Toyota RAV4 (2023 year). Manual in english - page 26

419

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

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

Use only Toyota wheel nuts 
and wrenches designed for 
use with your aluminum 
wheels.



When rotating, repairing or 
changing your tires, check 
that the wheel nuts are still 
tight after driving 1000 miles 
(1600 km).



Be careful not to damage the 
aluminum wheels when using 
tire chains.



Use only Toyota genuine bal-
ance weights or equivalent 
and a plastic or rubber ham-
mer when balancing your 
wheels.

WARNING

■

When replacing wheels

●

Do not use wheels that are a dif-

ferent size from those recom-

mended in the Owner’s Manual, 

as this may result in a loss of 

handling control.

●

Never use an inner tube in a 

leaking wheel which is designed 

for a tubeless tire. Doing so may 

result in an accident, causing 

death or serious injury.

■

When installing the wheel 

nuts

●

Be sure to install the wheel nuts 

with the tapered ends facing 

inward. (



P.468) Installing the 

nuts with the tapered ends fac-

ing outward can cause the 

wheel to break and eventually 

cause the wheel to come off 

while driving, which could lead 

to an accident resulting in death 

or serious injury.

●

Never use oil or grease on the 

wheel bolts or wheel nuts. Oil 

and grease may cause the 

wheel nuts to be excessively 

tightened, leading to bolt or disc 

wheel damage. In addition, the 

oil or grease can cause the 

wheel nuts to loosen and the 

wheel may fall off, causing an 

accident and resulting in death 

or serious injury. Remove any 

oil or grease from the wheel 

bolts or wheel nuts.

■

Use of defective wheels pro-

hibited

Do not use cracked or deformed 

wheels.
Doing so could cause the tire to 

leak air during driving, possibly 

causing an accident.

NOTICE

■

Replacing tire pressure warn-

ing valves and transmitters 

(vehicles with tire pressure 

warning system)

●

Because tire repair or replace-

ment may affect the tire pres-

sure warning valves and 

transmitters, make sure to have 

tires serviced by your Toyota 

dealer or other qualified service 

shop. In addition, make sure to 

purchase your tire pressure 

warning valves and transmit-

ters at your Toyota dealer.

●

Ensure that only genuine 

Toyota wheels are used on your 

vehicle.

Tire pressure warning valves 

and transmitters may not work 

properly with non-genuine 

wheels.

Aluminum wheel precau-
tions

420

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

1

Turn the engine switch to 
OFF.

2

Open the glove box and slide 
off the damper.

3

Push in each side of the 
glove box to disconnect the 
claws, and then slowly and 
fully open the glove box while 
supporting it.

4

With the glove box fully open, 
slightly lift up the glove box 
and pull toward the seat to 
detach the bottom of the 
glove box.

Do not use excessive force if the 

glove box does not detach when 

lightly pulled. Instead, pull toward 

the seat while slightly adjusting the 

height of the glove box.

5

Unlock the filter cover (

), 

pull the filter cover out of the 
claws (

), and remove the 

filter cover.

Air conditioning filter

The air conditioning filter 
must be changed regularly 
to maintain air conditioning 
efficiency.

Removal method

A

B

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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6

Remove the filter case.

7

Remove the air conditioning 
filter from the filter case and 
replace it with a new one.

The “

UP” marks shown on the 

filter should be pointing up.

8

When installing, reverse the 
steps listed.

■

Checking interval

Inspect and replace the air condi-

tioning filter according to the mainte-

nance schedule. In dusty areas or 

areas with heavy traffic flow, early 

replacement may be required. (For 

scheduled maintenance information, 

please refer to the “Owner’s Manual 

Supplement” or “Scheduled Mainte-

nance”.)

■

If air flow from the vents 

decreases dramatically

The filter may be clogged. Check 

the filter and replace if necessary.

NOTICE

■

When using the air condition-

ing system

Make sure that a filter is always 

installed.
Using the air conditioning system 

without a filter may cause damage 

to the system.

■

When removing the glove box

Always follow the specified proce-

dure to remove the glove box 

(



P.420). If the glove box is 

removed without following the 

specified procedure, the hinge of 

the glove box may become dam-

aged.

■

To prevent damage to the fil-

ter cover

When moving the filter cover in 

the direction of arrow to release 

the fitting, pay attention not to 

apply excessive force to the 

claws. Otherwise, the claws may 

be damaged.

