OEM 2004 Toyota RAV4 Thermostat

2004 Toyota RAV4 Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service the thermostat on 2004 Toyota RAV4?

  A: Service of the thermostat starts with draining engine coolant while removing the drive belt and generator. Follow this by taking off the water inlet then thermostat by unwinding the 2 nuts and removing the thermostat before pulling off the gasket. The thermostat inspection process requires submersion in water while temperature increases slowly until the valve opening point reaches 80 to 84 degrees Celsius (176 to 183.2 degrees Fahrenheit); a new thermostat is necessary if this check reveals any deviations by the temperature limits. A new thermostat needs to be purchased if minimum specifications for a valve lift of 10 mm (0.39 inch) at 95 degrees Celsius (203 degrees Fahrenheit) and full closure below 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) are not achieved. When installing the thermostat position it inside the cylinder block and use a new gasket while placing the jiggle valve with a 10 degrees permissible tilt angle facing upwards. Screw in the water inlet using the two nuts and torque them to 9.0 Nm (92 kgf-cm, 80 inch lbs.) before putting back the generator along with its drive belt. Follow the procedure by adding engine coolant before starting the engine then inspect for leakage before verifying the engine coolant quantity once more.