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SUVs Toyota RAV4 Toyota RAV4 2006
4666 messages, Last post on Nov 26, 2009 at 4:56 PM
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Hi all - just thought i would post a message here to report that the dealership fixed several of the issues with my 2006 RAV4 Limited (4 cyl). I took it in for the 30K service and told them about the issues I was having with the throttle lag, gear hunting when using cruise control, and the leak on the passenger side footwell. This is the same dealership that would not do anything about my possessed radio until they saw it misbehave for themselves, so I was prepared to have to battle them on these other issues that have been plaguing me and others in this forum. They resolved all of the issues without a fight, and the service rep said there were TSBs out for all of these issues. The throttle lag and cruise control issues were resolved with an upgrade/reprogramming for the ECU, and a replacement shield somewhere in the dash area resolved the leak issue. This was all done yesterday, so I have yet to verify the cruise control issue, but the throttle lag is definitely fixed. I'll check out the cruise control on a trip tomorrow, and I'll have to wait for another heavy rain to verify whether the leak issue was resolved. So - if you're still having these issues, get out to the dealership and get them fixed!
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Replying to: charles64 (Oct 30, 2007 5:15 am) One of the only ways I can think of to "combat" the infamous "throttle lag" (1-2 second transaxle downshift delay/hesitation) is to revise the firmware so as to go ahead and downshift the transaxle upon entry into coastdown period (no pressure on teh gas pedal) but simultaneously "uprev" the engine to prevent any significant level of engine compression braking, braking which might otherwise potentially result in loss of directional control should the roadbed traction be poor. There are already posts indicating that FWD vehicles with stick shifts, like the Suzuki SX4 and the Honda Accord, are doing this, automatically up-reving the engine, to alleviate potential problems with engine compression braking when the driver downshifts. Along with the TSB that eliminates the "throttle lag" do you now notice the engine slightly "up-reving" occassionally during "coastdown" periods, say at 40-30 or 10-0 MPH..? But I am concerned about the TSB regarding the shiftiness under cruise control. I have assumed the shiftiness is/was due to an attempt to improve FE and it seems that any "improvement" toward less shiftiness would therefore get the immediate attention of the EPA/CARB. Or maybe that just overdid the shiftiness....and there was no FE gain, or it was so small as to be not really measureable.
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Replying to: wwest (Oct 30, 2007 12:10 pm) Not sure what the cause was for the shiftiness - but for me the gear hunting seemed to be isolated to relatively low upgrades. I have always read that the best way to optimize fuel economy was to be super smooth with the throttle and shifting - so the gear hunting behavior seems counter to that. I did not experience any hunting on flat roads, and on steep upgrades the trans shifted to a lower gear for most of the duration. One other behavior I noticed with the cruise control was that any downshift for a steep upgrade seemed to "hang" in the lower gear for a few beats longer than seemed necessary. After cresting a hill or leveling out, the trans would stay in the lower gear - then when the trans did finally upshift it seemed to be a beat out of sync with letting off the throttle.... Anyway, I have a 200+ mile interstate trip tomorrow that will give the cruise control a good workout.
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Replying to: charles64 (Oct 30, 2007 5:46 pm) I suspect that with the advent of so many cars with CVT and e-CVT transmissions the engineers are learning new tricks. For instance using the torque converter's OD lockup clutch to extend the 6-speed to 9-speeds and thereby keep the engine closer to the best FE in "all" cruising circumstances. |
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Replying to: 01taurussel (Oct 01, 2007 5:53 pm) Has this happened to anybody else? |
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Does anyone have information about how often the auto trans fluid should be changed on the 2006 RAV4 (4 cyl, 4x4)? I am getting conflicting info from 2 dealerships - one recommends changing it at 30k miles and the other says 100k. Also, if this needs to be changed, is this a do-it-yourself job or does it require specialized equipment/skills? Can't get a lot of info about this anywhere. Here are more details: I have a 2006 Rav4 limited, 4cyl 4x4, with just under 40K miles. At the 30K service, I thought the dealership changed the trans fluid - but they did not. At 35K I had the oil changed and tires rotated at a different dealership. They checked the trans fluid and said it was really dirty and should be replaced - at the tune of $155 for a flush and fill. I went back to the first dealership that did the 30K service and confirmed that they did not change the trans fluid. They checked the fluid and said it was fine - and that the trans conforms to international specs - no change needed until 100k miles. The first dealership said that it is normal for the trans fluid to get dark and that it is fine. So - 5k miles later I go back to the second dealership for an oil/filter change and tire rotation - and they again bring up the trans fluid - all concerned about how dirty it is and that they recommend this $155 flush and fill. I went around and around with them a bit about this. I've got the recommendation of one dealership vs another, and there is zero info in the manual/service specs about changing the trans fluid. Can anyone shed any light on this? Is there a modified service schedule I should be following? I do not tow anything, and I drive a mix of highway and local miles. Thanks- C
