2021 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Driving procedures

Driving procedures

illuminated.

The hybrid system can be started from any power switch mode.

Check that the AC charging cable is disconnected. (P.123)

Pull the parking brake switch to check that the parking brake is set. (P.290)

The parking brake indicator will come on.

Check that the shift lever is set in P.

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message will be dis- on the multi-information dis-

play.

If it is not displayed, the hybrid sys- tem cannot be started.

Press the power switch shortly and firmly.

When operating the power switch, one short, firm press is enough. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.

If the “READY” indicator turns on, the hybrid system will operate nor- mally.

Continue depressing the brake pedal until the “READY” indicator is

Check that the “READY” indi- cator is illuminated.

The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.

Power switch illumination

According to the situation, the power switch illumination operates as follows.

When driver’s door or front pas- senger’s door is opened, the power switch illumination illumi- nates.

When the power switch is in OFF and depressing the brake pedal with carrying the electronic key on your person, the power switch illu- mination blinks.

When the power switch is in ACC or ON, the power switch illumina- tion illuminates.

When the power switch mode is changed from ACC or ON to OFF, the power switch illumination illu- minates for a certain amount of time. Afterwards, the power switch illumination turns off.

If the hybrid system does not start

The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P.72) Contact your Toyota dealer.

If a message related to start-up is shown on the multi-information

display, read the message and fol- low the instructions.

When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving conditions

When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator may be long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “READY” indicator is steady on, as steady means the vehicle is able to move.

When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is extremely cold (below approximately -22°F [-30°C]) under the influence of the outside temperature, it may not be possi- ble to start the hybrid system. In this case, try to start the hybrid system again after the tempera- ture of the hybrid battery increases due to the outside tem- perature increase etc.

Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle

P.83

If the 12-volt battery is dis- charged

The hybrid system cannot be started using the smart key system. Refer to P.539 to restart the hybrid system.

Electronic key battery depletion

P.194

Conditions affecting operation

P.218

Note for the entry function

P.219

Steering lock function

After turning the power switch to OFF and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the power switch again automatically can- cels the steering lock.

When the steering lock cannot be released, “Push power switch

while turning the steering wheel in either direction” will be displayed on the multi-information display. Check that the shift lever is set in

P. Press the power switch shortly and firmly while turning the steer- ing wheel left and right.

To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be suspended if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time. In this case, refrain from operating the power switch. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.

If there is a malfunction in the smart key system

If “Smart Key System Malfunction” is displayed on the multi-information display, the system may be mal- functioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

If the “READY” indicator does not come on

In the event that the “READY” indi- cator does not come on even after performing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact your Toyota dealer immediately.

When “Check Fuel Cap” is dis- played on the multi-information display

P.308

If the hybrid system is malfunc- tioning

P.92

Electronic key battery

P.493

Operation of the power switch

If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the power switch mode may not change or the hybrid sys- tem may not start.

If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power switch to OFF, the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the power switch to OFF, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.

Customization

If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting, refer to P.538.

Stop the vehicle completely.

If the parking brake is in man- ual mode, set the parking brake. (P.290)

Check the parking brake indicator is illuminated.

Shift the shift lever to P.

Press the power switch shortly and firmly.

The hybrid system will stop, and the meter display will be extinguished.

Release the shift lever when press- ing the power switch.

Release the brake pedal and check that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is not shown on the multi-information dis- play.

Automatic hybrid system shut off feature

The vehicle is equipped with a feature that automatically shuts off the hybrid system when the shift lever is in P with the hybrid system operating for an extended period.

The hybrid system will automati- cally shut off after approximately 1 hour if it has been left operating while the shift lever is in P.

The message asking if you wish to enable/disable the automatic hybrid system shut off feature will sometimes be displayed on the multi-information display.

Leaving the vehicle as is or select- ing “Perform Auto Off” keeps the automatic hybrid system shut off feature enabled, and selecting “Keep Vehicle On” disables the automatic hybrid system shut off feature.

The timer for the automatic hybrid system shut off feature will reset if the brake pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in a position other than P.

After the vehicle is parked, if the door is locked with the door lock switch (P.201) from the inside or the mechanical key (P.537) from the outside, the automatic hybrid system shut off feature will be disabled. The timer for the automatic hybrid system shut off feature will be re-enabled if the driver’s door is opened.

OFF*

The emergency flashers can be used.

ACC

Some electrical components such as the audio system can be used. “ACCESSORY” will be displayed

on the multi-information display.

ON

All electrical components can be used.

“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the multi-information display.

