2001-2005 Toyota Rav4 SUV Starting and driving User Manual
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Starting and driving for Your Toyota Rav4 SUV Second Generation (2001-2005)

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)  
SECTION  
3
STARTING AND DRIVING  
Starting and driving  
Before starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170  
How to start the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170  
Tips for driving in various conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171  
Off−road driving precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172  
Winter driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173  
Dinghy towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174  
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176  
How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181  
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How to start the engine—  
(a) Before cranking  
Before starting the engine  
(b) Starting the engine  
1. Check the area around the vehicle be-  
fore entering it.  
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.  
Before starting the engine, be sure to fol-  
low the instructions in “(a) Before crank-  
ing”.  
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-  
sories.  
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle,  
seat cushion angle, head restraint  
height and steering wheel angle.  
Normal starting procedure  
3. Manual transmission: Press the clutch  
pedal to the floor and shift the trans-  
mission into neutral. Hold the clutch  
pedal to the floor until the engine is  
started. A starter safety device will pre-  
vent the starter from operating if the  
clutch pedal is not fully depressed.  
The multiport fuel injection system/sequen-  
tial multiport fuel injection system in your  
engine automatically controls the proper  
air−fuel mixture for starting. You can start  
a cold or hot engine as follows:  
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view  
mirrors.  
4. Lock all doors.  
5. Fasten seat belts.  
1. With your foot off the accelerator ped-  
al, crank the engine by turning the key  
to “START”. Release it when the en-  
gine starts.  
Automatic transmission: Put the se-  
lector lever in “P”. If you need to re-  
start the engine while the vehicle is  
moving, put the selector lever in “N”.  
A starter safety device will prevent the  
starter from operating if the selector  
lever is in any drive position.  
2. After the engine runs for about 10 se-  
conds, you are ready to drive.  
If the weather is below freezing, let the  
engine warm up for a few minutes before  
driving.  
4. Automatic transmission only: De-  
press the brake pedal and hold it to  
the floor until driving off.  
If the engine stalls...  
Simply restart it, using the correct proce-  
dure given in normal starting.  
If the engine will not start...  
See “If your vehicle will not start” on page  
184 in Section 4.  
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Tips for driving in various  
conditions  
D Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.  
D Washing your vehicle or driving through  
deep water may get the brakes wet. To  
see whether they are wet, check that  
there is no traffic near you, and then  
press the pedal lightly. If you do not  
feel a normal braking force, the brakes  
are probably wet. To dry them, drive  
the vehicle cautiously while lightly  
pressing the brake pedal with the park-  
ing brake applied. If they still do not  
work safely, pull to the side of the road  
and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.  
NOTICE  
This will allow you much better control.  
z Do not crank for more than 30 se-  
conds at a time. This may overheat  
the starter and wiring systems.  
D Drive slowly onto curbs and, if pos-  
sible, at a right angle. Avoid driving  
onto high, sharp−edged objects and  
other road hazards. Failure to do so  
can lead to severe tire damage result-  
ing in tire bursts.  
z Do not race a cold engine.  
z If the engine becomes difficult to  
start or stalls frequently, have the  
engine checked immediately.  
Drive slowly when passing over bumps  
or travelling on a bumpy road. Other-  
wise the impact could cause severe  
damage to the tires and/or wheels.  
D When parking on a hill, turn the front  
wheels until they touch the curb so  
that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the  
parking brake, and place the transmis-  
sion in “P” (automatic) or in first or  
reverse (manual). If necessary, block  
the wheels.  
CAUTION  
D Before driving off, make sure that  
the parking brake is fully released  
and the parking brake reminder  
light is off.  
D Do not leave your vehicle unat-  
tended while the engine is running.  
D Do not rest your foot on the brake  
pedal while driving. It can cause  
dangerous overheating, needless  
wear, and poor fuel economy.  
D To drive down a long or steep hill,  
reduce your speed and downshift.  
Remember, if you ride the brakes  
excessively, they may overheat and  
not work properly.  
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Off−road driving precautions  
When driving your vehicle off−road, please  
observe the following precautions to en-  
sure your driving enjoyment and to help  
prevent the closure of areas to off−road  
vehicles.  
