tral detergent. Do not use an 
organic solvent such as brake 
cleaner.
Checking the coolant 
Page 463 of 616

4637-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the “LOW” 
line, add coolant up to the “FULL” 
line. (P.544)
■Power control unit coolant 
reservoir
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the “LOW” 
line, add coolant up to the “FULL” 
line. ( P.546)
■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 tem-
perature: -31°F [-35°C])
Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is 
a mixture of 55% coolant and 45% 
deionized water. (Minimum tem-
perature: -44°F [-42°C])
For more details about coolant, con-
tact your To yota dealer.
■If the coolant level drops within 
a short time of replenishing
Visually check the radiators, hoses, 
engine/power control unit coolant 
reservoir caps, 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 sys-
tem.
Check the radiator and con-
denser, and clear away any for-
eign objects.
If either of the above parts is 
extremely dirty or you are not 
sure of their condition, have 
A
B
C
A
B
C
WARNING
■When the hybrid system is 
hot
Do not remove the engine/power 
control unit coolant reservoir 
caps.
The cooling system may be under 
pressure and may spray hot cool-
ant if the cap is removed, causing 
serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor 
straight 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.
Checking the radiator and 
condenser 
Page 464 of 616

4647-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
your vehicle inspected by your 
Toyota dealer.
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be 
between the “MAX” and “MIN” 
lines on the tank.
■Adding fluid
1 Slide and lift up the rubber 
strip to partly remove it as 
shown.
2 Disconnect the claws and 
remove the service cover.
3 Remove the reservoir cap.
4 Add brake fluid slowly while 
checking the fluid level.
Make sure to check the fluid 
type and prepare the necessary 
item.
WARNING
■When the hybrid system is 
hot
Do not touch the r adiator or con-
denser as they may be hot and 
cause serious injuries, such as 
burns.
■When the electric cooling fan 
is operating
Do not touch the engine compart-
ment.
With the power switch in ON 
mode, the electric cooling fan may 
automatically start to run if the air 
conditioning is on and/or the cool-
ant temperature is high. Be sure 
the power switch is OFF when 
working near the electric cooling 
fan or radiator grille.
Checking and adding the 
brake fluid 
Page 465 of 616

4657-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture 
from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid 
can cause a dangerous loss of brak-
ing efficiency. Use only newly 
opened brake fluid.
If any washer does not work or 
the warning message appears 
on the multi-information display, 
the washer tank may be empty. 
Add washer fluid.
Fluid 
type
FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or 
SAE J1703 brake fluid
FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 or 
SAE J1704 brake fluid
ItemClean funnel
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm 
your hands and eyes and damage 
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in 
your eyes, flush th e affected area 
with clean water immediately.
If you still experien ce discomfort, 
see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level 
to go down slightly as the brake 
pads wear out or when the fluid 
level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent 
refilling, there may be a serious 
problem.
Adding the washer fluid
WARNING
■When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the 
hybrid system is hot or operating 
as washer fluid contains alcohol 
and may catch fire if spilled on the 
hybrid system, etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other 
than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine 
antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on 
the vehicle’s painted surfaces, as 
well as damaging the pump lead-
ing to problems of the washer 
fluid not spraying.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as 
necessary.
Refer to the freezing tempera-
tures listed on the label of the 
washer fluid bottle. 
Page 466 of 616

