On-Vehicle Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Toyota RAV4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CHECK DIFFERENTIAL OIL
1. Stop the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Using a 10 mm socket hexagon wrench, remove the rear differential filler plug and gasket.
  
  Fig 1: Locating Rear Differential Filler Plug
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Check that the oil level is between 0 and 5 mm (0 and 0.20 in.) from the bottom lip of the differential filler plug hole.
  NOTE:
  - After changing the oil seal, drive the vehicle and then check the oil level again.
  - Too much or too little oil will lead to differential problems.
    
    Fig 2: Identifying Differential Oil Level
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  HINT:
  
  If necessary, fill the differential carrier assembly with hypoid gear oil.
  
  Recommended viscosity:
  
  SAE 90
  
  Standard oil grade:
  
  Hypoid gear oil SX API GL-5
  
  Standard differential oil capacity:
  
  0.45 to 0.55 liters (0.48 to 0.58 US qts., 0.40 to 0.48 lmp. qts.)
4. Using a 10 mm socket hexagon wrench, install a new gasket and the rear differential filler plug.
  Torque: 39 N*m (398 kgf*cm, 29 ft.*lbf)