Information before driving your Toyota -> Three-way catalytic converters for Your Toyota Rav4 SUV Third Generation (2006-2012)

’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)  
Three−way catalytic converters  
The three−way catalytic converter is an  
emission control device installed in the  
exhaust system.  
NOTICE  
A
large amount of unburned gases  
flowing into the three−way catalytic  
converter may cause it to overheat  
and create a fire hazard. To prevent  
this and other damage, observe the  
following precautions:  
The purpose is to reduce pollutants in the  
exhaust gas.  
CAUTION  
D Keep people and combustible mate-  
rials away from the exhaust pipe  
while the engine is running. The  
exhaust gas is very hot.  
z Use only unleaded gasoline.  
z Do not drive with an extremely low  
fuel level; running out of fuel could  
cause the engine to misfire, creat-  
ing an excessive load on the three−  
way catalytic converter.  
D Do not idle or park your vehicle  
over anything that might burn easi-  
ly such as grass, leaves, paper or  
rags.  
2.4 L 4−cylinder (2AZ−FE) engine  
z Do not allow the engine to run at  
idle speed for more than 20 min-  
utes.  
z Avoid racing the engine.  
z Do not push−start or pull−start your  
vehicle.  
z Do not turn off the ignition while  
the vehicle is moving.  
3.5 L V6 (2GR−FE) engine  
310  
2007 RAV4 from Dec. ’06 Prod. (OM42662U)  
’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)  
Engine exhaust cautions  
z Keep your engine in good running  
order. Malfunctions in the engine  
electrical system, electronic ignition  
system/distributor ignition system  
or fuel systems could cause an ex-  
tremely high three−way catalytic  
converter temperature.  
D To allow proper operation of your  
vehicle’s ventilation system, keep  
the inlet grilles in front of the wind-  
shield clear of snow, leaves, or oth-  
er obstructions.  
CAUTION  
D Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust.  
It contains carbon monoxide, which  
is a colorless and odorless gas. It  
can cause unconsciousness or even  
death.  
D Keep the back door closed while  
driving. An open or unsealed back  
door may cause exhaust gases to  
be drawn into the vehicle.  
z If the engine becomes difficult to  
start or stalls frequently, take your  
vehicle in for a check−up as soon  
as possible. Remember, your Toyota  
dealer knows your vehicle and its  
three−way catalytic converter sys-  
tem best.  
D Make sure the exhaust system has  
no holes or loose connections. The  
system should be checked from  
time to time. If you hit something,  
or notice a change in the sound of  
the exhaust, have the system  
checked immediately.  
D If you smell exhaust fumes in the  
vehicle, open the windows and  
close the back door to ensure  
plenty of fresh air enters the ve-  
hicle. If you can smell exhaust  
fumes even though there are no  
other vehicles in the surrounding  
area, have your vehicle checked by  
your Toyota dealer. Continued in-  
halation of exhaust fumes can lead  
to death by gas poisoning.  
z To ensure that the three−way cata-  
lytic converter and the entire emis-  
sion control system operate proper-  
ly, your vehicle must receive the  
periodic inspections required by the  
Toyota Maintenance Schedule. For  
scheduled maintenance information,  
refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance  
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-  
ment”.  
D Do not run the engine in a garage  
or enclosed area except for the  
time needed to drive the vehicle in  
or out. The exhaust gases cannot  
escape, making this a particularly  
dangerous situation.  
D Do not remain for a long time in a  
parked vehicle with the engine run-  
ning. If it is unavoidable, however,  
do so only in an unconfined area  
and adjust the heating or cooling  
system to force outside air into the  
vehicle.  
311  
2007 RAV4 from Dec. ’06 Prod. (OM42662U)