D Be careful when accelerating, up-  
shifting, downshifting or braking on  
a slippery surface. Sudden accelera-  
tion or engine braking, could cause  
the vehicle to spin or skid.  
CAUTION  
Always observe the following precau-  
tions to minimize the risk of serious  
personal injury or damage to your ve-  
hicle:  
a. Drive your vehicle only in areas where  
D Do not drive in excess of the speed  
limit. Even if the legal speed limit  
permits it, do not drive over 140  
km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle  
has high−speed capability tires.  
Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may  
result in tire failure, loss of control  
and possible injury. Be sure to con-  
off−road vehicles are permitted to trav-  
el.  
D Drive carefully when off the road.  
Do not take unnecessary risks by  
driving in dangerous places.  
b. Respect private property. Get owner’s  
permission before entering private prop-  
erty.  
D Do not grip the steering wheel  
spokes when driving off−road.  
bad bump could jerk the wheel and  
injure your hands. Keep both hands  
and especially your thumbs on the  
outside of the rim.  
A
c. Do not enter areas that are closed.  
Honor gates, barriers and signs that re-  
strict travel.  
sult  
a
tire dealer to determine  
d. Stay on established roads. When condi-  
tions are wet, driving techniques should  
be changed or travel delayed to pre-  
vent damage to roads.  
whether the tires on your vehicle  
are high−speed capability tires or  
not before driving at such speeds.  
D Always check your brakes for effec-  
tiveness immediately after driving in  
sand, mud, water or snow.  
D Do not continue normal driving  
when the brakes are wet. If they are  
For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and  
Puerto Rico:  
D After driving through tall grass,  
mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check  
that there is no grass, bush, paper,  
rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or  
trapped on the underbody. Clear off  
any such matter from the under-  
body. If the vehicle is used with  
these materials trapped or adhering  
to the underbody, a breakdown or  
fire could occur.  
wet, your vehicle will require  
a
longer stopping distance, and it  
may pull to one side when the  
brakes are applied. Also, the park-  
ing brake will not hold the vehicle  
securely.  
To obtain additional information pertaining  
to driving your vehicle off−road, consult  
the following organizations.  
D State and Local Parks and Recreation  
Departments  
D State Motor Vehicle Bureau  
D Recreational Vehicle Clubs  
D U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of  
Land Management  
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Winter driving tips  
Make sure you have  
protection of engine coolant.  
a
proper freeze  
z Take all necessary safety measures  
to ensure that water damage to the  
engine or other components does  
not occur.  
D In a rollover crash, an unbelted per-  
son is significantly more likely to  
die than a person wearing a seat  
belt. Therefore, the driver and all  
passengers should fasten their seat  
belts whenever the vehicle is mo-  
ving.  
Your coolant must contain ethylene−glycol  
type coolant for  
a
proper corrosion  
protection of aluminum components. Use  
Toyota Genuine Long Life Coolant” or  
equivalent.  
Water entering the engine air intake  
will cause severe engine damage.  
Water can wash the grease from  
wheel bearings, causing rusting and  
premature failure, and may also en-  
ter the differentials, transmission  
and transfer case, reducing the gear  
oil’s lubricating qualities.  
See page 228 in Section 7−2 for details  
about coolant type selection.  
D When driving off−road or in rugged  
terrain, do not drive at excessive  
speeds, jump, make sharp turns,  
strike objects, etc. This may cause  
loss of control or vehicle rollover  
causing death or serious injury. You  
are also risking expensive damage  
to your vehicle’s suspension and  
chassis.  
NOTICE  
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or  
plain water alone.  
z Sand and mud that has accumulated  
in brake drums and around brake  
discs may affect braking efficiency  
and may damage brake system com-  
ponents.  
When it is extremely cold, we recommend  
to use 60% solution for your Toyota, to  
provide protection down to about −50_C  
(−58_F). Do not use more than 70% solu-  
tion for better coolant performance.  
NOTICE  
z Always perform a maintenance in-  
spection after each day of off−road  
driving that has taken you through  
rough terrain, sand, mud, or water.  
For scheduled maintenance informa-  
tion, refer to the “Scheduled Main-  
tenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manual  
Supplement”.  
z If driving through water, such as  
when crossing shallow streams,  
first check the depth of the water  
and the bottom of the river bed for  
firmness. Drive slowly and avoid  
deep water.  
