2000 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual

OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS Keys and Doors Keys Side doors Power windows Quarter window Back door and tailgate Hood Fuel tank cap Electric moon roof Detachable sun roof Soft−top

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Keys

Side doors

Your vehicle is supplied with two kinds of keys. 1. Master key—This key works in every

lock.

2. Sub key—This key will not work in the

glove box.

To protect things locked in the glove box when you have your vehicle parked, leave the sub key with the attendant. Since the side doors, back door (hardtop) and tailgate (soft−top) can be locked with- out a key, you should always carry a spare master key in case you accidentally lock your keys inside the vehicle.

KEY NUMBER PLATE Your key number is shown on the plate. Keep the plate in a safe place such as your wallet, not in the vehicle. If you should lose your keys or if you need additional keys, duplicates can be made by a Toyota dealer using the key number. We recommend you to write down the key number and keep it in safe place.

LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH KEY Insert the key into the keyhole and turn it. To lock: Turn the key forward. To unlock: Turn the key backward. Vehicles with power door lock system—All the side doors, back door (hardtop) and tailgate (soft−top) lock and unlock simulta- neously with either front door. In the driv- er’s door lock, turning the key once will unlock the driver’s door and twice in suc- cession will unlock all the side doors, back door (hardtop) and tailgate (soft−top) simultaneously.

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With power windows (driver’s side)

Without power windows

LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH Push the switch. With power windows— To lock: Push the switch on the front side. To unlock: Push the switch on the rear side. Without power windows— To lock: Push the switch on the ”LOCK” side. To unlock: Push ”UNLOCK” side.

the switch on

the

With power windows (passenger’s side)

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LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH INSIDE LOCK KNOB Move the lock knob. To lock: Push the knob forward. To unlock: Pull the knob backward. Closing the door with the lock knob in the lock position will also lock the door. Be careful not to lock your keys in the ve- hicle.

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Operating the switch simultaneously locks or unlocks all the side doors, back door (hardtop) and tailgate (soft−top).

CAUTION

Before driving, be sure that the doors are closed and locked, especially when small children are in the ve- hicle. Along with the proper use of seat belts, locking the doors helps prevent the driver and passengers from being thrown out from the ve- hicle during an accident. It also helps prevent the doors from being opened unintentionally.

to

the

lock

lever

the ”LOCK”

REAR DOOR CHILD−PROTECTORS Move position as shown on the label. This feature allows you to lock a rear door so it can be opened from the outside only, not from inside. We recommend us- ing this feature whenever small children are in the vehicle.

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Power windows

CAUTION

D Never try jamming any part of your jam protection

body to make the function work intentionally.

D The

jam protection

function may not work if something gets caught just before fully closed.

the window

is

The windows can be operated with the switch on each side door. The power windows work when the ignition switch is in the ”ON” position. Key off operation: If the driver’s door is closed, they work for 45 seconds even after the ignition switch is turned off. They stop working when is opened. OPERATING THE DRIVER’S WINDOW Use the switch on the driver’s door. Normal operation: The window moves as long as you hold the switch. To open: Lightly push down the switch. To close: Lightly pull up the switch.

the driver’s door

Automatic operation: Push the switch completely down or pull it completely up, and then release it. The window will fully open or close. To stop the window part- way, lightly move the switch in the oppo- site direction and then release it. Jam protection function: During automat- ic closing operation, the window stops and opens half way if something gets caught between the window and window frame. If the window receives a strong impact, this function may work even if nothing is caught.

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Window lock switch

THE

PASSENGERS’

OPERATING WINDOWS Use the switch on each passengers’ door or the switches on the driver’s door that control each passengers’ win- dow. The window moves as long as you hold the switch. To open: Push down the switch. To close: Pull up the switch. If you push in the window lock switch on the driver’s door, the passengers’ windows cannot be operated.

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CAUTION

To avoid serious personal injury, you must do the following. D Always make sure the head, hands and other parts of the body of all occupants are kept completely in- side the vehicle before you close the power windows. If someone’s neck, head or hands gets caught in a closing window, it could result in a serious injury. When anyone closes the power windows, be sure that they operate the windows safe- ly.

D When small children are in the ve- hicle, never let them use the power window switches without supervi- sion. Use the window lock switch to prevent from making unex- pected use of the switches.

them

D Never leave small children alone in the vehicle, especially with the igni- tion key still inserted. They could use the power window switches and in a window. Unat- get tended children can become in- volved in serious accidents.

trapped

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Quarter window (2−door hardtop)

Back door (hardtop) and tailgate (soft−top)

CAUTION

D Keep the back door (hardtop) or tailgate (soft−top) closed while driv- ing. This not only keeps the lug- gage from being thrown out but also prevents exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.

