2012 TOYOTA RAV4 four wheel drive

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2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch .................. 167
Fog light switch ................... 171
Windshield wipers and washer .............................. 173
Rear window wiper and washer .............................. 177
2-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control ...................... 179
Rear view monitor system .............................. 183
Driving assist systems ........ 191
Hill-start assist control ......... 198
Downhill assist control system .............................. 200
Four-wheel drive lock switch ................................ 203
2-5. Driving information Utility vehicle precautions ....................... 204
Cargo and luggage ............. 209
Vehicle load limits ............... 215
Winter driving tips ............... 217
Trailer towing ...................... 221
Dinghy towing ..................... 231 3-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Manual air conditioning system .............................. 234
Automatic air conditioning system .............................. 240
Rear window and outside rear view
mirror defoggers ............... 248
Windshield wiper de-icer .... 250
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system types ............ 251
Using the radio ................... 254
Using the CD player ........... 260
Playing back MP3 and WMA discs ....................... 267
Optimal use of the audio system .............................. 274
Using the AUX port............. 277
Using the steering wheel audio switches.................. 278
3-3. Using the hands-free phone system
(for cellular phone)
Hands-free phone system (for cellular phone)
features ............................ 281
Using the hands-free phone system
(for cellular phone) ........... 285
Making a phone call ........... 293
Setting a cellular phone ...... 299
3Interior features

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Tilt and telescopic steering lock release lever P. 78
Headlight switch
Turn signal lever
Fog light switch

P. 167
P. 155
P. 171
Windshield wiper and washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer switch P. 173
P. 177
Fuel filler door opener
P. 91
Emergency flasher
switch
P. 424
Four-wheel drive lock switch  P. 203
Pictorial indexInstrument panel
Gauges and meters P. 158
Audio system
Navigation system *P. 251
Hood release lever P. 363
Horn P. 157

When driving2
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2-1. Driving proceduresDriving the vehicle............ 136
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with smart
key system).................... 145
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without smart
key system).................... 149
Automatic transmission................... 152
Turn signal lever .............. 155
Parking brake ................... 156
Horn ................................. 157
2-2. Instrument cluster Gauges and meters ......... 158
Indicators and warning lights .............................. 161
Trip information display .... 164
2-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch ............... 167
Fog light switch ................ 171
Windshield wipers and washer ........................... 173
Rear window wiper and washer ........................... 177 2-4. Using other driving
systems
Cruise control ................... 179
Rear view monitor system ........................... 183
Driving assist systems ..... 191
Hill-start assist control ...... 198
Downhill assist control system ........................... 200
Four-wheel drive lock switch ............................. 203
2-5. Driving information Utility vehicle precautions .................... 204
Cargo and luggage .......... 209
Vehicle load limits ............ 215
Winter driving tips ............ 217
Trailer towing ................... 221
Dinghy towing .................. 231

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

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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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.

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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)

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific grav-
ity of battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Observe the following according to the driving conditions.
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of th e climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumu lated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow
that may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the
brakes.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the vehicle becomes stuck
CAUTION
■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the sur-
rounding area is clear, to avoid striki ng other vehicles, objects or persons.
The vehicle may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes
free. Use extreme caution.
■ When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may
cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle
becomes stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.
Stop the engine. Set the parking brake and put the shift
lever in P.
Remove the mud, snow, or sand from around the stuck tire.
Place wood, stones or some other material to help provide
traction under the tires.
Restart the engine.
4WD models: Activate four-wheel drive lock mode. ( P. 203)
Shift the shift lever to the D or R position, release the park-
ing brake and carefully depress the accelerator pedal to
free the vehicle.
Turn off TRAC and/or VSC if these functions are hampering your
attempts to free the vehicle. ( P. 193)
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