Toyota RAV4 (2023 year). Manual in english

435

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Maintena

nce
a

nd ca

turning the bulb base clock-
wise.

■

Front side marker lights
(type B and C)

Turn the bulb base counter-
clockwise.

Remove the light bulb.

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

turning the bulb base clock-
wise.

■

Rear turn signal lights

Open the back door and
remove the cover.

Remove the screws and
remove the unit.

Remove the lamp assembly by pull-

ing it directly backward from the

rear of the vehicle.

436

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Turn the bulb base counter-
clockwise.

Remove the light bulb.

Install a new light bulb then
install the bulb base to the
light unit by inserting it and
turning the bulb base clock-
wise.

Align the grooves on the light
unit with the claws, and insert
the light unit straight so that
the pin on the light unit fit into
the hole.

Confirm that the light unit is com-

pletely secured.

Reinstall the screws.

Reinstall the cover.

■

Back-up lights

Open the back door and
remove the cover.

To prevent damage to the cover,

protect the tip of the screwdriver

437

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Maintena

nce
a

nd ca

with a rag.

Turn the bulb base counter-
clockwise.

Remove the cord from the clip

before turning the bulb base.

Remove the light bulb.

Install a new light bulb.

Install the bulb base to the
light unit by inserting it and
turning the bulb base clock-
wise.

Secure the cord with the clip back

again after installing the bulb base.

Reinstall the cover.

438

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

WARNING

■

Replacing light bulb

●

Turn off the light. Do not attempt

to replace the bulb immediately

after turning off the light.

The bulb become very hot and

may cause burns.

●

Do not touch the glass portion

of the light bulb with bare

hands. When it is unavoidable

to hold the glass portion, use

and hold with a clean dry cloth

to avoid getting moisture and

oils on the bulb.

Also, if the bulb is scratched or

dropped, it may blow out or

crack.

●

Fully install light bulb and any

parts used to secure it. Failure

to do so may result in heat dam-

age, fire, or water entering the

light unit. This may damage the

light or cause condensation to

build up on the lens.

●

Do not attempt to repair or dis-

assemble light bulbs, connec-

tors, electric circuits or

component parts.

Doing so may result in death or

serious injury due to electric

shock.

■

To prevent damage or fire

●

Make sure bulb is fully seated

and locked.

●

Check the wattage of the bulb

before installing to prevent heat

damage.

439

Whe

n tr

ouble

rises

When trouble arises

7-1. Essential information

Emergency flashers ....

440

If your vehicle has to be

stopped in an emergency

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

440

If the vehicle is submerged

or water on the road is ris-
ing .............................

441

7-2. Steps to take in an emer-

gency

If your vehicle needs to be

towed.........................

443

If you think something is

wrong ........................

447

Fuel pump shut off system

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

448

If a warning light turns on or

a warning buzzer sounds

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

449

If a warning message is dis-

played........................

459

If you have a flat tire....

463

If the engine will not start

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

472

If you lose your keys ...

474

If the electronic key does

not operate properly (vehi-
cles with smart key sys-
tem) ...........................

474

If the vehicle battery is dis-

charged .....................

476

If your vehicle overheats

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

480

If the vehicle becomes

stuck ..........................

482

440

7-1. Essential information

7-1.Essential information

Press the switch.

All the turn signal lights will flash.
To turn them off, press the switch
once again.

■

Emergency flashers

●

If the emergency flashers are

used for a long time while the

engine is not running, the battery

may discharge.

●

If any of the SRS airbags deploy

(inflate) or in the event of a strong

rear impact, the emergency flash-

ers will turn on automatically.

The emergency flashers will turn

off automatically after operating

for approximately 20 minutes. To

manually turn the emergency

flashers off, press the switch

twice. (The emergency flashers

may not turn on automatically

depending on the force of the

impact and conditions of the colli-

sion.)

Steadily step on the brake
pedal with both feet and
firmly depress it.

Do not pump the brake pedal

repeatedly as this will increase the

effort required to slow the vehicle.

Shift the shift lever to N.



If the shift lever is shifted to N

After slowing down, stop the
vehicle in a safe place by the
road.

Stop the engine.



If the shift lever cannot be
shifted to N

Keep depressing the brake
pedal with both feet to reduce
vehicle speed as much as
possible.

Perform the following proce-
dure to stop the engine:



Vehicles without smart key
system

Turn the engine switch to ACC.

Emergency flashers

The emergency flashers are
used to warn other drivers
when the vehicle has to be
stopped in the road due to a
breakdown, etc.

Operating instructions

If your vehicle has to

be stopped in an emer-

gency

Only in an emergency, such
as if it becomes impossible
to stop the vehicle in the
normal way, stop the vehi-
cle using the following pro-
cedure:

Stopping the vehicle

441

7-1. Essential information

Whe

n tr

ouble

rises



Vehicles with smart key sys-
tem

Press and hold the engine switch
for 2 consecutive seconds or more,
or press it briefly 3 times or more in
succession.

Stop the vehicle in a safe
place by the road.