4667-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
The 12-volt battery is located in 
the right-hand side of luggage 
compartment.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt bat-
tery produces hydrogen gas which 
is flammable and explosive. There-
fore, observe the following precau-
tions before recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt bat-
tery installed on the vehicle, be 
sure to disconnect the ground 
cable.
●Make sure the power switch on 
the charger is off when connecting 
and disconnecting the charger 
cables to the 12-volt battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting 
the 12-volt battery
●The hybrid system  may not start. 
Follow the procedure below to ini-
tialize the system.
1 Shift the shift lever to P.
2 Open and close any of the doors.
3 Restart the hybrid system.
●Unlocking the doors using the 
smart key system may not be pos-
sible immediately after reconnect-
ing the 12-volt battery. If this 
happens, use the wireless remote 
control or the mechanical key to  lock/unlock the doors.
●Start the hybrid system with the 
power switch in ACC. The hybrid 
system may not start with the 
power switch turned off. How-
ever, the hybrid system will oper-
ate normally from the second 
attempt.
●The power switch mode is 
recorded by the vehicle. If the 12-
volt battery is reconnected, the 
vehicle will return the power 
switch mode to the status it was in 
before the 1
2-volt battery was dis-
connected. Make sure to turn off 
the power switch before discon-
nect the 12-volt battery. Take 
extra care when connecting the 
12-volt battery if the power switch 
mode prior to discharge is 
unknown.
If the hybrid system will not start 
even after multiple attempts at all 
methods above, contact your 
Toyota dealer.
12-volt battery
Location
WARNING
■Chemicals in the 12-volt bat-
tery
The 12-volt battery contains poi-
sonous and corrosive sulfuric acid 
and may produce hydrogen gas 
which is flammable and explosive. 
To reduce the risk of death or 
serious injury, take the following 
precautions while working on or 
near the 12-volt battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touch-
ing the 12-volt battery terminals 
with tools.
●Do not smoke or light a match 
near the 12-volt battery.
●Avoid contact with eyes, skin 
and clothes.
●Never inhale or swallow electro-
lyte. 
Page 467 of 616

4677-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
1Open the deck board 
( P.417)
2 Disengage the 13 claws and 
pull the luggage side cover to 
remove it.
When installing the luggage side 
cover, make sure that the claws are 
installed securely.
Make sure that the 12-volt bat-
tery terminals are not corroded 
and that there are no loose con-
nections, cracks, or loose 
WARNING
●Wear protective safety glasses 
when working near the 12-volt 
battery.
●Keep children away from the 
12-volt battery.
■Where to safely charge the 
12-volt battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery 
in an open area. Do not charge 
the 12-volt battery in a garage or 
closed room where there is insuf-
ficient ventilation.
■Emergency measures regard-
ing electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water 
for at least 15 minutes and get 
immediate medical attention. If 
possible, continue to apply water 
with a sponge or cloth while trav-
eling to the nearest medical facil-
ity.
●If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thor-
oughly. If you feel pain or burning, 
get medical attention immediately.
●If electrolyte gets on your 
clothes
It can soak through clothing on to 
your skin. Immediately take off the 
clothing and follow the procedure 
above if necessary.
●If you accidentally swallow elec-
trolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or 
milk. Get emergency medical 
attention immediately.
■When there is insufficient 12-
volt battery fluid
Do not use if ther e is insufficient 
fluid in the 12-volt battery. There 
is a possible danger that the 12-
volt battery may explode.
NOTICE
■When recharging the 12-volt 
battery
Never recharge t he 12-volt bat-
tery while the hybrid system is 
operating. Also, be sure all acces-
sories are turned off.
Removing the 12-volt bat-
tery cover
Exterior 
Page 468 of 616

4687-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
clamps.
Terminals
Hold-down clamp
Check the battery condition by 
indicator color.
Blue: Good condition
Red: Charging is necessary.
Have the vehicle inspected by your 
Toyota dealer.
Clear: Not working properly. 
Add distilled water or replace the 
battery. 
Have the vehicle inspected by your 
Toyota dealer.
Check if the treadwear indica-
tors are showing on the tires. 
Also check the tires for uneven 
wear, such as excessive wear 
on one side of the tread.
Check the spare tire condition 
and pressure if not rotated.
New tread
Worn tread
Treadwear indicator
The location of treadwear indicators 
is shown by a “TWI” or “ ” mark, 
Checking the battery con-
dition (if equipped)
A
B
A
B
C
Tires
Replace or rotate tires in 
accordance with mainte-
nance schedules and tread-
wear.
Checking tires
A
B
C 
Page 469 of 616