Check the condition of the battery and  
cables.  
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of  
any battery, so it must be in top shape  
to provide enough power for winter start-  
ing. Section 7−3 tells you how to visually  
inspect the battery. Your Toyota dealer  
and most service stations will be pleased  
to check the level of charge.  
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Dinghy towing  
(with automatic transmission)  
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is  
suitable for the cold weather.  
Do not use your parking brake when  
there is a possibility it could freeze.  
See page 226 in Section 7−2 for recom-  
mended viscosity. Leaving a heavy sum-  
mer oil in your vehicle during winter  
months may cause harder starting. If you  
are not sure about which oil to use, call  
your Toyota dealer–he will be pleased to  
help.  
When parking, put the transmission into  
“P” (automatic) or into first or reverse  
(manual) and block the rear wheels. Do  
not use the parking brake, or snow or  
water accumulated in and around the  
parking brake mechanism may freeze,  
making it hard to release.  
Keep the door locks from freezing.  
Keep ice and snow from accumulating  
under the fenders.  
Squirt lock de−icer or glycerine into the  
locks to keep them from freezing.  
Ice and snow built up under your fenders  
can make steering difficult. During bad  
winter driving, stop and check under the  
fenders occasionally.  
Use a washer fluid containing an anti-  
freeze solution.  
Your vehicle is not designed to be  
dinghy towed (with four wheels on the  
ground) behind a motorhome.  
This product is available at your Toyota  
dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow  
the manufacturer’s directions for how  
much to mix with water.  
Depending on where you are driving,  
we recommend you carry some emer-  
gency equipment.  
NOTICE  
Do not tow your vehicle with four  
wheels on the ground. This may  
cause serious damage to your vehicle.  
Some of the things you might put in the  
vehicle are tire chains, window scraper,  
bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,  
jumper cables, etc.  
NOTICE  
Do not use engine antifreeze or any  
other substitute because it may dam-  
age your vehicle’s paint.  
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Dinghy towing  
(with manual transmission)  
NOTICE  
NOTICE  
Dinghy towing does not eliminate the  
possibility of damage to your vehicle.  
Four−wheel drive models:  
To prevent the vehicle from being  
damaged, observe following.  
DINGHY TOWING TIPS  
z Do not tow the vehicle at a speed  
higher than 88 km/h (55 mph).  
Before dinghy towing, be sure to ob-  
serve the following in order to reduce  
the damage to your vehicle.  
z Do not tow the vehicle for more  
than 320 km (200 miles).  
1. Put the shift lever in neutral.  
After dinghy towing or at the recom-  
mended distance limit, let the engine idle  
for more than 3 minutes before driving the  
vehicle or resuming towing.  
2. Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC”  
position. Make sure the audio is turned  
off and any item is not plugged into  
the power outlet.  
Your vehicle can be dinghy towed (with  
four wheels on the ground) from the  
front behind a motorhome.  
NOTICE  
To avoid the locking of the steering  
wheel, turn the ignition switch to the  
“ACC” position.  
CAUTION  
Dinghy towing requires special equip-  
ment and accessories. Please refer to  
your service outlet of the motorhome  
manufacture for the recommended  
equipment.  
3. Release the parking brake.  
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Trailer towing  
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a  
passenger−carrying vehicle. Towing  
CAUTION  
a
trailer will have an adverse effect on  
handling, performance, braking, durability  
and driving economy (fuel consumption,  
etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend  
on the proper use of correct equipment  
and cautious driving habits. For your  
safety and the safety of others, you must  
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Toyota  
warranties do not apply to damage or  
malfunction caused by towing a trailer for  
commercial purposes. Ask your local  
Toyota dealer for further details before  
towing.  
D The total trailer weight (trailer  
weight plus its cargo load) must  
not exceed 680 kg (1500 lb.).  
D The gross combination weight (sum  
of your vehicle weight plus its load  
and the total trailer weight) must  
not exceed the following.  
Two−wheel drive models  
2468 kg (5441 lb.)  
Four−wheel drive models  
2489 kg (5487 lb.)  
NOTICE  
WEIGHT LIMITS  
Do not tow your vehicle from the  
rear. This may cause serious damage  
to your vehicle.  