(soft−top) hides

D If the open back door (hardtop) or tailgate the rear stop and tail lights or rear turn sig- nal lights while you are parked, oth- er road users must be warned of the presence of your vehicle by a warning triangle or other device.

LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH KEY Insert the key into the keyhole and turn it. To lock: Turn the key counterclockwise. To unlock: Turn the key clockwise. When closing the back door (hardtop) or tailgate (soft−top), make sure it is fully closed. See in Section 2 for precautions to observe in loading luggage.

”Luggage stowage precautions”

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To open the quarter window, pull the latch handle toward you and swing it fully out. When closing the window, make sure it is completely closed.

CAUTION

are

the quarter windows

When opened, observe the following: D Depending on driving conditions, e.g. driving the front windows slightly open, you may smell exhaust fumes in the ve- hicle. If so, close the quarter win- dows.

the vehicle with

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Hood

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 the the

lever and

lift

auxiliary catch hood.

3. Hold the hood open by inserting the

support rod into the slot.

Before closing the hood, check that you have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc. and return the support rod to its clip—this prevents rattles. Then lower the hood until it is about 20 cm (8 in.) above the engine compartment and release it. If the hood is still not fully closed, lift and release the hood again. After closing the hood, make sure it is securely locked. If you notice while driving that the hood is not securely locked, stop the vehicle at once and close the hood.

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Fuel tank cap

CAUTION

D Right after driving the support rod may be hot, so only touch the part coated with nylon.

D After

the

inserting

the slot, make sure the rod supports the hood securely from falling down on to your head or body.

rod i nto

D When closing the hood, be careful not to get your hands caught be- tween the vehicle body.

the hood and

NOTICE

1. To open the fuel filler door, pull the

lever up. When refueling, turn off the engine.

Do not press on the hood, or you may deform the hood.

CAUTION

D Do not smoke, cause sparks or al- flames when refueling.

low open The fumes are flammable.

D When opening the cap, do not re- move the cap quickly. In hot weath- er, fuel under pressure could cause injury by spraying out of the filler neck is suddenly re- moved.

the cap

if

2. To remove the fuel tank cap, turn the cap slowly counterclockwise, then pause slightly before removing it. After removing the cap, hang it on the cap hanger.

the cap clockwise

It is not unusual to hear a slight swoosh when the cap is opened. When installing, turn till you hear a click. If the cap is not tightened securely, the malfunction lamp comes on. Make sure the cap is tightened securely. The indicator lamp goes off after driving several times. If the indicator lamp does not go off, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

indicator

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Electric moon roof

CAUTION

D Make sure the cap is tightened se- in

curely to prevent fuel spillage case of an accident.

D Use only a genuine Toyota fuel tank cap for replacement. It has a built− in check valve to reduce fuel tank vacuum.

Sliding operation

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Tilting operation

the

To operate the moon roof, use switches beside the personal light. The key must be in the ”ON” position. Sun shade operation— The sun shade can be opened or closed by hand. Sliding operation— To open: Push the switch on the ”SLIDE” side. The sun shade will be opened together with the roof. To close: Push the switch on the opposite side of the ”SLIDE” side. As a precaution when closing, the roof stops at the three−quarters closed position before fully closing. Therefore, release the switch and then push it again to close it completely. Tilting operation— To tilt up: Push the switch on the ”UP” side. To lower: Push the switch on the opposite side of the ”UP” side. You may stop the moon roof at any de- sired position. The roof will move while the switch is being pushed and stop when released.

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Detachable sun roof— —Sun roof precautions

—Tilting up and closing

CAUTION

CAUTION

To avoid serious personal injury, you must do the following. D While the vehicle is moving, always keep the head, hands and other parts of the body of all occupants away from the roof opening. Other- wise, you could be seriously injured if the vehicle stops suddenly or if the vehicle is involved in an acci- dent.

D Always make sure nobody places his/her head, hands and other parts of the body in the roof opening be- fore you close the roof. If some- one’s neck, head or hands gets caught in the closing roof, it could result injury. When anyone close the roof, first make sure it is safe to do so.

in a serious

D Never leave small children alone in the vehicle, especially with the igni- tion key still inserted. They could use the moon roof switches and get trapped in the roof opening. Unat- tended children can become in- volved in serious accidents.

D Never sit on

top of

the vehicle

around the roof opening.

To avoid serious personal injury, you must do the following. D While the vehicle is moving, always keep the head, hands and other parts of the body of all occupants away from the roof opening. Other- wise, you could be seriously injured if the vehicle stops suddenly or if the vehicle is involved in an acci- dent.

D Never sit on

top of

the vehicle

around the roof opening.

