New Member And A Couple Of Questions

[The Striding Man]

Hi folks,

I will be picking up our 2004 Rav4 (2.0 vvti) on Saturday. This is my first Toyota and bought the car to get the family about during the winter.

The car is a one owner vehicle and the early history is all there but gets patchy after 2008-2009. The mileage is around 75000. I am planning an oil change just as a precaution, and am wondering if the timing chain should be replaced as a precautionary measure as well. I'm planning to do most of the minor servicing myself (I own a 1986 Ford Capri 2.8 so I'm used to getting the spanners out)

Any advice would be welcome.

[firemac]

Hi folks,

I will be picking up our 2004 Rav4 (2.0 vvti) on Saturday. This is my first Toyota and bought the car to get the family about during the winter.

The car is a one owner vehicle and the early history is all there but gets patchy after 2008-2009. The mileage is around 75000. I am planning an oil change just as a precaution, and am wondering if the timing chain should be replaced as a precautionary measure as well. I'm planning to do most of the minor servicing myself (I own a 1986 Ford Capri 2.8 so I'm used to getting the spanners out)

Any advice would be welcome.

Hi Arthur,

Welcome to the forum (makes me think we should all be in togas, that does). We've got an 02 reg VVTi that's just turned 70K miles. I've never heard of the timing chain needing changing on the RAV. They're pretty bullet-proof all round really so yours should have lots of life left in it.

Capri 2.8 - nice. Is it a Brooklands or a 280?

Rgds,

Jim

[Joylove]

The rear brakes don't get used much, so check for black deposits on the discs from sticking pads and a reluctance to roll downhill. A brake fluid change every 2 years is recommended.

They love to munch an o2 sensor (of which there are 4), which on a 2000 you won't get a Check Engine Light (CEL) for; so watch for dodgy idle and rich running/poor consumption. Probe the two black wires (heater coil) expect ~4Ohms. Open Circuit = faulty.

Ideally if you are into software consider Techstream with a J1534 Passthru adaptor like the XHorse.

Front ARB droplinks can go at £25 for aftermarket parts, more for quality genuine units.

The Idle Control valve can get a bit gummed up.

I think a cam chain only needs doing if it's stretched so far that the tensioner is over extended, it's not a routine maintenance item like a cam belt.

That's all I know of, good little vehicle by all accounts.

[IanXT4]

Welcome,

I have owned a VVTi XT4 manual since 2004, very reliable car (touch wood) :)

The VVTi engine has an internal cam chain that subject to regular oil changes should last life of the engine.

An oil change is a prudent measure, however, if the service history over the last couple of years is questionable you might consider the following:

Changing rear diff and front transfer box oil - these due every two years.

Checking the gearbox oil level (if a manual) possibly consider a change dependant on history.

Change brake /clutch fluid - due every two years

Check its had new spark plugs (Iridium plugs due approx 6 years or 60K)

Check/clean the air filter this is a 5 minute job

Clean the pollen filter behind the glove box, 5 minute job usually full of dead flies and leaves !!

Consider removing and lubing rear brakes, this is a 30 minute job assuming the pins have not already seized.

Most of these are covered in DIY's the technical section at the top of this forum

Good luck

PS just noticed the above post as I was writing this.

2004 cars do not have idle valves (all electronic) - one less thing to worry about

They also have different O2 sensors - only 2 vs 4 in the earlier models.

[Joylove]

PS just noticed the above post as I was writing this.

2004 cars do not have idle valves (all electronic) - one less thing to worry about

They also have different O2 sensors - only 2 vs 4 in the earlier models.

I'm sure it said 2000 in the OP and 2004 in the signature when I read it. Must be getting old, eyesight is going

[jirehn]

Hi dude,Welcome to TOC,Glad to have you here.Well I think you are really happy with Toyota this is really cool cars.

[Big Kev]

Hi dude,Welcome to TOC,Glad to have you here.Well I think you are really happy with Toyota this is really cool cars.

Are you an RAF World War Two pilot whom which appears sometimes in sketches on a comedy programme, your Dudeness....?

And Alloa to the new member Striding Man from Clackmannanville, who is either Johnnie Walker or works for Diageo "quite locally....?

Big Kev

[The Striding Man]

First of all a big thank you to all the folks that replied, there is plenty to be getting on with from your helpful suggestions. I will be changing all of the fluids asap including the engine coolant in readiness for the winter. I have browsed around the forum and there are some excellent guides and bags of useful information here.

Jim, the Capri is a 2.8 injection in black that i have owned for 21 years and have only recently put back on the road after a 16 year lay up. Kev, you're spot on mate. I'm a Diageo employee working over in Fife at Cameronbridge Distillery. That's what the RAV is for. The snow last winter got the better of me

Cheers, and thanks again for all your help.

[CharlieFarlie]

Cooooor 2.8 Capri !! I used to have a big thing for Capris Years ago !!! I had six or seven of them !! 3.0s and Ghia.. several 2.8S And a Tickford Turbo !!! !Removed! hell I wish I still had that one !!I had a final edition Brooklands but it was stolen !! I will see if I can scan some picture up when I get home next week ....

Went on to Cosworth Sierras after the Capris but still have soft spot for the Capri.... :thumbsup:

Welcome to the Forum New Best Mate !!!

Wee Charlie.

[IanXT4]

First of all a big thank you to all the folks that replied, there is plenty to be getting on with from your helpful suggestions. I will be changing all of the fluids asap including the engine coolant in readiness for the winter. I have browsed around the forum and there are some excellent guides and bags of useful information here.

Jim, the Capri is a 2.8 injection in black that i have owned for 21 years and have only recently put back on the road after a 16 year lay up. Kev, you're spot on mate. I'm a Diageo employee working over in Fife at Cameronbridge Distillery. That's what the RAV is for. The snow last winter got the better of me

Cheers, and thanks again for all your help.

If you have the original extra long life coolant (pink) its good for 10 years 100k. Mine has a sticker stating this under the bonnet .