Complete 100,000-mile service for 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 including engine oil change, air filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid drain/fill, and complete inspection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine oil filter × 1 — Toyota 04152-YZZA6 or equivalent
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Toyota 90430-12031
• Engine air filter × 1 — Toyota 17801-0P051 or equivalent
• Cabin air filter × 1 — Toyota 87139-02090 or equivalent
• Spark plugs (Iridium) × 4 — Toyota 90919-01260 (ILKAR8J8)
• Engine undercover clips (if damaged) — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 Engine Oil — 5 qt
• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 10 qt
• Toyota WS ATF — 4 qt
• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt
• Windshield Washer Fluid — 3.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
3. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
4. Gather all tools, parts, and fluids before beginning
5. Verify you have correct spark plug type and gap specification (0.028-0.031 inches)
6. Have waste fluid containers ready for oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid disposal

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise vehicle and remove wheels
   Loosen wheel lug nuts one full turn while vehicle is on ground. Raise front of vehicle using jack at designated jacking points behind front wheels. Install jack stands under frame rails. Remove front wheels completely and set aside.
2. 2

   Remove engine undercover
   Locate and remove engine undercover fasteners (combination of plastic clips and bolts). Carefully lower undercover and set aside. Inspect undercover clips and replace any damaged ones during reassembly.
3. 3

   Drain engine oil and replace filter
   Position drain pan under oil drain plug on passenger side of oil pan. Remove drain plug using 14mm socket and allow oil to drain completely (approximately 10 minutes). While draining, relocate drain pan under oil filter (located on driver side of engine). Remove oil filter using filter wrench, turning counterclockwise. Clean filter mounting surface on engine block. Lubricate new filter gasket with fresh oil, install new filter hand-tight, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn. Install new crush washer on drain plug and reinstall drain plug.
   ⚠Used engine oil may contain harmful contaminants. Avoid prolonged skin contact and dispose of properly.
4. 4

   Drain transmission fluid
   Locate transmission drain plug on bottom of transmission case (center of vehicle, behind engine). Position drain pan underneath. Remove drain plug using 10mm hex socket and allow fluid to drain completely (approximately 15 minutes). Inspect drain plug magnet for excessive metal debris (light gray film is normal). Clean drain plug thoroughly and reinstall with original washer (transmission drain plug uses reusable washer, not crush washer). Tighten drain plug snugly but do not overtorque.
   ℹ️Transmission fluid should be pink/red. Dark brown or burnt smell indicates potential transmission issues requiring further inspection.
5. 5

   Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
   Reinstall engine undercover ensuring all clips and fasteners are secure. Reinstall front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower vehicle to ground. Final torque wheel lug nuts in star pattern.
6. 6

   Fill engine oil
   Remove oil filler cap on top of engine (driver side). Using funnel, add 4.5 quarts of Toyota Genuine 0W-20 engine oil. Install filler cap, start engine, and run for 2 minutes. Shut off engine, wait 5 minutes, then check oil level on dipstick. Add remaining oil to bring level between LOW and FULL marks. Recheck for leaks around drain plug and filter.
7. 7

   Replace engine air filter
   Open hood and locate air filter housing on driver side of engine bay. Release clips on both sides of air box cover. Lift cover and remove old engine air filter. Inspect air box for debris and clean if necessary. Install new air filter ensuring proper seating in housing. Close cover and secure clips.
8. 8

   Replace cabin air filter
   Open glove box and remove contents. Press inward on both sides of glove box to release stoppers and lower glove box completely. Locate cabin air filter cover behind glove box. Depress tabs on sides of cover and remove. Slide out old cabin air filter noting airflow direction arrow. Install new filter with airflow arrow pointing toward rear of vehicle. Reinstall cover and glove box.
9. 9

   Replace spark plugs
   Locate ignition coils on top of engine (four coils visible). Disconnect electrical connector from each coil by pressing release tab. Remove mounting bolt from each coil. Carefully pull coils straight up using slight twisting motion. Use compressed air to clean around spark plug wells. Remove spark plugs using spark plug socket. Inspect old plugs for unusual wear patterns. Gap new spark plugs to 0.028-0.031 inches. Apply small amount of anti-seize to spark plug threads (avoid getting anti-seize on electrodes). Install new spark plugs hand-tight, then tighten an additional 1/8 turn (do NOT overtorque). Reinstall ignition coils and reconnect electrical connectors.
   ⚠Do not drop spark plugs or impact electrodes. Ceramic insulator damage will cause misfires.
10. 10