D Never attempt to remove the sun roof panel while driving. Otherwise, the panel may become a hazard by falling into or flying off the vehicle. D After installing the sun roof panel, make sure they are firmly secured by pushing up on the underside of each panel.

D Never put your hands between the sun roof panel and the surrounding roof.

To tilt up the sun roof, first pull down on the handle while pushing in one of the lock buttons. Then push up the sun roof until it locks. After tilting up the sun roof, make sure the handle is securely in place. When closing the sun roof, slowly pull down the handle while supporting the roof with your hand. Close and lock the sun roof by pushing the handle until it clicks. Be sure to use your palm to push the handle. After closing the sun roof, make sure it is securely locked.

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—Removing

1. Pull the handle down while pushing

in one of the lock buttons.

2. Push in the retaining spring arms as

shown and push up the sun roof.

3. Push back the auxiliary catch to re- lease it from the hook. Then lift the sun roof panel and pull it out.

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—Stowing

Install the removed sun roof panel on the tailgate as follows.

NOTICE

If the rear seats are reclined, return them to the upright position before closing the tailgate. Otherwise, they installed sun will roof panel, possibly damaging the panel.

interfere with the

1. Remove the holder from the tailgate turning the bolts counterclock-

by wise.

2. Set the front edge of the sun roof

panel into the holders.

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—Installing

1. Insert the flat hinges of the sun roof panel into the hinge cases on the body. Then slowly it while holding the roof with your hands.

lower

Make sure both flat hinges are inserted into the hinge cases.

3. Place the removed holder over the

sun roof handle.

4. Secure

the holder by

turning

the

bolts clockwise.

NOTICE

Do not drive checking that the roof panel curely attached to the tailgate.

the vehicle without is se-

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Soft−top— —Soft−top precautions

CAUTION

To avoid serious personal injury, you must do the following. D While the vehicle is moving, always keep the head, hands and other parts of the body of all occupants away the soft−top opening. Otherwise, you could be seriously injured if the vehicle stops sudden- ly or if the vehicle is involved in an accident.

from

D Do not lower or raise the soft−top while the vehicle is moving. You may lose control and it may cause an accident.

D The vehicle should never be driven with the soft−top partially lowered. Make sure the top has been either fully latched to the roof or fully lowered before driving.

D When raising or lowering the soft− from any

top, keep hands clear parts of the top linkage.

D Do not drive the vehicle only with the rear window removed because serious injury or death can result. The removed rear window may let the exhaust gases enter the vehicle. If you must drive with the rear win- dow removed, broken or not fully sealed, you should immediately re- move the quarter windows also to avoid exhaust gas filled up and as necessary have the window fixed immediately.

D Make sure no object overhangs the vehicle. The overhanging objects may cause an accident.

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2. Press in the retaining spring arms and insert them into the holes. Then lock the sun roof by pushing the handle up with the palm of your hand until the handle clicks.

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—Lowering the soft−top

NOTICE

z Make sure there are no items or packages between the rear seatback and the soft−top storage area when raising or the soft−top. Even small items may interfere with soft−top operation and can cause damage.

lowering

z Do not sit or place excessive weight on the soft−top; when the top is up or down, damage may result.

z Do not raise or lower the soft−top when the temperature is below 0°C (32°F), or damage may result to the top material, rear window or quarter windows. to do so, warm the vehicle in a heated garage prior the soft−top mechanism.

to operating

If necessary

Before lowering the soft−top, make sure the soft−top is securely closed. REMOVING THE QUARTER WINDOWS 1. Remove the Velcros on the top of the quarter window from the inside of the vehicle.

2. Remove the Velcros on the quarter window from the outside of the ve- hicle.

z Do not lower the soft−top if the top is damp or wet. Interior water dam- age, water stains or mildew of the top material may result.

z Do not bend the removed quarter and rear windows or hit them on a hard object. It may damage the re- moved windows.

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3. Unfasten the zippers.

4. Remove the retainers on the bottom the

the quarter windows

from

of groove.

5. Slide down the window along the

side groove.

NOTICE

Do not bend the removed quarter win- dow or hit it on a hard object. It may damage the quarter window.

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REMOVING THE REAR WINDOW 1. Open the tailgate, and remove the

Velcros on the rear window.

2. Unfasten the zippers and slide down

the rear window.

NOTICE

Do not bend the removed rear window or hit It may damage the rear window.

it on a hard object.

LOWERING THE SOFT−TOP Before lowering the soft−top, make sure the quarter windows and rear window are already removed.

NOTICE

Lowering the soft−top without remov- ing the quarter and rear window may cause damage to the soft−top.

1. While pressing the lock release but-

ton, pull down the latch handle.

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2. Lock the latch handle and hook.

3. Fold

the soft−top. Make sure

to place the soft−top between the rear seat backs and tailgate.

