Toyota RAV4 2003 User manual

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
i2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
Foreword
Welcome to the growing group of value−conscious people who drive Toyotas. We are proud of the advanced engineering and
quality construction of each vehicle we build.
This Owner’s Manual explains the operation of your new Toyota. Please read it thoroughly and have all the occupants
follow the instructions carefully. Doing so will help you enjoy many years of safe and trouble−free motoring. For
important information about this manual and your Toyota, read the following pages carefully.
When it comes to service, remember that your Toyota dealer knows your vehicle best and is interested in your complete
satisfaction. He will provide quality maintenance and any other assistance you may require.
If there is not a Toyota dealer near you, or you need emergency assistance for any reason, please call the following number:
DU.S. OWNERS: Toyota Customer Assistance Center Toll−free: 1−800−331−4331
DCANADIAN OWNERS: Toyota Canada Customer Interaction Centre Toll−free: 1−888−TOYOTA−8 (1−888−869−6828)
Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will need this information also.
All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of printing. However, because of Toyota’s policy of
continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment, including options. Therefore, you may
find some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.
©2002 TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, without the written permission of Toyota
Motor Corporation.

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
ii 2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
Important information about this manual
Safety and vehicle damage warnings
Throughout this manual, you will see safety and vehicle dam-
age warnings. You must follow these warnings carefully to
avoid possible injury or damage.
The types of warnings, what they look like, and how they are
used in this manual are explained as follows:
CAUTION
This is a warning against anything which may cause
injury to people if the warning is ignored. You are
informed about what you must or must not do in
order to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and
others.
NOTICE
This is a warning against anything which may cause
damage to the vehicle or its equipment if the warning
is ignored. You are informed about what you must or
must not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of
damage to your vehicle and its equipment.
Safety symbol
When you see the safety symbol
shown above, it means: “Do not...”;
“Do not do this”; or “Do not let this
happen”.

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
iii 2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
Important information about your Toyota
New vehicle warranty
Your new vehicle is covered by the following Toyota limited
warranties:
DNew vehicle warranty
DEmission control systems warranty
DOthers
For further information, please refer to the “Owner’s
Warranty Information Booklet” or “Owner’s Manual
Supplement”.
Your responsibility for
maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that the speci-
fied maintenance is performed. Section 6 gives details of
these maintenance requirements. Also included in Section
6 is general maintenance. For scheduled maintenance in-
formation, please refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
Accessories, spare parts and
modification of your Toyota
A wide variety of non−genuine spare parts and accessories
for Toyota vehicles are currently available in the market.
You should know that Toyota does not warrant these prod-
ucts and is not responsible for their performance, repair, or
replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or
adverse effect they may have on, your Toyota vehicle.
This vehicle should not be modified with non−genuine
Toyota products. Modification with non−genuine Toyota
products could affect its performance, safety or durability,
and may even violate governmental regulations. In addi-
tion, damage or performance problems resulting from the
modification may not be covered under warranty.

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
iv 2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
Spark ignition system of your
Toyota
The spark ignition system in your Toyota meets all require-
ments of the Canadian Interference−Causing Equipment
Standard.
Installation of a mobile
two−way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two−way radio system in
your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as multi-
port fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection
system, cruise control system, anti−lock brake system,
SRS airbag system and seat belt pretensioner system, be
sure to check with your Toyota dealer for precautionary
measures or special instructions regarding installation.
Scrapping of your Toyota
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is
scrapped with the airbags and pretensioners left as they
are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to
have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt preten-
sioner removed and disposed of by the qualified service
shop or by your Toyota dealer before you dispose of your
vehicle.

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
v2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
On−pavement and off−road
driving tips
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class. Utility
vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other
types of vehicles. This vehicle will handle and maneuver
differently from an ordinary passenger car because it is
designed for off−road use also. In addition, this vehicle
has a higher ground clearance and center of gravity than
that of an ordinary passenger car. This vehicle design
feature causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to
rollover. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result
in loss of control, accidents or vehicle rollover causing
death or serious injury. Be sure to read “Off−road vehicle
precautions” on page 154 in Section 2 and “Off−road
driving precautions” on page 172 in Section 3.