Before towing, make sure the total trail-  
er weight, gross combination weight,  
gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight  
and trailer tongue load are all within  
the limits.  
The total trailer weight and tongue load  
can be measured with platform scales  
found at a highway weighing station, build-  
ing supply company, trucking company,  
junk yard, etc.  
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D The gross vehicle weight must not  
Total trailer weight  
Tongue load  
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight  
Rating (GVWR) indicated on the  
Certification Label. The gross ve-  
hicle weight is the sum of weights  
of the unloaded vehicle, driver, pas-  
sengers, luggage, hitch and trailer  
tongue load. It also includes the  
weight of any special equipment  
installed on your vehicle.  
Tongue load  
  100 = 9 to 11%  
D The load on either the front or rear  
axle resulting from distribution of  
the gross vehicle weight on both  
axles must not exceed the Gross  
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed  
on the Certification Label.  
Total trailer weight  
D Trailer hitch assemblies have differ-  
ent weight capacities established by  
the hitch manufacturer. Even though  
the vehicle may be physically capa-  
ble of towing a higher weight, the  
operator must determine the maxi-  
mum weight rating of the particular  
hitch assembly and never exceed  
the maximum weight rating speci-  
fied for the trailer−hitch. Exceeding  
the maximum weight rating set by  
the trailer hitch manufacturer can  
cause an accident resulting in seri-  
ous personal injuries.  
D The trailer cargo load should be  
distributed so that the tongue load  
is  
9
to 11% of the total trailer  
weight, not exceeding 68 kg (150  
lb.).  
Never load the trailer with more  
weight in the back than in the  
front. About 60% of the trailer load  
should be in the front half of the  
trailer and the remaining 40% in the  
rear.  
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HITCHES  
BRAKES AND SAFETY CHAINS  
D Never tow a trailer without using a  
safety chain securely attached to  
both the trailer and the vehicle. If  
damage occurs to the coupling unit  
or hitch ball, there is danger of the  
trailer wandering over into another  
lane.  
D Use only  
a
weight carrying hitch  
D Toyota recommends trailers with  
brakes that conform to any applica-  
ble federal and state/provincial regu-  
lations.  
designed for the total trailer weight.  
Toyota does not recommend using a  
weight distribution (load equalizing)  
hitch.  
D A safety chain must always be used  
between the towing vehicle and the  
trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the  
chain for turns. The chain should  
cross under the trailer tongue to  
prevent the tongue from dropping to  
the ground in case it becomes dam-  
aged or separated. For correct safety  
chain procedures, follow the hitch or  
trailer manufacturer’s recommenda-  
tions.  
D The hitch must be bolted securely to  
the vehicle frame and installed accord-  
ing to the hitch manufacturer’s instruc-  
tions.  
TIRES  
D Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are  
D The hitch ball should have a light coat  
properly inflated. See page 233 Section  
of grease.  
7−2 and page 258 in Section  
instructions.  
8
for  
D Toyota recommends that the trailer  
hitch be removed when not towing to  
prevent injury and/or damage by the  
hitch in event of a rear end collision.  
After removing the hitch, the installa-  
tion area should be sealed to prevent  
entry of exhaust fumes and mud.  
D The trailer tires should be inflated to  
the pressure recommended by the trail-  
er manufacturer in respect to the total  
trailer weight.  
CAUTION  
TRAILER LIGHTS  
D If the total trailer weight exceeds  
272 kg (600 lb.), trailer brakes are  
required.  
D Trailer lights must comply with federal,  
state/provincial and local regulations.  
See your local recreational vehicle  
dealer or rental agency for the correct  
type of wiring and relays for your trail-  
er. Check for correct operation of the  
turn signals and stop lights each time  
you hitch up. Direct splicing may dam-  
age your vehicle’s electrical system  
and cause a malfunction of your lights.  
NOTICE  
Do not use an axle−mounting hitch as  
it may cause damage to the axle  
housing, wheel bearings, wheels and/  
or tires.  
D Never tap into your vehicle’s hy-  
draulic system as it would lower its  
braking effectiveness.  
