2003 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)

SECTION 2

INFORMATION BEFORE DRIVING YOUR TOYOTA Information before driving your Toyota Off–road vehicle precautions Break–in period Fuel Fuel pump shut off system Operation in foreign countries Three–way catalytic converters Engine exhaust cautions Facts about engine oil consumption Iridium–tipped spark plugs Brake system Brake pad wear limit indicators Luggage stowage precautions Limited–slip differential Your Toyota’s identification Theft prevention labels Suspension and chassis Types of tires

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Off–road vehicle precautions

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This vehicle belongs to the utility ve- hicle class, which has higher ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its center of gravity to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of off–road applications. Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity than ordinary passen- ger cars. This vehicle design feature causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to rollover. And, utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. An advan- tage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road allowing you is not de- to anticipate problems. signed the same speeds as ordinary passenger cars any more than low–slung sports cars de- signed to perform satisfactorily under off–road conditions. Therefore, sharp turns at excessive speeds may cause rollover.

It for cornering at

CAUTION

Always observe the following precau- tions to minimize the risk of serious personal injury or damage to your ve- hicle: (cid:1) In a rollover crash, an unbelted per- son is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is mov- ing.

(cid:1) Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu- vers, if at all possible. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury.

(cid:1) Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehicle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or abrupt maneu- vers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle cor- rectly.

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(cid:1) Always slow down in gusty cross- winds. Because of its profile and higher center of gravity, your ve- hicle to side winds than an ordinary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.

is more sensitive

jump, make sharp

(cid:1) When driving off–road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive speeds, turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.

(cid:1) Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or straight down is preferred. Your ve- hicle (or any similar off–road ve- hicle) can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or back- ward.

Break–in period Drive gently and avoid high speeds. Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break–in. But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle: (cid:1) Avoid full

throttle acceleration when

starting and driving.

(cid:1) Avoid racing the engine. (cid:1) Try to avoid hard stops during the first

300 km (200 miles).

(cid:1) Do not drive slowly with the manual

transmission in a high gear.

(cid:1) Do not drive for a long time at any

single speed, either fast or slow.

(cid:1) Do not tow a trailer during the first 800

km (500 miles).

Fuel FUEL TYPE Your new vehicle must use only un- leaded gasoline. To help prevent gas station mix–ups, your Toyota has a smaller fuel tank opening. The special nozzle on pumps with un- leaded fuel will fit it, but the larger stan- dard nozzle on pumps with leaded gas will not. At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the specifications of ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A. and CGSB 3.5–M93
in Canada.

NOTICE

Do not use leaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline will cause the three– way catalytic converter to lose its ef- fectiveness and the emission control system to function improperly. Also, this can increase maintenance costs.

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for quality

QUALITY GASOLINE Automotive manufacturers in the U.S., Europe and Japan have developed a specification fuel named World–Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) that is expected to be applied world wide. The WWFC consists of three categories that depend on required emission lev- els. In the U.S., category 3 has been adopted. The WWFC improves air quali- ty by providing for better emissions in vehicle fleets, and customer satisfaction through better vehicle performance. CLEANER BURNING GASOLINE Cleaner burning gasoline, including re- formulated gasoline that contains oxy- genates such as ethanol or MTBE is available in many areas. Toyota recommends the use of cleaner burning gasoline and appropriately blended reformulated gasoline. These types of gas- oline provide excellent vehicle perfor- mance, reduce vehicle emissions, and im- prove air quality.

If you use gasohol

OXYGENATES IN GASOLINE Toyota allows the use of oxygenate blended gasoline where the oxygenate content is up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE. in your Toyota, be sure that it has an octane rating no lower than 87. Toyota does not recommend the use of gasoline containing methanol. GASOLINE CONTAINING MMT Some gasoline contain an octane en- hancing additive called MMT (Methylcy- clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl). Toyota does not recommend the use of gasoline that contains MMT. If fuel con- taining MMT is used, your emission con- trol system may be adversely affected. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the in- strument cluster may come on. If this hap- pens, contact your Toyota dealer for ser- vice.

