2009 TOYOTA RAV4 light

187
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Hill-start assist control
■Hill-start assist control operating conditions
• The shift lever is in a position other than P.
• The parking brake is not applied.
• The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
■ Hill-start assist control
●While hill-start assist control is operating, the brakes remain automati-
cally applied after the driver releases the brake pedal. The stop lights and
the high mounted stoplight turn on.
● Hill-start assist control operates for about 2 seconds after the brake pedal
is released.
● If the slip indicator does not flash and the buzzer does not sound when
the brake pedal is further depressed, slightly reduce the pressure on the
brake pedal (do not allow the vehicl e to roll backward) and then firmly
depress it again. If the system still does not operate, check if the operat-
ing conditions explained above have been met.
Hill-start assist control helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards when starting on an incline or slippery slope.
To engage hill-start assist con-
trol, further depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is
stopped completely.
A buzzer will sound once to
indicate the system is acti-
vated. The slip indicator will
also start flashing.
: If equipped

189
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Downhill assist control system
While the downhill assist control system is operatingThe slip indicator will flash to
indicate that the downhill assist
control system is operating, and
the stop lights and high mounted
stoplight will turn on.
With the downhill assist control system, the vehicle is able to
descend a steep hill while maintainin g a constant low speed of about
3 mph (5 km/h) without brake pedal operation.
■ Activating the downhill assist control system
Press the “DAC” switch.
The downhill assist control sys-
tem indicator will come on to
indicate that the downhill assist
control system is activated.
Pressing the switch again turns
the system off.
: If equipped

212 2-5. Driving information
HitchTrailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established
by the hitch manufacturer. Even th ough the vehicle may be rated for
towing a higher weight, the operat or must never exceed the maxi-
mum weight rating specified for the trailer hitch.
■ Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 475)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights must work in order to be legal.
● Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
● Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper
tongue load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
● Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any
new power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bear-
ings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■ Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner's Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

213
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
To avoid accident or injury
●Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
● Never load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About
60% of the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining
40% in the rear.
● Do not use cruise control when you are towing.
■ Hitches
●Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
● Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
● Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After
removing the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent
entry of any substances into the vehicle.
■ When towing a trailer
●If the gross trailer weight exceeds 600 lb. (272 kg), trailer brakes are
required.
● Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehi-
cle's braking effectiveness.
● Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both
the trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch
ball, there is danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.

214 2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing tipsYour vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The 3 main
causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep the following in mind when towing.
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reve rsing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle.
NOTICE
■ When installing a trailer hitch
●Use only the position recommended by your Toyota dealer. Do not install
the trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
● Do not use axle-mounted hitches, as they can cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
■ Brakes
Toyota recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable fed-
eral and state/provincial regulations.
■ Safety chain
A safety chain must always be used between the towing vehicle and the
trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns. The chain should cross
under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground in
the case that it becomes damaged or separated. For the correct safety chain
installation procedure, ask your Toyota dealer.
■ Do not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your vehicle's electrical system
and cause a malfunction.

Interior features3
219
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Manual air conditioning system ........................... 220
Automatic air conditioning system ........................... 225
Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defoggers ....................... 233
Windshield wiper de-icer ............................ 235
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system types .......... 236
Using the radio ................. 239
Using the CD player ......... 245
Playing back MP3 and WMA discs ..................... 252
Optimal use of the audio system ........................... 259
Using the AUX adapter .... 262
Using the steering wheel audio switches ............... 263
3-3. Using the hands-free phone system (for cellular phone)
Hands-free phone system (for cellular phone)
features .......................... 266
Using the hands-free phone system
(for cellular phone) ......... 270
Making a phone call ......... 278
Setting a cellular phone ... 284 Security and system
setup .............................. 289
Using the phone book ...... 292
3-4. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ............... 300
• Personal/interior light main switch .................... 301
• Personal/interior lights ... 301
• Interior light .................... 302
• Luggage compartment light ................................ 302
3-5. Using the storage features List of storage features .... 304
• Glove box....................... 305
• Console box ................... 306
• Overhead console .......... 307
• Cup holders ................... 308
• Bottle holders ................. 309
• Auxiliary box .................. 311
3-6. Other interior features Sun visors ........................ 312
Vanity mirrors ................... 313
Clock ................................ 314
Power outlets ................... 315
Seat heaters..................... 318
Armrest ............................ 320
Coat hooks ....................... 321
Floor mat .......................... 322
Luggage compartment features .......................... 323

224 3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Using the system in recirculated air mode
The windows will fog up more easily if the recirculated air mode is used for
an extended period.
■ Window defogger feature
Recirculated air mode may automatically be switched to outside air mode in
situations where the windows need to be defogged.
■ When outside air temperat ure approaches 32°F (0°C)
The air conditioning system may not operate even when
is pressed.
■ When the indicator light on flashes
Press
and turn off the air conditioning system before turning it on once
more. There may be a problem in the ai r conditioning system if the indicator
light keeps flashing. Turn the air conditioning system off and have it
inspected by your Toyota dealer.
■ When
is selected for the air outlets used
For your driving comfort, air flowing to the feet may be warmer than air flow-
ing to the upper body depending on the position of the temperature setting.
CAUTION
■ To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not set the air outlet selection dial to during cool air operation in
extremely humid weather. The difference between the temperature of the
outside air and that of the windshield can cause the outer surface of the
windshield to fog up, blocking your vision.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is off.

231
3-1. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
3
Interior features
■Window defogger feature
Recirculated air mode may automatically switch to outside air mode in situa-
tions where the windows need to be defogged.
■ When outside temperature approaches 32 F (0 C)
The air conditioning system may not operate even when is pressed.
■ When
is selected for the air outlets used
For your driving comfort, air flowing to the feet may be warmer than air flow-
ing to the upper body depending on the position of the temperature setting.
■ Micro dust and pollen filter
●In order to prevent the windows from fogging up when the outside air is
cold, the following may occur.
• Outside air mode is not switched to recirculated air mode.
• The air conditioning system operates automatically.
• The operation is canceled after 1 minute.
● In rainy weather, the windows may fog up. Press .
■ When the indicator light on flashes
Press
and turn off the air conditioning system before turning it on once
more. There may be a problem in the ai r conditioning system if the indicator
light keep flashing. Turn the air conditioning system off and have it inspected
by your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■ To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather. The
difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the wind-
shield can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking your
vision.