*: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the hybrid system, the power switch will remain ON, will not turn to OFF.

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACC or ON (the hybrid system is not operat- ing) for more than 20 minutes with the shift lever in P, the power switch will automatically turn to OFF.

If the 12-volt battery is low with the shift lever is in P and the power switch is in ACC or ON (the hybrid system is not operating), a buzzer

sounds and a message will be dis- played on the multi-information display. If this continues, the power switch is automatically turn to OFF.

However, this function cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the power switch in ACC or ON for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.

Check that the parking brake is set.

Shift the shift lever to P.

Check that “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the multi-infor- mation display and press the

power switch shortly and firmly.

Check that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” on the multi-information display is off.

Hybrid transmission

*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal driving.

*2: Vehicles with paddle shift switches only: Selecting shift ranges in the D position allows suitable use of engine braking. (P.287)

*3: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerat- ing force and engine braking force.

will not be canceled.

While driving in S mode, down- shifting to 5 or 4. (P.288)

When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in D position. (P.377)

Restraining sudden start (Drive- Start Control)

P.259

When driving with dynamic radar cruise control with full- speed range activated

Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking, engine braking will not activate because dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range

the shift release button is pushed first, the shift lock will not be released.

depressed*, shift the shift lever

while pushing the shift release button on the shift knob.

Shift the shift lever while

pushing the shift release button on the shift knob.

Shift the shift lever nor-

Shift lock system

The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift lever in starting.

The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the power switch is in ON, the brake pedal is depressed and the shift release button is pushed.

If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

First, check whether the brake pedal is being depressed.

If the shift lever cannot be shifted even though the brake pedal is depressed and the shift release but- ton is pushed, there may be a prob- lem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that the shift lever can be shifted.

Releasing the shift lock:

Pull the parking brake switch to check that the parking brake is set. (P.290)

Turn the power switch off.

Depress the brake pedal.

Pry the cover up with a flathead screwdriver or equivalent tool. To prevent damage to the cover, cover the tip of the screwdriver with a rag.

When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is completely stopped and the brake pedal is depressed.

*: For the vehicle to be able to be shifted from P, the brake pedal must be depressed before the shift release button is pushed. If

Press and hold the shift lock override button and then push the button on the shift knob.

The shift lever can be shifted while both buttons are pressed.

To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” paddle shift switch. The shift range can then be selected by operating the “-” and “+” paddle shift switches. Changing the shift range allows restriction of the highest gear, preventing

upshifting and enabling the level of engine braking force to be selected.

Upshifting

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from D1 to D6, will be displayed on the multi- information display.

Shift ranges and their functions

You can choose from 6 levels of accelerating force and engine braking force.

A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine revolu- tions will also increase.

Downshifting restriction warn- ing buzzer

To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting opera- tion may sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even when the paddle shift switch is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D posi- tion

Shift range selection in the D posi- tion will be deactivated in the follow- ing situations:

When the vehicle comes to a stop

If the accelerator pedal is

depressed for more than a certain period of time

When the shift lever is shifted to a position other than D

When the “+” paddle shift switch is held down for a period of time

Upshifting

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from S1 to S6, will be displayed on the multi- information display.

*: It is set to S3 when the driving mode is set to sport mode. (P.377)

S mode

You can choose from 6 levels of accelerating force and engine braking force.

A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine revolu- tions will also increase.

To prevent the engine from over- revving, upshifting may automati- cally occur when the shift range is 3 or lower.

When the shift range is 4 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift range to 6.

Downshifting restriction warn- ing buzzer

To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting opera- tion may sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switches (if equipped) is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

If the “S” indicator does not come on or the “D” indicator is displayed even after shifting the shift lever to S

This may indicate a malfunction in the transmission system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately. (In this situa- tion, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when the shift lever is in D.)

Right turn

Lane change to the right (move the lever partway and release it)

The right hand signals will flash 3 times.

Lane change to the left (move the lever partway and release it)

The left hand signals will flash 3 times.

Left turn

burned out.

If the turn signals stop flashing before a lane change has been performed

Operate the lever again.

To discontinue flashing of the turn signals during a lane change

Operate the lever in the opposite direction.

Turn signals can be operated when

The power switch is in ON.

If the indicator flashes faster than usual

Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not

Using the manual mode

Parking brake indicator light (U.S.A.)

Parking brake indicator light (Canada)

Parking brake switch indica- tor

1 Pull the switch to set the

parking brake.

The parking brake indicator light and Parking brake switch indicator will turn on.

Pull and hold the parking brake switch if an emergency occurs and it is necessary to operate the park- ing brake while driving.

