Toyota RAV4 2008 Operating manual

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2008
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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KEEP IT GENUINE
Stick with the kind of parts your Toyota was
built with — Genuine Toyota Parts!
Genuine Toyota Parts are manufactured
specically for your year and model Toyota.
They’re just like the parts your vehicle was built
with, so they’re the best choice in terms of t,
performance and overall quality.
You can get additional details about
specic Genuine Toyota Parts at
www.ToyotaOwnersOnline.com. To purchase
the parts you need for do-it-yourself jobs, call
your Toyota dealer for availability.
For your convenience, scheduled maintenance
information for your vehicle is also available at
www.ToyotaOwnersOnline.com
You can use the information located on this web
site to determine when your Toyota requires
servicing. Once in the scheduled maintenance
guide section, simply select your vehicle’s
model, year and current maintenance interval.
FIND IT ONLINE
2008 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
OWNERS
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2008 RAV4 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION ......................................2
MAINTAINING YOUR WARRANTY ..................................3
USING THE MAINTENANCE LOG CHARTS .............................4
MAINTENANCE LOG ..........................................6
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE ITEMS ............................22
TABLE OF CONTENTS
01

2008 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
RAV4
Model
In-service date
Selling dealership
Key number
Body style
Mileage at delivery
Selling dealership phone number
Vehicle Identification Number
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
02

2008 RAV4 Scheduled Maintenance Guide

MAINTENANCE RECORDS
Maintaining your vehicle according to the recommendations in this booklet is required to
ensure that your warranty coverage remains intact. You should keep detailed records of
vehicle maintenance, including date of service, mileage at time of service and a description
of service and/or parts installation performed. The scheduled maintenance log in this
booklet can help you document this information. If you sell your vehicle, be sure to give
your maintenance records to the new owner.
Toyota will not deny a warranty claim solely because you do not have records to show that
you maintained your vehicle. However, damage or failure caused by lack of proper
maintenance are not covered under warranty. 
MAINTENANCE PROVIDERS
Maintenance and repair services may be performed by you or by any automotive service
provider you choose. Toyota will not deny a warranty claim solely because you used a
service provider other than a Toyota dealership for maintenance and repairs. However,
damage or failure caused by improper maintenance or repairs are not covered under
warranty. 
DEALER-RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
Your dealer may recommend more frequent maintenance intervals or more maintenance
services than those listed in the scheduled maintenance log. These additional services are
not required to maintain your warranty coverage. Ask your dealer to explain any
recommended maintenance not included in the scheduled maintenance log.
For a complete description of Toyota warranty coverages, see the booklet entitled
2008
Owner’s Warranty Information
located in your vehicle’s glove box.
MAINTAINING YOUR WARRANTY
03

2008 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
RAV4
Regular maintenance is essential to obtaining the highest level of performance from your
Toyota. It can also increase your vehicle’s resale value. This booklet presents Toyota’s
maintenance recommendations in convenient checklists, so you can easily see what type of
maintenance your vehicle needs and document that the work was performed.
To ensure that your vehicle receives first-quality service and parts, Toyota recommends
having maintenance performed by an authorized Toyota dealership. Toyota dealership
technicians are experts on Toyota vehicles, and they use Genuine Toyota Parts designed to
your vehicle’s exact specifications. When you go to a Toyota dealership, you can be
confident that they will use Genuine Toyota parts and have Toyota-trained technicians. 
MILES OR MONTHS?
Toyota recommends obtaining scheduled maintenance for your vehicle every 5,000 miles
or six months, whichever comes first.
For example:
•If you drive 5,000 miles in less than six months, you should obtain maintenance at
5,000 miles - don’t wait until six months.
•If at six months you have driven less than 5,000 miles, you should obtain maintenance
at six months - don’t wait until 5,000 miles.
Be sure to keep an eye on your mileage so that you obtain maintenance when
recommended. If you are a low-mileage driver, mark your calendar to remind yourself to
obtain maintenance every six months. 
DOCUMENTING YOUR INVESTMENT
To help you verify that you’ve invested in proper maintenance,
each maintenance checklist includes space for your Toyota
dealership to certify that you obtained Genuine Toyota Service
for your vehicle. The dealership will mark the dealer service
verification area with the following stamp (which may be
customized with the dealership’s name):
USING THE MAINTENANCE LOG CHARTS
04

2008 RAV4 Scheduled Maintenance Guide

SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
In addition to standard maintenance items, the maintenance log indicates services that
should be performed on vehicles that are driven under especially demanding conditions.
These ⬙special operating conditions⬙and their required maintenance items are clearly
indicated in each chart.
NOTE:
You should perform these additional maintenance services if you drive
primarily under
any of the special operating conditions indicated. If you drive only occasionally under
these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the additional services.

ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE
In addition to scheduled maintenance, your Toyota requires ongoing general maintenance
such as fluid checks and visual inspections. These procedures are explained in the ⬙Vehicle
Maintenance and Care⬙section of the
Owner’s Manual. Be sure to perform these
procedures regularly to ensure the most trouble-free operation of your vehicle.
USING THE MAINTENANCE LOG CHARTS
05

2008 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
RAV4
5,000 Miles or 6 months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
10,000 Miles or 12 months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
MAINTENANCE LOG
06

2008 RAV4 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
15,000 Miles or 18 months
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Inspect the following:
__ Ball joints and dust covers
__ Brake lines and hoses
__ Drive shaft boots
__ Engine coolant
3
__ Exhaust pipes and mountings
__ Radiator and condenser
__ Rear differential oil (4WD)
__ Steering gear box
__ Steering linkage and boots
__ Transfer case oil (4WD)
NOTE: Driving in heavy traffic, on dirt roads or in urban, dusty or desert areas may shorten
the life of the cabin air filter. Replacement may be needed if you notice reduced air flow from
the air conditioner and heater or if the windows fog easily when you use the ⬙Fresh⬙mode.
Consult your dealer if any of these conditions occur.
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect engine air filter
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Replace rear differential oil (4WD)
Replace transfer case oil (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:
MILEAGE:
MAINTENANCE LOG
07
1Reset the oil replacement reminder light (⬙MAINT REQD⬙) or the message ⬙OIL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED⬙on the
multi-information display after engine oil replacement.
2Perform these service items only if you drive primarily under the conditions indicated.
3Refer to ⬙Engine Coolant⬙in the ⬙Explanation of Maintenance Items⬙section in the back of this guide for more
information.

2008 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
RAV4
20,000 Miles or 24 months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
25,000 Miles or 30 months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
MAINTENANCE LOG
08

2008 RAV4 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
30,000 Miles or 36 months
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Replace cabin air filter
Replace engine air filter
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
4
Inspect the following:
__ Automatic transmission fluid
__ Ball joints and dust covers
__ Brake lines and hoses
__ Drive shaft boots
__ Engine coolant
3
__ Exhaust pipes and mountings
__ Front differential oil
__ Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band
and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
__ Fuel tank cap gasket
__ Radiator and condenser
__ Rear differential oil (4WD)
__ Steering gear box
__ Steering linkage and boots
__ Transfer case oil (4WD)
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Replace rear differential oil (4WD)
Replace transfer case oil (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:
MILEAGE:
MAINTENANCE LOG
09
1Reset the oil replacement reminder light (⬙MAINT REQD⬙) or the message ⬙OIL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED⬙on the
multi-information display after engine oil replacement.
2Perform these service items only if you drive primarily under the conditions indicated.
3Refer to ⬙Engine Coolant⬙in the ⬙Explanation of Maintenance Items⬙section in the back of this guide for more
information.
4Inspect thickness measurement and disc runout.

2008 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
RAV4
35,000 Miles or 42 months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
40,000 Miles or 48 months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
MAINTENANCE LOG
10

2008 RAV4 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
45,000 Miles or 54 months
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Inspect the following:
__ Ball joints and dust covers
__ Brake lines and hoses
__ Drive shaft boots
__ Engine coolant
3
__ Exhaust pipes and mountings
__ Radiator and condenser
__ Rear differential oil (4WD)
__ Steering gear box
__ Steering linkage and boots
__ Transfer case oil (4WD)
NOTE: Driving in heavy traffic, on dirt roads or in urban, dusty or desert areas may shorten
the life of the cabin air filter. Replacement may be needed if you notice reduced air flow from
the air conditioner and heater or if the windows fog easily when you use the ⬙Fresh⬙mode.
Consult your dealer if any of these conditions occur.
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect engine air filter
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Replace rear differential oil (4WD)
Replace transfer case oil (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:
MILEAGE:
MAINTENANCE LOG
11
1Reset the oil replacement reminder light (⬙MAINT REQD⬙) or the message ⬙OIL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED⬙on the
multi-information display after engine oil replacement.
2Perform these service items only if you drive primarily under the conditions indicated.
3Refer to ⬙Engine Coolant⬙in the ⬙Explanation of Maintenance Items⬙section in the back of this guide for more
information.

