Toyota RAV4 2005

Toyota RAV4 2005 Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Toyota RAV4 2005 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

• My 2005 Toyota RAV4 won't stay in gear

  Flushing a transmission is a practice that mechanics around the world just can't agree on in terms of its benefits. Either way, it would be pretty dangerous to do it with something as flammable as petrol. Also, unlike transmission fluid, petrol is not a lubricant so internal damage would possibly occur if you ran the car with only petrol in the transmission.

  Most transmission flushing is done by using fresh automatic transmission fluid (ATF) which displaces most of the old ATF. A fluid change is the other service option, but this will usually only replace the ATF in the transmission's pan. A flush, meanwhile, will replace the stuff in the pan as well as in the torque converter and the transmission lines.

  Your problem, however, sounds more like a lack of fluid in the first place. The inability of an automatic transmission to select gears and/or produce any forward movement is often down to depleted ATF rather than dirty or old fluid. Check the fluid level on the transmission's dipstick and, if it's low, add some more. The job then is to work out where the ATF is going missing, because the transmission is a sealed system that shouldn't need topping up. You may have a leak somewhere. And definitely check this first before spending lots of money on repairs when a quick ATF top-up will bring the car back to full health.

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• Toyota RAV4: Which years have ECU issues?

  The ECU problem affected 2001, 2002 and 2003 models.

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• Toyota RAV4 2005: What are signs of the ECM problem?

  There is a problem with the ECM controlling the automatic transmission that car result in the clutches in the transmission burning out. It was so common that Toyota recalled RAV4s in America to fix them, but Toyota chose not to recall the cars in Australia. Seems we're second-class citizens. Watch for rough shifting, reluctance to shift, jerking and generally rough running.

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• Toyota RAV4 2006: Symptoms of a transmission problem?

  It certainly sounds like the same problem. Consult your dealer about it and ask what Toyota is prepared to do for you. We understand that Toyota was replacing the transmission ECM for owners with problem cars in the USA, but they have not been as forthcoming here. It would also be worth having it assessed by an independent auto transmission specialist so you know exactly what you're dealing with.

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