Toyota RAV4: Driving procedures

Driving the vehicle

The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driving.

■ Starting the engine

■ Driving

1 With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to D.
2 Release the parking brake.
3 Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.

■ Stopping

1 With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.
2 If necessary, set the parking brake. When the vehicle is stopped for an extended period of time, shift the shift lever to P or N.

■ Parking the vehicle

1 With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.
2 Set the parking brake.
3 Shift the shift lever to P.
When parking on a hill, if necessary, block the wheels. 4 Vehicles without smart key system: Turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position to stop the engine.
Vehicles with smart key system: Press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to stop the engine.
5 Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your person.

Starting on a steep uphill

1 Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to D.
2 Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
3 Release the parking brake.

■Driving in the rain

●Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the windows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
●Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be especially slippery.
●Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain, because there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road surface, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.

■Engine speed while driving

In the following conditions, the engine speed may become high while driving. This is due to automatic up-shifting control or down-shifting implementation to meet driving conditions. It does not indicate sudden acceleration. ●The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill or downhill
●When the accelerator pedal is released

■Breaking in your new Toyota

To extend the life of the vehicle, the following precautions are recommended to observe:

●For the first 200 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.

●For the first 500 miles (800 km):
Do not tow a trailer.

●For the first 1000 miles (1600 km):

• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in the low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.

■Drum-in-disc type parking brake system

Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type parking brake system. This type of brake system needs bedding-down of the brake shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drums are replaced. Have your Toyota dealer perform the bedding-down.

■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country

Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability of the correct fuel.

CAUTION
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.

■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelerator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.

• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident that could result in death or serious injury.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly, allowing you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an accident.

●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials. The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. This may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
●Do not let the vehicle roll backwards while the shift lever is in a driving position, or roll forward while the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may cause the engine to stall or lead to poor brake and steering performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
●If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and check that the back door is closed. Large amounts of exhaust in the vehicle can cause driver drowsiness and an accident, resulting in death or a serious health hazard. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
●Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving. Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward. Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the shift lever to D while the vehicle is moving backward. Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Moving the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the engine from the transmission. Engine braking is not available when N is selected.
●During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the vehicle in the normal way:
●Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effectiveness.
●Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents that may result in death or serious injury.
●Always check that all passengers' arms, heads or other parts of their bodies are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.

●Do not drive the vehicle off-road.
This vehicle is not designed for real off-road driving. Proceed with all due caution if it becomes unavoidable to drive off-road.
●Do not drive across river crossings or through other bodies of water. This may cause electric/electronic components to short circuit, damage the engine or cause other serious damage to the vehicle.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has highspeed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.

■When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
●Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by upshifting or down-shifting, may cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in an accident.

■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed. This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.

■When the vehicle is stopped
●Do not race the engine.
If the vehicle is in any gear other than P or N, the vehicle may accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly, and may cause an accident.
●Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running for a long time. If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space and check that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.
●In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep depressing the brake pedal while the engine is running, and apply the parking brake as necessary.
●If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused by the vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal and securely apply the parking brake as needed.
●Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause the exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible material is nearby.

■When the vehicle is parked
●Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in the vehicle when it is in the sun.
Doing so may result in the following.

• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plastic material of eye glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle's electrical components.

●Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever to P, stop the engine and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
●Do not touch the exhaust pipe while the engine is running or immediately after turning the engine off.
Doing so may cause burns.
●Do not leave the engine running in an area with snow build-up, or where it is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the engine is running, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may lead to death or a serious health hazard.

■Exhaust gases
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO) that is colorless and odorless. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
●If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the engine. In a closed area, such as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
●The exhaust should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or crack caused by corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise, be sure to have the vehicle inspected and repaired by your Toyota dealer. Failure to do so may allow exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, resulting in death or a serious health hazard.

■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, you may accidentally move the shift lever or depress the accelerator pedal, which could cause an accident or fire due to engine overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a serious health hazard.

■When braking the vehicle
●When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and may cause one side of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also the parking brake may not securely hold the vehicle.
●If the power brake assist function does not operate, do not follow other vehicles closely and avoid downhills or sharp turns that require braking. In this case, braking is still possible, but it will require more force on the pedal than usual. Braking distance may also increase.
●Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the brake pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted brakes.
●The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems: If one of the systems fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal should be depressed more firmly than usual and braking distance becomes longer.
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system. Have your brakes fixed immediately.

■If the vehicle becomes stuck or bogged (4WD models)
Do not spin the wheels recklessly when any of the tires is up in the air, or stuck in sand or mud etc. This may damage the drive system components or propel the vehicle forward (or in another direction) and cause an accident.

NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during driving. If the brake pedal is depressed while driving with the accelerator pedal depressed, driving torque may be restrained.
●Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals together to hold the vehicle on a hill.

■When parking the vehicle
Always put the shift lever in P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed.

■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
●When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.

■If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed. It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.

■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.

●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
●The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace the flat tire with a new one.

■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, transaxle, transfer (4WD models), rear differential (4WD models), etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft (4WD models), bearings and suspension joints (where possible) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with smart key system)

Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key on your person starts the engine or changes “ENGINE START STOP” switch modes.

■ Starting the engine

The engine can be started in any mode by operating the “ENGINE START STOP” switch at the same time as depressing the brake pedal.

1 Check that the parking brake is set.
2 Check that the shift lever is set in P.
3 Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal. The “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator turns green. If the indicator does not turn green, the engine cannot be started.

Press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch. The engine will crank until it starts or for up to 30 seconds, whichever is less. Continue depressing the brake pedal until the engine is completely started. The engine can be started from any “ENGINE START STOP” switch mode.

■ Changing “ENGINE START STOP” switch mode

Modes can be changed by pressing the “ENGINE START STOP” switch with the brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)

1 OFF*
The emergency flashers can be used.

2 ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such as the audio system can be used. 3 The “ENGINE START STOP”
switch indicator turns amber. 4 IGNITION ON mode
All electrical components can be used. The “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator turns amber. *: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the engine, the “ENGINE START STOP” switch will be turned to ACCESSORY mode, not to OFF.

■Steering lock release

Make sure that the steering wheel lock is released. To release the steering wheel lock, gently turn the wheel left or right while pressing the “ENGINE START STOP” switch. When the steering wheel lock does not release, the “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator will flash green.

■If the engine does not start

The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated.

■When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator flashes in amber

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

■Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the “ENGINE START STOP” switch will automatically turn OFF.

CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver's seat. Do not depress the accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances. Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, push and hold the “ENGINE START STOP” switch for more than 3 seconds. However, do not touch the “ENGINE START STOP” switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long periods without the engine running.

■When starting the engine
●Do not race a cold engine.
●If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without smart key system)

■ Starting the engine

1 Check that the parking brake is set.
2 Check that the shift lever is set in P.
3 Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
4 Turn the engine switch to the “START” position to start the engine.

■ Engine (ignition) switch

1 “LOCK”
The steering wheel is locked and the key can be removed. (The key can be removed only when the shift lever is in P.)

2 “ACC”
Some electrical components such as the audio system can be used.

3 “ON”
All electrical components can be used.

4 “START”
For starting the engine.

■Turning the key from “ACC” to “LOCK”

1 Shift the shift lever to P.
2 Push in the key and turn to the “LOCK” position.

■Steering lock release

When starting the engine, the engine switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK” position. To free it, turn the key while turning the steering wheel slightly in either direction.

■If the engine does not start

The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated.

■Key reminder function

A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened, while the engine switch is in the “LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key.

CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver's seat. Do not press the accelerator while starting the engine under any circumstances. Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■Caution when driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position while driving. If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only to the “ACC” position.

■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the key in the “ACC” or “ON” position for a long period if the engine is not running.

■When starting the engine
●Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems.
●Do not race a cold engine.
●If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

Automatic transmission

Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.

■ Shifting the shift lever

4-speed models

5-speed models

Vehicles without smart key system:

While the engine switch is in the “ON” position, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever. Vehicles with smart key system:

While the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever.

■ Shift position uses

*: Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suitable for the driving conditions. Setting the shift lever to the D position is recommended for normal driving.

■Downshifting restrictions

The shift lever cannot be downshifted if the following speeds are exceeded. 4-speed models (2WD)

mph (km/h)

4-speed models (4WD)

mph (km/h)

5-speed models

mph (km/h)

■When driving with cruise control activated

4-speed models

Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking, engine braking will not activate while downshifting to 3 because cruise control will not be canceled.

5-speed models

Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking, engine braking will not activate while downshifting to 4 because cruise control will not be canceled.

■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

Turn signal lever

1 Right turn
2 Left turn
3 Move and hold the lever partway to signal a lane change. The right hand signal will flash until you release the lever. 4 Move and hold the lever partway to signal a lane change. The left hand signal will flash until you release the lever.

■Turn signals can be operated when

Vehicles without smart key system

The engine switch is in the “ON” position

Vehicles with smart key system

The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.

■If the indicators flash faster than usual

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