In The Engine Compartment; Does Your Vehicle Need Repairing - Toyota RAV4 1999 Operating Manual

Automatic transmission "Park" mecha-
nism
Check the lock release button of the se-
lector lever for proper and smooth opera-
tion. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in "P" position and all brakes re-
leased.

IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

Items listed below should be checked
from time to time, e.g. each time when
refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the
tank. See Chapter 7- 3 for additional in-
formation.
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 Chapter 7- 2 for additional information.
Battery electrolyte level
Make sure the electrolyte level of all bat-
tery cells is between upper and lower lev-
el lines on the case. Add only distilled
water when replenishing. See Chapter 7- 3
for additional information.
184
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct.
See Chapter 7- 2 for additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the
engine turned off and the vehicle parked
on a level spot. See Chapter 7- 2 for addi-
tional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The
level should be in the "HOT" or "COLD"
range depending on the fluid temperature.
See Chapter 7- 2 for additional information.
Exhaust system
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 in
Part 2.)
'99 Rav4.U
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:
"
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
"
Appreciable loss of power
"
Strange engine noises
"
A leak under the vehicle (however, wa-
ter dripping from the air conditioning
after use is normal.)
"
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.)
"
Flat- looking tire; excessive tire squeal
when cornering; uneven tire wear
"
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving
straight on a level road
"
Strange noises related to suspension
movement
"
Loss of brake effectiveness; spongy
feeling brake or clutch pedal; pedal al-
most touches floor; vehicle pulls to one
side when braking
"
Engine coolant temperature continually
higher than normal