fuel, or

the recommended

OCTANE RATING Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Oc- tane Number 91) or higher. Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating or research octane number lower than stated above will cause persistent heavy knocking. If it is severe, this will lead to engine damage. If your engine knocks... If you detect heavy knocking even when using if you hear steady knocking while holding a steady speed on level roads, consult your Toyota dealer. However, occasionally, you may notice light knocking for a short time while accel- erating or driving up hills. This is normal and there is no need for concern. GASOLINE CONTAINING DETERGENT ADDITIVES Toyota recommends the use of gasoline that contains detergent additives to avoid build–up of engine deposits. However, all gasoline sold the U.S. contains detergent additives to keep clean and/or clean intake systems.

in

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GASOLINE QUALITY In a very few cases, you may experience driveability problems caused by the partic- ular gasoline that you are using. If you continue to have unacceptable driveability, try changing gasoline brands. If this does not rectify your problem, then consult your Toyota dealer.

Fuel pump shut off system The fuel pump shut off system stops sup- plying fuel to the engine to minimize the risk of fuel leakage when the engine stalls or an airbag inflates upon collision. To restart the engine after the fuel pump shut off system activates, ignition switch to “ACC” or “LOCK” once and start it.

turn

the

Operation in foreign countries If you plan to drive your Toyota another country... First, comply with the vehicle registration laws. Second, confirm the availability of the cor- rect fuel (unleaded and minimum octane number).

in

NOTICE

CAUTION

Inspect the ground under the vehicle before restarting the engine. If you find that liquid has leaked onto the ground, fuel system has been damaged and it is in need of repair. In this case, do not restart the engine.

the

is

it

(cid:2) Do not use gasohol other than stated above. It will cause fuel sys- tem damage or vehicle performance problems.

(cid:2) If driveability problems occur (poor hot starting, vaporizing, engine knock, etc.), discontinue the use.

(cid:2) Take care not to spill gasohol dur- ing refueling. Gasohol may cause paint damage.

FUEL TANK CAPACITY

56 L (14.8 gal., 12.3 Imp. gal.)

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Three–way catalytic converters

The three–way catalytic converter is an emission control device installed in the exhaust system. The purpose is to reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas.

CAUTION

(cid:1) Keep people and combustible mate- rials away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas is very hot.

(cid:1) Do not

idle or park your vehicle over anything that might burn easi- ly such as grass, leaves, paper or rags.

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NOTICE

A large amount of unburned gases flowing into the three–way catalytic converter may cause it to overheat and create a fire hazard. To prevent this and other damage, observe the following precautions: (cid:2) Use only unleaded gasoline. (cid:2) Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running out of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, creat- ing an excessive load on the three– way catalytic converter.

(cid:2) Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for more than 20 min- utes.

(cid:2) Avoid racing the engine. (cid:2) Do not push–start or pull–start your

vehicle.

(cid:2) Do not turn off the ignition while

the vehicle is moving.

(cid:2) Keep your engine in good running order. Malfunctions in the engine electrical system, electronic ignition system/distributor ignition system or fuel systems could cause an ex- tremely high three–way catalytic converter temperature.

(cid:2) If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, take your vehicle in for a check–up as soon as possible. Remember, your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle and its three–way catalytic converter sys- tem best.

(cid:2) To ensure that the three–way cata- lytic converter and the entire emis- sion control system operate proper- ly, your vehicle must receive the periodic inspections required by the Toyota Maintenance Schedule. For scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supple- ment”.

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Engine exhaust cautions

CAUTION

(cid:1) Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas. It can cause unconsciousness or even death.

(cid:1) Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose connections. The system should be checked from time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change in the sound of the the system exhaust, have checked immediately.

(cid:1) Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area except the time needed to drive the vehicle in or out. The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this a particularly dangerous situation.

for

(cid:1) Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with the engine run- ning. If it is unavoidable, however, do so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.

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(cid:1) To allow proper operation of your vehicle’s ventilation system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the wind- shield clear of snow, leaves, or oth- er obstructions.

(cid:1) Keep the back door closed while driving. An open or unsealed back door may cause exhaust gases to be drawn into the vehicle. If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with the windows the back door closed. open and Have the cause immediately located and corrected.

Facts about engine oil consumption 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. (cid:1) 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 temperature combustion gases during the combustion process.

the high

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Iridium–tipped spark plugs

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 level” on page 226 in Section 7–2.

the engine oil

Your engine is fitted with iridium–tipped spark plugs.

