2012 TOYOTA RAV4 flat tire

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1Before drivingAdjusting and operating features such as door locks,
mirrors, and steering column.
2When drivingDriving, stopping and safe-driving information.
3Interior
featuresAir conditioning and audio systems, as well as other
interior features for a comfortable driving experience.
4Maintenance
and careCleaning and protecting your vehicle, performing do-it-
yourself maintenance, and maintenance information.
5When trouble
arisesWhat to do if the vehicle needs to be towed, gets a flat
tire, or is involved in an accident.
6Vehicle
specificationsDetailed vehicle information.
7For ownersReporting safety defects for U.S. owners, and seat belt
and SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners
IndexAlphabetical listing of information contained in this
manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
4
Security and system setup ................................ 304
Using the phone book ........ 307
3-4. Using the interior lights Interior lights list ................. 315
• Personal/interior light main switch ...................... 316
• Personal/interior lights...... 316
• Interior light ...................... 317
• Luggage compartment light .................................. 317
3-5. Using the storage features List of storage features....... 319
• Glove box ......................... 320
• Console box ..................... 321
• Overhead console ............ 322
• Cup holders ...................... 323
• Bottle holders ................... 324
• Auxiliary box ..................... 326
3-6. Other interior features Sun visors .......................... 327
Vanity mirrors ..................... 328
Clock .................................. 329
Power outlets ..................... 330
Seat heaters ....................... 335
Armrest............................... 337
Coat hooks ......................... 338
Floor mat ............................ 339
Luggage compartment features ............................ 340 4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior ........... 346
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ............ 349
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements .................... 352
General maintenance ......... 355
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs .......................... 358
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions ....................... 359
Hood ................................... 363
Positioning a floor jack........ 365
Engine compartment .......... 367
Tires.................................... 381
Tire inflation pressure ......... 388
Wheels................................ 392
Air conditioning filter ........... 395
Key battery ......................... 397
Checking and replacing fuses ................................. 401
Light bulbs .......................... 413
4Maintenance and care

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
5-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers ............ 424
If your vehicle needs to be towed ........................... 425
If you think something is wrong ............................ 432
Fuel pump shut off system .............................. 433
Event data recorder ............ 434
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... .......................... 436
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with
standard tires) ................... 449
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with
run-flat tires)...................... 467
If the engine will not start ................................... 468
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P............... 469
If you lose your keys ........... 470
If the electronic key does not operate properly.......... 471
If the battery is discharged ........................ 473
If your vehicle overheats ..... 476
If the vehicle becomes stuck ................................. 478
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ........................ 480 6-1. Specifications
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) ........... 484
Fuel information.................. 496
Tire information .................. 499
6-2. Customization Customizable features........ 510
6-3. Initialization Items to initialize ................. 513
Reporting safety defects for U.S. owners ................ 516
Seat belt instructions for Canadian owners
(in French) ........................ 517
SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners
(in French) ........................ 519
Abbreviation list ......................... 530
Alphabetical index ..................... 532
What to do if... ........................... 541
5When trouble arises6Vehicle specifications
7For owners
Index

7
Tires
●Rotation
● Replacement
● Inflation pressure
● Information
P. 381
P. 449
P. 494
P. 499
Back door P. 46
Rear turn signal lights P. 155
Stop/tail and rear side
marker lights
P. 167
Rear
window
wiper
P. 177
License plate lights P. 167
Side doors P. 42
Rear
window
defogger

P. 248
License
plate light
P. 167
With spare tire Spare tire
P. 449
Fuel filler door P. 91
Roof luggage carrier 
P. 209

: If equipped

143
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during
driving. If the brake pedal is depressed while driving with the accelerator
pedal depressed, driving torque may be restrained.
● Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake
pedals together to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■ When parking the vehicle
Always put the shift lever in P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is acci-
dentally depressed.
■ Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a
long time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
● When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■ If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indica-
tors)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Toyota dealer as soon
as possible.
The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.
■ If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
● The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace the flat tire with a new one. ( P. 454)

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.

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.

225
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Connecting trailer lights
Please consult your dealer when installing trailer lights, as incorrect
installation may cause damage to the vehicle's lights. Please take
care to comply with your state's laws when installing trailer lights.
■Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( P. 494)
● Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendation.
● All trailer lights must work in order to be legal.
● Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the t\
railer.
● Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper
tongue load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
● Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● Check that your rear view mirrors c onform to any federal, state/provincial
or local regulations. If they do not, inst all rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any
new power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bear-
ings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■ Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner's Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approxi-
mately 600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.