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BREAK−IN SCHEDULE  
D Check that your rear view mirrors con-  
D Avoid jerky starts or sudden accelera-  
tion. If your vehicle has manual  
form to any applicable federal, state/  
provincial or local regulations. If not,  
install the rear view mirrors required  
for towing purpose.  
a
D Toyota recommends that you do not  
tow a trailer with a new vehicle or a  
vehicle with any new power train com-  
ponent (engine, transmission, differen-  
tial, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first  
800 km (500 miles) of driving.  
transmission, prevent excessive clutch  
slippage by keeping engine rpm low  
and not racing the engine. Always start  
out in first gear.  
TRAILER TOWING TIPS  
D Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns.  
The trailer could hit your vehicle in a  
tight turn. Slow down before making a  
turn to avoid the necessity of sudden  
braking.  
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will  
handle differently than when not tow-  
ing. The three main causes of vehicle−  
trailer accidents are driver error, exces-  
sive speed and improper trailer loading.  
Keep these in mind when towing:  
MAINTENANCE  
D If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will  
require more frequent maintenance due  
to the additional load. For this informa-  
tion, please refer to the scheduled  
maintenance information in the “Sched-  
uled Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s  
Manual Supplement”.  
D Backing with a trailer is difficult and  
requires practice. Grip the bottom of  
the steering wheel and move your hand  
to the left to move the trailer to the  
left. Move your hand to the right to  
move the trailer to the right. (This pro-  
cedure is generally opposite to that  
when backing without a trailer.) Also,  
just turn the steering wheel a little at  
D Before starting out, check operation of  
the lights and all vehicle−trailer connec-  
tions. After driving  
a
short distance,  
stop and recheck the lights and con-  
nections. Before actually towing a trail-  
er, practice turning, stopping and back-  
ing with a trailer in an area away from  
traffic until you learn the feel.  
D Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing  
ball and bracket after approximately  
1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.  
PRE−TOWING SAFETY CHECK  
a
time, avoiding sharp or prolonged  
D Check that your vehicle remains level  
when a loaded or unloaded trailer is  
hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has  
an abnormal nose−up or nose−down  
condition, and check for improper  
tongue load, overload, worn suspension  
or other possible causes.  
D Because stopping distance may be in-  
turning. Have someone guide you when  
backing to reduce the risk of an acci-  
dent.  
creased, vehicle−to−vehicle distance  
should be increased when towing  
a
trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of  
speed, allow at least one vehicle and  
trailer length between you and the ve-  
hicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as  
you may skid, resulting in jackknifing  
and loss of control. This is especially  
true on wet or slippery surfaces.  
D Remember that when making a turn,  
the trailer wheels will be closer than  
the vehicle wheels to the inside of the  
turn. Therefore, compensate for this by  
D Make sure the trailer cargo is securely  
making  
a
larger than normal turning  
loaded so that it cannot shift.  
radius with your vehicle.  
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D Crosswinds and rough roads will ad-  
versely affect handling of your vehicle  
and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention  
to the rear from time to time to pre-  
pare yourself for being passed by large  
trucks or buses, which may cause your  
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying  
happens, firmly grip the steering wheel  
and reduce speed immediately but  
gradually. Never increase speed. Steer  
straight ahead. If you make no extreme  
correction with the steering or brakes,  
the vehicle and trailer will stabilize.  
D Because of the added load of the trail-  
When restarting out after parking on a  
slope:  
er, your vehicle’s engine may overheat  
on hot days (at temperatures over  
30_C [85_F]) when going up a long or  
steep grade with a trailer. If the engine  
coolant temperature gauge indicates  
overheating, immediately turn off the air  
conditioning (if in use), pull off the road  
and stop in a safe spot. Refer to “If  
your vehicle overheats” on page 188 in  
Section 4.  
1. With the transmission in “P” position  
(automatic) or the clutch pedal de-  
pressed (manual), start the engine.  
(With an automatic transmission, be  
sure to keep the brake pedal de-  
pressed.)  
2. Shift into gear.  
3. Release the parking brake (also foot  
brake on automatic transmission ve-  
hicles) and slowly pull or back away  
from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply  
your brakes.  
D Always place wheel blocks under both  
the vehicle and trailer wheels when  
parking. Apply the parking brake firmly.  
