Toyota RAV4 Maintenance and Repair

peggie32 · July 2006

Hey there... I just happened to do a search and found your comments about the problem with your RAV radio! I am so glad to find someone else experiencing this! I purchased a 2006 RAV Sport V6 at the end of March and for the first two weeks all seemed good. I have contacted Toyota once and they have me working with the dealership. They have replaced the radio, the antenna and the antenna wire and I still have the static, popping noises. Mine seems to be worse in different geographic areas of where I live but still happens everywhere. I am in Richmond, VA. Its just an annoying thing. So I wanted to try and reach you and let you know you are not alone. Please contact Toyota as was suggested. My boyfriend believes its either a grounding issue or still related to the antenna or a potential design flaw. But to spend this much money on a compact SUV, we deserve the good JBL stereo system we thought we were getting.

rray49 · July 2006

I have tried that but on my 2006 RAV4 Sport V6 with the RS3200 security system, that doesn't seem to work. I have found no way to keep the lights from coming on when I lock the vehicle remotely or with key.

joelh1 · July 2006

I have about 500 miles on a new 2006 RAV4 (4 cyl, 2 wheel drive). There is a very annoying vibration when stopping for a light when the air conditioning is on. It almost feels like the car is about to stall. The dealer service department says it is normal for a 4 cylindar car but I know that is not true since a have had other 4 cyl cars that didn't (in fact my Altima does not shake at all). Before I call Toyota does anyone else have this problem or know the cause and cure?

quilldriver · July 2006

Any updates on this issue? I recently narrowed my new car search down to an '06 Rav4 but this problem is going to stop me from buying one if it's not fixed. I wrote to Toyota corporate today to ask about it and say as much. Maybe they'll be encouraged to do something about it if the problem begins to prevent new car sales.

ihammer · July 2006

I'm interested to know if you have test driven a 2006 RAV4 and if so, did you hear the droning noise? It happens pretty much everytime I drive my RAV4, at least at some point during reach drive.
Anyhow, I am still waiting for some news of what the cause of the problem is and for a fix for it. I have called Toyota corporate 3 times during the past week and a half, having gotten tired of waiting for them to issue a TSB. One of the people I spoke with told me he was going to talk to the technical section to see if he could get any information re the problem from them and that he would get back to me. That was 3 days ago and he has not called me back. I started a long letter to Toyota corporate today, which I will finish and mail tomorrow, basically letting them know that I'm tired of waiting around for them to come up with a fix and that I'm less than enthusiastic about ever buying another Toyota. I am also going to tell them that I filed a complaint with the NHTSA. Hopefully I'll hear something soon because sitting in my car for three hours a day during my commute is just not the quiet time it should be with a brand new Toyota.
I will keep you posted. I really love driving the car - it handles really well and has great power (V6), but I won't live with the droning noise if they don't fix it.
I'm glad you wrote to Toyota corporate - I hope they get a clue! If they fix it I'll be very happy because aside from the noise (and the useless cupholders!) the car is a joy to drive.
Sometimes I regret having traded in my perfect 2004 RAV4 which also was fun to drive and had cupholders which actually held the cups in place. It didn't have side airbags or side curtain airbags or as much power as the 2006, which is why I traded it in, but I miss the quiet normal sounding ride.

ihammer · July 2006

Sorry, I have not heard of that problem, but there is no way it's normal! My 2004 RAV4 was a 4cyl and it never had that problem.
I wouldn't take the "it's normal" excuse. One of the people on this forum who's car has the droning noise problem was told by the dealer that that was normal too! Incredible!
I test drove a 4cyl 2006 RAV4 before I bought my 6 cyl and didn't notice any rough idling.
Anyhow, good luck with that issue - I hope they solve it for you. Keep us all posted.

jarek · July 2006

I have 4 cyl. with auto trans. and with ac all the time on and in any case, in any drive/stop conditions there is no vibration at all.
jerr

jarek · July 2006

Well, I do not think this is a problem with every single vehicle. Mine does not have it.
jerr

wwest · July 2006

Most manufacturers of I4's have licensed the "balance shaft" patent and therefore use that technique to smooth out the natural vibrations of an I4.