4697-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
etc., molded into the sidewall of 
each tire.
Replace the tires if the treadwear 
indicators are showing on a tire.
■When to replace your vehicle’s 
tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●The treadwear indicators are 
showing on a tire.
●You have tire damage such as 
cuts, splits, cracks deep enough 
to expose the fabric, and bulges 
indicating internal damage.
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or can-
not be properly repaired due to 
the size or location of a cut or 
other damage.
If you are not sure, consult with your 
Toyota dealer.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be 
checked by a qualified technician 
even if it has seldom or never been 
used or damage i s not obvious.
■Maximum load of tire
Check that the number given by 
dividing the maximum load by 1.10 
of the replacement tire is greater 
than 1/2 of the Gross Axle Weight 
Ratings (GAWR) of e ither the front 
axle or the rear a xle, whichever is 
greater.
For the GAWR, see the Certification 
Regulation Label. For the maximum 
load of the tire, see the load limit at 
maximum cold tire inflation pressure 
mentioned on the sidewall of the 
tire. ( P.559)
■Tire types
●Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed perfor-
mance tires best suited to highway 
driving under dry conditions. Since 
summer tires do not have the same 
traction performance as snow tires, 
summer tires are inadequate for 
driving on snow-covered or icy 
roads. For driving on snow-covered 
roads or icy roads, the use of snow 
tires is recommended. When install-
ing snow tires, be sure to replace all 
four tires.
●All season tires
All season tires are designed to pro-
vide better traction in snow and to 
be adequate for driving in most win-
ter conditions as  well as for use 
year-round. All season tires, how-
ever, do not have adequate traction 
performance compared with snow 
tires in heavy or loose snow. Also, 
all season tires fall short in accelera-
tion and handling  performance com-
pared with summer tires in highway 
driving.
●Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads 
or icy roads, we recommend using 
snow tires. If you need snow tires, 
select tires of the same size, con-
struction and load capacity as the 
originally installed  tires. Since your 
vehicle has radial tires as original 
equipment, make sure your snow 
tires also have radi al construction. 
Do not install studded tires without 
first checking local regulations for 
possible restrictions. Snow tires 
should be installed on all wheels. 
(  P.387) 
Page 470 of 616

4707-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■If the tread on snow tires wears 
down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as 
snow tires is lost.
Rotate the tires in the order 
shown.
To equalize tire wear and extend 
tire life, Toyota recommends that 
tire rotation is carried out at the 
same interval as tire inspection.
Do not fail to initialize the tire pres-
sure warning system after tire rota-
tion.
Front
■When rotating the tires
Make sure that the power switch is 
WARNING
■When inspecting or replacing 
tires
Observe the following precautions 
to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause dam-
age to parts of t he drive train as 
well as dangerous handling char-
acteristics, which may lead to an 
accident resulting in death or seri-
ous injury.
●Do not mix tires of different 
makes, models or tread pat-
terns.
Also, do not mix tires of remark-
ably different treadwear.
●Do not use tire sizes other than 
those recommende d by Toyota.
●Do not mix differently con-
structed tires (radial, bias-belted 
or bias-ply tires).
●Do not mix summer, all season 
and snow tires.
●Do not use tires that have been 
used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not 
know how they were used previ-
ously.
●Do not tow if your vehicle has a 
compact spare tire installed.
NOTICE
■Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving 
on roads with loose surfaces or 
potholes.
These conditions may cause 
losses in tire inflation pressure, 
reducing the cushioning ability of 
the tires. In addition, driving on 
rough roads may cause damage 
to the tires themselves, as well as 
the vehicle’s wheels and body.
■If tire inflation pressure of 
each tire becomes low while 
driving
Do not continue driving, or your 
tires and/or wheels may be 
ruined.
Tire rotation
A