Part 7 Checking the engine oil level

DO-IT-YOURSELF ! CAUTION
MAINTENANCE Be careful not to touch the hot ex-
haust manifold.
Chapter 7-2 If the oil level is below or only slightly
above the low level line, add engine oil
Engine and Chassis of the same type as already in the en-
gine.

Checking the engine oil level Remove the oil filter cap and add engine
oil in small quantities at a time, checking

Checking the engine coolant the dipstick.
level With the engine at operating tempera-
The approximate quantity of oil needed to
fill between the low level line and the full

Checking brake fluid ture and turned off, check the oil level
level line on the dipstick is indicated below

Checking power steering fluid on the dipstick. for reference.
1. To get a true reading, the vehicle

Checking tire pressure should be on a level spot. After turning off
When the level reaches within the correct
range, install the filler cap hand-tight.

Checking and replacing tires the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil
Oil quantity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
to drain back into the bottom of the en-

Rotating tires 1.0 (1.1, 0.9)
gine.

Installing snow tires and chains 2. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean NOTICE

Replacing wheels with a rag.
Avoid overfilling, or the engine
3. Reinsert the dipstickpush it in as far

Aluminum wheel precautions as it will go, or the reading will not be cor-
could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick
rect.
once again after adding the oil.
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil
level on the end.

141
ENGINE OIL SELECTION Oil identification marks
Use API SH, Energy-Conserving II mul- Either or both API registered marks are
tigrade engine oil or ILSAC multigrade en- added to some oil containers to help
gine oil. you select the oil you should use.
Recommended viscosity (SAE): The API Service Symbol is located any-
where on the outside of the container.
The top portion of the label shows the oil
quality by API (American Petroleum Insti-
tute) designations such as SH. The center
portion of the label shows the SAE viscos-
ity grade such as SAE 10W-30. Energy-
Conserving II shown in the lower portion,
indicates that the oil has fuel-saving capa-
API service symbol bilities. Oils marked Energy-Conserving
If you use SAE 10W-30 engine oil in II will have higher fuel-saving capabilities
extremely low temperatures, the en- than oil marked Energy-Conserving.
gine may become difficult to start, so The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-
SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recom- dardization and Approval Committee)
mended. Certification Mark is displayed on the front
of the container.

ILSAC certification mark

142
Checking the engine coolant
level Checking brake fluid
Look at the see-through coolant res- Coolant type selection
ervoir when the engine is cold. The Your coolant must contain ethylene-gly-
coolant level is satisfactory if it is be- col antifreeze. In addition to preventing
tween the FULL and LOW lines on freezing and subsequent damage to the
the reservoir. If the level is low, add engine, this will also prevent corrosion.
ethylene-glycol type coolant. Further supplemental inhibitors or addi-
tives are neither needed nor recom-
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary
mended.
with engine temperature. However, if the
level is on or below the LOW line, add Read the antifreeze container for informa-
coolant. Bring the level up to the FULL tion on freeze protection. Follow the
line. manufacturers directions for how much
to mix with water. The total capacity of the
Use only ethylene-glycol type coolant.
See information in the next column. cooling system is given in Part 8. We rec-
ommend 50% solution be used for your To check the fluid level, simply look at
If the coolant level drops within a short Toyota, or a sufficient quantity to provide
time after replenishing, there may be a the see-through reservoir. The level
protection to about -35C (-31F). should be between the MAX and
leak in the system. Visually check the ra-
diator, hoses, radiator cap and drain cock NOTICE MIN lines on the reservoir.
and water pump. It is normal for the brake fluid level to go
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze
If you can find no leak, have your Toyota down slightly as the brake pads wear. So
or plain water alone.
dealer test the cap pressure and check for be sure to keep the reservoir filled.
leaks in the cooling system. If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it
may indicate a serious mechanical prob-
! CAUTION lem.

