2013 TOYOTA RAV4 Owners Manual

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Driving
●The shape of the obstacle may prevent a sensor from detecting it. Pay par-
ticular attention to the following obstacles:
• Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materials that absorb sound waves
• Sharply-angled objects
• Low obstacles
• Tall obstacles with upper sections projecting outwards in the direction of
your vehicle
● The following situations may occur during use:
• Depending on the shape of the obstacle and other factors, the detection
distance may shorten, or detection may be impossible.
• Obstacles may not be detected if they are too close to the sensor.
• There will be a short delay between obstacle detection and indicator. Even at slow speeds, there is a possibility that the obstacle will come
within the sensor’s detection areas before the indicator comes on and the
warning beep sounds.
• Thin posts or objects lower than the sensor may not be detected for colli- sion when approached, even if they have been detected once.
• It might be difficult to hear beeps due to the volume of audio system or air flow noise of air conditioning system.
■ When the system malfunctions
●The indicator for the malfunctioning sensor turns on and the vehicle indica-
tor turns off while the buzzer sounds for approximately 7 seconds.
If the corner and center indicators turn on and remain on after that, first
check the status of the sensor. If the indicators stay on even though there is
no mud, ice or snow on the sensor, the sensor may be malfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
● The indicator for the malfunctioning sensor flashes and the vehicle indicator
turns off while the buzzer sounds for approximately 7 seconds.
If the corner and center indicators flash after that, the sensor may be mal-
functioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
■ Certification (Canada only)
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.

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CAUTION
■Caution when using the intuitive parking assist
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely
and possibly cause an accident.
●Do not use the sensor at speeds in excess of 6 mph (10 km/h).
● The sensors’ detection areas and reaction times are limited. When revers-
ing, check the areas surrounding the vehicle (especially the sides of the
vehicle) for safety, and drive slowly, using the brake to control the vehicle’s
speed.
● Do not attach any accessories within the sensor range.
NOTICE
■When using intuitive parking assist
In the following situations, the system may not function correctly due t\
o a
sensor malfunction etc. Have the vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer.
●A beep does not sound when you turn the main switch on.
● The corner and center indicators flash, and a beep sounds when no obsta-
cles are detected.
● If the area around a sensor collides with something, or is subjected to
strong impact.
● If the bumper collides with something.
● If the corner and center indicators show continuously without a beep.
● If a indicator error occurs, first check the sensor.
If the error occurs even if there is no ice, snow or mud on the sensor, it is
likely that the sensor is malfunctioning.
■ Notes when washing the vehicle
Do not apply intensive bursts of water or steam to the sensor area.
Doing so may result in the sensor malfunctioning.

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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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Driving
◆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 sys-
tem applies the brakes to the spinning wheel and transfers some of
the torque to the other wheel to secure drive power.
◆Dynamic Torque Control AWD system (AWD models)
Automatically switches from fron t-wheel drive to all-wheel drive
(AWD) according to the driving conditions, helping to ensure reli-
able handling and stability. Exampl es of conditions where the sys-
tem will switch to AWD are when cornering, going uphill, starting off
or accelerating, and when the road surface is slippery due to snow,
rain, etc.
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to redu ce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel

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The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC systems are
operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing to turn the
system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order to
free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press and release .
Press again to turn the system back on.
2WD models:
The “AUTO LSD” and VSC
OFF indicator lights will come
on.
AWD models:
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
will come on.
When the TRAC/VSC systems are operating
Disabling the TRAC system

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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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■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.