Information before driving your Toyota -> Electric power steering system for Your Toyota Rav4 SUV Third Generation (2006-2012)

’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)  
Brake pad wear limit  
indicators  
Electric power steering system  
For an explanation of this system’s warn-  
ing light, see “Service reminder indicators  
and warning buzzers” on page 127 in Sec-  
tion 16.  
The electric power steering system, us-  
ing an electric motor, assists the turn-  
ing of the steering wheel.  
In the following cases, you may feel the  
steering becomes heavy. However, the  
electric power steering system warning  
light does not come on. (Because it is  
not a malfunction.)  
D When maneuvering or turning frequently  
over a long time  
The power steering effect will be re-  
duced to prevent the system from over-  
heating. Avoid turning the steering  
wheel, or stop the vehicle and turn the  
ignition key to “ACC” or “LOCK”. The  
system will become cool in about 10  
minutes.  
The brake pad wear limit indicators on  
your disc brakes give a warning noise  
when the brake pads are worn to where  
replacement is required.  
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise  
while driving, have the brake pads  
checked and replaced by your Toyota  
dealer as soon as possible. Expensive ro-  
tor damage can result if the pads are not  
replaced when necessary.  
NOTICE  
Frequent maneuvering and turning  
over a long time may cause damage  
to the system in which the mecha-  
nism prevents overheating of the elec-  
tric power steering system.  
317  
2007 RAV4 from Dec. ’06 Prod. (OM42662U)  
’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)  
D When the battery is discharged  
D The light does not come on when the  
ignition key is turned to the “ON” posi-  
tion or remains on.  
Check the battery’s condition. If neces-  
sary, recharge or replace the battery.  
For details, see “Checking battery con-  
dition” on page 412 in Section 73.  
D The light stays on while you are driv-  
ing.  
CAUTION  
If the electric power steering system  
warning light comes on, take your ve-  
hicle to your Toyota dealer as soon  
as possible. In this case, more effort  
is required for the steering wheel to  
turn than usual. Drive your vehicle  
while firmly gripping the steering  
wheel.  
Electric power steering system warning  
light  
The light comes on when the ignition key  
is turned to the “ON” position. If the elec-  
tric power steering system works properly,  
the light turns off after a few seconds. If  
the system has malfunctions, the light  
comes on again.  
INFORMATION  
When the steering wheel is turned, a  
motor  
operating  
sound  
(whining  
sound) may be heard. This occurs  
when the power steering motor works  
and is not defective.  
If the following conditions occur, this  
indicates a malfunction somewhere in  
the components monitored by the warn-  
ing light system. Contact your Toyota  
dealer as soon as possible to service  
the vehicle.  
318  
2007 RAV4 from Dec. ’06 Prod. (OM42662U)