422

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

Windshield wiper blade 
removal and installation

1

While holding the hook por-
tion 

 of the wiper arm, first 

lift up the driver side, and 
then lift up the passenger 
side.

When returning the wiper arms to 

their original positions, first lower 

the passenger side, and then lower 

the driver side.

2

Lift the stopper using a flat-
head screwdriver as shown 
in the illustration.

To prevent damage to the wiper 

arm, protect the tip of the screw-

driver with a rag.

3

Slide the wiper blade to 
remove it from the wiper arm.

When installing, reverse the steps 

listed.

■

Wiper insert replacement

1

Pull the wiper insert to 
remove the claw of the wiper 
blade from the stopper, and 
pull out the wiper insert.

Wiper insert replace-

ment

When replacing the wiper 
insert, perform the following 
procedure to operate each 
wiper.

Windshield wipers

A

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

6

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Stopper

Claw

2

Remove the 2 metal plates 
from the wiper insert pulled 
out, and install the plates to a 
new wiper insert.

Make sure that the cutout location 

and warp direction of the metal 

blades are same as the original.

3

Install the wiper insert to the 
wiper blade from the side 
without the stopper.

4

Secure the stopper of the 
wiper insert with the claw of 
the wiper blade.

1

Lift up the rear window wiper 
arm head cap.

2

Move the wiper blade until a 
click sound can be heard and 

the claw detaches, and then 
remove the wiper blade from 
the wiper arm.

3

Pull the wiper insert out past 
the stopper on the wiper 
blade, and then continue to 
pull until it is completely 
removed.

Lightly grasp between the claws of 

the wiper blade to allow the wiper 

insert to lift up, making it easier to 

remove.

4

Remove the 2 metal plates 
from the old wiper insert and 

Rear window wiper

A

B

424

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

install them to the replace-
ment wiper insert.

5

Insert the wiper insert starting 
from the claw at the center of 
the wiper blade. Pass the 
wiper insert through the 3 
claws so that it sticks out 
from the stopper, and then 
pass the wiper insert through 
the final remaining claw.

Applying a small amount of washer 

fluid to the wiper insert can make it 

easier to insert the claws into the 

grooves.

6

Check that the wiper blade 
claws are fitted in the 
grooves of the wiper insert.

If the wiper blade claws are not fit-

ted in the grooves of the wiper 

insert, grasp the wiper insert and 

slide it back and forth multiple times 

to insert the claws into the grooves.
Lightly lift up the center of the wiper 

insert to make the rubber easier to 

slide.

7

When installing a wiper 
blade, reverse the procedure 
in step 

1

.

After installing the wiper blade, 

check that the connection is locked.

■

Wiper blade and wiper insert 

handling

Improper handling may result in 

damage to the wiper blades or wiper 

insert. If you have any concerns 

about replacing the wiper blades or 

wiper insert yourself, contact your 

Toyota dealer.

NOTICE

■

When lifting the windshield 

wipers

●

When raising the wiper arms off 

the windshield, lift up the driver 

side first, and then lift up pas-

senger side. When returning the 

wipers to their original position, 

return the passenger side first.

●

Do not lift a windshield wiper by 

the wiper blade. Otherwise, the 

wiper blade may be deformed.

●

Do not operate the wiper lever 

when the windshield wipers are 

lifted. Otherwise, the wind-

shield wipers may contact the 

hood, possibly resulting in dam-

age to the windshield wipers 

and/or hood.

425

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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■

If the key battery is depleted

The following symptoms may occur:

●

The smart key system (if 

equipped) and wireless remote 

control will not function properly.

●

The operational range will be 

reduced.

Prepare the following before 
replacing the battery:



Flathead screwdriver



Small flathead screwdriver



Lithium battery CR2032

■

Use a CR2032 lithium battery

●

Batteries can be purchased at 

your Toyota dealer, local electrical 

appliance shops or camera stores.

●

Replace only with the same or 

equivalent type recommended by 

the manufacturer.

●

Dispose of used batteries accord-

ing to the local laws.



Vehicles without smart key 
system

1

Remove the cover.

Use a screwdriver of an appropriate 

size. Forcedly prying may cause 

the cover damaged.

NOTICE

■

To prevent damage

●

Be careful not to damage the 

claws when replacing the wiper 

insert.

