maintenance
90K Service
for 2021 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
4.2 h
Tools
16
Steps
15
Comprehensive 90,000 mile maintenance service including engine oil change, transmission fluid drain and fill, coolant flush, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, cabin filter replacement, and multi-point inspection.
Warnings
⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before draining coolant to avoid severe burns from pressurized hot coolant
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight
⚠Toyota WS transmission fluid is specific to this transmission. Do not substitute with other ATF types
⚠Engine oil and transmission fluid will be hot if engine has been running. Allow adequate cooling time
ℹ️This procedure performs a drain and fill on the transmission, not a complete flush. Approximately 4 quarts will drain from the pan
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack stands (4)Essential
Wheel chocksEssential
Socket set (10mm-19mm)Essential
Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)Essential
Oil drain pan (6+ quart capacity)Essential
Transmission fluid drain panEssential
Coolant drain panEssential
Funnel setEssential
Spark plug socket (16mm)Essential
Spark plug gap toolEssential
Coolant refill tool or funnel with air bleed capability
Trim removal tool set
Shop ragsEssential
Nitrile glovesEssential
Safety glassesEssential
Parts
- Engine oil filter × 1 — Toyota 04152-YZZA6 or equivalent
- Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Toyota 90430-12031
- Spark plugs (set of 4) × 4 — Toyota 90919-01253 (Denso SK20R11)
- Engine air filter × 1 — Toyota 17801-0P051 or equivalent
- Cabin air filter × 1 — Toyota 87139-02090 or equivalent
- Transmission drain plug gasket × 1 — Toyota 90430-A0007 or equivalent
Fluids
- Toyota Genuine 0W-20 Engine Oil — 5 qt
- Toyota WS ATF — 4 qt
- Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 10 qt
- DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt
- Windshield Washer Fluid — 3.5 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours if recently driven)
- Gather all required parts, fluids, and tools
- Verify spark plug gap specification is 0.039-0.043 inches (1.0-1.1mm) for new plugs
- Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jack point
- Install jack stands under frame rail support points on both sides
- Lift rear of vehicle and install jack stands under rear support points
- Remove all four wheels and set aside
- Verify vehicle is stable on all four jack stands before proceeding
Procedure
- 1Drain engine oil and remove filterLocate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan toward the rear. Position drain pan underneath. Remove the drain plug using a 14mm socket and allow oil to drain completely (approximately 10 minutes). While draining, move to the passenger side of the engine and locate the oil filter (white canister). Use an oil filter wrench to remove the filter by turning counterclockwise. Allow remaining oil to drain from filter mounting area.
- 2Install new oil filter and drain plugLightly oil the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with fresh engine oil. Thread the new filter onto the mounting base by hand, turning clockwise. Once the gasket contacts the mounting surface, tighten an additional 3/4 turn by hand only (do not use filter wrench for installation). Clean the oil drain plug threads and sealing surface. Install new crush washer onto drain plug. Thread drain plug into oil pan by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then torque to specification.
- 3Drain automatic transmission fluidLocate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan (driver side of vehicle, forward of oil pan). Position a clean drain pan underneath. Using a 10mm hex (Allen) socket, slowly remove the transmission drain plug. Allow fluid to drain completely until it stops dripping (approximately 15 minutes). The fluid should be red/pink and not burned smelling. Inspect the drain plug magnet for excessive metal debris.
- 4Reinstall transmission drain plugClean the drain plug and magnet thoroughly with a clean rag. Install new drain plug gasket onto the drain plug. Thread drain plug into transmission pan by hand first, then tighten to 29 Nm (21 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Note: This torque value is not in the provided list, so tighten firmly by hand plus 1/4 turn.
- 5Drain engine coolantLocate the radiator drain cock on the bottom driver side of the radiator. Position a coolant drain pan underneath capable of holding at least 3 gallons. Turn the drain cock counterclockwise to open (plastic wing nut). Allow coolant to drain completely. Additionally, remove the radiator cap slowly to vent the system and allow complete drainage. Once drained, close the radiator drain cock by turning clockwise until snug (hand tight only, do not overtighten plastic component).
- 6Replace engine air filterOpen the hood and locate the air filter housing on the driver side of the engine bay. Release the clips securing the air box cover (typically 4-6 metal or plastic clips). Lift the cover to access the air filter element. Remove the old air filter and note its orientation. Clean any debris from inside the air box housing with a clean rag. Install the new air filter in the same orientation as the old one.
- 7Replace cabin air filterOpen the glove box and remove all contents. Press inward on both sides of the glove box to release the stops and allow it to drop down fully. Locate the cabin air filter access cover on the left side behind where the glove box was. Press the tabs to release the cover and slide it out. Remove the old cabin air filter (note the airflow direction arrow). Install the new cabin air filter with the arrow pointing in the same direction (toward the rear of vehicle). Reinstall the access cover and return glove box to normal position.
