2009 TOYOTA RAV4 Owners Manual

177
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Rear view monitor system camera
Vehicles without spare tire
Vehicles with spare tire
In the following cases, it may become
difficult to see the images on the
screen, even when the system is func-
tioning correctly.
●The vehicle is in a dark area, such
as at night.
● The temperature near the lens is
extremely high or low.
● Water droplets are on the camera
lens or humidity is high, such as
when it rains.
● Foreign matter, such as snow or
mud, adheres to the camera lens.
● The sun or headlights are shining
directly into the camera lens.
In the following cases, it may become
difficult to see the images on the
screen, even when the system is func-
tioning correctly.
●The vehicle is in a dark area, such
as at night.
● The temperature near the lens is
extremely high or low.
● Water droplets are on the camera
lens or humidity is high, such as
when it rains.
● Foreign matter, such as snow or
mud, adheres to the camera lens.
● The sun or headlights are shining
directly into the camera lens.

178 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Smear effect
■ The rear view monitor system can be used when
Vehicles without smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position, the back door is closed and the
shift lever is in R. Vehicles with smart key system
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode, the back door
is closed and the shift lever is in R.
■ To turn off the rear view monitor display
Press the “AUTO” switch. The indica tor turns amber. Pressing the “AUTO”
switch again turns the display back on.
In the following situations, the display will be re-enabled if it has been turned
off.
Vehicles without smart key system
The engine switch is turned to the “ON” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode.
If a bright light, such as sunlight
reflected off the vehicle body, is picked
up by the camera, a smear effect* char-
acteristic to the camera may occur.
*: Smear effect A phenomenon that
occurs when a bright light is picked
up by the camera; when transmitted
by the camera, the light source
appears to have a vertical streak
above and below it.

179
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■When using the rear view monitor system
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in
death or serious injuries.
●Never depend solely on the monitor system when reversing.
● Always check visually and with the mirrors to confirm your intended path is
clear.
● Depicted distances between objects and flat surfaces differ from actual
distances.
● Vehicles with spare tire: The spare tire is the rear-most edge of the vehicle
extending past the rear bumper. Take care not to hit any obstacles with the
spare tire while reversing.
■ Conditions which may affect the rear view monitor system
● If the back of the vehicle has been hit, the camera’s position and mounting
angle may have changed. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
● Rapid temperature changes, such as when hot water is poured on the
vehicle in cold weather, may cause the system to function abnormally.
● If the camera lens is dirty, it cannot transmit a clear image. Rinse with
water and wipe with a soft cloth. If the camera lens is extremely dirty, wash
with a mild cleanser and rinse.
● The displayed image may be darker and moving images may be slightly
distorted when the system is cold.

180
2-4. Using other driving systems
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too h eavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■AUTO LSD function (2WD models)
The AUTO LSD function is activated when the system is in TRAC off
mode. It operates when one of the drive wheels is spinning, such as
when the wheel is spinning freely on ice or mud. The system applies
the brakes to the spinning wheel and transfers some of the torque to
the other wheel to secure drive power.
■Active torque control 4WD system (4WD models)
Automatically switches from front-wheel drive to four-wheel drive
(4WD) according to the driving conditions, helping to ensure reliable
handling and stability. Examples of conditions where the system will
switch to 4WD are when cornering, going uphill, starting off or acceler-
ating, and when the road surface is slippery due to snow, rain, etc.
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.

181
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
When the Enhanced VSC/TRAC are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or if spins, the slip indicator
light flashes to indicate that the
Enhanced VSC/TRAC systems
are operating.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that Enhanced VSC is
operating.
■Hill-start assist control (if equipped)
(P. 187)
■ Downhill assist cont rol system (if equipped)
(P. 189)

182 2-4. Using other driving systems
To disable TRAC and/or Enhanced VSC (2WD models)If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC and Enhanced
VSC may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may
need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it. The AUTO LSD function is activated when the system is in
TRAC off mode.
■ Turning off TRAC
Quickly push and release the
button to turn off TRAC.
The “AUTO LSD” and VSC OFF
indicator lights should come on.
While the AUTO LSD function is
operating the slip indicator light
flashes.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC and Enhanced VSC
Push and hold the button while
the vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC and Enhanced VSC.
The VSC OFF indicator light
should come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.

183
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
To disable TRAC and/or Enhanced VSC (4WD models)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC and Enhanced
VSC may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may
need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.
■ Turning off TRAC
Quickly push and release the
button to turn off TRAC.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
should come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC and Enhanced VSC
Push and hold the button while
the vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC and Enhanced VSC.
The “TRAC OFF” and VSC OFF
indicator lights should come on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.

184 2-4. Using other driving systems
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and Enhanced VSC
Vehicles without smart key system
Turning the engine switch OFF after turning off the TRAC and Enhanced
VSC systems will automatically re-enable them.
Vehicles with smart key system
Turning the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF after turning off the TRAC
and Enhanced VSC systems will automatically re-enable them.
■ Automatic TRAC reactivation
2WD models
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will be reactivated
while vehicle speed is increased. 4WD models
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases.
■ Automatic TRAC and Enha nced VSC reactivation
If the TRAC and Enhanced VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not
turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, TRAC and Enhanced VSC
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ When the AUTO LSD function operates continuously
The brake actuator may overheat. In that case, the system will stop the
AUTO LSD function, a buzzer will sound and the slip indicator will stay on
steady. Refrain from using the AUTO LSD function until the slip indicator
goes off. (There is no problem with continuing driving normally.)