Assuming the RAV4 has one it may be out of "time" with the rest of the rotating mass.

wolfx · July 2006

600 miles and so far no obvious "droning noise", BUT there is this light hummm...

I've had my ears perked for the last 2 weeks listening for anything that could be perceived as droning, but so far so good. However, I do notice an audible vibration when the air conditioning is on and I'm stopped at a light, but the noise drops if I shift to park. The noise is only noticeable when I turn off the radio and listen for it.

Is that the droning noise you guys speak of or is it much louder than that? I know it's not the A/C fan because when I turn off the A/C, the noise remains but changes its pitch slightly. Also, like you guys describe, the humm is not always present, or maybe it's because I'm not always attentive to it?

Again, this is a very light sounding hummm and does not raise concern (or should I be concerned??). I guess if my ears were sensitive to that pitch, it could be described as droning and annoying.

Is this what you all are speaking of?

drohrer · July 2006

Well, before I could make the first payment on our new RAV, some idiot decided to key it in a parking lot!

The scratches are all located on the driver's door and two of the three are really only "scuffs" (it doesn't look like they took off more than the shiny finish.) The third, about 2-3 inches long goes to the undercoat and maybe even down to steel.

Any good ideas on what to do about them? I hate to have insurance cover something so minor (and lose "accident free" status) and yet, we have only made one payment on the car.

I am most certainly not a car guy, but it is our first new car in 10 years and I want it to look as good as possible.

Thanks,

jdr

jimd4 · July 2006

Take it to a good body shop or have your dealer take it.

petl · July 2006

I don't know if this has been posted (sorry if it has). Consumer Reports states in their driving experience with the 4cyl, the engine "drones" at moderate speeds but is not annoying on the highway. Based on the CR comment it appears that all RAV4 4cyl engines may be prone to some droning. Unfortunately, there may be very litle that can be done about it (for those who find it annoying).

natkar · July 2006

Just drove my new RAV4 2006 for the first time at night and on a dark road and could not see more than 5 feet in from of me! Once I got home and tested the headlights switch I noticed that what looks like the main light in the front of the car only turns on for highbeam. Is this correct? The light that comes on with the main light switch is the smaller outisde light, for which there is the sliding control to lower or raise the height of the beam. Just seems crazy to me that the main light of the car can be adjusted like this and is not fixed.

Is there something wrong with my lights or and I just freaking out?

stever · July 2006

It sort of sounds like you were driving with the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) on instead of the "real" lights. Maybe check your manual while waiting for other owners to reply - I'm not even sure if your model has DRLs.

jimd4 · July 2006

Well since most people report the headlights as decent and they should not function off a "slider". There is a rotary knob at the end of the stalk, parking, low beams, high beams. I think you better read the manual.

bobbyt2 · July 2006

On the V6, the filter is located on the bottom front of the engine on the passenger side. It is silver and looks like an oil filter cap wrench. It is not the traditional oil filter where you replace the entire unit. With this type you remove the cap, drain the oil, and replace the paper filter element and 2 gaskets.

jarek · July 2006

I am facing a problem with coolant's smell that is quite intense after driving a car even on short distance. Can not identify a leak. Is anybody facing the same problem?
My Rav4 has just turned first 1000 miles.

jarek

jimd4 · July 2006

Several people have reported it and at other RAV4 sites on the web. No firm reason seems to have been identifed. Check and make sure you do not have a wiper fluid leak. Sometimes that smells similar.

jimdrew · July 2006

Posted before but just to add to your post..I bought my RAV4 V6 on Memorial day and just today I the LCD on my JBL did the Greek writing thing in bold images...tried everything to clear it and nothing changed..any ideas? BTW, I live in Florida and my air conditioning is very adequate...and it is hot!!!!

Jimmy

jimdrew · July 2006

Mine is ice cold with a 2006 V6 Sport...I live in Florida...very hot.