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
vi 2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
1
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Overview of instruments and controls
Instrument panel overview 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster overview 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1−1

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
22003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
1. Side defroster outlets
2. Side vents
3. Instrument cluster
4. Center vents
5. Garage door opener box or auxiliary
box
6. Electric moon roof switch and personal
light
7. Glove box
8. Power door lock switches
(with power windows)
9. Power window switches
10. Automatic transmission selector lever
or manual transmission gear shift lever
11. Parking brake lever
12. Cup holders
13. Ashtray
14. Power outlet
15. Auxiliary box
16. Hood lock release lever
17. Window lock switch
Instrument panel overview

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
3
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
1. Power rear view mirror control switches
2. Instrument panel light control knob
3. Engine immobiliser system indicator
light
4. Headlight, turn signal and front fog
light switches
5. Wiper and washer switches
6. Front passenger’s seat belt reminder
light
7. Car audio
8. Clock display
9. Emergency flasher switch
10. Rear window and outside rear view
mirror defogger switch
11. Air conditioning controls
12. Cigarette lighter
13. Ashtray
14. Ignition switch
15. Cruise control switch
16. Tilt steering lock release lever
17. Power door lock switch
(without power windows)

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
42003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
1. Speedometer
2. Service reminder indicators and
indicator lights
3. Tachometer
4. Fuel gauge
5. Engine coolant temperature gauge
6. Trip meter reset knob
7. Odometer and two trip meters
Instrument cluster overview

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
5
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
Brake system warning light∗1
Discharge warning light∗1
Low engine oil pressure warning light∗1
Malfunction indicator lamp∗1
Headlight high beam indicator light
Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning
light∗1
Turn signal indicator lights
Driver’s seat belt reminder light∗1Open door warning light∗1
Low fuel level warning light∗1
SRS warning light∗1
Anti−lock brake system warning light∗1 or
Low windshield washer fluid level warning light∗1
or
Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light∗1
or
Automatic transmission indicator lights
Indicator symbols on the instrument panel

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
62003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
∗1: For details, see “Service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers” on page 93 in Section 1−5.
∗2: If this light flashes, see “Cruise control” on page 106 in
Section 1−6.
Cruise control indicator light∗2
Overdrive−off indicator light

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
7
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
OPERATION OF INSTRUMENTS AND
CONTROLS
Keys and Doors
Keys 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine immobiliser system 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side doors 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power windows 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back door 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel tank cap 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric moon roof 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1−2

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
82003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
Your vehicle is supplied with two kinds
of keys.
1. Master keys—These keys work in ev-
ery lock.
2. Sub key—This key will not work in the
glove box.
To protect items locked in the glove box
when using valet parking, leave the sub
key with the attendant.
Since the side doors can be locked with-
out a key, you should always carry a
spare key in case you accidentally lock
your keys inside the vehicle.
KEY NUMBER PLATE
Your key number is shown on the plate.
Keep the plate in a safe place such as
your wallet, not in the vehicle.
If you should lose your keys or if you
need additional keys, duplicates can be
made by a Toyota dealer using the key
number.
We recommend writing down the key num-
ber and storing it in a safe place.
Your vehicle is supplied with two kinds
of keys.
1. Master keys (black)—These keys work
in every lock. Your Toyota dealer will
need it to make you a new key with
built−in transponder chip.
2. Sub key (gray)—This key will not work
in the glove box.
Keys (without engine
immobiliser system) Keys (with engine immobiliser system)

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
9
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
A transponder chip for engine immobiliser
system has been filled in the head of the
master and sub keys. These chips are
needed to enable the system to function
correctly, so be careful not to lose these
keys. If you make your own duplicate key,
you will not be able to cancel the system
or start the engine.
To protect items locked in the glove box
when using valet parking, leave the sub
key with the attendant.
Since the side doors can be locked with-
out a key, you should always carry a
spare key in case you accidentally lock
your keys inside the vehicle. NOTICE
When using a key containing a trans-
ponder chip, observe the following
precautions:
zWhen starting the engine, do not
use the key with a key ring resting
on the key grip and do not press
the key ring against the key grip.
Otherwise the engine may not start,
or may stop soon after it starts.
zWhen starting the engine, do not
use the key with other transponder
keys around (including keys of oth-
er vehicles) and do not press other
key plates against the key grip.
Otherwise the engine may not start,
or may stop soon after it starts. If
this happens, remove the key once
and then insert it again after taking
off other transponder keys (includ-
ing keys of other vehicles) from the
ring or while gripping or covering
them with your hand to start the
engine.

