Toyota RAV4 (XA40) 2013-2018 Owners Manual: Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct procedure as given in these sections.
Caution
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
When working on the engine compartment
- Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
- Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. Right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
- Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the engine compartment.
- Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the
battery.
Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
- Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Caution
When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Vehicles without a smart key system
Be sure the engine switch is off. With the engine switch in the “on” position, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.
Vehicles with a smart key system
Be sure the engine switch is off. With the engine switch in ignition on mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
From getting in your eyes.
Notice
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt in the air.
Hood
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood
Pull the hood lock release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Push the auxiliary catch lever to
the left and lift t ...
Other materials:
Gcwr, twr and unbraked twr
Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the
limits.
Gcwr*
2Wd models: 5985 lb. (2715 Kg)
Awd models: 6100 lb. (2765 Kg)
Twr*
1500 Lb. (680 Kg)
Unbraked twr*
1000 Lb. (450 Kg)
*: ...
On-vehicle inspection
Check battery condition
Notice:
If the battery is weak or if the engine is difficult to
start, perform the following procedures.
Check the battery for damage and deformation. If
severe damage, deformation or leakage is found,
replace the battery.
Check the electrolyte quantity of e ...
Cooling system
On-vehicle inspection
Check cooling system for leaks
Remove the radiator reservoir cap.
Caution:
To avoid the danger of being burned, do not
remove the radiator reservoir cap while the
engine and radiator are still hot. Thermal
expansion will cause hot engine coolant and
steam to b ...