If the door can be opened,
open the door and exit the
vehicle.



If the door can not be opened,
open the window using the
power window switch and
ensure an escape route.



If the window can be opened,
exit the vehicle through the
window.



If the door and window cannot
be opened due to the rising
water, remain calm, wait until
the water level inside the
vehicle rises to the point that
the water pressure inside of
the vehicle equals the water
pressure outside of the vehi-
cle and then open the door
after waiting for the rising
water to enter the vehicle, and
exit the vehicle. When the

WARNING

■

If the engine has to be turned

off while driving

●

Power assist for the brakes and

steering wheel will be lost, mak-

ing the brake pedal harder to

depress and the steering wheel

heavier to turn. Decelerate as

much as possible before turning

off the engine.

●

Vehicles without smart key sys-

tem: Never attempt to remove

the key, as doing so will lock the

steering wheel.

If the vehicle is sub-

merged or water on

the road is rising

This vehicle is not designed
to be able to drive on roads
that are deeply flooded with
water. Do not drive on roads
where the roads may be
submerged or the water
may be rising. It is danger-
ous to remain in the vehicle,
if it anticipated that the vehi-
cle will be flooded or set a
drift. Remain calm and fol-
low the following.

442

7-1. Essential information

outside water level exceeds
half the height of the door, the
door cannot be opened from
the inside due to water pres-
sure.

■

Water level exceeds the floor

When the water level exceeds the

floor and time has passed, the elec-

trical equipment will get damaged,

the power windows will not operate,

the engine stops, and the vehicle

may not be able to get moving.

■

Using an emergency escape
hammer

Laminated glass is used in the wind-

shield on this vehicle. Laminated

glass cannot be shattered with an
emergency hammer

. Tempered

glass is used in the windows on this

vehicle.

: Contact your Toyota dealer or

aftermarket accessory manufac-
turer for further information about
an emergency hammer.

WARNING

■

Caution while driving

Do not drive on roads where the

roads may be submerged or the

water may be rising. Otherwise

the vehicle may be damaged and

cannot move, as well as become

flooded and set a drift, which may

lead to death.

443

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Whe

n tr

ouble

rises

7-2.Steps to take in an emergency

The following may indicate a
problem with your transmission.
Contact your Toyota dealer or
commercial towing service
before towing.



The engine is running but the
vehicle does not move.



The vehicle makes an abnor-
mal sound.



From the front (2WD models)

Release the parking brake.
Turn automatic mode off.
(



P.215)



From the front (AWD models)

Use a towing dolly under the
rear wheels.



From the rear

Use a towing dolly under the
front wheels.

If your vehicle needs

to be towed

If towing is necessary, we
recommend having your
vehicle towed by your
Toyota dealer or commer-
cial towing service, using a
wheel-lift type truck or flat-
bed truck.
Use a safety chain system
for all towing, and abide by
all state/provincial and local
laws.

Situations when it is nec-
essary to contact dealers
before towing (vehicles
with towing eyelet)

Towing with a wheel-lift
type truck

444

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

When using a flat-bed truck to
transport the vehicle, use tire
strapping belts. Refer to the
owner’s manual of the flat-bed
truck for the tire strapping
method.
In order to suppress vehicle
movement during transporta-
tion, set the parking brake and
turn the engine switch to off.

WARNING

Observe the following precau-

tions. Failure to do so may result

in death or serious injury.

■

When towing the vehicle



2WD models

Be sure to transport the vehicle

with the front wheels raised or

with all four wheels raised off the

ground. If the vehicle is towed

with the front wheels contacting

the ground, the drivetrain and

related parts may be damaged.



AWD models

Be sure to transport the vehicle

with all four wheels raised off the

ground. If the vehicle is towed

with the tires contacting the

ground, the drivetrain or related

parts may be damaged, the vehi-

cle may fly off the truck.

NOTICE

■

To prevent damage to the

vehicle when towing using a

wheel-lift type truck

●

Vehicles without smart key sys-

tem: Do not tow the vehicle from

the rear when the engine switch

is in the “LOCK” position or the

key is removed. The steering

lock mechanism is not strong

enough to hold the front wheels

straight.

●

When raising the vehicle,

ensure adequate ground clear-

ance for towing at the opposite

end of the raised vehicle. With-

out adequate clearance, the

vehicle could be damaged while

being towed.

■

Towing with a sling-type

truck

Do not tow with a sling-type truck

to prevent body damage.

Using a flatbed truck

445

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Whe

n tr

ouble

rises

If a tow truck is not available in
an emergency, your vehicle may
be temporarily towed using
cables or chains secured to the
emergency towing eyelets. This
should only be attempted on
hard surfaced roads for at most
50 miles (80 km) at under 18
mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to
steer and operate the brakes.
The vehicle’s wheels, drive
train, axles, steering and brakes
must be in good condition.

To have your vehicle towed by
another vehicle, the towing eye-
let must be installed to your
vehicle. Install the towing eyelet
using the following procedure.

