Get Vehicle maintenance and care -> General maintenance Guide for Toyota Rav4 SUV Third Generation (2006-2012)

’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)

General maintenance

If you are a skilled do−it−yourself mechan-

ic, the Toyota service manuals are recom-

mended. Please be aware that do−it−your-

self maintenance can affect your warranty

coverage. See “Owner’s Warranty Informa-

tion Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-

ment” for the details.

Listed below are the general maintenance

items that should be performed as fre-

quently as specified. In addition to check-

ing the items listed, if you notice any

unusual noise, smell or vibration, you

should investigate the cause or take your

vehicle to your Toyota dealer or a quali-

fied service shop immediately. It is recom-

mended that any problem you notice be

brought to the attention of your dealer or

the qualified service shop for their advice.

Engine coolant level

Make sure the coolant level is between

the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the see−

through reservoir when the engine is cold.

See page 400 in Section 7−2 for addition-

al information.

Radiator, condenser and hoses

Check that the front of the radiator and

condenser are clean and not blocked with

leaves, dirt, or insects. See page 401 in

Section 7−2 for additional information.

CAUTION

Battery electrolyte level

Check the battery condition by the indica-

tor color. See page 412 in Section 7−3 for

additional information.

Make these checks only with ade-

quate ventilation if you run the en-

gine.

Brake fluid level

Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.

See page 401 in Section 7−2 for addition-

al information.

IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

Items listed below should be checked

from time to time, e.g. each time when

refueling.

Engine oil level

Check the level on the dipstick with the

engine turned off and the vehicle parked

on a level spot. See page 398 in Section

7−2 for additional information.

Washer fluid

Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the

tank. See page 416 in Section 7−3 for

additional information.

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2007 RAV4 from Dec. ’06 Prod. (OM42662U)

’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)

Exhaust system

Seats

Parking brake

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 311 in Section 2.)

Check that all seat controls such as seat

adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate

smoothly and that all latches lock securely

in any position. For folding−down rear

seatbacks, check that the latches lock se-

curely.

Check that the lever has the proper travel

and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle

is held securely with only the parking

brake applied.

Automatic transmission “Park” mecha-

nism

INSIDE THE VEHICLE

Seat belts

Items listed below should be checked

regularly, e.g. while performing periodic

services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.

On a safe incline, check that your vehicle

is held securely with the selector lever in

“P” position and all brakes released.

Check that the seat belt system such as

buckles, retractors and anchors operate

properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt

webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or dam-

aged.

Lights

OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE

Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail

lights, turn signal lights, and other lights

are all working.

Items listed below should be performed

from time to time, unless otherwise

specified.

Accelerator pedal

Check the pedal for smooth operation and

uneven pedal effort or catching.

Service reminder indicators and warning

buzzers

Fluid leaks

Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, wa-

ter or other fluid after the vehicle has

been parked for a while. If you smell fuel

fumes or notice any leak, have the cause

found and corrected immediately.

Brake pedal

Check that all service reminder indicators

and warning buzzers function properly.

Check the pedal for smooth operation and

that the pedal has the proper clearance.

Check the brake booster function.

Steering wheel

Check that it has the specified free play.

Be alert for changes in steering condition,

such as hard steering or strange noise.

Brakes

Doors and engine hood

In a safe place, check that the brakes do

not pull to one side when applied.

Check that all doors and back door oper-

ate smoothly and all latches lock securely.

Make sure the engine hood secondary

latch secures the hood from opening when

the primary latch is released.

386

2007 RAV4 from Dec. ’06 Prod. (OM42662U)

’07 Rav4_U (L/O 0701)

Does your vehicle need

repairing?

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.

Tire inflation pressure

Check the pressure with a gauge ev-

ery two weeks, or at least once a

month. See page 402 in Section 7−2

for additional information.

D Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

D Appreciable loss of power

D Strange engine noises

CAUTION

Tire surface and wheel nuts

Do not continue driving with the ve-

hicle unchecked. It could result in se-

rious vehicle damage and possibly

personal injury.

Check the tires carefully for cuts,

damage or excessive wear. See page

404 in Section 7−2 for additional in-

formation. When checking the tires,

make sure no nuts are missing, and

check the nuts for looseness. Tighten

them if necessary.

D A leak under the vehicle (However, wa-

ter dripping from the air conditioning

after use is normal.)

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.)

Tire rotation

Rotate the tires according to the

maintenance schedule. (For sched-

uled maintenance information, please

refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance

Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-

ment”.) See page 406 in Section 7−2

for additional information.

D Flat−looking tire; excessive tire squeal

when cornering; uneven tire wear

D Vehicle pulls to one side when driving

straight on a level road

D Strange noises related to suspension

movement

D Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy

feeling brake pedal; pedal almost

touches floor; vehicle pulls to one side

when braking

D Engine coolant temperature continually

higher than normal

387

2007 RAV4 from Dec. ’06 Prod. (OM42662U)

Vehicle maintenance and care -> General maintenance for Your Toyota Rav4 SUV Third Generation (2006-2012)

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