To prevent burning yourself, do not

143
 Checking power steering fluid
If the level is low, add SAE J1703 or Clean all dirt from outside of the reservoir
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 brake fluid to the tank and look at the fluid level. If the fluid
brake reservoir. is cold, the level should be in the COLD
range. Similarly, if it is hot, the fluid level
Remove and replace the reservoir cover
should be in the HOT range. If the level
by hand. Fill the brake fluid to the dotted
is at the low side of either range, add auto-
line. This brings the fluid to the correct lev-
matic transmission fluid DEXRONII or III
el when you put the cover back on.
to bring the level within the range.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once
To remove the filler cap, turn it counter-
opened, brake fluid absorbs moisture
clockwise and lift up. To reinstall it, turn it
from the air, and excess moisture can
clockwise. After replacing the filler cap,
cause a dangerous loss of braking.
visually check the steering box case, vane
pump and hose connections for leaks or
! CAUTION Check the fluid level through the reser-
damage.
Take care when filling the reservoir voir. If necessary, add automatic trans-
because brake fluid can harm your mission fluid DEXRONII or III. ! CAUTION
eyes and damage painted surfaces. If the vehicle has been driven around 80 The reservoir tank may be hot so be
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your km/h (50 mph) for 20 minutes (a little more careful not to burn yourself.
eyes with clean water. in frigid temperatures), the fluid is hot
(60C80C or 140F175F). You may NOTICE
NOTICE also check the level when the fluid is cold
(about room temperature, 10C 30C or Avoid overfilling, or the power
If you spill the fluid, be sure to wash 50F85F) if the engine has not been run steering could be damaged.
it off with water to prevent it from for about five hours.
damaging the parts or paint.

144
Checking tire pressure
Keep your tire pressures at the proper
The pressure should be checked
level. only when the tires are cold. If your
The recommended cold tire pressures, vehicle has been parked for at least 3
tire size and the vehicle capacity weight hours and has not been driven for
are also given in Part 8. They are also on more than 1.5 km or 1 mile since, you
the tire pressure label as shown. will get an accurate cold tire pressure
You should check the tire pressures every reading.
two weeks, or at least once a month. And
Always use a tire pressure gauge.
do not forget the spare! The appearance of a tire can be mis-
Incorrect tire pressure can reduce tire leading. Besides, tire pressures that
life and make your vehicle less safe to are even just a few pounds off can de-
drive. grade handling and ride.
2-door models
Low tire pressure results in excessive
Take special care when adding air
wear, poor handling, reduced fuel econo- to the compact spare tire. The small-
my, and the possibility of blowouts from er tire size can gain pressure very
overheated tires. Also, low tire pressure quickly. Add compressed air in small
can cause poor sealing of the tire bead. If
quantities and check the pressure
the tire pressure is excessively low, there
is the possibility of wheel deformation often until it reaches the specified
and/or tire separation. pressure.
High tire pressure produces a harsh ride,
Do not bleed or reduce tire pres-
handling problems, excessive wear at the sure after driving. It is normal for the
center of the tire tread, and a greater pos- tire pressure to be higher after driving.
sibility of tire damage from road hazards.
Never exceed the vehicle capacity
If a tire frequently needs refilling, have it weight. The passenger and luggage
checked by your Toyota dealer. weight should be located so that the
The following instructions for check- vehicle is balanced.
ing tire pressure should be observed:
Be sure to reinstall the tire inflation
4-door models valve caps. Without the valve caps,
dirt or moisture could get into the valve
core and cause air leakage. If the caps
have been lost, have new ones put on
as soon as possible.

145
Checking and replacing tires
Check the tires regularly for damage
Do not use tire or wheels other
such as cuts, splits and cracks. If any than the manufacturers recom-
damage is found, consult with a tech- mended size.
nician and have the tire repaired or re-
placed.
Even if the damage does not appear seri- NOTICE
ous, a qualified technician should ex- Do not use tires of different brands,
amine the damage. Objects which have sizes and constructions. This may
penetrated the tire may have caused in-
damage the drive system.
ternal damage.
Any tires which are over six years old Never use second-hand tires on your
must be checked by a qualified techni- Toyota.
cian even if damage is not obvious. Using tires whose previous history is un-
CHECKING YOUR TIRES Tires deteriorate with age even if they known is a risk.
have never or seldom been used. Toyota recommends all four tires, or at
Check the tire tread for the tread wear
indicators. If the indicators show, re- This also applies to the spare tire and tires least both of the front or rear tires be
place the tires. stored for future use. replaced at a time as a set.
REPLACING YOUR TIRES See If you have a flat tire in Part 4 for tire
The tires on your Toyota have built-in
tread wear indicators to help you know When replacing a tire, use only the change procedure.
when the tires need replacement. When same size and construction as origi-
When a tire is replaced, the wheel
the tread depth wears to 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) nally installed and with the same or
greater load capacity. should always be balanced.
or less, the indicators will appear. If you
Using any other size or type of tire may se- An unbalanced wheel may affect vehicle
can see the indicators in two or more adja-
riously affect handling, ride, speedome- handling and tire life. Wheels can get out
cent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
ter/odometer calibration, ground clear- of balance with regular use and should
The lower the tread, the higher the risk of
ance, and clearance between the body therefore be balanced occasionally.
skidding.
and tires or snow chains. When replacing a tubeless tire, the air
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost
valve should also be replaced with a
if the tread wears down below 4 mm
(0.16 in.). ! CAUTION new one.