4. Take the latch handle cover out of the glove box, put it over the latch handle and fasten it securely with Velcros.

CAUTION

With the soft−top opened, when the rear seat is in the reclined position or when reclining the rear seat, be careful not to damage the soft−top and not to get your head hit or in- jured by the latch handles.

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—Raising the soft−top

RAISING THE SOFT−TOP 1. Remove the latch handle cover.

Store the removed cover in the glove box.

2. Raise the soft−top.

CAUTION

3. Separate the latch handle and hook while pressing the lock release but- ton.

raising

When the soft−top, keep hands clear from any parts of the top linkage.

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4. Set the hook, push up the latch han-

dle to securely lock it.

CAUTION

D Try pushing and pulling the latch handle to make sure it is securely locked.

D Try pushing

the soft−top forward and rearward to make sure it is se- curely locked.

INSTALLING THE REAR WINDOW 1. Open the tailgate and engage the zipper approximately 25 mm (1.0 in.).

CAUTION

The rear window must be securely sealed to prevent exhaust gases from coming into the occupant compart- ment and causing serious personal injury or death.

2. Align the retainer on the bottom of

the window with the groove.

CAUTION

Make sure the retainer on the rear window is securely inserted into the groove.

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3. Fasten

the zippers securely and align the Velcros to secure the rear window.

INSTALLING THE QUARTER WINDOWS 1. Engage the zipper approximately 25

mm (1.0 in.).

2. Insert the retainer on the side of the window into the groove on the ve- hicle side.

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3. Insert the retainer on the bottom of

the window into the groove.

CAUTION

Make sure the retainers on the side and bottom of the quarter window are securely inserted into the grooves.

4. Fasten the zipper securely and align the quarter

to secure

the Velcros windows.

5. Align the Velcros from the inside of

the vehicles.

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SECTION 1− 3

OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS Seats, Seat belts, Steering wheel and Mirrors Seats Front seats Rear seats Flattening seatbacks Head restraints Seat belts SRS driver and front passenger airbags Child restraint Tilt steering wheel Outside rear view mirrors Anti−glare inside rear view mirror

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Seats While the vehicle is being driven, all ve- hicle occupants should have the seatback upright, sit well back in the seat and prop- erly wear the seat belts provided.

Front seats— —Seat adjustment precautions Adjust the driver’s seat so that the foot pedals, steering wheel and instrument panel controls are within easy reach of the driver.

CAUTION

CAUTION

D While adjusting the seat, do not put your hands under the seat or near the moving parts. You may catch and injure your hands or fingers.

D Do not drive the vehicle unless the occupants are properly seated. Do top of a not allow sitting on folded−down seatback, or the luggage compartment. Persons not properly seated and/or properly re- strained by seat belts can be se- verely injured in the event of emer- gency braking or a collision.

in

D During driving, do not allow pas- to stand up or move sengers around between seats. Severe inju- ries can occur in the event of emer- gency braking or a collision.

D Adjustments should not be made while the vehicle is moving, as the seat may unexpectedly move and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

D When adjusting the seat, be careful not to hit the seat against a pas- senger or luggage.

D After adjusting the seat position, try sliding it forward and backward to make sure it is locked in posi- tion.

D After adjusting the seatback, exert body pressure to make sure it is locked in position.

D Do not put objects under the seats. The objects may interfere with the seat−lock mechanism or unexpect- edly push up the seat position ad- justing lever; the seat may suddenly move, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

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—Adjusting front seats

—Moving passenger’s seat for rear seat entry (2−door hardtop and soft−top)

1. SEAT POSITION ADJUSTING LEVER Pull the lever up. Then slide the seat to the desired position with slight body pressure and release the lever. 2. SEATBACK

ADJUSTING

ANGLE

LEVER

lever up. lean back to the desired angle

Lean forward and pull the Then and release the lever.

CAUTION

To reduce the risk of sliding under the lap belt during a collision, avoid reclining the seatback any more than needed. The seat belts provide maxi- mum protection in a frontal or rear collision when the driver and the pas- senger are sitting up straight and well back If you are reclined, the lap belt may slide past your hips and apply restraint forces directly to the abdomen. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, the risk of personal injury may increase with increasing recline of the seat- back.

in the seats.

For easy access to the rear seat, do this. 1. Lift the seatback angle adjusting lever the seat-

the pedal behind

or press back. The seat will slide forward.

2. Move the seat to the front−most posi-

tion.

After passengers are in, lift up the seat- back and return the seat until it locks.

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Rear seats— —Adjusting seatback angle

CAUTION

D After putting back

try pushing the seat forward and rear- ward to make sure it is secured in place.

the seat,

D Never allow anyone to rest their foot on the release pedal while the vehicle is moving.