NOTICE

Use only iridium–tipped spark plugs and do not adjust gaps for your en- gine performance and smooth drive- ability.

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(cid:1) Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake valves. Some of this oil is sucked into the combustion chamber together with is burned along with the fuel. High tem- perature exhaust gases also burn the oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve stems.

intake air and

the

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. 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. 160

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Brake system The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic system with two separate sub–systems. If either sub–system should fail, the other will still work. However, the pedal will be harder to press, and your stopping distance will be longer. Also, the brake system warning light may come on.

CAUTION

Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system. Have your brakes fixed immediately.

the brakes.

BRAKE BOOSTER The brake booster uses engine vacuum to power–assist the engine should quit while you are driving, you can bring the vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure. There is enough reserved vacuum two stops—but no more!

for one or

If

CAUTION

(cid:1) Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls. Each push on the pedal uses up your reserved vacu- um.

lost,

(cid:1) Even if the power assist

is com- pletely the brakes will still work. But you will have to push the pedal hard, much harder than nor- mal. And your braking distance will be longer.

ANTI–LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (with “ABS” warning light) The anti–lock brake system is designed to help prevent lock–up of the wheels during a sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists in providing directional stability and steer- ing performance of the vehicle under these circumstances.

this situation,

Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the anti–lock brake system function is in action, you may feel the brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In the anti–lock brake system work for you, just hold the brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake in a panic stop. This will result in reduced braking performan- ce.

let

to

The anti–lock brake system becomes op- erative after the vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10
km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph). the brake pedal on slippery Depressing road surfaces such as on the manhole cover, the steel plate under the construc- tion, joints in the bridge, etc. on a rainy day tends to activate the anti–lock brake system. You may hear a click or motor sound in the engine compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is started. This means that the anti–lock brake system the self– check mode, and does not indicate a mal- function.

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When the anti–lock brake system is ac- tivated, the following conditions may occur. They do not indicate a malfunc- tion of the system: (cid:1) You may hear the anti–lock brake sys- tem operating and feel the brake pedal pulsating and the vibrations of the ve- hicle body and steering wheel. You may also hear the motor sound in the engine compartment even after the ve- hicle is stopped.

(cid:1) At the end of the anti–lock brake sys- the brake pedal may

tem activation, move a little forward.

(cid:1) Driving with tire chains installed. (cid:1) Driving over the steps such as the

joints on the road.

(cid:1) Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or has other differ- ences in surface height.

Install all 4 tires of specified size at appropriate pressure: The anti–lock brake system detects vehicle speeds using the speed sensors for respec- tive wheels’ turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified may fail to detect the accurate turning speed resulting longer stopping dis- tance.

in a

CAUTION

Do not overestimate the anti–lock brake system: Although the anti–lock brake system assists in providing ve- hicle control, it is still important to drive with all due care and maintain a moderate speed and safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, be- cause there are limits to the vehicle stability and effectiveness of steering wheel operation even with the anti– lock brake system on. If tires grip performance exceeds its capability, or if hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the rain, the anti–lock brake system does not provide vehicle control. Anti–lock brake system is not de- signed to shorten the stopping dis- tance: Always drive at the moderate speed and maintain a safe distance from front of you. Compared with vehicles without an anti–lock brake system, your vehicle may require a longer stopping dis- tance in the following cases: (cid:1) Driving on rough, gravel or snow–

the vehicle

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covered roads.

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“ABS” warning light The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position. If the anti– lock brake system works properly, the light turns off after a few seconds. There- after, if the system malfunctions, the light comes on again. When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system warning light is off), the anti–lock brake system does not operate, but the brake system still operates con- ventionally. When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system warning light is off), the anti–lock brake system does not operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.

the following conditions If either of occurs, indicates a malfunction this somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning light system. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible to service the vehicle. (cid:1) The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi- tion, or remains on.

(cid:1) The light comes on while you are driv-

ing.

A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not indicate a problem.

CAUTION

If the “ABS” warning light remains on together with the brake system warn- ing light, immediately stop your ve- hicle at a safe place and contact your Toyota dealer. In this case, not only the anti–lock brake system will fail but also the vehicle will become extremely unsta- ble during braking.

