2012 TOYOTA RAV4 light

188 2-4. Using other driving systems
Vehicles with spare tire
In the following cases, it may become
difficult to see images on the screen
even if the system functions correctly.
●The vehicle is in a dark area, such
as at night.
● The temperature near the lens is
extremely high or low.
● Water droplets are on the camera
lens or humidity is high, such as
when it rains.
● Foreign matter, such as snow or
mud, adheres to the camera lens.
● The camera lens is scratched or has
dirt on it.
● The sun or headlights are shining
directly into the camera lens.
● A bright object such as a white wall
is reflected in the mirror surface
over the screen.

189
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
■Smear effect
■ Flicker effect
When the camera is used under fluorescent light, sodium lights, or mercury
lights etc., the lights and the illuminated areas may appear to flicker.
CAUTION
■When using the rear view monitor system
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in
death or serious injuries.
●The rear view monitor system is a supplement device intended to assist
back up. Never depend solely on the rear view monitor system when
reversing. Always check visually and with the mirrors to confirm your
intended path is clear. Use caution just as you would when backing up any
vehicle.
● The camera has a special lens. Depicted distances between objects and
flat surfaces differ from actual distances.
● Vehicles with spare tire: The spare tire is the rear-most edge of the vehicle
extending past the rear bumper. Take care not to hit any obstacles with the
spare tire while reversing.
If a bright light, such as sunlight
reflected off the vehicle body, is picked
up by the camera, a smear effect* char-
acteristic to the camera may occur.
*: Smear effect A phenomenon that
occurs when a bright light is picked
up by the camera; when transmitted
by the camera, the light source
appears to have a vertical streak
above and below it.

192 2-4. Using other driving systems
When the VSC/TRAC are operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or if any of the drive wheels
spins, the slip indicator light
flashes to indicate that the VSC/
TRAC systems are operating.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road
surface by controlling steering performance.
■Hill-start assist control (if equipped)
P. 198
■Downhill assist cont rol system (if equipped)
P. 200

193
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
To disable TRAC and/or VSC (2WD models)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC and VSC may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn
the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it. The
AUTO LSD function is activated when the system is in TRAC off
mode.
■ Turning off TRAC
Quickly push and release the
switch to turn off TRAC.
The “AUTO LSD” and VSC OFF
indicator lights should come on.
While the AUTO LSD function is
operating the slip indicator light
flashes.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC and VSC
Push and hold the switch while
the vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC and VSC.
The VSC OFF indicator light
should come on.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.

194 2-4. Using other driving systems
To disable TRAC and/or VSC (4WD models)If the vehicle gets stuck in fres h snow or mud, TRAC and VSC may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn
the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
■ Turning off TRAC
Quickly push and release the
switch to turn off TRAC.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
should come on.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC and VSC
Push and hold the switch while
the vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC and VSC.
The “TRAC OFF” and VSC OFF
indicator lights should come on.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.

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.

196 2-4. Using other driving systems
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly when the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ When the AUTO LSD function operates continuously
The brake actuator may overheat. In that case, the system will stop the
AUTO LSD function, a buzzer will sound and the slip indicator will stay on
steady. Refrain from using the AUTO LSD function until the slip indicator
goes off. (There is no problem with continuing driving normally.)
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from
excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The sys-
tem should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■ If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC, TRAC and AUTO LSD function.
Contact your Toyota dealer.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick road.

197
2-4. Using other
driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle's stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations.
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven surfaces
■ TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive care-
fully. Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when
the indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ When TRAC and VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do
not turn off TRAC and VSC unless necessary.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the appro-
priate tire pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-
ted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.