Lean forward and pull the lock release lever. Then lean back to the desired angle and release the lever.

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CAUTION

D Adjustments should not be made

while the vehicle is moving.

D To reduce the risk of sliding under lap belt during a collision, the the seatback any avoid reclining more than needed. The seat belts provide maximum protection in a frontal or rear collision when the passengers are sitting up straight and well back in the seats. If you are reclined, the lap belt may slide past your hips and apply restraint forces directly the abdomen. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, the risk of personal injury may increase with increasing recline of the seatback.

to

D After adjusting the seatback, exert body pressure to make sure it is locked in position.

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—Folding up rear seats (2−door hardtop and soft−top)

1. Remove the head restraint. Unlock

the seatback and fold it down.

2. Unlock the seat cushion. Swing the

whole seat up and forward.

Folding up the rear seats will enlarge the luggage compartment. See ”Luggage stow- age precautions” in Section 2 for precau- tions in loading luggage.

3. Lock the raised bottom cushion in place by attaching the support rod onto the hook. Then store the head restraint in the head restraint retain- ing holes in the bottom cushion.

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CAUTION

When returning seats to their original position: D Make sure the seat belts are not twisted or caught under the seat and are arranged in their proper position and are ready to use.

—Folding up rear seats (4−door hardtop)

the rear seat

When returning its original position, first remove the head restraint. Unlock the seat and return it. Be certain to replace the head restraint.

to

D Make sure

the seat

is securely locked by pushing forward and rear- ward on the top of the seatback or by trying to pull up the edge of the bottom cushion. Failure to do so will prevent seat belt from operat- ing properly.

BEFORE FOLDING REAR SEAT Stow the rear seat belt and buckles as shown in the illustration. This prevents the belt and buckles from falling out when you fold the seatback.

NOTICE

The seat belt and buckles must be stowed before you fold the seatback.

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FOLDING REAR SEAT 1. Remove the head restraint. Unlock

the seatback and fold it down.

Folding up the rear seats will enlarge the luggage compartment. See ”Luggage stow- age precautions” in Section 2 for precau- tions in loading luggage.

2. Unlock the seat cushion. Swing the

whole seat up and forward.

3. Lock the raised bottom cushion in place by clipping the strap to the hook. Then store the head restraint in the head restraint retaining holes in the bottom cushion.

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CAUTION

When returning seats to their original position: D Make sure the seat belts are not twisted or caught under the seat and are arranged in their proper position and are ready to use.

Flattening seatbacks (2−door hardtop and soft−top)

the rear seat

When returning its original position, first remove the head restraint. Unlock the seat and return it. Be certain to replace head restraint.

to

D Make sure

the seat

is securely locked by pushing forward and rear- ward on the top of the seatback or by trying to pull up the edge of the bottom cushion. Failure to do so will prevent seat belt from operat- ing properly.

Rear seats

Front seats

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Rear seats: Remove the head restraint. Then pull out the strap to unlock the seatback, and push down the seatback. Front seats: Remove the head restraint and slide the seat to the front−most position. Push the seat further forward to release the slide−lock, and unlock and push down the seatback. When returning the seatback upright, be careful not to make yourself hit by the seatback which will bound with consid- erable spring force. After returning the seat to its original position, be certain to replace the head restraint.

CAUTION

D After putting back

D Do not allow passengers to ride on the flattened seat while driving; use the seat in the normal position. the seat,

try pushing the seat and seatback for- ward and rearward to make sure it is secured in place. Be certain to replace head restraint.

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Flattening seatbacks (4−door hardtop)

NOTICE

Before closing the back door, make sure the rear headrests are removed from the flattened seats.

Rear seats

Front seats

2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)

39

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Head restraints

For your safety and comfort, adjust the head restraint before driving. To raise: Pull it up. To lower: Push it down while pressing the lock release button. The head restraint is most effective when it is close to your head. Therefore, using a cushion on the seatback is not recom- mended.

CAUTION

D Adjust the center of the head re- straint so that it is closest to the top of your ears.

D After adjusting the head restraint, make sure it is locked in position. the head re-

D Do not drive with

straints removed.

Rear seats: Pull out the strap to unlock the seatback, and push down the seat- back. Front seats: Remove the head restraint and slide the seat to the front−most position. Push the seat further forward to release the slide−lock, and unlock and push down the seatback. When returning the seatback upright, be careful not to make yourself hit by the seatback which will bound with consid- erable spring force. After returning the seat to its original position, be certain to replace the head restraint.

CAUTION

D After putting back

D Do not allow passengers to ride on the flattened seat while driving; use the seat in the normal position. the seat,

try pushing the seat and seatback for- ward and rearward to make sure it is secured in place. Be certain to replace head restraint.

