Body and Frame: Service Precautions
HANDLING PRECAUTIONS ON RELATED COMPONENTS1. SRS AIRBAG
The TOYOTA RAV4 is equipped with an SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbag as an option. Failure to carry out service operations in the correct sequence could cause the airbag system to unexpectedly deploy during servicing, possibly leading to a serious accident.
Further, if a mistake is made in servicing the airbag system, it is possible the airbag may fail to operate when required.
Before performing servicing (including removal or installation of parts, inspection or replacement), be sure to read the following items carefully, then follow the correct procedure described in the applicable service procedures for relevant model.
Location of Components
1. Never disassemble the steering wheel pad assembly.
2. Do not subject the steering wheel pad to shocks or bring magnets close to it.
3. Do not expose the steering wheel pad to high temperatures or fire.
4. If grease, cleaner, oil or water gets on the steering wheel pad, promptly wipe it off with a dry cloth.
5. Do not drop the steering wheel pad. Never use a steering wheel pad which has been dropped.
6. Never install the steering wheel and pad in another vehicle.
7. When the steering wheel pad is removed, store it on a stable, flat place with the pad surface facing upwards. Never place anything on top of the pad.
8. When work on the vehicle will produce too strong a shock, first loosen the sensor lock release bolt until it turns freely and perform the work after sensor lock occurs.
9. Even in cases where the vehicle is in a low-impact accident where the airbag is not activated, always check the pad surface and airbag sensor part. If dents, cracks or deformation is visible, replace the air-bag with a new assembly.
10. When disposing of the vehicle or steering wheel, always deploy the airbag first.
11. The deployed inflator inside the steering wheel pad is hot, so dispose of it after it has been cooled by atmospheric air. Never apply water to cool it down.
2. BRAKE SYSTEM
The brake system is one of the most important safety components. Always follow the directions and notes given in applicable service procedures for the relevant model year when handling brake system parts.
3. DRIVE TRAIN AND CHASSIS
The drive train and chassis are components that can have great effects on the running performance and vibration resistance of the vehicle. After installing components in the sections listed in the table, perform alignments to ensure correct mounting angles and dimensions. Particularly accurate repair of the body must also be done to ensure correct alignment.
HINT: Correct procedures and special tools are required for alignment. Always follow the directions given in the applicable service procedures for the relevant model during alignment.
4. ECU (ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT)
Locations of ECUs
Many ECUs are mounted in this vehicle.
Take the following precautions during body repair to prevent damage to the ECUs.
- Before removing and inspecting the electrical parts or before starting electric welding operations, disconnect the negative (-) terminal cable from the battery.
- Do not expose the ECUs to ambient temperatures above 80 degrees C (176 degrees F).
HINT: If it is possible the ambient temperature may reach 80 degrees C (176 degrees F) or more, remove the ECUs from the vehicle before starting work.
- Be careful not to drop the ECUs and not to apply physical shocks to them.
5. COMPONENTS ADJACENT TO THE BODY PANELS
Various types of component parts are mounted directly on or adjacently to the body panels.
Strictly observe the following precautions to prevent damaging these components and the body panels during handling.
- Before repairing the body panels, remove their adjacent components or apply protective covers over the components.
- Before prying components off using a screwdriver or a scraper, etc., attach protective tape to the tool tip or blade to prevent damaging the components and the body paint.
- Before removing components from the outer surface of the body, attach protective tape to the body to ensure no damage to painted areas.
HINT: Apply touch-up paint to any damaged paint surfaces.
- Before drilling or cutting sections, make sure that there are no wires, hoses, etc. on the reverse side.