    Drain cooling system
    Locate radiator drain valve on bottom passenger side of radiator (accessible from underneath). Place drain pan underneath. Open drain valve by turning counterclockwise. Remove radiator cap slowly to vent system and speed drainage. Allow coolant to drain completely (approximately 15 minutes). Close drain valve after draining. Locate engine block drain plug on rear of engine block (driver side, near oil filter) if complete flush desired, otherwise proceed to refill.
    ⚠️Verify engine is completely cold before opening cooling system. Check radiator cap and hoses for heat before proceeding.
11. 11

    Refill cooling system
    Ensure radiator drain valve is closed. Mix Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) with distilled water at 50/50 ratio, or use pre-diluted coolant. Slowly pour coolant into radiator opening until full. Install radiator cap. Locate coolant reservoir and fill to MAX line. Start engine with heater on full hot and maximum fan speed. Allow engine to reach operating temperature while monitoring coolant level. Add coolant to reservoir as needed during burping process (approximately 15-20 minutes of idling). When cooling fans cycle on and off twice, system is burped. Shut off engine, allow to cool, and verify coolant levels are correct in both radiator and reservoir.
12. 12

    Refill transmission fluid
    Locate transmission dipstick (red handle, passenger side of engine bay near firewall). Remove dipstick and insert funnel into dipstick tube. Add 4.0 quarts of Toyota WS ATF. Reinstall dipstick. Start engine and allow to idle. With engine running and vehicle in PARK, cycle through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L) pausing 5 seconds in each position. Return to PARK. With engine still running, check fluid level on dipstick (should be in HOT range after engine reaches operating temperature). Add fluid as needed to reach proper level.
    ⚠Overfilling transmission will cause fluid foaming and potential damage. Add fluid gradually and check frequently.
13. 13

    Flush brake fluid
    Locate brake fluid reservoir under hood on driver side near firewall. Remove cap and use turkey baster or fluid extractor to remove old fluid from reservoir. Refill with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Starting with right rear wheel, attach bleeder hose to bleeder valve. Have assistant pump brake pedal 3 times and hold pressure. Open bleeder valve and allow fluid to drain until clean fluid emerges with no air bubbles. Close valve before pedal reaches floor. Repeat process for left rear, right front, then left front wheels. Maintain reservoir level above MIN line throughout process. After bleeding all wheels, verify firm brake pedal feel and refill reservoir to MAX line.
    ⚠Do not allow brake fluid reservoir to run dry during bleeding process or air will enter ABS system requiring special scan tool to bleed.
14. 14

    Top off washer fluid and perform inspections
    Fill windshield washer fluid reservoir to full line (approximately 3.5 quarts). Inspect all belts for cracks or fraying. Check battery terminals for corrosion. Inspect all hoses and connections for leaks. Check tire pressures and adjust to specification on door jamb placard. Test all lights for operation. Check wiper blade condition. Inspect suspension components and CV boots for damage or leaks. Document any issues requiring future attention.

Reassembly

1. Verify all fluid levels are correct before closing hood
2. Verify engine undercover is properly secured with all fasteners
3. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification
4. Verify no tools or materials left in engine bay
5. Reset maintenance reminder light using vehicle display controls (Settings > Vehicle Settings > Maintenance System > Reset)

Verification

• Start engine and verify no warning lights on dashboard
• Check for leaks under vehicle after engine reaches operating temperature
• Verify brake pedal feels firm and responsive
• Test drive vehicle to verify smooth transmission shifts and normal engine performance
• Recheck all fluid levels after test drive, especially coolant reservoir
• Verify proper operation of all inspected lights and accessories
• Listen for any unusual noises during test drive that might indicate improper reassembly
• After 50-100 miles, recheck wheel lug nut torque and verify no fluid leaks

More procedures for this vehicle