Jimmy

brb972 · July 2006

I just recently bought a Rav4 and as soon as I bought it I noticed a problem with the floor behind the drivers seat. I took the vehicle to the service center and they stated that I have a loose sheet metal and that I need to take it to their collision center and have it checked out. I took it to the collision center and the adjuster looked at it and said that he has never seen a problem like that before and that he would have to call Toyota and find out what to do. Has anyone had a problem like this before and is it something that I should be concerned about?

risa · July 2006

same here, i noticed the floor has a problem the next day after i brought the vehicle home. It is also behind the drivers set. I noticed it when i put a new floor mat and tried to push the floor and it bounced back and i was dissapointed. I sat my bowling bowl (12 pounds) for 5 days hoping it will fix it but didn't. I thought of taking it back to the dealer to get it fix but scared that they would tear it out, since for sure they have to take the carpeting and redo the floor. It bothers me a lot sinced i just made my first payment. please let me know if Toyota would do something to your rav4 floor. I really like my Rav4 even sometimes it hesitates at 2nd gear and when the a/c is on the engine sounds so loud sounds like an older car.

ihammer · July 2006

I just went out to the garage to check the floor behind my driver's seat and when I pushed on it, it bounced back. I had a friend look at it and she pushed on it too and said she thought it was actually the carpet and not the sheet metal underneath the carpet. So I pushed on it again and the carpet does push down, but the floor under it feels solid. I think the carpet is just weird - like a molded piece with some material in it that makes it act kind of like cardboard. At least I'm hoping that's all it is. The droning noise, the hesitation for downshifting and the rattle in the dashboard is more than enough to deal with!
Maybe recheck the floor behind the driver's seat and see if you think it's just poorly designed carpet or if it's really the sheet metal of the floor. Best wishes to you and to brb972!

hells_bells · July 2006

Is there any way to leave the AUX DC Power Port (cigarette lighters) on without leaving the key in the ignition?

rcolbourn · July 2006

Glad to see that I am not alone here. My dealership said that at this time there is nothing they can do until Toyota comes up with a way to fix this problem. It definately seems to be a wiring issue. All I can hope for is that enough people report this issue and Toyota gets it fixed soon. Good Luck

jimd4 · July 2006

Call the Toyota main customer service number and let them kmow. Maybe send a letter. The more documented reports they get the more attention you will get along with everyone else who has this problem.

peggie32 · July 2006

I have emailed Toyota and just sent a 5 page certified letter last week detailing the static/popping issues and also including a few other complaints I printed off other websites. I am not sure if you are interested in pursuing but I have been told this clearly falls under the lemon law. I have given my dealership three opportunities to fix it and the Customer Relations Manager there handled my whole case poorly. But you should email Toyota again or write them and let them know the dealership said they could not do anything. That is unacceptable. I will keep you posted when I hear anything back.

rcolbourn · July 2006

For those experiencing this problem please call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 800-331-4331 option 6.

silveravin · July 2006

the sound that I hear is faint most of the time and only noticeable when the car is at a standstill, transmission in park or drive. I have heard it, barely, while driving at low speeds, but the sound is drowned out by the road noise. Also air conditioning does not effect it one way or the other. One night while running an errand it was louder and definitely audible to the point of annoying and while driving, but it has since quieted to the normal low hum, only audible about half the time I start the car...I think usually when it's cool outside.

I called the Toyota dealer and he said to wait until it was more prevalent b/c the mechanic needs to diagnose it and reproduce it while it's happening. He didn't know of any specifics about this issue and said it may be a belt that needs lube or tightening. Also said it shouldn't be an issue other than inconvenience b/c it'd be under warranty. It doesn't seem to have an effect on performance.

