’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
Checking battery condition—
—Precautions
—Checking battery exterior
D If electrolyte gets on your skin,
thoroughly wash the contact area. If
you feel pain or burning, get medi-
cal attention immediately.
CAUTION
Terminals
Ground cable
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
The battery produces flammable and
explosive hydrogen gas.
D If electrolyte gets on your clothes,
there is a possibility of its soaking
through to your skin, so immediate-
ly take off the exposed clothing and
follow the procedure above, if nec-
essary.
D Do not cause a spark from the bat-
tery with tools.
D Do not smoke or light a match near
the battery.
The electrolyte contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Hold−down clamp
D If you accidentally swallow electro-
lyte, drink a large quantity of water
or milk. Follow with milk of magne-
sia, beaten raw egg or vegetable
oil. Then go immediately for emer-
gency help.
D Avoid contact with eyes, skin or
clothes.
Before checking the battery, remove the
battery cover. (See “(c) Jump starting”
on page 185 in Section 4.)
D Never ingest electrolyte.
D Wear protective safety glasses when
working near the battery.
Check the battery for corroded or loose
terminal connections, cracks, or loose
hold−down clamp.
D Warning: Battery posts, terminals
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
D Keep children away from the bat-
tery.
a. If the battery is corroded, wash it off
with a solution of warm water and bak-
ing soda. Coat the outside of the termi-
nals with grease to prevent further cor-
rosion.
EMERGENCY MEASURES
cause cancer
and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
D If electrolyte gets in your eyes,
flush your eyes with clean water
immediately and get immediate
medical attention. If possible, con-
tinue to apply water with a sponge
or cloth while en route to the medi-
cal office.
b. If the terminal connections are loose,
tighten their clamp nuts—but do not
overtighten.
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
240
English 
