ColoradoRav

Just got a new Rav and I really like it but I can't get past something that is bugging me. I have done enough research to see this is supposed to happen I just want to make sure it's normal.

So, when I turn on my headlights my RPMs jump from 700 to just about 1000. I can feel a shake in the steering wheel and the vents rattle a little. I have never had a car where I actually noticed the effect of turning headlights on. Dealer said he hasn't heard of it but will research. Any thoughts? It's an I4 base.

Thanks!

brianh699

Sounds like something is wrong. Headlight load may cause rpm's to raise slightly maybe 50 rpm's but 400 is more than I've ever seen. Have you had battery and alternator tested?

Russmoe

Either battery or alternator are weak abd the rise in rpm's is to compensate

ColoradoRav

The rise in RPMs is more like 200 going from 700 to just under 1000.

So this is not normal? I wouldn't care about the rise if the steering wheel and vents didn't shake (small vibration but it's there).

Is it common for a battery/alternator to be weak off the factory floor?

Russmoe

Definitely don't seem right if its new and your getting a shudder also. Have the dealer check it could be a defective part

ColoradoRav

They did check it yesterday and they said all is fine. This is before I realized it was the headlights that were causing the rough idle. Maybe I should go test drive another one and see if it does the same thing.

aviator

If it's new take it back, it sounds like there is def. something not kosher with that one...
new off the lot sure things can be wrong... a loose connection, a plug not pushed all the way in, a bad battery/alternator... anything is possible... but it should not shake so much that the vents rattle... if you just bought off the lot... or even if you factory ordered refuse it until they make it right... call toyota head office and talk to them if dealer not helpful.

RAD4Runner

Amen. Take it back. Period. Then, get a first-gen Runner

Philbert

iTrader: (2)

We have a 2012 rav4 too and have never experienced this. Take it in!

ColoradoRav

Thanks for the replies! So I did take it to the dealer last Friday and they said all systems were good. After doing some more testing myself yesterday I determined that it's only when the a/c is on is the vibration bad enough to cause the vents to rattle. When I turn the lights on by themselves I still get the 200-300 increase in RPMs but only a slight vibration.

I am guessing it's probably normal to have that kind of vibration with the Rav when the a/c is on and to have some slight vibration when the lights are on, right? Or should I push the issue with the dealer? I feel like I am being to picky and I need to just enjoy my new car.

rworegon

While I don't have a Rav4, a vibration like that hardly sounds normal. However, a quick google of "Rav4 vibration with AC is on" turned up similar vibrations for other model years of the Rav4.

The RPMs will go up when the AC is on and, in some models, the AC is kicked on when in defrost mode.

Maybe the dealer has a new like model or two on the lot that they can fire up for a comparison test drive?

aviator

Even if that "defect" is common to other years of the rav4 imo it should not be there... yes there will be more load on the engine with the ac engaged but there should be no extra rattle/vibration... perhaps there is a misalignment between the pulleys that could be adjusted with a shim [washer]...

ColoradoRav

I have seen through searches that a few have experienced this. I do agree that this type of vibration with the a/c in a new car is too much. Plus, tonight when I turned on the headlights (a/c off) there was still a vibration that I felt through the seat. I have never thought turning on headlights would do that.

I am going to another dealer closer to my work this week and hope they can clear this up.

ColoradoRav

Ok went to dealership #2 (next to my work and is way better by the way) and the answer to the rough idle is...well...that it's perfectly normal. They, just like the first dealership said it was running exactly as it should. Here is the difference between them and the 1st dealership. He said, "pick out any new RAV4 on the lot, and take it for a drive to compare, we did."

So I found my exact car, silver, I4, base and you know what, it was almost the same as mine. The only difference is that its idle was even rougher. So, I can finally relax. Finally! Now I know that it's not just my car. I am at peace knowing this.

I think it's crazy no other rav owner has noticed enough to post about this but now, in the future is someone is as OCD as i am about this kind of stuff, they can relax knowing it's normal.

Again, now time to think about fun things to do with the Rav (and to remind myself to get the V6 next time so this is not an issue).

Thanks again for putting up with my questions!

rworegon

Good to hear all is 'normal'.

RAD4Runner

Glad to know it worked out for you!

But remember it's a Yota; It will keep on going for a long time = no excuse to get a V6 one Is it too late to change your mind and get the V6, since you just got this one?

Philbert

iTrader: (2)

I'm sure this doesn't help at all, but the v6 is awesome. 268 horses and smooth. 27 mpg highway (we are averaging 24 combined in about 5,000 miles of ownership). Love it.

ColoradoRav

Yeah I have only driven 6 cylinders my whole life but all used. It just wasn't in the cards this time financially but I do wish it were. Although, the I4 has a lot more get up and go then I expected and I am very satisfied overall. Love the V6s though...