2001 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 184

Do-it-yourself service precautions If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct procedure given in this section. You should be aware that improper or incomplete servicing may result in operating problems. Performing do-it-yourself maintenance during the warranty period may affect your warranty coverage. Read the separate Toyota Warranty statement for details and suggestions. This section gives instructions only for those items that are relatively easy for an owner to perform. As explained in Section 7, there are still a number of items that must be done by a qualified technician with special tools. For information on tools and parts for do- it-yourself maintenance, see "Parts and tools". Utmost care ing on your injury. Here you should serve: should be taken when workvehicle to prevent accidental are a few precautions that be especially careful to ob- CAUTION D Be sure that the traction motor is off if you work near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille. With the motor switch on, the electric cooling fans will automatically start to run if the motor and power control unit coolant temperature is high and/or the air conditioning is on. D With the motor switch on, keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan. (Removing rings, watches, and ties is advisable.) D Right after driving, the motor compartment-the traction motor, radiator, power steering fluid reservoir, etc.-will be hot. So be careful not to touch them. Oil or fluids may also be hot. the radiator cap or loosen the drain plugs to prevent burning yourself. D Use eye protection whenever you work on or under your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. D If the motor is hot, do not remove D Be extremely cautious when working on the batteries. It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid. D Do not smoke, cause sparks or allow open flames around the batteries. Their fumes are flammable. D Warning: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. D Do not get under your vehicle with just the body jack supporting it. Always use automotive jack stands or other solid supports. 176