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Type A

Type B

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Brake pad wear limit indicators

luggage or cargo

Luggage stowage precautions When stowing vehicle, observe the following: (cid:1) Put luggage or cargo in the luggage compartment when at all possible. Be sure all items are secured in place.

the

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(cid:1) Be careful

to keep

the vehicle bal- anced. Locating the weight as far for- ward as possible helps maintain bal- ance.

The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to where replacement is required. If you hear a squealing or scraping noise the brake pads while driving, have checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. Expensive ro- tor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when necessary.

(cid:1) For better fuel economy, do not carry

unneeded weight.

CAUTION

(cid:1) To prevent

luggage or packages from sliding forward during braking, do not stack anything in the lug- gage compartment higher than the seatbacks. Keep luggage or pack- ages low, as close to the floor as possible.

(cid:1) Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not de- signed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely suffer serious bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking or a collision.

(cid:1) Do not place anything on the flat- tened seat, or it may slide forward during braking.

(cid:1) Do not place anything on the lug- items may be gage cover. Such thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle during sudden braking or an accident. Secure all items in a safe place.

(cid:1) Do not drive with objects left on top of the instrument panel. They may interfere with the driver’s field of view. Or they may move during sharp vehicle acceleration or turn- ing, and impair the driver’s control of the vehicle. In an accident they may injure the vehicle occupants.

NOTICE

Do not load the vehicle beyond the vehicle capacity weight specified on page 254 in Section 8.

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Your Toyota’s identification— —Vehicle identification number

NOTICE

Use only a spare tire of the same brand, size, construction and load ca- pacity as the original tires on your Toyota because damage to the lim- ited–slip differential could possibly occur with another tire type.

Under the right front seat

Limited–slip differential (four–wheel drive models) Your Toyota is equipped with a limited–slip center differential (transfer). If one wheel begins to spin, the limited–slip center dif- ferential (transfer) is designed to aid trac- tion by automatically transmitting driving force to the wheels on the other drive axle. It transmits driving force to the front wheels if a rear wheel spins, and to the rear wheels if a front wheel spins. Some models are also equipped with a limited–slip rear differential. If one rear wheel begins to spin, the limited–slip rear differential is designed to aid traction by automatically transmitting driving force to the other rear wheel. If you are not sure whether your vehicle is equipped with one, you can ask your Toyota dealer.

CAUTION

Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by a jack. The vehicle could be driven off the jack and could pose a danger or re- sult in serious injury.

Top left of the instrument panel

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—Engine number

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the legal identifier for your vehicle. This number is stamped under the right front seat and top left of the instrument panel where it can be seen through the windshield from the outside. This is the primary identification number for your Toyota. It is used in registering the ownership of your vehicle.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is also on the Certification Regulation Label.

The engine number is stamped on the engine block as shown.

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Suspension and chassis

CAUTION

Do not modify the suspension/chassis with lift kits, spacers, springs, etc. It can cause dangerous handling charac- teristics, resulting in loss of control.

Theft prevention labels (except for Canada) Your new vehicle carries theft preven- tion labels which are approximately 56
mm (2.20 in.) by 16 mm (0.63 in.). The purpose of these labels is to reduce the incidence of vehicle thefts by facilitat- ing the tracing and recovery of parts from stolen vehicles. The label is designed so that once it is applied to a surface, any attempt to remove it will result in destroy- ing the integrity of the label. Transferring these labels intact from one part to anoth- er, will be impossible.

NOTICE

You should not attempt to remove the theft prevention labels as it may vio- late certain state or federal laws.

Types of tires Determine what kind of tires your ve- hicle is originally equipped with. 1. Summer tires Summer tires are high–speed capability tires best suited to highway driving under dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance as snow tires, sum- mer tires are inadequate for driving on snow–covered or icy roads. For driving on snow–covered or icy roads, we recom- mend using snow tires. If installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires. 2. All season tires All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to be adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for use all year round. All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also, all season tires fall short in accel- eration performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.

handling

and

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CAUTION

(cid:1) Do not mix summer and all season tires on your vehicle as this can cause dangerous handling charac- teristics, resulting in loss of con- trol.