Do not mix radial, bias belted, or
bias-ply tires on your vehicle. It can
cause dangerous handling charac-
teristics, resulting in loss of control.

146
Rotating tires Installing snow tires and chains
WHEN TO USE SNOW TIRES OR Mark the direction of rotation and be sure
CHAINS to install them in the same direction when
replacing.
Snow tires or chains are recom-
mended when driving on snow or ice.
! CAUTION
On wet or dry roads, conventional tires
provide better traction than snow tires.
Do not drive with the snow tires in-
SNOW TIRE SELECTION correctly inflated.

Never drive over 120 km/h (75
If you need snow tires, select tires of mph) with any type of snow tires.
the same size, construction and load
capacity as the original tires on your TIRE CHAIN SELECTION
Toyota. Make sure all the snow tires
Use tire chains of the correct size.
are the same brand.
To equalize tire wear and help extend Two-wheel drive models:
Do not install studded tires without first
tire life, Toyota recommends that you checking local regulations for possible re- Use only genuine Toyota tire chains or
rotate your tires every 5000 km (3000 strictions. equivalent for use on the RAV4.
miles) for 4WD models or approxi- NOTICE
mately every 12000 km (7500 miles) for NOTICE
others. However, the most appropriate Do not use tires of different brands, If the wrong combination of tire and
timing for tire rotation may vary ac- sizes and constructions. This may chain is used, the chains could
cording to your driving habits and damage the drive system. damage the vehicle body.
road surface conditions. * RAV4 genuine tire chains
See If you have a flat tire in Part 4 for tire SNOW TIRE INSTALLATION
(Part No. 08329-42801)
change procedure. Snow tires should be installed on all
Laws about using tire chains vary ac-
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear wheels.
cording to locality and type of road, so
and damage. Abnormal wear is usually Installing snow tires on the front wheels always check your local laws before
caused by incorrect tire pressure, improper only can lead to an excessive difference
wheel alignment, out-of-balance wheels, you install tire chains.
in road grip capability between the front
or severe braking. and rear tires which could cause loss of
vehicle control.
When storing removed tires, you should
store them in a cool dry place.

147
 Replacing wheels
CHAIN INSTALLATION WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR WHEELS Replacement with used wheels is not rec-
Four-wheel drive models: If you have wheel damage such as ommended as they may have been sub-
jected to rough treatment or high mileage
Install the chains on the rear tires as bending, cracks or heavy corrosion,
and could fail without warning. Also, bent
tightly as possible. Do not use tire the wheel should be replaced. wheels which have been straightened
chains on the front tires. Retighten If you fail to replace damaged wheels, the may have structural damage and there-
chains after driving 0.51.0 km tire may slip off the wheel or they may fore should not be used. Never use an in-
(1/41/2 mile). cause loss of handling control. ner tube in a leaking wheel which is de-
Two-wheel drive models: WHEEL SELECTION signed for a tubeless tire.
Install the chains on the front tires as When replacing wheels, care should NOTICE
tightly as possible. Do not use tire be taken to ensure that the wheels are
chains on the rear tires. Retighten replaced by ones with the same load
Do not use wheels of different
chains after driving 0.51.0 km brands, sizes and types. This may
capacity, diameter, rim width, and off-
(1/41/2 mile). damage the drive system.
set.
When installing chains on your tires, care- Correct replacement wheels are available
fully follow the instructions of the chain at your Toyota dealer.
manufacturer. A wheel of a different size or type may ad-
If wheel covers are used, they will be versely affect handling, wheel and bear-
scratched by the chain band, so remove ing life, brake cooling, speedometer/
the covers before putting on the chains. odometer calibration, stopping ability,
headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle
! CAUTION ground clearance, and tire or snow chain
clearance to the body and chassis.

Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or
the chain manufacturers recom-
mended speed limit, whichever is
lower.

Drive carefully avoiding bumps,
holes, and sharp turns, which may
cause the vehicle to bounce.

Avoid sharp turns or locked-wheel
braking, as use of chains may ad-
versely affect vehicle handling.

148
Aluminum wheel precautions

After driving your vehicle the first 1600
km (1000 miles), check that the wheel
nuts are tight.

If you have rotated, repaired, or
changed your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving
1600 km (1000 miles).

When using tire chains, be careful not
to damage the aluminum wheels.

Use only the Toyota wheel nuts and
wrench designed for your aluminum
wheels.

When balancing your wheels, use only
Toyota balance weights or equivalent
and a plastic or rubber hammer.

As with any wheel, periodically check
your aluminum wheels for damage. If
damaged, replace immediately.

149
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