2012 TOYOTA RAV4 ECO mode

145
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with smar t key system)
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic
key on your person starts the en gine 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.
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
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 com-
pletely started.
The engine can be started
from any “ENGINE START
STOP” switch mode.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4

148 2-1. Driving procedures
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 IGNI-
TION 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.

153
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
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.
Shift positionFunction
4-speed models5-speed models
PParking the vehicle/starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*
4Position for engine braking
3,2Position for more powerful engine braking
LPosition for maximum engine braking

162 2-2. Instrument cluster
■Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of the operating state of the
vehicle’s various systems.
*1: These lights turn on when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is
turned to IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with smart key system) or
the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without
smart key system) to indicate that a system check is being per-
formed. They will turn off after the engine is started, or after a few
seconds. There may be a malfunction in a system if a light does not
come on, or if the lights do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Toyota dealer for details.
Turn signal indicator
(P. 155)
(U.S.A.)
Headlight indicator
( P. 167)
Headlight high beam
indicator ( P. 169)
(Canada)
Tail light indicator
(P. 167)
(if equipped)
Downhill assist control
system indicator
(P. 200)
(if equipped)
Front fog light indicator
( P. 171)
Slip indicator
(P. 192)
(2WD models)
“AUTO LSD” indicator
( P. 193)
(4WD models)
Four-wheel drive lock
indicator ( P. 203)
VSC OFF indicator
(P. 193)Cruise control indicator
( P. 179)
Engine immobilizer sys-
tem indicator ( P. 95)
(4WD models)
“TRAC OFF” indicator
(P. 194)
*1
*1, 2*1
*1“AIR BAG ON”
and “AIR BAG
OFF” indica-
tor ( P. 113)*1
*1
*1

163
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as the ABS and SRS airbag warning light
not come on when you start the engine, this could mean that these systems
are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in
death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately if this occurs.
*2: The light flashes to indicate that the system is operating.
■ Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in any of the
vehicle’s systems. ( P. 436)
*1: These lights turn on when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is
turned to IGNITION ON mode (vehicles with smart key system) or
the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without
smart key system) to indicate that a system check is being per-
formed. They will turn off after the engine is started, or after a few
seconds. There may be a malfunction in a system if a light does not
come on, or if the lights do not turn off. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Toyota dealer for details.
*2: The light flashes to indicate a malfunction.
(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)
(U.S.A.)(U.S.A.)(if equipped)(if equipped)
(if equipped)(4WD models)
*1*1*1*1*1*1*1*1
*1*1*1*2*1*1
*1

170 2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
■Automatic light off system
Vehicles without smart key system:
The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds after driver’s door is
opened and closed if the engine switch has been turned to “ACC” or “LOCK”
position.
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine switch to the “ON” position, or
turn the headlight switch off and then back to or .
Vehicles with smart key system:
The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds after driver’s door is
opened and closed if the “ENGINE START STOP” switch has been turned to
ACCESSORY mode or turned OFF.
To turn the lights on again, turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to IGNI-
TION ON mode, or turn the headlight switch off and then back to or
.
■ Customization that can be co nfigured at Toyota dealer
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be deactivated.
(Customizable features P. 510)
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the engine is not run-
ning.

185
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
●To constantly disable the rear view monitor system
● To re-enable the rear view monitor system
Push the “AUTO” button. The indicator will turn green.
■ Selecting a language (Eng lish, French or Spanish)
Push and hold the “AUTO” button for 12
to 15 seconds.
The screen will turn off and on after 6
seconds. Keep pushing the button until
the screen turns back off. The indicator
will flash amber.
Vehicles without smart key system
The system will not automatically turn
on again after the engine switch is OFF
and then turned to the “ON” position. Vehicles with smart key system
The system will not automatically turn
on again after the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch is OFF and then turned
to IGNITION ON mode.
Push and hold the “AUTO”
button for 6 to 12 seconds.
The screen will turn on and
the indicator will turn green.
Push the “AUTO” button.
Each time the “AUTO” button
is pushed and released, the
language changes. A mes-
sage will flash in the mirror for
5 seconds after the button is
released, indicating that the
change has been completed.STEP 1
STEP 2

219
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■
Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
● Install tire chains on the front tires.
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
manual.
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
● Do not mix tires of different makes, models, tread patterns or treadwear.
■ Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect
vehicle handling.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.