(cid:1) Do not use

tire other

the manufacturer’s designated tires, and never mix tires or wheels of the sizes different from the originals.

than

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SECTION 3

STARTING AND DRIVING Starting and driving Before starting the engine How to start the engine Tips for driving in various conditions Off–road driving precautions Winter driving tips Dinghy towing Trailer towing How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer

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

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Before starting the engine 1. Check the area around the vehicle be-

fore entering it.

2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, restraint

seat cushion angle, head height and steering wheel angle.

3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view

mirrors.

4. Lock all doors. 5. Fasten seat belts.

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How to start the engine— (a) Before cranking 1. Apply the parking brake firmly. 2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-

sories.

into neutral. Hold

3. Manual transmission: Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the trans- mission the clutch pedal to the floor until the engine is started. A starter safety device will pre- vent the starter from operating if the clutch pedal is not fully depressed. Automatic transmission: Put the se- lector lever in “P”. If you need to re- start the engine while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in “N”. A starter safety device will prevent the starter the selector lever is in any drive position.

from operating if

4. Automatic

transmission only: De- press the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until driving off.

(b) Starting the engine Before starting the engine, be sure to fol- low the instructions in “(a) Before crank- ing”. Normal starting procedure The multiport fuel injection system/sequen- tial multiport fuel injection system in your engine automatically controls the proper air–fuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot engine as follows: 1. With your foot off the accelerator ped- al, crank the engine by turning the key to “START”. Release it when the en- gine starts.

2. After the engine runs for about 10 se-

conds, you are ready to drive.

If the weather is below freezing, let the engine warm up for a few minutes before driving. If the engine stalls... Simply restart it, using the correct proce- dure given in normal starting. If the engine will not start... See “If your vehicle will not start” on page 184 in Section 4.

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NOTICE

(cid:3) Do not crank for more than 30 se- conds at a time. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems.

(cid:3) Do not race a cold engine. (cid:3) If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

Tips for driving in various conditions (cid:1) Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you much better control. (cid:1) Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos- sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving onto high, sharp–edged objects and other road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire damage result- ing in tire bursts. Drive slowly when passing over bumps or travelling on a bumpy road. Other- wise impact could cause severe damage to the tires and/or wheels.

the

they

(cid:1) When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until touch the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking brake, and place the transmis- sion in “P” (automatic) or in first or reverse (manual). If necessary, block the wheels.

(cid:1) Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that there is no traffic near you, and then press the pedal lightly. If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while lightly pressing the brake pedal with the park- ing brake applied. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the road and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.

CAUTION

(cid:1) Before driving off, make sure that the parking brake is fully released and reminder light is off.

the parking brake

(cid:1) Do not

leave your vehicle unat- tended while the engine is running. (cid:1) Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear, and poor fuel economy.

(cid:1) To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes excessively, they may overheat and not work properly.

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(cid:1) Be careful when accelerating, up- shifting, downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. Sudden accelera- tion or engine braking, could cause the vehicle to spin or skid.

tire dealer

(cid:1) Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140
km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle has high–speed capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to con- sult a to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high–speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds. (cid:1) Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are wet. If they are require a wet, your vehicle will longer stopping distance, and it may pull the brakes are applied. Also, the park- ing brake will not hold the vehicle securely.

to one side when

Off–road driving precautions When driving your vehicle off–road, please observe the following precautions to en- sure your driving enjoyment and to help prevent the closure of areas to off–road vehicles. a. Drive your vehicle only in areas where off–road vehicles are permitted to trav- el.

b. Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering private prop- erty.

c. Do not enter areas

that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs that re- strict travel.

d. Stay on established roads. When condi- tions are wet, driving techniques should be changed or travel delayed to pre- vent damage to roads.

For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico: To obtain additional information pertaining to driving your vehicle off–road, consult the following organizations. (cid:1) State and Local Parks and Recreation

Departments

(cid:1) State Motor Vehicle Bureau (cid:1) Recreational Vehicle Clubs (cid:1) U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of

Land Management

CAUTION

Always observe the following precau- tions to minimize the risk of serious personal injury or damage to your ve- hicle: (cid:1) Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in dangerous places.

