’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
Does your vehicle need
repairing?
Battery electrolyte level
Be on the alert for changes in perfor-
mance, sounds, and visual tip−offs that
indicate service is needed. Some impor-
tant clues are as follows:
If you notice any of these clues, take your
vehicle to your Toyota dealer as soon as
possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
Your Toyota has a maintenance free bat-
tery. You do not have to add distilled wa-
ter. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 240 for additional information.
D Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
D Appreciable loss of power
D Strange engine noises
CAUTION
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.
See page 230 in Section 7−2 for addition-
al information.
Do not continue driving with the ve-
hicle unchecked. It could result in se-
rious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.
D A leak under the vehicle (however, wa-
ter dripping from the air conditioning
after use is normal.)
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the
engine turned off and the vehicle parked
on a level spot. See page 226 in Section
7−2 for additional information.
D Change in exhaust sound (This may
indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide
leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked im-
mediately.)
Power steering fluid level
D Flat−looking tire; excessive tire squeal
Check the level through the reservoir. The
level should be in the “HOT” or “COLD”
range depending on the fluid temperature.
See page 231 in Section 7−2 for addition-
al information.
when cornering; uneven tire wear
D Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
straight on a level road
D Strange noises related to suspension
Exhaust system
movement
If you notice any change in the sound of
the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have
the cause located and corrected immedi-
ately. (See “Engine exhaust cautions” on
page 159 in Section 2.)
D Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy
feeling brake or clutch pedal; pedal al-
most touches floor; vehicle pulls to one
side when braking
D Engine coolant temperature continually
higher than normal
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
215
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