Page 263 of 624

RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
2634-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Turning off both TRAC/VSC systems
To turn the TRAC/VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3 sec-
onds while the vehicle is stopped.
2WD models:
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on.
AWD models:
The “TRAC OFF” and VSC OFF in dicator lights will come on.
Press again to turn the systems back on.
■ When the “AUTO LSD” indicator light flashes even if the VSC OFF
switch has not been pressed (2WD models)
TRAC and AUTO LSD 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 (AWD models)
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC
systems
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these 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 after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automati-
cally reactivated in the following situations:
● When the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” position (vehicles without a
smart key system) or off (vehicles with a smart key system).
● If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic reactivation
will not occur when vehicle speed increases.
Page 264 of 624

264
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system 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
EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■ 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, especially in the
following situations:
● 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 uneven surfaces
■ TRAC may not operat e 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 light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■ When the TRAC/VSC syst ems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help vehicle stability and driving force, do
not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
Page 267 of 624

RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
2674-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■The outside rear view mirror indicators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be dif-
ficult to see.
■ Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer hearing
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may be difficult to hear over loud noises
such as high audio volume.
■ When there is a malfunction in the Blind Spot Monitor system
If a system malfunction is detected due to any of the following reasons, the
BSM warning light will come on: ( P. 505)
● There is a malfunction with the sensors
● The sensors have become dirty
● The outside temperature is extremely high or low
● The sensor voltage has become abnormal
Outside rear view mirror indicators
Blind Spot Monitor function:
When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the outside rear view mirror
indicator comes on while the turn signal lever is not operated and the out-
side rear view mirror indicator flashes while the turn signal lever is oper-
ated.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function:
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is
detected, the outside rear view mirror indicators flash.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer (Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
only)
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is
detected, a buzzer sounds from behind the left-hand rear seat.
2
3
Page 269 of 624
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
2694-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
CAUTION
■Handling the radar sensor
One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is installed inside the left and right side of
the vehicle rear bumper respectively. Observe the following to ensure the
Blind Spot Monitor system can function correctly.
●Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper to a strong
impact. If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may mal-
function and vehicles that enter the detection area may not be detected.\
If
the sensor or surrounding area is subj ect to a strong impact, always have
the area inspected by your Toyota dealer.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor or surrounding area on
the bumper.
● Do not modify the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
● Do not paint the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
●Keep the sensor and its surrounding
area on the bumper clean at all times.
Page 277 of 624

RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
2774-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
Perform 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 the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, ve hicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road con-
ditions.
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the park-
ing brake. The parking brake may fr eeze up, preventing it from being
released. If necessary, block the wheels to prev ent inadvertent sliding
or creeping.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Page 287 of 624

287
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
5Interior features
5-2. Using the audio systemAudio system types ........... 308
Using the radio .................. 312
Using the CD player .......... 315
Playing back MP3 and WMA discs ...................... 320
Operating an iPod ............. 327
Operating a USB memory................... 335
Optimal use of the audio system ................... 343
Using the AUX port ........... 345
Using the steering wheel audio switches ................ 346
Bluetooth
® audio/phone .... 349
Using the Bluetooth®
audio/phone .................... 354
Operating a Bluetooth
®
enabled portable
player .............................. 359
Making a phone call .......... 362
Using the “SETUP” menu (“Bluetooth
*”
menu) .............................. 367
Using the “SETUP” menu (“PHONE” menu) ............ 372 5-3. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list ................ 377
• Interior lights ................. 378
• Personal lights .............. 378
5-4. Using the storage features List of storage features ..... 380
• Glove box...................... 381
• Console box .................. 382
• Cup holders .................. 383
• Bottle holders ................ 384
Luggage compartment features ........................... 385
5-5. Other interior features Sun visors and vanity mirrors ............................. 395
Clock ................................. 396
Power outlets .................... 397
Seat heaters...................... 398
Armrest ............................. 400
Coat hooks ........................ 401
Assist grips........................ 402
*: Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
Page 319 of 624
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
3195-2. Using the audio system
5
Interior features
NOTICE
■CD Player precautions
Failure to follow the precautions below may result in serious damage to the
CDs or the player itself.
●Do not insert anything other than CDs into the CD slot.
● Do not apply oil to the CD player.
● Store CDs away from direct sunlight.
● Never try to disassemble any part of the CD player.
●CDs with a transparent or translucent
recording area
● CDs that have tape, stickers or CD-R
labels attached to them, or that have
had the label peeled off
Page 377 of 624
377
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
5-3. Using the interior lights
5
Interior features
Interior lights list
Interior lights (P. 378)
Interior/personal lights ( P. 378) Engine switch light (if
equipped)
Cup holder light (if equipped)1
2
3
4