●

After the wiper blade is removed 

from the wiper arm, place a 

cloth, etc., between the rear 

window and wiper arm to pre-

vent damage to the rear win-

dow.

●

Be sure not to pull excessively 

on the wiper insert or deform its 

metal plates.

Wireless remote con-

trol/electronic key bat-

tery

Replace the battery with a 
new one if it is depleted.

Items to prepare

Replacing the battery

426

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

To prevent damage to the key, 

cover the tip of the screwdriver with 

a rag.

2

Remove the battery cover.

If the battery cover is difficult to 

remove, lift the edge to remove it.

3

Remove the depleted bat-
tery.

When removing the battery, use a 

screwdriver of an appropriate size.
Insert a new battery with the “+” ter-

minal facing up.

4

Install the battery cover with 
the tab facing up.

Push the entire edge of the battery 

cover into the key.

5

Install the key cover.

Align the key cover with the key 

and then press it straight into the 

key.
Make sure that the key cover is 

securely installed without any gaps 

between it and the key.



Vehicles with smart key sys-
tem

1

Release the lock and remove 
the mechanical key.

2

Remove the key cover.

Use a screwdriver of an appropriate 

size. Forcedly prying may cause 

427

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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the cover damaged.
To prevent damage to the key, 

cover the tip of the flathead screw-

driver with a rag.

3

Remove the depleted battery 
using a small flathead screw-
driver.

When removing the cover, the elec-

tronic key module may stick to the 

cover and the battery may not be 

visible. In this case, remove the 

electronic key module in order to 

remove the battery.
When removing the battery, use a 

screwdriver of an appropriate size.
Insert a new battery with the “+” ter-

minal facing up.

4

When installing, reverse the 
steps listed.

WARNING

■

Battery precautions

Observe the following precau-

tions. Failure to do so may result 

in death or serious injury.

●

Do not swallow the battery. 

Doing so may cause chemical 

burns.

●

A coin battery or button battery 

is used in the electronic key. If a 

battery is swallowed, it may 

cause severe chemical burns in 

as little as 2 hours and may 

result in death or serious injury.

●

Keep away new and removed 

batteries from children.

●

If the cover cannot be firmly 

closed, stop using the electronic 

key and stow the key in the 

place where children cannot 

reach, and then contact your 

Toyota dealer.

●

If you accidentally swallow a 

battery or put a battery into a 

part of your body, get emer-

gency medical attention imme-

diately.

■

To prevent battery explosion 

or leakage of flammable liq-

uid or gas

●

Replace the battery with a new 

battery of the same type. If a 

wrong type of battery is used, it 

may explode.

●

Do not expose batteries to 

extremely low pressure due to 

high altitude or extremely high 

temperatures.

●

Do not burn, break or cut a bat-

tery.

428

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

1

Turn the engine switch to 
OFF.

2

Open the fuse box cover.



Engine compartment: Type A 
fuse box (if equipped)

Push claws 

 and 

 to com-

pletely release the lock, and then lift 
up the cover.



Engine compartment: Type B 
fuse box

Push claws 

 and 

 to com-

pletely release the lock, and then lift 
up the cover.

NOTICE

■

For normal operation after 

replacing the battery

Observe the following precautions 

to prevent accidents:

●

Always work with dry hands.

Moisture may cause the battery 

to rust.

●

Do not touch or move any other 

component inside the remote 

control.

●

Do not bend either of the battery 

terminals.

Checking and replac-

ing fuses

If any of the electrical com-
ponents do not operate, a 
fuse may have blown. If this 
happens, check and replace 
the fuses as necessary.

Checking and replacing 
fuses

A

B

A

B

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

Left side instrument panel

Remove the lid.

3

Remove the fuse.

Only type A fuse can be removed 

using the pullout tool.

4

Check if the fuse is blown.

Replace the blown fuse with a new 

fuse of an appropriate amperage 

rating. The amperage rating can be 

found on the fuse box lid.



Type A

Normal fuse

Blown fuse



Type B

Normal fuse

Blown fuse



Type C

Normal fuse

Blown fuse

A

B

A

B

A

B

430

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

After a fuse is replaced

●

When installing the lid, make sure 

that the tab is installed securely.

●

If the lights do not turn on even 

after the fuse has been replaced, 

a bulb may need replacement. 

(



P.432)

●

If the replaced fuse blows again, 

have the vehicle inspected by 

your Toyota dealer.

