2012 TOYOTA RAV4 Owners Manual

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

154 2-1. Driving procedures
■Downshifting restrictions
The shift lever cannot be downshifted if the following speeds are exceeded.
4-speed models (2WD)
mph (km/h)
4-speed models (4WD) mph (km/h)
5-speed models mph (km/h)
■ When driving with the cruise control system
4-speed models
Engine braking will not occur when downshifting from D to 3. (P. 179) 5-speed models
Engine braking will not occur when downshifting from D to 4. (P. 179)
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 469
DownshiftingMaximum speed
3  2 75 (121)
2  L 37 (60)
DownshiftingMaximum speed
3  2 72 (117)
2  L 36 (58)
DownshiftingMaximum speed
4  3 100 (161)
3  2 62 (99)
2  L 26 (42)

155
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Tur n signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
Vehicles without smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ If the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
Right turn
Left turn
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change.
The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever
partway to signal a lane
change.
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.

156
2-1. Driving procedures
Parking brake
■Usage in winter time
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. ( P. 217)
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake
wear.
Sets the parking brake
Fully apply the parking brake while depressing the brake pedal.
Releases the parking brake
Slightly raise the lever and lower it completely while pressing the but-
ton.
U.S.A.
Canada

157
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Hor n
■After adjusting the steering wheel
Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.
The horn may not sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked.
(P. 78)
To sound the horn, press on or
close to the mark.

158
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
Vehicles without smart key system
The following gauges, meters and displays illuminate when the
engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
The following gauges, meters and displays illuminate when the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.

159
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
Instrument panel light control
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted.
Brighter
Darker
When the headlight switch is
turned on, the brightness will
be reduced slightly unless the
control dial is turned fully up.
Trip information display
P. 164
Automatic transmission shift position indicator lights
P. 152
Odometer/trip meterOdometer
Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
Trip meter
Displays the distance the vehi cle has been driven since the
meter was last reset. Trip meters A and B can be used to
record and display different distances independently.
Odometer/trip meter switching and trip meter resetting button
Switches between odometer and trip meter displays. Pushing and hold-
ing the button will reset the trip meter when the trip meter is being dis-
played.

160 2-2. Instrument cluster
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
● The engine may be overheating if the temperature gauge is in the red
zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
check the engine after it has cooled completely. (
P. 476)