2001-2005 Toyota Rav4 SUV Engine and Chassis -> Checking the engine oil level User Manual
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Engine and Chassis -> Checking the engine oil level for Your Toyota Rav4 SUV Second Generation (2001-2005)

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)  
Checking the engine oil level  
NOTICE  
CAUTION  
Low level  
Full level  
z Be careful not to spill the engine  
oil on the vehicle components.  
Be careful not to touch the hot ex-  
haust manifold.  
z Avoid overfilling, or the engine  
could be damaged.  
NOTICE  
z Check the oil level on the dipstick  
once again after adding the oil.  
Be careful not to drop the engine oil  
on the vehicle components.  
Add oil  
O.K.  
Too full  
If the oil level is below or only slightly  
above the low level, add engine oil of  
the same type as already in the engine.  
With the engine at operating tempera-  
ture and turned off, check the oil level  
on the dipstick.  
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine  
oil in small quantities at a time, checking  
the dipstick. We recommend that you use  
a funnel when adding oil.  
1. To get  
a
true reading, the vehicle  
should be on a level spot. After turning  
off the engine, wait a few minutes for  
the oil to drain back into the bottom of  
the engine.  
The approximate quantity of oil needed to  
fill between the low level and the full level  
on the dipstick is indicated below for ref-  
erence.  
2. Pull the dipstick out, hold a rag under  
the end and wipe it clean.  
When the level reaches within the correct  
range, install the filler cap hand−tight.  
3. Reinsert the dipstick—push it in as far  
as it will go, or the reading will not be  
correct.  
Oil quantity, L (qt., lmp. qt.):  
1.8 (2.0, 1.6)  
4. Pull the dipstick out and look at the oil  
level while holding  
end.  
a
rag under the  
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)  
226  
’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)  
ENGINE OIL SELECTION  
SAE 5W−30 is the best choice for good  
fuel economy and good starting in cold  
weather.  
Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is filled in  
your Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved  
Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent  
to satisfy the following grade and  
viscosity.  
If SAE 5W−30 is not available, SAE  
10W−30 may be used. However, it  
should be replaced with SAE 5W−30 at  
the next oil change.  
Oil grade:  
API grade SL “Energy−Conserving” or  
ILSAC multigrade engine oil  
Recommended viscosity:  
SAE 5W−30  
API service symbol  
Outside temperature  
ILSAC certification mark  
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)  
227  
’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)  
Checking the engine coolant  
level  
Oil identification marks  
Look at the see−through coolant reser-  
voir when the engine is cold. The cool-  
ant level is satisfactory if it is between  
the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the  
reservoir. If the level is low, add ethyl-  
Either or both API registered marks are  
added to some oil containers to help  
you select the oil you should use.  
The API Service Symbol is located any-  
where on the outside of the container.  
ene−glycol type coolant for  
a
proper  
corrosion protection of aluminum com-  
ponents.  
The top portion of the label shows the oil  
quality by API (American Petroleum Insti-  
tute) designations such as SL. The center  
portion of the label shows the SAE viscos-  
ity grade such as SAE 5W−30. “Energy−  
Conserving” shown in the lower portion,  
indicates that the oil has fuel−saving ca-  
pabilities.  
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary  
with engine temperature. However, if the  
level is on or below the “LOW” line, add  
coolant. Bring the level up to the “FULL”  
line.  
Always use ethylene−glycol type coolant  
for a proper corrosion protection of alumi-  
num components. See information in the  
next column.  
To  
ensure  
the  
excellent  
lubrication  
performance for your engine, the “Toyota  
Genuine Motor Oil” range is available,  
which has been specifically tested and  
approved for all Toyota engines.  
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Stan-  
dardization and Approval Committee) Certi-  
fication Mark is displayed on the front of  
the container.  
If the coolant level drops within a short  
time after replenishing, there may be a  
leak in the system. Visually check the  
radiator, hoses, radiator cap and drain  
cock and water pump.  
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-  
ther details of the “Toyota Genuine Motor  
Oil” range.  
If you can find no leak, have your Toyota  
dealer test the cap pressure and check  
for leaks in the cooling system.  
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)  
228  

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