Toyota RAV4 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.