ihammer · July 2006

Ihave about 5,000 miles on my 2006 4x2 6cyl RAV4 and the droning noise happens everytime I drive the car - usually not when I start the car for the first time on any given day. It usually starts after I've been driving for awhile. It mostly is heard at lower speeds, but I have heard it driving on the freeway even with the radio on. If I leave home in the morning and drive 40 miles to work, drop my things at the office and then go to move my car to the parking garage the drone usually starts up immediately after turning the engine on to go to the garage. When I get to the garage and put it into reverse to back into a space the drone goes higher in pitch/tone and if I shift back into park the drone goes lower in tone/pitch. I duplicated that drone pitch change 8 -10 times sitting in the parking garage this morning just shifting back and forth from park to reverse with the car idling and the handbrake on. Very disturbing to say the least. So it seems to have gotten worse over time even though it started shortly after I got the car. I have had it at the dealer and they could not figure it out even though the mechanic could hear it and duplicate it. Now Toyota customer service is involved and some Toyota district service tech is supposed to call me to set up an appointment to check it out. The woman who returned my call from customer service mentioned something about a fuel pump/fuel line - probably because I had given the mechanic at the dealer a copy of ofelia's email in which she mentioned that her fuelline had been replaced due to the droning noise. I told Toyota customer service that I didn't want them experimenting with my car - that I wanted them to know what the problem and fix was before they do anything to my car as I don't want to have to go back more than once. I also told them that if they replace a part I want to be sure that the new part is not from the same bad batch that caused the drone problem to begin with. I worry that I may be in for a long drawn out ordeal since it has been a month and a half since I first took the car to the dealer. And I wonder if whatever is doing the droning is causing other parts to wear out.
Besides the drone, there is a piece on the dashboard (plastic around the emergency flasher button) which rattles and the carpet behind the driver's seat springs back up when you push on it. Also,it would be nice if Toyota would design an insert for the poorly designed cupholders so that cups don't flop around every time you go around a corner or start up quickly. My 2004 RAV4 had great cupholders and was perfect - sorry I traded it in now, but I wanted side curtain and side airbags and more power. This 2006 is a blast to drive - handling and acceleration wise, but if I had known about the problems I have encountered I would not have given my 2004 up.

quilldriver · August 2006

I posted an e-mail here a couple of weeks ago to say I am a potential 2006 Rav4 buyer but was waiting for this "droaning" noise problem to be resolved by Toyota. I also wrote to Toyota HQ about it. Yesterday (July 31) I received their reply, which said: "As of today's date, Toyota does not have a SSC (Special Service Campaign) regarding a 'droaning' noise."

It sounds serious enough, based on all of your combined comments, and as ihammer just said, I'd be concerned about possible impact on other parts of the engine. But even if this is a harmless (albeit annoying) noise, it flies in the face of Toyota's trademark reputation for a smooth, quiet ride. I would think they'd want to protect this reputation by addressing this issue head-on...never mind this is one of their hottest selling vehicles. As for my choice, I'm particularly sensitive to noise, so I won't be buying one unless they fix it.

edinstk · August 2006

New to this forum, but want to inform as many owners of a major defect that has a simple solution. An unprotected fume canister located underneath the vehicle on the driver's side has been documented as having been torn off after the vehicle was driven @50mph over a 1/2 inch puddle. You can easily see the black canister (square 5 inch x 5 inches with several hoses connected to it) without jacking up the vehicle. The US version does not have the protective plate. If the canister is torn off, there is a hazard of fire and mechanical damage if the vehicle is continued to be driven. Replacement canisters are expensive and not readily available. (3 week wait) Some owners have documented this problem with NHTS so far Toyota US has not made any movement to correct this problem nor do they consider this a warranty issue. Several owners have fabricated a protective shield as a protective measure. RAV4 world has a forum topic that discusses this problem and has pictures. Strongly recommend that if you or a friend have the skills, that you fabricate a simple 2 bolt shield.

dalec · August 2006

Before buying my 2006 RAV4 2.4L (has 250 miles on it)I test drove a 2006 RAV 4 V-6 that had a "frigid" AC - Very disappointed in my ac- does not blow cold. (Is it the engine that makes the difference?) Took it back to dealership, and they state that nothing is wrong, etc. My '98 RAV4 is much colder than my new RAV. Good thing that I am usually the one person in the vehicle - all others would not be too cool, especially in back seat. Any suggestions?

jaxs1 · August 2006

It may the the engines. The V6 might have a bigger A/C unit, but maybe the weather conditions just were not the same when you used the A/C.

wwest · August 2006

Of fairly recent times Toyota has discontinued the use of the engine cooling hot water shutoff valve to block the flow of heat to the AC system. If you use the max cool position and then the blower manually to regulate your comfort level is the best policy to get the most efficient cooling.

impsrule · August 2006

Overall, I love my new 2006 Rav 4 Limited. It seems solidly built, it's as fast as they claim with the V-6, I like the added length. However... although I usually park in the middle of the parking lot (with any car I drive) in order to avoid door dings, I was unable to do so recenly. I returned to my car with a SEVERE door ding

, and it hit me: unlike RAV4's of year's past (with the dart-shaped body cladding to protect it), our new Rav4's have NO RUB STRIP at all to protect against door dings. I've checked with the dealer and written the Toyota website, but it seems there's no plan for a door rub-strip kit. It just seems odd to me... :confuse: Has anyone else gotten a supermarket 'hit' yet?

jimdrew · August 2006

Why should the new owners of a Toyota have fabricate anything? C'mon, these cars aren't exactly cheap....this is a definate safety issue....I for one will send a note to Toyota and complain...I have grandkids and sure don't want them to be riding in a potentially dangerouse automobile.