40

2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)

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Do not allow the child to stand up or kneel on either rear or front seats. An unrestrained child could suffer serious in- jury or death during emergency braking or a collision. Also, do not let the child sit on your lap. It does not provide sufficient restraint. Pregnant woman. Toyota recommends the use of a seat belt. Ask your doctor for specific lap belt should be worn securely and as low as possible over the hips and not on the waist. Injured person. Toyota recommends the use of a seat belt. Depending on the inju- ry, first check with your doctor for specific recommendations.

recommendations. The

Seat belts— —Seat belt precautions Toyota strongly urges that the driver and passengers in the vehicle be properly re- strained at all times with the seat belts provided. Failure to do so could increase the chance of injury and/or the severity of injury in accidents. Child. Use a child restraint system ap- propriate for the child until the child be- comes large enough to properly wear the vehicle’s seat belts. See ”Child restraint” for details. If a child is too large for a child restraint system, the child should sit in the rear seat and must be restrained using the vehicle’s seat belt. According to accident statistics, the child is safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat. If a child must sit in the front seat, the seat belts should be worn properly. If an accident occurs and seat belts are not worn properly, the force of the rapid infla- tion of the airbag may cause death or serious injury to the child.

CAUTION

the vehicle

in their seats Persons should ride their seat belts properly wearing whenever is moving. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer serious bodily injury or death in the event of sudden braking or a collision. When using the seat belts, observe the following: D Use the belt for only one person at a time. Do not use a single belt for two or more people—even children. D Avoid reclining the seatbacks too much. The seat belts provide maxi- mum protection when the seatbacks are in the upright position. (Refer to the seat adjustment instructions.) D Be careful not to damage the belt webbing or hardware. Take care that they do not get caught or pinched in the seat or side doors.

2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)

41

D Inspect the belt system periodically. Check for cuts, fraying, and loose parts. Damaged parts should be re- placed. Do not disassemble or modify the system.

D Keep the belts clean and dry.

If they need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or lukewarm water. Never use bleach, dye, or abrasive clean- ers—they may severely weaken the belts. (See ”Cleaning the interior” in Section 5.)

D Replace the belt assembly (includ- ing bolts) if it has been used in a severe impact. The entire assembly should be replaced even if damage is not obvious.

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—Front seat belts and rear outside seat belts

tab

the

into

insert

Adjust the seat as needed and sit up straight and well back in the seat. To fasten your belt, pull it out of the re- tractor and the buckle. You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle. The seat belt length automatically adjusts to your size and the seat position. The retractor will lock the belt during a sudden stop or on impact. It also may lock if you lean forward too quickly. A slow, easy motion will allow the belt to extend, and you can move around freely.

If the seat belt cannot be pulled out of the retractor, firmly pull the belt and release it. You will then be able to smoothly pull the belt out of the retractor. When a passenger’s shoulder belt is com- pletely extended and retracted even slightly, the belt is locked in that position and cannot be extended. This fea- ture is used to hold the child restraint system securely. (For details, see ”Child restraint” in this section.) To free the belt again, fully retract the belt and then pull the belt out once more.

then

is

CAUTION

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that the belt is not twisted.

D Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

D If the seat belt does not function normally, immediately contact your Toyota dealer. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed. It cannot protect an adult occupant or your child from injury.

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2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)

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CAUTION

Always make sure the shoulder belt is positioned across the center of your shoulder. The belt should be kept away from your neck, but not falling off your shoulder. Failure to do so could reduce the amount of protection in an accident and cause serious injuries in a collision.

Take up slack

Too high

Keep as low on hips as possible

Seat belts with an adjustable shoulder anchor— Adjust the shoulder anchor position to your size. To adjust the knob out and slide it up or down. Release the knob and make sure the anchor is locked in position.

the anchor position, pull

the

lap and

the position of

Adjust shoulder belts. Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips—not on your waist, then ad- just it to a snug fit by pulling the shoulder portion upward through the latch plate.

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CAUTION

—Rear center seat belt (4−door hardtop)

Lengthen

lap

D High−positioned

belts

and loose−fitting belts both could cause serious injuries due to sliding un- der the lap belt during a collision or other unintended result. Keep the lap belt positioned as low on hips as possible.

D For your safety, do not place the

shoulder belt under your arm.

To release the belt, press the buckle−re- lease button and allow the belt to re- tract. If the belt does not retract smoothly, pull it out and check for kinks or twists. Then make sure it remains untwisted as it re- tracts.

Sit up straight and well back in the seat. To fasten your belt, insert the tab into the buckle. You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle. If the belt is not long enough for you, hold the tab at a right angle to the belt and pull on the tab.

44

2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)

CAUTION

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that the belt is not twisted.

D Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

D If the seat belt does not function normally, immediately contact your Toyota dealer. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed. It cannot protect an adult occupant or your child from injury.

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Too high

Adjust to a snug fit

Keep as low on hips as possible

Remove excess length of the belt and adjust the belt position. To shorten the belt, pull the free end of the belt. Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips—not on your waist, then ad- just it to a snug fit.

CAUTION

High−positioned and loose−fitting lap belts could cause serious injuries due to sliding under the lap belt during a collision or other unintended result. Keep the lap belt positioned as low on hips as possible.

To release the belt, press the buckle−re- lease button.

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45

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from your Toyota dealer

—Seat belt extender If your seat belt cannot be fastened se- curely because it is not long enough, a personalized seat belt extender is avail- able free of charge. Please contact your local Toyota dealer so that the dealer can order the proper re- quired length for the extender. Bring the heaviest coat you expect to wear for prop- er measurement and selection of length. Additional ordering information is available at your Toyota dealer.

—Stowing the rear seat belt and buckles (4−door hardtop)

The rear seat belt and buckles can be stowed when not in use. Seat belt and buckles must be stowed before you fold the seatback. (See ”Rear seats—Folding up rear seats” in this sec- tion.)

CAUTION

When using the seat belt extender, observe the following. Failure to fol- low these instructions could result in less effectiveness of the seat belt re- straint system in case of vehicle acci- dent, increasing the chance of per- sonal injury. D Never use the seat belt extender if you can fasten the seat belt without it.

D Remember that the extender pro- vided for you may not be safe when used on a different vehicle, or for another person or at a different seating position than the one origi- nally intended for.

46

2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)

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CAUTION

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that the seat belt extender is not twisted.

D Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

D If the seat belt does not function normally, immediately contact your Toyota dealer. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed. It cannot protect an adult occupant or your child from injury.

—Front seat belt pretensioners

The driver and front passenger’s seat belt pretensioners are designed to be activated in response to a severe fron- tal impact. When the airbag sensor detects the shock of a severe frontal impact, the front seat belt is quickly drawn back in by the re- tractor so that the belt snugly restrains the front seat occupants. The seat belt pretensioners are activated even with no passenger in the front seat. Collisions occurring at certain speeds and angles may cause the seat belt preten- sioners and SRS airbags not to operate all together.

2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)

47

To connect the extender to the seat belt, insert the tab into the seat belt buckle so that the ”PRESS” signs on the buckle−release buttons of the ex- tender and the seat belt are both facing outward as shown. You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle. When releasing the seat belt, press on the buckle−release button on the extender, not on the seat belt. This helps prevent damage to the vehicle interior and extend- er itself. When not and store in the vehicle for future use.

in use, remove the extender

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When a seat belt pretensioner is acti- vated, an operating noise may be heard and a small amount of smoke−like gas may be released. This gas is harmless and does not indicate that a fire is occur- ring. Once the seat belt pretensioner has been activated, the seat belt retractor remains locked.

CAUTION

Do not modify, remove, strike or open the front seat belt pretensioner as- semblies, airbag sensor or surround- ing area or wiring. Doing any of these may cause sudden operation of the front seat belt pretensioners or disable the system, which could re- sult in serious injury. Failure to follow these can result in serious injuries.

instructions

The seat belt pretensioner system mainly consists of the following components and their locations are shown in the illustra- tion. 1. Front airbag sensors 2. SRS warning light 3. Seat belt pretensioner assemblies 4. Airbag sensor assembly The seat belt pretensioner is controlled by the airbag sensor assembly. The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sen- sor and airbag sensor.

This indicator comes on when the igni- tion key is turned to the ”ACC” or ”ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the front seat belt pretensioners are operating proper- ly. This warning the airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen- sors, seat belt pretensioner assemblies, warning interconnecting wiring and power sources. (For details, see ”Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers” in Section 1−5.)

light system monitors

light,

48

2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)

NOTICE

consulting

Do not perform any of the following changes without your Toyota dealer. Such changes can interfere with proper operation of the seat belt pretensioners in some cases. z Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile two−way radio, cassette tape player or compact disc player

z Repairs on or near the front seat

belt retractor assemblies

z Modification of the suspension sys-

tem

z Modification of the front end struc-

ture

z Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to the front end

z Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front end structure or con- sole

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D The front seat belt pretensioner assem- bly or surrounding area has been dam- aged.

D The front part of the vehicle (shaded in the illustration) was involved in an accident that was not severe enough to cause to operate.

the seat belt pretensioners

D The front seat belt pretensioner assem- bly is scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged.

the

following conditions occurs,

This front seat belt pretensioner system has a service reminder indicator to inform the driver of operating problems. If either of this indicates a malfunction of the airbags or pretensioners. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible the vehicle. D The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned to the ”ACC” or ”ON” position, or the light remains on. D The light comes on or flashes while

to service

driving.