Take out the wheel nut
wrench and towing eyelet.
(



P.464)

Using a flathead screw-
driver, remove eyelet cover
(

), and then remove eyelet

cover (

To protect the bodywork, place a

rag between the screwdriver and

the vehicle body as shown in the

illustration.



Type A



Type B

Insert the towing eyelet into
the hole and tighten partially
by hand.



Type A

Emergency towing (vehi-
cles with towing eyelet)

Emergency towing proce-
dure (vehicles with towing
eyelet)

446

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency



Type B

Tighten down the towing eye-
let securely using a wheel nut
wrench or hard metal bar.



Type A



Type B

Securely attach cables or
chains to the towing eyelet.

Take care not to damage the vehi-

cle body.

Enter the vehicle being towed
and start the engine.

Turn off the Parking Support Brake

function (if equipped):



P.299

If the engine does not start, turn the

engine switch to ON.
Vehicles with Stop & Start system:

Before towing the vehicle, turn the

engine switch to OFF once, and

then start the engine.

Shift the shift lever to N and
release the parking brake.

Turn automatic mode off. (



P.215)

When the shift lever cannot be

shifted:



P.210

■

While towing

If the engine is not running, the

power assist for the brakes and

steering will not function, making

steering and braking more difficult.

■

Wheel nut wrench (if equipped)

Wheel nut wrench is installed in the

tool bag in luggage compartment.

(



P.464)

WARNING

Observe the following precau-

tions. Failure to do so may result

in death or serious injury.

■

While towing

●

When towing using cables or

chains, avoid sudden starts, etc.

which place excessive stress on

the towing eyelets, cables or

chains. The towing eyelets,

cables or chains may become

damaged, broken debris may hit

people, and cause serious dam-

age.

●

Vehicles without smart key sys-

tem: Do not turn the engine

switch to the “LOCK” position.

There is a possibility that the

steering wheel is locked and

cannot be operated.

447

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Whe

n tr

ouble

rises



Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air
conditioning after use is nor-
mal.)



Flat-looking tires or uneven
tire wear



Engine coolant temperature
gauge needle continually
points higher than normal.



Changes in exhaust sound



Excessive tire squeal when
cornering



Strange noises related to the
suspension system



Pinging or other noises
related to the engine



Engine missing, stumbling or
running roughly



Appreciable loss of power



Vehicle pulls heavily to one

WARNING

■

Installing towing eyelets to

the vehicle

Make sure that towing eyelets are

installed securely. If not securely

installed, towing eyelets may

come loose during towing.

NOTICE

■

To prevent damage to the

vehicle during emergency

towing

Do not secure cables or chains to

the suspension components.

■

When towing the vehicle

(vehicles with Stop & Start

system)

If it is necessary to tow the vehicle

with all four wheels on the ground,

perform the following procedure

before towing the vehicle, in order

to protect the system.

Turn the engine switch to OFF

and then start the engine or turn

the engine switch to ON.

If you think something

is wrong

If you notice any of the fol-
lowing symptoms, your
vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Con-
tact your Toyota dealer as
soon as possible.

Visible symptoms

Audible symptoms

Operational symptoms

448

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

side when braking



Vehicle pulls heavily to one
side when driving on a level
road



Loss of brake effectiveness,
spongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor

Follow the procedure below to
restart the engine after the sys-
tem is activated.

Turn the engine switch to
ACC or off.

Restart the engine.

Fuel pump shut off

system

To minimize the risk of fuel
leakage when the engine
stalls or when an airbag
inflates upon collision, the
fuel pump shut off system
stops the supply of fuel to
the engine.

Restarting the engine

NOTICE

■

Before starting the engine

Inspect the ground under the

vehicle.
If you find that fuel has leaked

onto the ground, the fuel system

has been damaged and is in need

of repair. Do not restart the

engine.

449

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Whe

n tr

ouble

rises

■

Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)

■

Brake system warning light

■

Charging system warning light

If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer

sounds

Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning
lights comes on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but
then goes off, this does not necessarily indicate a malfunc-
tion in the system. However, if this continues to occur, have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

Actions to the warning lights or warning buzzers

Warning light

Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

(Red)

Indicates that:



The brake fluid level is low; or



The brake system is malfunctioning



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place and contact your Toyota dealer.
Continuing to drive the vehicle may be
dangerous.

Warning light

Details/Actions

(Yellow)

Indicates a malfunction in the parking brake sys-
tem



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer immediately.

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging
system



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place and contact your Toyota dealer.

450

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

High coolant temperature warning light

(warning buzzer)

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display with a message.

■

Low engine oil pressure warning light

(warning buzzer)

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display with a message.

■

Malfunction indicator lamp

■

SRS warning light

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates that the engine is overheating



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place.
Handling method (



P.480)

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place and contact your Toyota dealer.

Warning light

Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Indicates a malfunction in:



The electronic engine control system;



The electronic throttle control system; or



The emission control system (if equipped)



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer immediately.

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates a malfunction in:



The SRS airbag system;



The front passenger occupant classification
system; or



The seat belt pretensioner system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer immediately.

Toyota RAV4 (2023 year). Manual in english - page 27