OEM 2003 Toyota RAV4 Thermostat

2003 Toyota RAV4 Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair a thermostat on 2003 Toyota RAV4?

  A: Service and repair of the thermostat begins with draining engine coolant followed by drive belt and generator removal. Start by removing two nuts and the water inlet before removing the thermostat together with its gasket. The inspection process requires you to heat water progressively while watching for the valve opening mark to stay between 80 - 84 degrees Celsius (176 - 183.2 degrees Fahrenheit); any malfunctioning thermostat warrants a replacement. The thermostat needs replacement if the valve fails to lift at least 10 mm (0.39 inch) at 95 degrees Celsius (203 degrees Fahrenheit) while being completely sealed below 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). To install the thermostat into its positioning in the cylinder block use a new gasket before positioning the jiggle valve upward within a 10 degrees tolerance range. Fasten and tighten the water inlet with its two nuts to 9 Nm (90 kgf cm, 80 inch lbs); afterward reinstall the generator alongside the drive belt. Test the engine with coolant before starting it then inspect leak points and verify cooling system fluid amount.