D If either front seat belt does not retract or can not be pulled out due to a malfunction or activation of the preten- sioner.

2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)

49

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CAUTION

A driver or front passenger too close to the steering wheel or dashboard during airbag deployment can be killed or seriously injured. Toyota strongly recommends that: D The driver sit as far back as pos- sible from the steering wheel while still maintaining control of the ve- hicle.

D The front passenger sit as far back

as possible from the dashboard.

D All vehicle occupants be properly restrained using the available seat belts.

SRS driver and front passenger airbags

The SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys- tem) airbags are designed to provide further protection for the driver and front passenger in addition to the pri- mary safety protection provided by the seat belts. In response to a severe frontal impact, the SRS airbags work together with the seat belts to help reduce injury by inflat- ing. The SRS airbags help to reduce inju- ries mainly to the driver’s or front passen- ger’s head or chest directly hitting the steering wheel or dashboard. The passen- ger airbag is activated even with no pas- senger in the front seat. Be sure to wear your seat belt.

50

2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)

This indicator comes on when the igni- tion key is turned to the ”ACC” or ”ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the SRS airbags are operating properly. This warning the airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen- sors, inflators, warning light, interconnect- ing wiring and power sources. (For details, see indicators and warning buzzers” in Section 1−5.)

light system monitors

reminder

”Service

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this

However, threshold velocity will be considerably higher if the vehicle strikes an object, such as a parked vehicle or sign pole, which can move or deform on impact, or if it is involved in an underride collision (e.g. a collision in which the nose of the vehicle ”underrides”, or goes under, the bed of a truck, etc.). It is possible that in some collisions at the lower zone of airbag sensor detection and activation the SRS airbags and seat belt pretensioners will not operate all together. For the safety of all occupants, always wear your seat belts.

Collision from the rear

Collision from the side

Vehicle rollover

The SRS airbags are not designed to inflate if the vehicle is involved in a side or rear collision, if it rolls over, or if it is involved in a low−speed frontal collision.

2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)

51

The SRS airbag system is designed to activate in response to a severe frontal impact within the shaded area between the arrows in the illustration. The SRS airbags will deploy if the severi- ty of the impact is above the designed threshold level, comparable to an approxi- mate 25 km/h (15 mph) collision in the U.S.A. and 30 km/h (18 mph) collision in Canada when into a fixed barrier that does not move or de- form. If the severity of the impact is below the above the SRS airbags threshold may not deploy.

impacting straight

level,

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Hitting a curb, edge of pavement or hard material

Falling into or jumping over a deep hole

Landing hard or vehicle falling

The SRS airbags may deploy if a seri- ous impact occurs to the underside of your vehicle. Some examples are shown in the illustration.

The SRS airbag system consists mainly of the following components, and their loca- tions are shown in the illustration. 1. Front airbag sensors 2. SRS warning light 3. Airbag module

for passenger (airbag

and inflator)

4. Airbag sensor assembly 5. Airbag module for driver (airbag and

inflator)

The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor.

52

2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)

the

fills

inflators quickly

In a severe frontal impact, sensors detect deceleration and the system triggers the airbag inflators. Then a chemical reaction in the airbags with non−toxic gas to help restrain the forward motion of the occupants. When the airbags inflate, they produce a fairly loud noise and release some smoke and residue along with non−toxic gas. This does not indicate a fire. This gas is nor- mally harmless; however, for those who have delicate skin, it may cause a minor skin irritation. Be sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent any potential skin irritation. Deployment of the airbags happens in a fraction of a second, so the airbags must inflate with considerable force. While the system is designed to reduce serious inju- ries, it may also cause minor burns or abrasions and swelling. Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, dashboard) may be hot for several minutes, but the airbags themselves will not be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate only once.

the windshield as

A crash severe enough to inflate the air- bags may break the vehicle buckles. In vehicles with a pas- senger airbag the windshield may also be damaged by absorbing some of the force of the inflating airbag.

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CAUTION

D The SRS airbag system is designed only as a supplement to the prima- ry protection of the driver side and front passenger side seat belt sys- tems. The front seat occupants can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating airbag if they do not wear the available seat belts. During sud- den braking just before a collision, an unrestrained driver or front pas- senger can move forward into direct contact with or close proximity to the airbag which may then deploy during the collision. To obtain maxi- mum protection in an accident, the driver and all passengers in the ve- hicle must wear their seat belts. Wearing a seat belt during an acci- dent reduces the chances of death or serious injuries or being thrown out of the vehicle. For instructions and precautions concerning the seat belt system, see ”Seat belts” in this section.

D Improperly seated and/or restrained