■

If there is an overload in a cir-

cuit

The fuses are designed to blow, 

protecting the wiring harness from 

damage.

WARNING

■

To prevent system break-

downs and vehicle fire

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failure to do so may cause dam-

age to the vehicle, and possibly a 

fire or injury.

●

Never use a fuse of a higher 

amperage rating than that indi-

cated, or use any other object in 

place of a fuse.

●

Always use a genuine Toyota 

fuse or equivalent.

Never replace a fuse with a 

wire, even as a temporary fix.

●

Do not modify the fuses or fuse 

boxes.

NOTICE

■

Before replacing fuses

Have the cause of electrical over-

load determined and repaired by 

your Toyota dealer as soon as 

possible.

■

To prevent damage to the 

engine compartment fuse box 

cover

When opening the fuse box, com-

pletely release the claw locks 

before lifting up the cover. Other-

wise, the claws may be damaged.

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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*

: Vehicles with LED projector 

headlights

Adjustment bolt A

Adjustment bolt B



Make sure the vehicle has a 
full tank of gasoline and the 
area around the headlight is 
not deformed.



Park the vehicle on level 
ground.



Make sure the tire inflation 
pressure is at the specified 
level.



Have someone sit in the 
driver’s seat.



Bounce the vehicle several 
times.

1

Using a Phillips-head screw-
driver, turn bolt A in either 
direction.
Remember the turning direc-
tion and the number of turns.

2

Turn bolt B the same number 
of turns and in the same 
direction as step 

1

.

If the headlight cannot be adjusted 

using this procedure, take the vehi-

cle to your Toyota dealer to adjust 

the headlight aim.

Headlight aim

*

Vertical movement adjust-
ing bolts

Before checking the head-
light aim

A

B

Adjusting the headlight 
aim

432

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Check the wattage of the light 
bulb to be replaced. (



P.496)



Front (type A)

Front turn signal/parking 
lights

Front side marker lights



Front (type B)

Front turn signal lights

Front side marker lights



Front (type C)

Front turn signal lights

Front side marker lights



Rear

Rear turn signal lights

Back-up lights

Light bulbs

You may replace the follow-
ing bulbs by yourself. The 
difficulty level of replace-
ment varies depending on 
the bulb. If necessary bulb 
replacement seems difficult 
to perform, contact your 
Toyota dealer.
For more information about 
replacing other light bulbs, 
contact your Toyota dealer.

Preparing for light bulb 
replacement

Bulb location

A

B

A

B

A

B

A

B

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■

Lights that need to be 
replaced by your Toyota 
dealer



Headlights



Front turn signal lights (LED 
type)



Daytime running lights



Parking lights (LED type)



Front side marker lights (LED 
type)



Fog lights (if equipped)



Side turn signal lights (if 
equipped)



Tail lights



Stop lights



Rear side marker lights



High mounted stoplight



License plate lights



Outer foot lights (if equipped)

■

LED lights

The lights other than the following 

lights each consist of a number of 

LEDs. If any of the LEDs burn out, 

take your vehicle to your Toyota 

dealer to have the light replaced.

●

Front turn signal lights (bulb type)

●

Parking lights (type A)

●

Front side marker lights (bulb 

type)

●

Rear turn signal lights

●

Back-up lights

●

Outer foot lights (if equipped)

■

Condensation build-up on the 

inside of the lens

Temporary condensation build-up 

on the inside of the light lens does 

not indicate a malfunction. Contact 

your Toyota dealer for more infor-

mation in the following situations:

●

Large drops of water have built up 

on the inside of the lens.

●

Water has built up inside the light.

■

Front turn signal/parking 
lights (type A)

1

Turn the bulb base counter-
clockwise.

2

Remove the light bulb.

3

Install a new light bulb then 
install the bulb base to the 
light unit by inserting it and 

Replacing light bulb

434

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

turning the bulb base clock-
wise.

■

Front turn signal lights 
(type B and C)

1

Turn the bulb base counter-
clockwise.

2

Remove the light bulb.

3

Install a new light bulb then 
install the bulb base to the 
light unit by inserting it and 

turning the bulb base clock-
wise.

■

Front side marker lights 
(type A)

1

Turn the bulb base counter-
clockwise.

2

Remove the light bulb.

3

Install a new light bulb then 
install the bulb base to the 
light unit by inserting it and