Put the transmission in “P” (automatic)  
or in first or reverse (manual). Avoid  
parking on a slope with a trailer, but  
if it cannot be avoided, do so only  
after performing the following:  
D Be careful when passing other ve-  
hicles. Passing requires considerable  
distance. After passing a vehicle, do  
not forget the length of your trailer and  
be sure you have plenty of room be-  
fore changing lanes.  
4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.  
CAUTION  
D Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or  
the posted towing speed limit,  
whichever is lower. Because insta-  
bility (swaying) of a towing vehicle−  
D In order to maintain engine braking effi-  
ciency, do not use fifth gear (manual  
transmission) or overdrive (automatic  
transmission).  
1. Apply the brakes and hold.  
2. Have someone place wheel blocks un-  
der both the vehicle and trailer wheels.  
3. When the wheel blocks are in place,  
release your brakes slowly until the  
blocks absorb the load.  
trailer  
combination  
usually  
in-  
creases as the speed increases, ex-  
ceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may  
cause loss of control.  
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.  
5. Shift into first or reverse (manual) or  
“P” (automatic) and turn off the engine.  
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How to save fuel and make  
your vehicle last longer  
Improving fuel economy is easy—just take  
it easy. It will help make your vehicle last  
longer, too. Here are some specific tips  
on how to save money on both fuel and  
repairs:  
D Avoid long engine idling. If you have  
a long wait and you are not in traffic,  
it is better to turn off the engine and  
start again later.  
D Slow down and downshift before  
descending steep or long downhill  
grades. Do not make sudden down-  
shifts.  
D Avoid engine lugging or over−rev-  
ving. Use a gear position suitable for  
the road on which you are travelling.  
D Avoid holding the brake pedal down  
too long or too frequently. This  
could cause the brakes to overheat  
and result in reduced braking effi-  
ciency.  
D Keep your tires inflated at the cor-  
rect pressure. Underinflation causes  
tire wear and wastes fuel. See page  
233 in Section 7−2 for instructions.  
D Avoid continuous speeding up and  
slowing down. Stop−and−go driving  
wastes fuel.  
D Do not carry unneeded weight in  
your vehicle. Excess weight puts  
heavier load on the engine, causing  
greater fuel consumption.  
a
D Avoid unnecessary stopping and  
braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try  
to time the traffic signals so you only  
need to stop as little as possible or  
take advantage of through streets to  
avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper dis-  
tance from other vehicles to avoid sud-  
den braking. This will also reduce wear  
on your brakes.  
D Avoid lengthy warm−up idling. Once  
the engine is running smoothly, begin  
driving—but gently. Remember, howev-  
er, that on cold winter days this may  
take a little longer.  
D Keep the automatic transmission  
overdrive turned on when engine  
braking is not required. Driving with  
the overdrive off will reduce the fuel  
economy. (For details, see “Automatic  
transmission” on page 101 in Section  
1−6.)  
D Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams  
whenever possible.  
D Do not rest your foot on the clutch  
or brake pedal. This causes premature  
wear, overheating and poor fuel econo-  
my.  
D Accelerate slowly and smoothly.  
Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high  
gear as quickly as possible.  
D Maintain a moderate speed on high-  
ways. The faster you drive, the greater  
the fuel consumption. By reducing your  
speed, you will cut down on fuel con-  
sumption.  
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)  
181  
’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)  
D Keep the front wheels in proper  
alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and  
slow down on rough roads. Improper  
alignment not only causes faster tire  
wear but also puts an extra load on  
the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.  
CAUTION  
Never turn off the engine to coast  
down hills. Your power steering and  
brake booster will not function with-  
out the engine running. Also, the  
emission control system operates  
properly only when the engine is run-  
ning.  
D Keep the bottom of your vehicle free  
from mud, etc. This not only lessens  
weight but also helps prevent corro-  
sion.  
D Keep your vehicle tuned−up and in  
top shape. A dirty air cleaner, improp-  
er valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil  
and grease,brakes not adjusted, etc. all  
lower engine performance and contrib-  
ute to poor fuel economy. For longer  
life of all parts and lower operating  
costs, keep all maintenance work on  
schedule, and if you often drive under  
severe conditions, see that your vehicle  
receives more frequent maintenance.  
(For scheduled maintenance informa-  
tion, please refer to the “Scheduled  
Maintenance Guide” or “Owner’s Manu-  
al Supplement”.)  
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)  
182  

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