2009 TOYOTA RAV4 tow

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1Before drivingAdjusting and operating features such as door locks,
mirrors, and steering column.
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior
featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other
interior features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle
specificationsDetailed vehicle information.
7For ownersReporting safety defects for U.S. owners and seat belt
instructions for Canadian owners
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch .................. 165
Fog light switch ................... 168
Windshield wipers and washer .............................. 169
Rear window wiper and washer .............................. 171
2-4. Using other driving systems Cruise control ...................... 172
Rear view monitor system .............................. 175
Driving assist systems ........ 180
Hill-start assist control ......... 187
Downhill assist control system .............................. 189
Four-wheel drive lock switch ................................ 192
2-5. Driving information Utility vehicle precautions ... 193
Cargo and luggage ............. 198
Vehicle load limits................. 204
Winter driving tips ............... 206
Trailer towing ...................... 210
Dinghy towing ..................... 218 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
3Interior features

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ............ 410
If your vehicle needs to be towed ................................ 411
If you think something is wrong ............................ 418
Fuel pump shut off system .............................. 419
Event data recorder ............ 420
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... .......................... 422
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with standard
tires) .................................. 434
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with run-flat
tires) .................................. 450
If the engine will not start .... 451
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P.................... 453
If you lose your keys ........... 454
If the electronic key does not operate properly
(vehicles with smart key
system) ............................. 455
If the battery is discharged ........................ 457
If your vehicle overheats ..... 460
If the vehicle becomes stuck ................................. 463 6-1. Specifications
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) ........... 466
Fuel information.................. 477
Tire information .................. 480
6-2. Customization Customizable features........ 491
6-3. Initialization Items to initialize ................. 494
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners ................ 496
Seat belt instructions for Canadian owners
(in French) ........................ 497
Abbreviation list ........................ 500
Alphabetical index .................... 502
What to do if... .......................... 513
5When trouble arises6Vehicle specifications
7For owners
Index

30 1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
■Operation signals
A buzzer sounds and the emergency flashers flash to indicate that the doors
have been locked/unlocked. (Locked: Once; Unlocked: Twice)
■ Conditions affecting operation
The smart key system uses weak radio waves. In the following situations,
the communication between the electronic key and the vehicle may be
affected, preventing the smart key system and wireless remote control from
operating properly. (Ways of coping: P. 455)
● When the electronic key battery is depleted
● Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large dis-
play, airport or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electri-
cal noise
● When carrying a portable radio, ce llular phone, cordless phone or other
wireless communication devices
● When the electronic key is in contact with, or is covered by a metallic
object
● When multiple electronic keys are in the vicinity
● When carrying or using the electronic key together with the following
devices that emit radio waves
• Another vehicle’s electronic key
• A wireless key that emits radio waves
• Personal computer
● If window tint with a metallic content or metallic objects is attached to the
rear window
■ Switching the door unlock function
It is possible to set which doors the entry function unlocks.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
When the indicator on the key surface is turned off, push and hold or for approximately 5 seconds while pushing
on the key.
STEP 1
STEP 2

40 1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
■If the wireless remote control does not operate
Vehicles without smart key system
Locking and unlocking the doors: Use the key. ( P. 42)
Vehicles with smart key system
● Locking and unlocking the doors: Use the mechanical key. ( P. 455)
● Starting the engine. ( P. 143)
■ Security feature
If a door is not opened within approximately 60 seconds after the vehicle is
unlocked, the anti-theft system automatically locks the vehicle again.
■ Conditions affecting operation
Vehicles without smart key system
The wireless remote control function may not operate normally in the follow-
ing situations.
● Near a TV tower, radio station, electr ic power plant, airport or other facil-
ity that generates strong radio waves
● When carrying a portable radio, cell ular phone or other wireless commu-
nication devices
● When multiple wireless keys are in the vicinity
● When the wireless key is in contact with, or is covered by a metallic
object
● When a wireless key (that emits radio waves) is being used nearby
● When the wireless key has been left near an electrical appliance such as
a personal computer
Vehicles with smart key system
P. 3 0
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
Settings (e.g. wireless remote control) can be changed. (Customizable fea-
tures P. 491)

57
1-3. Adjustable components (s
eats, mirrors, steering wheel)
1
Before driving
Folding second seats
Folding down the second seats will enlarge the luggage compart-
ment.
■ Before folding the second seats
Stow the second center seat belt. ( P. 70)
Make sure the outside seat belt
passes through the hanger when
folding the second seat.
This prevents the shoulder belt
from being damaged.
Stow the second seat belt buck-
les.
Lower the head restraint to the lowest position. ( P. 65)
Raise the armrest un til it locks. (P. 320)
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5

59
1-3. Adjustable components (s
eats, mirrors, steering wheel)
1
Before driving
Stowing third seats (vehicles with third seats)
■ Before stowing the third seats
Stow the third seat belt buckles.
Pass the seat belts through the
seat belt hangers.
This prevents the shoulder belt
from being damaged.
Lower the head restraint to the lowest position. ( P. 65)
Pull the seatback lock release
strap to fold do wn the seatback.
Make sure it is locked securely.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4

60 1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
■Stowing third seats
Pull and hold the seat lock
release strap and lift up the seat
rearward and then push the seat
down.
Push the seat on the front side
against the floor and push the
seat on rear side against the
floor.
Make sure it is locked securely.
STEP 1
STEP 2