Operate the parking brake switch while depressing the brake pedal.

Parking brake automatic release function (P.291)

Make sure that the parking brake indicator light and parking brake switch indicator turn off.

Turning the automatic mode on

While the vehicle is stopped, pull and hold the parking brake switch until a buzzer sounds and a message is shown on the multi-information display.

When the automatic mode is turned on, the parking brake operates as follows.

When the shift lever is shifted from P, the parking brake will be released, and the parking brake indicator light and park- ing brake switch indicator will turn off.

When the shift lever is shifted to P, the parking brake will be set, and the parking brake indicator light and parking brake switch indicator will turn on.

Operate the shift lever with the vehicle stopped and the brake pedal depressed.

Turning the automatic mode off

While the vehicle is stopped and depressing the brake pedal, press and hold the parking brake switch until a buzzer sounds and a message is shown on the multi-information display.

Parking brake operation

When the power switch is not in ON, the parking brake cannot be released using the parking brake switch.

When the power switch is not in

ON, automatic mode (automatic brake setting and releasing) is not available.

Parking brake automatic release function

The parking brake will be released automatically when the accelerator pedal is slowly depressed under the following conditions:

The driver’s door is closed

The driver is wearing the seat belt

The shift lever is in a forward or reverse position.

The malfunction indicator lamp or brake system warning light is not illuminated

If the automatic release function does not operate, release the park- ing brake manually.

If “Parking Brake Temporarily Unavailable” is displayed on the multi-information display

If the parking brake is operated repeatedly over a short period of time, the system may restrict opera- tion to prevent overheating. If this happens, refrain from operating the parking brake. Normal operation will return after about 1 minute.

If “Parking Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the multi-infor- mation display

Operate the parking brake switch. If the message does not disappear after operating the switch several times, the system may be malfunc- tioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

Parking brake operation sound

When the parking brake operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

Parking brake indicator light

Depending on the power switch mode, the parking brake indicator light will turn on and stay on as

described below:

ON: Comes on until the parking brake is released.

Not in ON: Stays on for approxi- mately 15 seconds.

When the power switch is turned off with the parking brake set, the parking brake indicator light will stay on for about 15 seconds. This does not indicate a malfunction.

When the parking brake switch malfunctions

Automatic mode (automatic brake setting and releasing) will be turned on automatically.

Parking the vehicle

P.258

Parking brake engaged warning buzzer

A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven with the parking brake engaged. “Parking Brake ON” is dis- played on the multi-information dis- play (with the vehicle reaching a speed of 5 km/h [3 mph]).

If the brake system warning light comes on

P.511

Usage in winter time

P.388

The brake hold standby indicator

(green) comes on. While the system is holding the brake, the brake hold operated indicator (yel-

low) comes on.

Brake hold system operating conditions

The brake hold system cannot be turned on in the following condi- tions:

The driver’s door is not closed.

The driver is not wearing the seat belt.

If any of the conditions above are detected when the brake hold sys- tem is enabled, the system will turn off and the brake hold standby indi- cator light will go off. In addition, if any of the conditions are detected while the system is holding the brake, a warning buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on the multi-information display. The park- ing brake will then be set automati- cally.

Brake hold function

If the brake pedal is left released for a period of about 3 minutes after the system has started hold- ing the brake, the parking brake will be set automatically. In this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a message is shown on the multi-information display.

To turn the system off while the system is holding the brake, firmly depress the brake pedal and press the button again.

The brake hold function may not hold the vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep incline. In this situa- tion, it may be necessary for the driver to apply the brakes. A warn- ing buzzer will sound and the multi-information display will inform the driver of this situation. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions.

When the parking brake is set automatically while the system is holding the brakes

Perform any of the following opera- tions to release the parking brake:

Depress the accelerator pedal. (The parking brake will not be released automatically if the seat belt is not fastened.)

Operate the parking brake switch with the brake pedal depressed.

Make sure that the parking brake indicator light goes off. (P.290)

When an inspection at your Toyota dealer is necessary

When the brake hold standby indi- cator (green) does not illuminate even when the brake hold switch is pressed with the brake hold system operating conditions met, the sys- tem may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected at your Toyota dealer.

If “Brake Hold Malfunction Press Brake to Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” or “Brake Hold Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is displayed on the multi-infor- mation display

The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

Warning messages and buzzers

Warning messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunc- tion or to inform the driver of the need for caution. If a warning mes- sage is shown on the multi-informa- tion display, read the message and follow the instructions.

If the brake hold operated indi- cator flashes

P.517