Jimmy Drew

jimdrew · August 2006

I took the grandkids back home last weekend up to Gainesville and used one of those movie thingees for them to look at. I plugged it into the front power supply and when I tried to unplug it...whamo, the whole power supply pulled out. I thought, well it might be the adapter that you plug in so I tried a couple of others...same thing. Anyone else have this problem?

glideslopes · August 2006

Order the Side Moldings from a Canadian Dealer. Ordered them for the wifes 06 RAV. Easy to install. $80.00 USD. $14.00 S&H UPS.

glideslopes · August 2006

Nothing is impossible on Edmunds.

dalec · August 2006

Thanks for your response - you are probably correct. The conditions were pretty much the same-hot as heck here in Texas, but my old '98 Rav4 is still the "coldest." Toyota will probably improve the a.c. if enough complaints come in, but won't do me much good. Am enjoying the added length and extra interior space though.

ihammer · August 2006

I bought my 2006 V6 RAV 4 4x2 April 30 and have been hearing the droning noise off an on the whole time - at least at some point every time I drive the car. VERY IRRITATING! I first took it to the dealer around June 15th and got an appointment for June 26th and though the master tech heard it he couldn't determine the cause of the noise.He talked with Toyota's tech section the next day and called me back to tell me to sit tight, there was no solution and they'd call me when there was. Toyota called me yesterday (8/4/06 - over a month later)
to say they are going to replace the fuel pump. We'll see if that works. Ofelia had something like that done to her RAV 4 and she hasn't been back to the forum to mention the droning noise again so maybe that fix worked. I'll keep you who are concerned about the droning posted as to how it goes with that fix after it gets done. The dealer has ordered the part and I'm waiting for them to call me to come in to have the new fuel pump installed. Keeping my fingers crossed!

jorgeorge · August 2006

Does anyone know if the driver's seat tracks could be replaced to extend for more leg room? And would this modification in anyway be regarded by Toyota as a safety issue.
I would love to get more leg room.

xtek3 · August 2006

ihammer, pls keep the post going w/ this problem. If the fuel pump is the fix, thjat would ba an awesome revelation as I too get this droning noise when driving around 50-65MPH. I've got 1800 mi. on it. '06 AWD V6. Almost sounds
like passing over a grated bridge/road.

xtek3 · August 2006

Ditto to that jorgeorge, would like to find that fix!!

sandi123 · August 2006

Just bought a red Rav4 4x4 V6 (no 3rd seat) in the metro Chicago area:
Base vehicle #4453A $23,540
Options: EJ, GY, HD, LA, RL, SR, TO, CF $3020
Delivery fee $605
Toyota Dealer Association (TDA)fee $455
Gas Charge $10
Got mudguards thrown in at no additional charge and 2 free oil changes

Dealer offered me a $4,500 for my 1999 Camry XLE V6 loaded with all the options available in 1999 so I sold the car myself for more than double the dealer's low trade-in offer

I paid $150 over dealer cost for a total of $27,780. I tried to negotiate the TDA down a little but no go here. A RAV V6 with the options above is hard to get in Illinois. I would not pay anything over invoice for a 2006 RAV for the rest of the year since the new RAVs will be out in November. I waited for 3 months for the dealer to locate a red RAV V6 with leather and I think I got a reasonable deal.

jorgeorge · August 2006

Is it worth getting the extended Toyota warranties?

stever · August 2006

There's lots of reading material in the Extended Warranties discussion you may want to skim while waiting for responses in here.

jorgeorge · August 2006

thanks
didn't know there was one

Toyota RAV4 Maintenance and Repair

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles