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4-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
All-wheel drive lock switch (AWD models)
Press the switch.
The torque of the engine is distrib-
uted to the rear wheels to the max-
imum extent possible in
accordance with driving conditions.
Pressing the switch again cancels
all-wheel drive lock mode and
returns the Dynamic Torque Con-
trol AWD system to normal mode.
( P. 261)
■All-wheel drive lock mode can be operated when
Vehicles without a smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ All-wheel drive lock mode
●All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the brakes are applied to
ensure the ABS and VSC systems operate effectively.
● All-wheel drive lock mode is cancel ed when the vehicle speed exceeds 25
mph (40 km/h).
All-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.
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4-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving assist systems
◆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)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving
situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supple-
mentary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operat-
ing the vehicle.
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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.
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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
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RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
2854-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
NOTICE
■To prevent the water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
engine or other components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
● Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ulti-
mately damage.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and
transfer case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■ When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check
the depth of the water and the bottom of the stream for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
■ Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake drums and around
brake discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system
components.
● Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driv-
ing that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Scheduled Maintenance
Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
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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 289 of 624
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
2895-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
5
Interior features
To adjust the fan speed, turn the fan speed control dial clockwise
(increase) or counterclockwise (decrease).
Turning the dial to “0” turns off the fan.
To adjust the temperature setting, turn the temperature control dial
clockwise (warm) or counterclockwise (cool).
If is not pressed, the system will blow ambient temperature air or
heated air.
To select the air outlets, set the air outlet selector dial to the desired
position.
The positions between the air outlet selections shown below can also be
selected for more delicate adjustment.
Adjusting the settings
1
2
3
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5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Air conditioning odors
●During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to
be emitted from the vents.
● To reduce potential odors from occurring:
It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air
mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
■ Air conditioning filter
P. 460
CAUTION
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not set the air outlet selection dial to during cool air operation in
extremely humid weather. The difference between the temperature of the
outside air and that of the windshield can cause the outer surface of the
windshield to fog up, blocking your vision.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is off.