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1994-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■ Caution when driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position while driving. If, in an
emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn
the engine switch only to the “ACC” position to stop the engine. A\
n accident
may result if the engine is stopped while driving. ( P. 493)
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the engine switch in the “ACC” or “ON” position for long peri-
ods of time without the engine running.
■ When starting the engine
●Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may
overheat the starter and wiring system.
● Do not race a cold engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to star t or stalls frequently, have your vehi-
cle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately.
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4-2. Driving procedures
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■ Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time.
In this case, refrain from running the engine. After about 10 seconds, the
steering lock motor will resume functioning.
■ When the smart key system indi cator light flashes in yellow
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 462
■ Operation of the engine switch
When operating the engine switch, one short, firm press is enough. If the
switch is pressed improperly, the engine may not start or the engine switch
mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.
■ If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting
P. 539 The smart key system indicator light
(green) will flash quickly.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the engine switch while turning the steer-
ing wheel left and right.
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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.
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RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
3995-5. Other interior features
5
Interior features
CAUTION
■Burns
●Use caution when seating the following persons in a seat with the seat
heater on to avoid the possibility of burns:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically chal-
lenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
● Do not cover the seat with anything when using the seat heater.
Using the seat heater with a blanket or cushion increases the temperature
of the seat and may lead to overheating.
● Do not use the seat heater more than necessary. Doing so may cause
minor burns or overheating.
NOTICE
■To prevent seat heater damage
Do not put unevenly weighted objects on the seat and do not stick sharp
objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
■ To prevent battery discharge
Turn the seat heaters off when the engine is not running.
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491
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7When trouble arises
7-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers .......... 492
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ...................... 493
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency If your vehicle needs to be towed ..................... 495
If you think something is wrong ......... 501
Fuel pump shut off system ............................ 502
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................ 503
If you have a flat tire.......... 519
If the engine will not start ..................... 536
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P ............. 538
If the electronic key does not operate properly
(vehicles with a
smart key system) ........... 539
If the vehicle battery is discharged ................... 542
If your vehicle overheats ... 546
If the vehicle becomes stuck ............................... 549
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5077-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
7
When trouble arises
After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem,
check that the warning light goes off.
Follow the correction procedures.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Open door warning light
(warning buzzer)
*1
Indicates that a door is not
fully closed
Check that all the doors are
closed.
Seat belt reminder light
(warning buzzer)
*2
Warns the driver and/or
front passenger to fasten
their seat belts
Fasten the seat belt.If the front passenger’s
seat is occupied, the front
passenger’s seat belt also
needs to be fastened to
make the warning light
(warning buzzer) off.
Low fuel level warning
lightIndicates remaining fuel is
approximately 2.4 gal. (9.0
L, 2.0 Imp. gal.) or less
Refuel the vehicle.
High engine coolant tem-
perature warning lightIndicates that the engine is
almost overheating.
P. 546
Low washer fluid warning
lightIndicates low level of
washer fluid.
Fill the tank.
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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
Follow the correction procedure as described below:Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning sys-
tem, and then stop the engine.
If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficient ly, inspect the
hoses and radiator core (radia-
tor) for any leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fans
If a large amount of coolant
leaks, immediately contact your
Toyota dealer.
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating:
● High engine coolant temperature warning light comes on ( P. 507),
or a loss of engine power is ex perienced. (For example, the vehi-
cle speed does not increase.)
● Steam comes out from under the hood.
1
2
3
1
2
Page 611 of 624

611Alphabetical index
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
Child safety ................................ 58Airbag precautions .................. 41
Back door precautions .......... 130
Battery precautions ....... 438, 545
Child restraint system ............. 59
How your child should
wear the seat belt ................. 34
Installing child restraints ......... 63
Moon roof precautions .......... 162
Power window lock switch .... 156
Power window
precautions ......................... 158
Rear door child-protectors .... 122
Removed key battery precautions ......................... 464
Seat belt extender precautions ........................... 37
Seat belt precautions .............. 35
Seat heater precautions........ 399
Child-protectors....................... 122
Cleaning ........................... 404, 408
Aluminum wheels.................. 406
Exterior ................................. 404
Interior................................... 408
Seat belts .............................. 409
Clock ......................................... 396
Coat hooks ............................... 401
Condenser ................................ 436
Console box ............................. 382
Cooling system Engine overheating ............... 546
Cruise control .......................... 241
Cup holders.............................. 383
Curtain shield airbags ............... 38
Customizable features ............ 579 Daytime running light
system.................................... 219
Defogger Outside rear view mirrors ..... 305
Rear window ......................... 305
Windshield ............................ 290
Differential................................ 558
Dimension ................................ 552
Dinghy towing.......................... 196
Display LDA (Lane Departure
Alert)................................... 245
Multi-information display ......... 89
Trip information....................... 90
Display Audio system
*Do-it-yourself maintenance .... 420
Doors Automatic door locking and unlocking system......... 123
Back door ............................. 125
Door glasses......................... 156
Door lock ...................... 120, 125
Open door warning buzzer ... 104
Open door warning light ....... 507
Outside rear view mirrors ..... 154
Rear door child-protectors .... 122
Side doors ............................ 120
Driver’s seat position memory .................................. 143
Driving ...................................... 164
Break-in tips.......................... 166
Correct posture ....................... 28
Driving mode select switch ................................. 209
Procedures ........................... 164
Winter drive tips .................... 276
Dynamic Torque Control AWD system .......................... 261
D
*: For vehicles with a Display Audio system, refer to
“Display Audio System Owner’s Manual”.