2012 TOYOTA RAV4 stop start

184 2-4. Using other driving systems
■The rear view monitor system can be operated when
Vehicles without smart key system
The shift lever is in R, the back door is fully closed and the engine switch is
in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
The shift lever is in R, the back door is fully closed and the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ Changing display modes
The rear view monitor display mode can be changed while the screen is on.
●To temporarily disable the rear view monitor system
Push the “AUTO” button.
The indicator will turn amber.
Vehicles without smart key system
The system will be re-enabled once the
engine switch is turned OFF and then
turned to the “ON” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
The system will be re-enabled once the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is
turned OFF and then turned to IGNI-
TION ON mode.

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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

191
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■AUTO LSD function (2WD models)
The AUTO LSD function is activated when the system is in TRAC off
mode. It operates when one of the drive wheels is spinning, such as
when the wheel is spinning freely on ice or mud. The system applies
the brakes to the spinning wheel and transfers some of the torque to
the other wheel to secure drive power.
■Active Torque Control 4W D system (4WD models)
Automatically switches from front-wheel drive to four-wheel drive
(4WD) according to the driving conditions, helping to ensure reliable
handling and stability. Examples of conditions where the system will
switch to 4WD are when cornering, going uphill, starting off or acceler-
ating, and when the road surface is slippery due to snow, rain, etc.
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.

195
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC
Vehicles without smart key system
Turning the engine switch OFF after turning off the TRAC and VSC systems
will automatically re-enable them.
Vehicles with smart key system
Turning the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF after turning off the TRAC
and VSC systems will automatically re-enable them.
■ Automatic TRAC reactivation
2WD models
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will be reactivated
while vehicle speed is increased. 4WD models
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases.
■ Automatic TRAC and VSC reactivation
If the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on
even when vehicle speed increases.
■ When the “AUTO LSD” indicator light flashes even if the VSC OFF
switch has not been pressed (2WD models)
TRAC, AUTO LSD, hill-start assist control and downhill assist control cannot
be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if the VSC OFF
switch has not been pressed (4WD models)
TRAC, hill-start assist control and downhill assist control cannot be oper-
ated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, TRAC and VSC
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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

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2-4. Using other
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2
When driving
■Conditions in which the downhill assist control system does not oper-
ate or will stop operating
● In the following situations, the downhill assist control system indicator
flashes and the downhill assist control system does not operate or will
stop operating:
• The shift lever is not in L or R.
• The vehicle speed is higher than 15 mph (25 km/h).
● If the accelerate or brake pedal is depressed, the downhill assist control
system will stop operating with the downhill assist control system indica-
tor stayed on.
■ If the “DAC” switch is turned off while the downhill assist control sys-
tem is operating
The downhill assist control system gradually ceases operation. The downhill
assist control system indicator will flash during the canceling operation, and
then go off when the system is fully off.
■ Downhill assist control system operation sound
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment while the downhill
assist control system is operating. This sound does not indicate a mal-
function.
● If the accelerator or brake pedal is depressed while the downhill assist
control system is operating, a sound caused by the release of system
operation may be heard, or you may f eel the brake pedal push-back. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■ When the downhill assist cont rol system operates continuously
The brake actuator may overheat. In that case, the downhill assist control
system will stop operating, a buzzer will sound and the downhill assist con-
trol system indicator will start flashing. Refrain from using the system until
the downhill assist control system indicator stays on. (There is no problem
with continuing driving normally.)
■ If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact your Toyota dealer.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
Four-wheel drive lock switch (4WD models)
■Four-wheel drive lock mode 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.
■ Four-wheel drive lock mode
●Four-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the brakes are applied to
ensure the ABS and VSC systems operate effectively.
● Four-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the vehicle speed exceeds
25 mph (40 km/h).
Four-wheel drive lock mode can be used when a large amount of
drive power needs to be applied to all the wheels, such as when the
vehicle gets stuck in mud and you need to free it.
Press the switch.
The torque of the engine is dis-
tributed to the rear wheels to
the maximum extent possible
in accordance with driving con-
ditions.
Pressing the switch again can-
cels four-wheel drive lock
mode and returns the Active
Torque Control 4WD system to
normal mode. (P. 191)

213
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant's weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking con-
trol which may cause death or serious injury.
■Roof luggage carrier precautions
When you load cargo on the roof luggage carrier, observe the following:
●Place the cargo so that its weight is distributed evenly between the
front and rear axles.
●If loading long or wide cargo, never exceed the vehicle overall length
or width. (
P. 484)
●Before driving, make sure the cargo is securely fastened on the roof
luggage carrier.
●Loading cargo on the r oof luggage carrier will make the center of the
vehicle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns,
sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of
control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly
and result in death or serious injury.
●If driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds, stop
the vehicle now and then during the trip to make sure the cargo
remains in its place.
●Do not exceed 102.6 lb. (46.2 kg ) cargo weight on the roof luggage
carrier.
■Cross rail adjustment
Make sure the cross rails are locked securely by pushing forward and
rearward them.
Failure to do so may cause an unexpected accident or severe injury in
the event of emergency braking or a collision.