(cid:1) Do not grip

the steering wheel spokes when driving off–road. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.

(cid:1) Always check your brakes for effec- tiveness immediately after driving in sand, mud, water or snow.

(cid:1) After driving

through

tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the under- body. If the vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur.

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(cid:1) In a rollover crash, an unbelted per- son is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is mo- ving.

jump, make sharp

(cid:1) When driving off–road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive speeds, turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.

NOTICE

(cid:3) If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of the water and the bottom of the river bed for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid deep water.

(cid:3) Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or other components does not occur. Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage. Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature failure, and may also en- ter the differentials, transmission and transfer case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.

(cid:3) Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and around brake discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system com- ponents.

(cid:3) Always perform a maintenance in- spection after each day of off–road driving that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled maintenance informa- tion, refer to the “Scheduled Main- tenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

Winter driving tips Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of engine coolant. Your coolant must contain ethylene–glycol type corrosion protection of aluminum components. Use “Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or equivalent. See page 228 in Section 7–2 for details about coolant type selection.

for a proper

coolant

NOTICE

Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60% solution for your Toyota, to provide protection down to about –50(cid:2)C (–58(cid:2)F). Do not use more than 70% solu- tion for better coolant performance. Check the condition of the battery and cables. Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter start- ing. Section 7–3 tells you how to visually inspect the battery. Your Toyota dealer and most service stations will be pleased to check the level of charge.

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Dinghy towing (with automatic transmission)

Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold weather. See page 226 in Section 7–2 for recom- mended viscosity. Leaving a heavy sum- mer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call your Toyota dealer–he will be pleased to help. Keep the door locks from freezing. Squirt lock de–icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from freezing. Use a washer fluid containing an anti- freeze solution. This product is available at your Toyota dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how much to mix with water.

NOTICE

Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may dam- age your vehicle’s paint.

into

in and around

Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could freeze. When parking, put the transmission into “P” (automatic) or first or reverse (manual) and block the rear wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or the water accumulated parking brake mechanism may freeze, making it hard to release. Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders. Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the fenders occasionally. Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you carry some emer- gency equipment. Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains, window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel, jumper cables, etc.

Your vehicle to be dinghy towed (with four wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome.

is not designed

NOTICE

Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground. This may cause serious damage to your vehicle.

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Dinghy towing (with manual transmission)

NOTICE

NOTICE

Your vehicle can be dinghy towed (with four wheels on the ground) from the front behind a motorhome.

CAUTION

Dinghy towing requires special equip- ment and accessories. Please refer to your service outlet of the motorhome manufacture recommended equipment.

the

for

Four–wheel drive models: To prevent the vehicle from being damaged, observe following. (cid:3) Do not tow the vehicle at a speed

higher than 88 km/h (55 mph).

(cid:3) Do not tow the vehicle for more

than 320 km (200 miles).

towing or at

After dinghy recom- mended distance limit, let the engine idle for more than 3 minutes before driving the vehicle or resuming towing.

the

Dinghy towing does not eliminate the possibility of damage to your vehicle.

DINGHY TOWING TIPS Before dinghy towing, be sure to ob- serve the following in order to reduce the damage to your vehicle. 1. Put the shift lever in neutral. 2. Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” position. Make sure the audio is turned off and any item is not plugged into the power outlet.

NOTICE

To avoid the locking of the steering wheel, turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” position.

3. Release the parking brake.

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vehicle. Towing

Trailer towing Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger–carrying trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, performance, braking, durability and driving economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes. Ask your local further details before Toyota dealer towing. WEIGHT LIMITS Before towing, make sure the total trail- er weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits. The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with platform scales found at a highway weighing station, build- ing supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

for

NOTICE

Do not tow your vehicle from the rear. This may cause serious damage to your vehicle.

CAUTION

(cid:1) The

total

trailer weight its cargo

(trailer load) must

weight plus not exceed 680 kg (1500 lb.).

(cid:1) The gross combination weight (sum of your vehicle weight plus its load and the total trailer weight) must not exceed the following. Two–wheel drive models

2468 kg (5441 lb.)

Four–wheel drive models

2489 kg (5487 lb.)