- 8Remove ignition coils and spark plugsLocate the four ignition coils on top of the engine (they have electrical connectors and bolt down over the spark plugs). Disconnect each ignition coil electrical connector by pressing the tab and pulling straight up. Remove the single 10mm bolt securing each coil. Carefully pull each coil straight up and out. Using compressed air, blow out any debris from around the spark plug wells. Use a 16mm spark plug socket with extension to remove all four spark plugs, turning counterclockwise. Keep plugs in order if you want to inspect them.
- 9Install new spark plugs and ignition coilsVerify the gap on each new spark plug is 0.039-0.043 inches (1.0-1.1mm). Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads of each new spark plug (avoid getting any on the electrode). Thread each spark plug into its cylinder by hand first to ensure proper threading. Tighten spark plugs to 18 Nm (13 lb-ft). Note: This torque is not in the provided list, so tighten firmly until snug, typically about 1/4 turn after gasket contact. Reinstall ignition coils by inserting straight down into the spark plug wells. Install and torque the 10mm retaining bolts, then reconnect electrical connectors to each coil.
- 10Refill engine coolantUsing a funnel, pour Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) into the radiator filler neck until it reaches the bottom of the neck. Install the radiator cap. Locate the coolant reservoir tank and fill it to the FULL line with coolant. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature with the heater on high. Monitor coolant level and add as needed. Once the thermostat opens and coolant circulates, check for leaks and verify coolant level stabilizes. After engine reaches operating temperature, shut off and allow to cool. Recheck coolant level in reservoir and top off to FULL line if needed.
- 11Refill automatic transmission fluidLocate the transmission fluid dipstick (red handle, driver side of engine bay near firewall). Remove the dipstick. Using a long funnel inserted into the dipstick tube, add exactly 4.0 quarts of Toyota WS ATF. Reinstall the dipstick. Start the engine and allow it to idle. With the engine running and transmission in Park, check the fluid level on the dipstick (it should read in the COLD range). Add fluid if necessary in small increments.
- 12Refill engine oilRemove the engine oil filler cap on top of the engine (marked with oil can symbol). Using a funnel, add 4.5 quarts of Toyota Genuine 0W-20 engine oil. Install the oil filler cap. Start the engine and allow it to run for 30 seconds, then shut off. Wait 5 minutes for oil to drain back into the pan. Check the oil level using the dipstick and add the remaining 0.5 quarts as needed to reach the FULL mark. Do not overfill.
- 13Check and top off brake fluidLocate the brake fluid reservoir on the driver side of the engine bay near the firewall. Check the fluid level against the MIN and MAX marks on the translucent reservoir. If the level is below MAX, add DOT 3 brake fluid to bring it to the MAX line. Do not overfill. If fluid level is significantly low, inspect brake system for leaks or worn brake pads.
- 14Refill washer fluid and reinstall wheelsLocate the windshield washer fluid reservoir (blue cap with windshield symbol) in the engine bay. Fill with windshield washer fluid until full (approximately 3.5 quarts). Reinstall all four wheels onto their hubs, ensuring the mounting surfaces are clean. Thread all lug nuts by hand first. Using a socket, tighten lug nuts in a star pattern snug but not to final torque while vehicle is still on jack stands.
- 15Lower vehicle and torque wheel lug nutsCarefully raise the vehicle slightly using the floor jack to unload the jack stands. Remove all four jack stands and slowly lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Using a torque wrench, torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (tighten opposing lug nuts in sequence). Double-check that all lug nuts are properly torqued.
Reassembly
- Verify all drain plugs are installed and torqued properly
- Confirm all fluid levels are correct: engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid
- Ensure all ignition coil electrical connectors are firmly attached
- Verify air filter housing cover is properly secured with all clips engaged
- Confirm glove box operates normally after cabin filter replacement
- Double-check that no tools or rags were left in the engine bay
- Verify radiator cap and oil filler cap are installed properly
Verification
- Start the engine and verify no warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard
- Listen for any unusual noises from the engine - new spark plugs should result in smooth idle
- Check under the vehicle for any fluid leaks from oil drain plug, transmission drain plug, or coolant drain cock
- Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify cooling fan cycles on and off normally
- Test drive the vehicle for 10-15 minutes, checking transmission shifts smoothly through all gears
- After test drive, recheck all fluid levels with engine warm and top off if necessary
- Verify transmission fluid level is in the HOT range on dipstick after vehicle is fully warmed up
- Inspect under vehicle one final time after test drive for any signs of leaks
- Reset maintenance reminder in vehicle information display if equipped
- Record service date and mileage for future maintenance tracking