Toyota RAV4: Driving - Refueling

Opening the fuel tank cap

Follow the steps below to open the fuel tank cap and prepare the Toyota RAV4 for safe refueling:

Before refueling the vehicle

• Close all doors and windows, and turn the engine switch to OFF before approaching the fuel filler area.
• Confirm that the correct type of fuel will be used before inserting the fuel pump nozzle.

■ Fuel tank opening for unleaded gasoline

To reduce the possibility of filling the Toyota RAV4 with the wrong fuel, the fuel tank opening is designed to accept only the special nozzle used on unleaded gasoline pumps.

■ If the malfunction indicator lamp illuminates

The malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate even when no actual problem is present if refueling is performed repeatedly while the fuel tank is already nearly full. Avoid repeatedly adding fuel after the tank has reached this condition.

WARNING

■ When refueling the vehicle

Carefully observe the following precautions whenever refueling the Toyota RAV4. Failure to follow these instructions may cause a fire, serious injury, or death.

• After leaving the vehicle and before opening the fuel door, touch an unpainted metal surface to discharge any static electricity from your body. This step is important because a spark caused by static electricity may ignite fuel vapors during refueling.
• Always grasp the fuel tank cap by its grips and turn it slowly when removing it.

  A whooshing sound may be heard as pressure is released from the fuel tank. Wait until the sound has completely stopped before removing the cap. In hot weather, pressurized fuel may spray from the filler neck and cause injury if the cap is removed too quickly.

• Do not allow anyone who has not discharged static electricity from their body to approach the open fuel tank or fuel filler area.
• Do not inhale fuel vapors.

  Fuel contains substances that may be harmful when inhaled.

• Do not smoke or use any item that could produce a flame or spark while refueling.

  Fuel vapors may ignite and cause a fire.

• Do not return to the vehicle or touch another person or object that may carry a static charge during refueling. Doing so may allow static electricity to build up again and create a possible ignition hazard.

■ When refueling

Follow the precautions below to prevent fuel from overflowing or spilling from the fuel tank during refueling:

• Insert the fuel pump nozzle fully and securely into the fuel filler neck before beginning to refuel.
• Stop refueling as soon as the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off.
• Do not continue adding fuel or attempt to top off the tank after the nozzle has stopped automatically.

NOTICE

■ Refueling

Take care not to spill fuel while refueling the Toyota RAV4.

Spilled fuel may damage the vehicle by causing improper operation of the emission control system, harming fuel system components, or staining and deteriorating painted exterior surfaces.

Opening the fuel tank cap

1. Pull up the fuel filler door opener to release and open the fuel filler door.

2. Slowly turn the fuel tank cap counterclockwise to remove it, then place the cap securely in the holder provided on the inside of the fuel filler door.

Closing the fuel tank cap

After refueling, reinstall the fuel tank cap and turn it until a click is heard. When released after tightening, the cap may rotate slightly in the opposite direction; this is normal.

■ When "Check Fuel Cap" is displayed on the multi-information display

The fuel tank cap may be loose or may not have been installed correctly. Turn the engine switch to OFF, inspect the cap, and tighten it securely until it clicks. If the message remains displayed, wait several seconds and then turn the engine switch to OFF once again.

WARNING

■ When replacing the fuel tank cap

Use only a genuine Toyota fuel tank cap designed specifically for your vehicle. Installing an unsuitable cap may prevent the fuel system from sealing correctly and could cause a fire or another hazardous incident resulting in death or serious injury.