2008 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
RAV4
50,000 Miles or 60 months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
55,000 Miles or 66 months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
MAINTENANCE LOG
12

2008 RAV4 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
60,000 Miles or 72 months
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Replace cabin air filter
Replace engine air filter
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
4
Inspect the following:
__ Automatic transmission fluid
__ Ball joints and dust covers
__ Brake lines and hoses
__ Drive belts
5
__ Drive shaft boots
__ Engine coolant
3
__ Engine valve clearance
6
__ Exhaust pipes and mountings
__ Front differential oil
__ Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band
and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
__ Fuel tank cap gasket
__ Radiator and condenser
__ Rear differential oil (4WD)
__ Steering gear box
__ Steering linkage and boots
__ Transfer case oil (4WD)
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace front differential oil
Replace rear differential oil (4WD)
Replace transfer case oil (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:
MILEAGE:
MAINTENANCE LOG
13
1Reset the oil replacement reminder light (⬙MAINT REQD⬙) or the message ⬙OIL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED⬙on the
multi-information display after engine oil replacement.
2Perform these service items only if you drive primarily under the conditions indicated.
3Refer to ⬙Engine Coolant⬙in the ⬙Explanation of Maintenance Items⬙section in the back of this guide for more
information.
4Inspect thickness measurement and disc runout.
5Initial inspection at 60,000 miles/72 months. Inspect every 15,000 miles/18 months thereafter.
6Check for tappet noise and engine vibration and adjust if necessary, 2AZ-FE engine only.

2008 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
RAV4
65,000 Miles or 78 months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
70,000 miles or 84 months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
MAINTENANCE LOG
14

2008 RAV4 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
75,000 Miles or 90 Months
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
Inspect the following:
__ Ball joints and dust covers
__ Brake lines and hoses
__ Drive belts
__ Drive shaft boots
__ Engine coolant
3
__ Exhaust pipes and mountings
__ Radiator and condenser
__ Rear differential oil (4WD)
__ Steering gear box
__ Steering linkage and boots
__ Transfer case oil (4WD)
NOTE: Driving in heavy traffic, on dirt roads or in urban, dusty or desert areas may shorten
the life of the cabin air filter. Replacement may be needed if you notice reduced air flow from
the air conditioner and heater or if the windows fog easily when you use the ⬙Fresh⬙mode.
Consult your dealer if any of these conditions occur.
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect engine air filter
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Replace rear differential oil (4WD)
Replace transfer case oil (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:
MILEAGE:
MAINTENANCE LOG
15
1Reset the oil replacement reminder light (⬙MAINT REQD⬙) or the message ⬙OIL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED⬙on the
multi-information display after engine oil replacement.
2Perform these service items only if you drive primarily under the conditions indicated.
3Refer to ⬙Engine Coolant⬙in the ⬙Explanation of Maintenance Items⬙section in the back of this guide for more
information.

2008 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
RAV4
80,000 Miles or 96 Months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
85,000 Miles or 102 Months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
MAINTENANCE LOG
16

2008 RAV4 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
90,000 Miles or 108 Months
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Replace cabin air filter
Replace engine air filter
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
4
Inspect the following:
__ Automatic transmission fluid
__ Ball joints and dust covers
__ Brake lines and hoses
__ Drive belts
__ Drive shaft boots
__ Engine coolant
3
__ Exhaust pipes and mountings
__ Front differential oil
__ Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band
and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
__ Fuel tank cap gasket
__ Radiator and condenser
__ Rear differential oil (4WD)
__ Steering gear box
__ Steering linkage and boots
__ Transfer case oil (4WD)
Additional Maintenance Items for Special Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Replace rear differential oil (4WD)
Replace transfer case oil (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:
MILEAGE:
MAINTENANCE LOG
17
1Reset the oil replacement reminder light (⬙MAINT REQD⬙) or the message ⬙OIL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED⬙on the
multi-information display after engine oil replacement.
2Perform these service items only if you drive primarily under the conditions indicated.
3Refer to ⬙Engine Coolant⬙in the ⬙Explanation of Maintenance Items⬙section in the back of this guide for more
information.
4Inspect thickness measurement and disc runout.

2008 Scheduled Maintenance Guide
RAV4
95,000 Miles or 114 Months
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
100,000 Miles or 120 Months
Replace engine coolant
4
Replace engine oil and oil filter
1
Rotate tires
Visually inspect brake linings/drums and
brake pads/discs
Additional Maintenance Items for Special
Operating Conditions
2
Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads:
Inspect ball joints and dust covers
Inspect drive shaft boots
Inspect engine air filter
Inspect steering linkage and boots
Re-torque drive shaft bolt (4WD)
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Driving while towing:
Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
DEALER SERVICE VERIFICATION:
DATE:MILEAGE:
MAINTENANCE LOG
18