Toyota RAV4 (2024 year). Manual in english

417

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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When replacing wheels, care

should be taken to ensure that

they are equivalent to those

removed in load capacity, diam-
eter, rim width and inset

Replacement wheels are avail-

able at your Toyota dealer.

: Conventionally referred to as off-

set.

Toyota does not recommend

using the following:



Wheels of different sizes or

types



Used wheels



Bent wheels that have been

straightened

■

When replacing wheels (vehi-

cles with tire pressure warning

system)

The wheels of your vehicle are

equipped with tire pressure warning

valves and transmitters that allow

the tire pressure warning system to

provide advance warning in the

event of a loss in tire inflation pres-

sure. Whenever wheels are

replaced, tire pressure warning

valves and transmitters must be

installed. (



P.406, 418)

Wheels

If a wheel is bent, cracked or

heavily corroded, it should

be replaced. Otherwise, the

tire may separate from the

wheel or cause a loss of

handling control.

Wheel selection

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.466) 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.

418

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance



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.

Turn the engine switch to

OFF.

Open the glove box and slide

off the damper.

Push in each side of the

glove box to disconnect the

claws, and then slowly and

fully open the glove box while

supporting it.

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

Air conditioning filter

The air conditioning filter

must be changed regularly

to maintain air conditioning

efficiency.

Removal method

419

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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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.

Unlock the filter cover (

pull the filter cover out of the

claws (

), and remove the

filter cover.

Remove the filter case.

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.

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.

420

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

Windshield wiper blade

removal and installation

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.

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-

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.418). 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.

Wiper insert replace-

ment

When replacing the wiper

insert, perform the following

procedure to operate each

wiper.

Windshield wipers

421

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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driver with a rag.

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

When installing, reverse the steps
listed.

■

Wiper insert replacement

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

Stopper

Claw

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.

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

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

Lift up the rear window wiper
arm head cap.

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

Rear window wiper

422

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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

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.

Remove the 2 metal plates
from the old wiper insert and

install them to the replace-
ment wiper insert.

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.

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

423

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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slide.

When installing a wiper

blade, reverse the procedure

in step

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.

■

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.

424

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

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

Remove the cover.

Use a screwdriver of an appropriate
size. Forcedly prying may cause
the cover damaged.

To prevent damage to the key,
cover the tip of the screwdriver with
a rag.

Remove the battery cover.

If the battery cover is difficult to
remove, lift the edge to remove it.

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.

Install the battery cover with
the tab facing up.

Push the entire edge of the battery

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

425

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Maintena

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cover into the key.

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

Release the lock and remove
the mechanical key.

Remove the key cover.

Use a screwdriver of an appropriate
size. Forcedly prying may cause

the cover damaged.

To prevent damage to the key,
cover the tip of the flathead screw-
driver with a rag.

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.

When installing, reverse the
steps listed.

426

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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.

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.

427

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Turn the engine switch to
OFF.

Open the fuse box cover.



Engine compartment: Type A
fuse box (if equipped)

Push

claws

and

com-

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



Engine compartment: Type B
fuse box

Push

claws

and

com-

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



Left side instrument panel

Remove the lid.

Remove the fuse.

Only type A fuse can be removed
using the pullout tool.

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.

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

428

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance



Type A

Normal fuse
Blown fuse



Type B

Normal fuse
Blown fuse



Type C

Normal fuse
Blown fuse

■

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.430)

●

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.

429

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.

NOTICE

■

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.

Headlight aim

Vertical movement adjust-

ing bolts

Before checking the head-

light aim

430

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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

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

If the headlight cannot be adjusted
using this procedure, take the vehi-
cle to your Toyota dealer to adjust
the headlight aim.

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



P.494)



Front (type A)

Front turn signal/parking
lights

Front side marker lights

Adjusting the headlight
aim

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

431

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Maintena

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

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

■

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

432

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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)

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.

■

Front turn signal 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

Replacing light bulb

433

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Maintena

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turning the bulb base clock-
wise.

■

Front side marker lights
(type A)

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.

■

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

434

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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.

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.

435

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Maintena

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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

with a rag.

Turn the bulb base counter-
clockwise.

Remove the cord from the clip
before turning the bulb base.

Remove the light bulb.

436

6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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.

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.

437

Whe

ouble

rises

When trouble arises

7-1. Essential information

Emergency flashers ....

438

If your vehicle has to be

stopped in an emergency

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

438

If the vehicle is submerged

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

439

7-2. Steps to take in an emer-

gency

If your vehicle needs to be

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

441

If you think something is

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

445

Fuel pump shut off system

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

446

If a warning light turns on or

a warning buzzer sounds

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

447

If a warning message is dis-

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

457

If you have a flat tire....

461

If the engine will not start

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

470

If you lose your keys ...

472

If the electronic key does

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

472

If the vehicle battery is dis-

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

474

If your vehicle overheats

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

478

If the vehicle becomes

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

480

438

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

439

7-1. Essential information

tro

le a

ris



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 cannot 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.

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 is anticipated that the

vehicle will be flooded or

set adrift. Remain calm and

follow the following.

440

7-1. Essential information

When the outside water level

exceeds half the height of the door,

the door cannot be opened from the

inside due to water pressure.

■

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 adrift, which may

lead to death.

441

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Whe

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

442

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

443

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Whe

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.462)

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)

444

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

Wheel nut wrench is installed in the

tool bag in luggage compartment.

(



P.462)

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.

445

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

tro

le a

ris



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

446

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.

447

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Whe

ouble

rises

■

Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)

■

Brake system warning light

■

Charging system warning light

: Vehicles with 12.3-inch multi-information display: This light illuminates on

the multi-information display with a message.

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.

448

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.478)

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 (2024 year). Manual in english - page 14