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indicated on

(cid:1) The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) the Certification Label. The gross ve- hicle weight is the sum of weights of the unloaded vehicle, driver, pas- sengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue includes the weight of any special equipment installed on your vehicle.

It also

load.

(cid:1) The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from distribution of the gross vehicle weight on both axles must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Certification Label.

(cid:1) Trailer hitch assemblies have differ- ent weight capacities established by the hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capa- ble of towing a higher weight, the operator must determine the maxi- mum weight rating of the particular hitch assembly and never exceed the maximum weight rating speci- fied for the trailer–hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight rating set by the trailer hitch manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in seri- ous personal injuries.

Total trailer weight

Tongue load

Tongue load

Total trailer weight

(cid:1) 100 = 9 to 11%

(cid:1) The trailer cargo

the

total

to 11% of

load should be distributed so that the tongue load is 9 trailer weight, not exceeding 68 kg (150
lb.). the trailer with more Never weight the front. About 60% of the trailer load should be in the front half of the trailer and the remaining 40% in the rear.

the back

load in

than

in

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HITCHES (cid:1) Use only a weight carrying hitch trailer weight. designed Toyota does not recommend using a weight distribution (load equalizing) hitch.

total

the

for

(cid:1) The hitch must be bolted securely to the vehicle frame and installed accord- ing to the hitch manufacturer’s instruc- tions.

(cid:1) The hitch ball should have a light coat

of grease.

(cid:1) Toyota

the

that

recommends

trailer hitch be removed when not towing to prevent injury and/or damage by the hitch in event of a rear end collision. After removing the hitch, the installa- tion area should be sealed to prevent entry of exhaust fumes and mud.

NOTICE

Do not use an axle–mounting hitch as it may cause damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels and/ or tires.

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BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS (cid:1) Toyota

recommends

trailers with brakes that conform to any applica- ble federal and state/provincial regu- lations.

(cid:1) A safety chain must always be used between the towing vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns. The chain should cross under to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground in case it becomes dam- aged or separated. For correct safety chain procedures, follow the hitch or trailer manufacturer’s recommenda- tions.

tongue

trailer

the

CAUTION

(cid:1) If the total trailer weight exceeds 272 kg (600 lb.), trailer brakes are required.

(cid:1) Never tap

into your vehicle’s hy- draulic system as it would lower its braking effectiveness.

(cid:1) Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering over into another lane.

TIRES (cid:1) Ensure

that your vehicle’s

tires are properly inflated. See page 233 Section 7–2 and page 258 for instructions.

in Section 8

(cid:1) The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the trail- er manufacturer in respect to the total trailer weight.

local

local

TRAILER LIGHTS (cid:1) Trailer lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and regulations. See your recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for your trail- er. Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may dam- age your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction of your lights.

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(cid:1) Check that your rear view mirrors con- form to any applicable federal, state/ provincial or local regulations. If not, install the rear view mirrors required for towing purpose.

TRAILER TOWING TIPS When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently than when not tow- ing. The three main causes of vehicle– trailer accidents are driver error, exces- sive speed and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when towing: (cid:1) Before starting out, check operation of the lights and all vehicle–trailer connec- tions. After driving a short distance, stop and recheck the lights and con- nections. Before actually towing a trail- er, practice turning, stopping and back- ing with a trailer in an area away from traffic until you learn the feel.

increased when

(cid:1) Because stopping distance may be in- vehicle–to–vehicle distance creased, should be towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the ve- hicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.

(cid:1) Avoid jerky starts or sudden accelera- tion. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, prevent excessive clutch slippage by keeping engine rpm low and not racing the engine. Always start out in first gear.

(cid:1) Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn to avoid the necessity of sudden braking.

(cid:1) Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to move the trailer to the right. (This pro- cedure that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just turn the steering wheel a little at time, avoiding sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing to reduce the risk of an acci- dent.

is generally opposite

to

(cid:1) Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Therefore, compensate for this by making a turning radius with your vehicle.

than normal

larger

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BREAK–IN SCHEDULE (cid:1) Toyota recommends

that you do not tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train com- ponent (engine, transmission, differen- tial, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.

MAINTENANCE (cid:1) If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to the additional load. For this informa- tion, please the scheduled maintenance information in the “Sched- uled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

refer

to

(cid:1) Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.

