Engine & fuel system
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Unable to remove in-tank fuel pump
Overview
- Affects
- All models with in-tank fuel pump assembly retaining ring.
- Remedy
- Fit new part
Cause
Retaining ring for fuel pump assembly seized to fuel tank.
Repair
- Cut through retaining ring to enable removal from fuel tank. Avoid damaging fuel tank threads.
- Inspect fuel tank threads for damage. If fuel tank threads damaged or new retaining ring will not tighten: Fit new fuel tank.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.
Electrical & ignition
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Failure of speedometer
Water ingress into vehicle speed sensor (VSS) wiring harness multi-plug. Fix: clean and lubricate.
Overview
- Affects
- All models.
- Remedy
- Clean & lubricate
Repair steps
- Locate and disconnect vehicle speed sensor (VSS) wiring harness multi-plug at kick panel.
- Inspect harness multi-plug terminals. Repair/replace wiring as necessary.
- Check sunroof water drain tubes for correct routing or blockages. Clean or replace water drain tubes as necessary.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.
Brakes
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Brakes squeal
Overview
- Affects
- All models.
Cause
Replacement brake pads fitted without anti-squeal shims.
Repair
- Ensure brake pad anti-squeal shims are fitted.
- Replacement shims available separately.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.
Clutch & gearbox
4 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Strong odour in vehicle interior due to excessive clutch slip
Symptoms
Clutch slip.
Cause
Unsatisfactory design of clutch pressure plate.
Repair
- Fit clutch centre plate and modified clutch pressure plate.
Parts2 parts
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch centre plate | 31250-33040 | 1 |
| Clutch pressure plate | 31210-33042 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.
Abnormal noise from clutch master cylinder when clutch pedal depressed or released
Cause
Insufficient clearance between clutch master cylinder pushrod and clutch master cylinder bore.
Repair
- Fit modified clutch master cylinder.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.
Air conditioning (AC) inefficient
Cause
AC compressor clutch relay faulty.
Repair
- Replace AC compressor clutch relay.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.
Poor gear shifting when up-shifting
Engine control module (ECM) faulty. Fix: fit a new part.
Overview
- Affects
- All models with automatic transmission (AT).
- Remedy
- Fit new part
Repair steps
- Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
- If no fault(s) found: Fit new engine control module (ECM).
- Obtain and reprogram all keys.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.
Other
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Abnormal noise from auxiliary drive belt
Overview
- Affects
- All models with 1AZ-FE engine code.
- Remedy
- Fit new part
Cause
Faulty auxiliary drive belt tensioner.
Repair
- Renew auxiliary drive belt tensioner.
- Fit new auxiliary drive belt if necessary.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.
Glossary
Technical terms used in this guide.
- ECM
- Engine control module — the electronic unit that manages the engine
- AC
- Air conditioning — the system that cools the cabin
- Control Module
- A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
- In-Tank Fuel Pump
- The fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank
- Multi-Plug
- A multi-pin electrical connector on a wiring harness
- Relay
- An electrically operated switch
- Reprogram
- Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
- Wiring Harness
- The bundled cables that carry power and signals around the vehicle
- Auxiliary Drive Belt
- The belt that drives the alternator, water pump, steering pump or air-conditioning compressor
Frequently asked questions
What are the common faults with the Toyota RAV4 2.0?
This guide contains eight workshop bulletins for the Toyota RAV4 2.0. Of these, four concern the clutch and gearbox and one the engine and fuel system. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.
Does every Toyota RAV4 2.0 have these faults?
No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual vehicle. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.
Can I check for Toyota RAV4 2.0 faults myself?
Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.