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
10 2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
zDo not bend the key grip.
zDo not cover the key grip with any
material that cuts off electromagnet-
ic waves.
zDo not knock the key hard against
other objects.
zDo not leave the key exposed to
high temperatures for a long period,
such as on the dashboard and hood
under the direct sunlight.
zDo not put the key in water or
wash it in an ultrasonic washer.
zDo not use the key with electromag-
netic materials. KEY NUMBER PLATE
Your key number is shown on the plate.
Keep the plate in a safe place such as
your wallet, not in the vehicle.
If you should lose your keys or if you
need additional keys, duplicates can be
made by a Toyota dealer using the key
number.
We recommend writing down the key num-
ber and storing it in a safe place.

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
11
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
The engine immobiliser system is a
theft prevention system. When you in-
sert the key in the ignition switch, the
transponder chip in the key’s head
transmits an electronic code to the ve-
hicle. The engine will start, only when
the electronic code in the chip corre-
sponds to the registered ID code for
the vehicle.
The system is automatically set when the
key is removed from the ignition switch.
The indicator light will start flashing to
show the system is set.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer.
DThe indicator light stays on.
DThe indicator light does not start flash-
ing when the key is removed from the
ignition switch.
DThe indicator light flashes unsteady.
Inserting the registered key in the ignition
switch automatically cancels the system,
which enables the engine to start. The
indicator light will go off.
For your Toyota dealer to make you a
new key with built−in transponder chip,
your dealer will need your key number
and master key. However, there is a limit
to the number of additional keys your
Toyota dealer can make for you.
If you make your own duplicate key,
you will not be able to cancel the sys-
tem or start the engine.
NOTICE
Do not modify, remove or disas-
semble the engine immobiliser sys-
tem. If any unauthorized changes or
modifications are made, the proper
operation of the system cannot be
guaranteed.
Engine immobiliser system

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
12 2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
FCC ID: NI4TMIM−4
MADE IN JAPAN
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, includ-
ing interference that may cause unde-
sired operation.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications not ex-
pressly approved by the party respon-
sible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equip-
ment.
For vehicles sold in Canada
This device complies with RSS−210 of
industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept
any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH KEY
Insert the key into the keyhole and turn
it.
To lock: Turn the key forward.
To unlock: Turn the key backward.
Vehicles with power door lock system—
All the side doors and back door lock and
unlock simultaneously with either front
door. In the driver’s door lock, turning the
key once will unlock the driver’s door and
twice in succession will unlock all the side
doors and back door simultaneously.
Side doors—

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
13
2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
When all the side doors and back door
are unlocked simultaneously using a key,
the interior lights will come on and remain
on for about 15 seconds before fading
out. (For further information, see “Interior
lights” on page 84 in Section 1−4.)
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH
INSIDE LOCK KNOB
Move the lock knob.
To lock: Push the knob forward.
To unlock: Pull the knob backward.
Closing the door with the lock knob in the
lock position will also lock the door. Be
careful not to lock your keys in the ve-
hicle.
With power windows (driver’s side)
With power windows (passenger’s side)

’03 Rav4_U (L/O 0208)
14 2003 RAV4 from Aug. ’02 Prod. (OM42517U)
Without power windows
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WITH
POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH
Push the switch.
With power windows—
To lock: Push the switch down on the
front side.
To unlock: Push the switch down on the
rear side.
Without power windows—
To lock: Push the switch on the “LOCK”
side.
To unlock: Push the switch on the
“UNLOCK” side.
Operating the switch simultaneously locks
or unlocks all the side doors and back
door.
REAR DOOR CHILD−PROTECTORS
Move the lock lever to the “LOCK”
position as shown on the label.
This feature allows you to lock a rear
door so it can be opened from the outside
only, not from inside. We recommend us-
ing this feature whenever small children
are in the vehicle.