2012 TOYOTA RAV4 EV battery

80 1-3. Charging
■Capacity reduction of the traction battery
The capacity of the traction battery will decline gradually with normal use
over the life of the vehicle. The rate at which it declines is dependant on a
number of factors, including environmental conditions and the way the vehi-
cle is used. By observing the following precautions, battery capacity decline
can be suppressed.
●Avoid parking the vehicle for prolonged periods in areas with a high tem-
perature under direct sunlight when the traction battery is fully charged.
When storing the vehicle for prolonged periods, it is recommended to
park the vehicle in a shaded area or a cool garage. This helps minimize
traction battery capacity decline.
● When not driving long distances, it is recommended to charge using nor-
mal charge mode to help minimize traction battery capacity decline.
( P. 58, 72)
● Regular use of the scheduled charging function helps mitigate battery
capacity decline by avoiding storage at high SOC.

81
1-3. Charging
1
Before driving
■
When not using the vehicle for an extended period of time
In order to preserve the traction battery, Toyota recommends plugging in the
vehicle whenever it is not in use.
Pre-climate operations will occur while the amount of charge remaining in
the traction battery is more than 50% at the time pre-climate operations
begin. If the schedule is left set, pre-climate operations will continue to func-
tion up to the maximum of 15 minutes even if the vehicle is not used for
extended periods of time. Because this uses energy from the traction bat-
tery, temporarily suspend the pre-climate schedule (smart phone exclusive
setting P. 58) or delete the pre-climate schedule, if the vehicle is not being
regularly used.
When using navigation screen operations, only canceling the schedule is
available. Because the schedule will need to be set once again when it is
used next time, Toyota recommends using a smart phone and temporarily
suspending the schedule.
■ If the amount of charge remaining in the traction battery becomes low
while driving
The driving power restriction output control warning light illuminates and
driving range is extended by automatically restricting driving power and air
conditioning system operations. Using the navigation system, promptly
search for the closest charging station and charge the vehicle. If the traction
battery fully discharges, driving will not be possible.
For information on how to search for a charging station, refer to the “Naviga-
tion System Owner's Manual”.
■ Charging schedule confirmation disp lay after switching the EV system
off
The current charging schedule will be displayed for a while after the EV sys-
tem is turned off. To change the charging schedule, set the schedule using
the navigation system’s screen. ( P. 64, 70)
■ If the charging port door is frozen
P. 268

83
1-3. Charging
1
Before driving
■
If charging has not been car ried out in a long time
The charging port cap's lever may get stuck and not open automatically
even if the knob is moved. If this occurs, push aside the release button and
open the cap by hand.
■ When the outside temperature is low or high
The level shown on the SOC gauge ( P. 218) may drop slightly when the
“POWER” switch is turned to ON mode, even if charging has been com-
pleted and the traction battery is fully charged. However, this does not indi-
cate a malfunction.
■ Charging in extremely cold temperatures
If the vehicle is parked in ambient temperatures below freezing, 240 V
charging is recommended.
If only a 120 V outlet is available, the following will improve your charge pro-
cess:
●Charge at mid-day (when it is warmest)
● Protect the vehicle from wind during charging.
If the vehicle is still too cold to charge, please contact your Toyota dealership
or tow it to a warmer charging location.
■ Handling the traction battery
P. 2 2

86 1-3. Charging
CAUTION
■Precautions for the pre-climate
Do not use pre-climate if people are in the vehicle.
Even when pre-climate is used, the temperature inside the vehicle may
become very high or very low due to features such as the automatic shut-off.
Do not leave children and/or pets inside the vehicle.
●When in the sun, the temperature inside a vehicle with all its windows
closed may rise rapidly, possibly causing heat stroke or dehydration.
● When in cold weather, the temperature inside the vehicle may drop rapidly,
possibly causing hypothermia.
Both of the above cases can lead to a serious health hazard or even deat\
h.
■ Handling the traction battery
No part of the traction battery can be repaired by you or a non-Toyota techni-
cian. Never open the traction battery or perform any modifications to it. If you
find a malfunction with the battery, always contact your Toyota dealer.
■ If the error warning indicator on the CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupt-
ing Device) stays on during charging
Press the reset button on the CCID (Charging Circuit Interrupting Device)
(P. 91). If the error warning indicator does not turn off even when the reset
button is pressed, an electrical leakage may be occurring in the path to the
power source, or there may be a problem with the charging cable or the
charging system. In this event, stop charging immediately, remove the
charging cable and contact your Toyota dealer. An accident may occur or
damage may be inflicted if charging continues.
■ When the charging cable is connected to the vehicle
Do not operate the shift lever.
In the unlikely event that the charging cable has been damaged, the shift
position may change from P to another position and the vehicle could move,
possibly leading to an accident.

90 1-3. Charging
The charging indicator
lights do not illuminate
or flash even though
the charging connec-
tor is connected
The traction battery is
already fully charged.
If the charging indicator
lights flash quicklyAn error may have
occurred in the charg-
ing system.
Turn the “POWER”
switch to ON mode and
comply with the warn-
ing message shown on
the multi-information
display. (P. 443)
SituationReasonCorrection procedure

94
1-4. Key information
Keys
Using the mechanical keyTo take out the mechanical key,
push the release button and take
the key out.
After using the mechanical key,
store it in the electronic key. Carry
the mechanical key together with
the electronic key. If the electronic
key battery is depleted or the
entry function does not operate
properly, you will need the
mechanical key.
(P. 468)
The following keys are provid ed with the vehicle.
Electronic keys
• Operating the smart key
system ( P. 96)
• Operating the wireless remote control function
( P. 108)
Mechanical keys
Key number plate

102 1-5. Opening, closing and locking the doors
*1: A message will be shown on the multi-information display in the instru-ment cluster.
*2: If the EV system does not start when the electronic key is inside thevehicle, the electronic key battery may be depleted or there may be dif-
ficulties receiving the signal from the key. ( P. 468)
■ Security feature
If a door is not opened within approximately 60 seconds after the vehicle is
unlocked, the security feature automatically locks the vehicle again.
AlarmSituationCorrection procedure
Interior alarm
pings once
*1
The electronic key has a
low battery. Replace the electronic
key battery.
An attempt was made to
start the EV system with-
out the electronic key
being present, or the elec-
tronic key was not func-
tioning normally. Start the EV system
with the electronic key
present.
*2
Interior alarm
pings once and
exterior alarm
sounds 3 times
*1
The driver's door was
closed after the key was
carried outside the vehicle
when the “POWER” switch
was not turned off.
Turn the “POWER”
switch OFF and close
the driver’s door
again.
An occupant carried the
electronic key outside the
vehicle and closed the
door while the “POWER”
switch was not off. Bring the electronic
key back into the vehi-
cle.

104 1-5. Opening, closing and locking the doors
■Battery-saving function
In the following circumstances, the entry function is disabled in order to pre-
vent the 12-volt battery from discharging and the electronic key battery from
depleting.
●When the entry function has not been used for 2 weeks or more.
● When the electronic key has been left within approximately 3 ft. (1 m) of
the vehicle for 10 minutes or more.
The system will resume operation when
● The vehicle is locked using the door handle lock switch when carrying the
electronic key on your person.
● The vehicle is locked/unlocked using the wireless remote control.
( P. 108)
● The vehicle is locked/unlocked using the mechanical key. ( P. 468)
■ 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. 468)
● 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 one or move of
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