PRE–TOWING SAFETY CHECK (cid:1) Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an abnormal nose–up or nose–down condition, and check improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other possible causes.

for

(cid:1) Make sure the trailer cargo is securely

loaded so that it cannot shift.

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)

(cid:1) Crosswinds and rough roads will ad- versely affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to the rear from time to time to pre- pare yourself for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip the steering wheel and immediately but gradually. Never increase speed. Steer straight ahead. If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, the vehicle and trailer will stabilize.

reduce speed

(cid:1) Be careful when passing other ve- hicles. Passing requires considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room be- fore changing lanes.

(cid:1) In order to maintain engine braking effi- ciency, do not use fifth gear (manual transmission) or overdrive (automatic transmission).

(at

(cid:1) Because of the added load of the trail- er, your vehicle’s engine may overheat on hot days temperatures over 30(cid:2)C [85(cid:2)F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a trailer. If the engine coolant indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull off the road and stop in a safe spot. Refer to “If your vehicle overheats” on page 188 in Section 4.

temperature gauge

(cid:1) Always place wheel blocks under both trailer wheels when the vehicle and parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put the transmission in “P” (automatic) or in first or reverse (manual). Avoid parking on a slope with a trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing the following:

1. Apply the brakes and hold. 2. Have someone place wheel blocks un- der both the vehicle and trailer wheels. 3. When the wheel blocks are in place, the

release your brakes slowly until blocks absorb the load.

4. Apply the parking brake firmly. 5. Shift into first or reverse (manual) or “P” (automatic) and turn off the engine.

When restarting out after parking on a slope: 1. With the transmission in “P” position the clutch pedal de- the engine. transmission, be the brake pedal de-

(automatic) or pressed (With an automatic sure pressed.)

(manual), start

to keep

2. Shift into gear. 3. Release the parking brake (also foot brake on automatic transmission ve- hicles) and slowly pull or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your brakes.

4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.

CAUTION

towing speed

(cid:1) Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted limit, whichever is lower. Because insta- bility (swaying) of a towing vehicle– trailer in- creases as the speed increases, ex- ceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may cause loss of control.

combination

usually

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(cid:1) Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden down- shifts.

long or

(cid:1) Avoid holding the brake pedal down too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking effi- ciency.

too

How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer Improving fuel economy is easy—just take it easy. It will help make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific tips on how to save money on both fuel and repairs: (cid:1) Keep your tires inflated at the cor- rect pressure. Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel. See page 233 in Section 7–2 for instructions. (cid:1) Do not carry unneeded weight

in your vehicle. Excess weight puts a heavier the engine, causing greater fuel consumption.

load on

(cid:1) Avoid lengthy warm–up idling. Once the engine is running smoothly, begin driving—but gently. Remember, howev- er, that on cold winter days this may take a little longer.

(cid:1) Keep

the automatic

transmission overdrive turned on when engine braking is not required. Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy. (For details, see “Automatic transmission” on page 101 in Section 1–6.)

(cid:1) Accelerate

slowly

smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high gear as quickly as possible.

and

(cid:1) Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start again later.

(cid:1) Avoid engine

lugging or over–rev- ving. Use a gear position suitable for the road on which you are travelling.

(cid:1) Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down. Stop–and–go driving wastes fuel.

(cid:1) Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try to time the traffic signals so you only need to stop as little as possible or take advantage of through streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper dis- tance from other vehicles to avoid sud- den braking. This will also reduce wear on your brakes.

(cid:1) Avoid heavy traffic or traffic

whenever possible.

jams

(cid:1) Do not rest your foot on the clutch or brake pedal. This causes premature wear, overheating and poor fuel econo- my.

(cid:1) Maintain a moderate speed on high- ways. The faster you drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your speed, you will cut down on fuel con- sumption.

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CAUTION

Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your power steering and brake booster will not function with- out the emission control system operates properly only when the engine is run- ning.

the engine running. Also,

the

(cid:1) Keep

front wheels

in proper alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel. (cid:1) Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corro- sion.

(cid:1) Keep your vehicle tuned–up and in top shape. A dirty air cleaner, improp- er valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and grease,brakes not adjusted, etc. all