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| Has anybody had to replace their brakes yet for their '06 Rav4? I have 45k miles and have traveled all over the place in the car. I don't notice any rubbing but was curious when other people are replacing their brakes? Thanks. | |
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Replying to: charles64 (Jul 19, 2008 7:03 am) Regular Maintenance Both manual and automatic transmissions require regular maintenance to help ensure their proper operation. Transmission fluid loses its friction properties and can become contaminated over time. The maintenance schedules in Repair Manuals or Owners Manuals indicate the appropriate intervals based on how the vehicle is used. Currently (2008) for vehicles that are used for towing (severe service), recommended replacement of the automatic transmission fluid at is 60,000 miles or 72 months and every 30,000 miles, or 72 months thereafter. This is for drivers who regularly: • Tow a trailer, or use a camper or car top carrier • Operate on dusty, rough, muddy or salt-spread roads • Travel short distances (less than 5 miles) when the outside temperature is below freezing • Engage in low speed driving for long distances or extensive idling (e.g. police, taxi drivers or delivery personnel) Manual transmission vehicles regularly used for towing should have their transmission fluid replaced at 30,000 miles or 36 months and every 30,000 or 36 months thereafter. The normal maintenance schedule for both automatic and manual transmission does not recommend an inspection of the fluid or any specific replacement interval. This is for vehicles that are not routinely used for towing (severe service). Automatic transmissions using ATF-WS fluid (2004–2008) have an inspection interval of 100,000 miles and no specific replacement interval. Checking the Fluid Level in Automatiatic Transmissions The fluid level in an automatic transmission should be checked with the dipstick after the transmission has been warmed up to normal operating temperature (approximately 158°F to 176°F). As a rule of thumb, if the graduated end of the dipstick is too hot to hold, the fluid is at operating temperature. The fluid level is proper if it is in the “hot” range between “hot maximum” and “hot minimum.” The “cool” level on the dipstick should be used as a reference only when the transmission is cold. The correct fluid level should only be checked when the fluid is hot and the transmission is in “Park” with the engine running at idle. To ensure proper operation of the automatic transmission, the fluid level should be kept at the correct level at all times. If the fluid level is too low, the transmission oil pump can draw in air, causing air to mix with the fluid. This lowers the hydraulic pressure, causing slippage and potential damage to the clutches and brakes. If the fluid level is too high, the planetary gears and other rotating components agitate the fluid. This can cause air bubbles to collect in the fluid and may result in similar complications as a low fluid level. In addition, this aerated fluid tends to rise in the case and may leak from the breather plug at the top of the transmission or through the dipstick tube. Transmissions using ATF-WS (some model Toyotas 2004–2008) are sealed units and do not require a fluid change during the life of the vehicle under normal operating conditions. Therefore fluid checks are not necessary and the dipsticks have been eliminated on these vehicles. In a transaxle (front wheel drive) the differential is part of the transaxle and is lubricated by the same fluid as the transmission, regardless if it’s an automatic or manual transmission. Automatiatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is a special hi-grade petroleum-based mineral oil mixed with several special additives. From 1994 through 2008 the main types of automatic transmission fluid used in Toyota vehicles are: • Dexron III • Type T • Type T-II • Type T-IV • ATF-WS Transmissions specifying Dexron III can only use that type of fluid. Type T-IV can replace both Type T and Type T-II. ATF-WS is only used on some later model Toyotas (2004–2008) and has the advantage of a 100,000 mile inspection interval and no required fluid change during the life of the vehicle under normal operating conditions. Therefore the transmissions on these vehicles are sealed, eliminating the transmission fluid dipstick. |
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Replying to: ajg33 (Jul 29, 2008 12:11 pm) |
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I recently brought my Rav4 in because the brake booster failed. What a scary experience that was, I was driving slowly thank God, when I had to use my brakes but they weren't there for me. I immediately took my Rav4 to our family mechanic and his findings were the brake booster. $900.00 to repair. The kicker tho is this, he's not sure if the master cylinder played a role in the booster's failure, he needs to replace the part then test it so we are looking at another possible repair bill. ($600-$700) My vehicle is 12 days over the 36 months and it has 44,000 miles. This is my first Toyota and my last. I have always had good fortune with my cars. I am curious if anyone else has had or are having the same issues?
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