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RAV4_OM_OM42A78U_(U)
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. An accident
may result if the engine is stopped while driving. ( P. 601)
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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204
RAV4_OM_OM42A78U_(U)
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. 570
■ 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. 646 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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RAV4_OM_OM42A78U_(U)
2754-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■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.
Drive the vehicle carefully 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 ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
Page 507 of 732
RAV4_OM_OM42A78U_(U)
5075-6. 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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599
RAV4_OM_OM42A78U_(U)
7When trouble arises
7-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers .......... 600
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency ...................... 601
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency If your vehicle needs to be towed ..................... 603
If you think something is wrong ......... 609
Fuel pump shut off system ............................ 610
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................ 611
If you have a flat tire.......... 627
If the engine will not start ..................... 643
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P............. 645
If the electronic key does not operate properly
(vehicles with a
smart key system) ........... 646
If the vehicle battery is discharged ................... 649
If your vehicle overheats ... 653
If the vehicle becomes stuck ............................... 656
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6157-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RAV4_OM_OM42A78U_(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. 653
Low washer fluid warning
light
Indicates low level of
washer fluid.
Fill the tank.
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653
RAV4_OM_OM42A78U_(U)
7
When trouble arises
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
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 sufficiently, inspect the hoses and
radiator core (radiator) 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.
● The high engine coolant temperature warning light ( P. 615) comes
on or a loss of engine power is experienced. (For example, the
vehicle speed does not increase.)
● Steam comes out from under the hood.
Correction procedures
1
2
3
1
2
Page 719 of 732

719Alphabetical index
RAV4_OM_OM42A78U_(U)
Child safety ................................ 58Airbag precautions .................. 41
Back door precautions .......... 129
Battery precautions ....... 546, 652
Child restraint system ............. 59
How your child should
wear the seat belt ................. 34
Installing child restraints ......... 63
Moon roof precautions .......... 161
Power window lock switch .... 155
Power window
precautions ......................... 157
Rear door child-protectors .... 121
Removed key battery precautions ......................... 572
Seat belt extender precautions ........................... 37
Seat belt precautions .............. 35
Seat heater precautions........ 507
Child-protectors....................... 121
Cleaning ........................... 512, 516
Aluminum wheels.................. 514
Exterior ................................. 512
Interior................................... 516
Seat belts .............................. 517
Clock ......................................... 504
Coat hooks ............................... 509
Condenser ................................ 544
Console box ............................. 491
Cooling system Engine overheating ............... 653
Cruise control .......................... 241
Cup holders.............................. 492
Curtain shield airbags ............... 38
Customizable features ............ 687 Daytime running light
system.................................... 219
Defogger Outside rear view mirrors ..... 316
Rear window ......................... 316
Windshield ............................ 301
Differential................................ 666
Dimension ................................ 660
Dinghy towing.......................... 196
Display Fuel consumption
information ........................... 92
LDA (Lane Departure Alert)................................... 245
Multi-information display ......... 87
Trip information....................... 88
Do-it-yourself maintenance .... 528
Doors
Automatic door locking and unlocking system......... 122
Back door ............................. 124
Door glasses......................... 155
Door lock ...................... 119, 124
Open door warning buzzer ... 104
Open door warning light ....... 615
Outside rear view mirrors ..... 153
Rear door child-protectors .... 121
Side doors ............................ 119
Driver’s seat position memory .................................. 142
Driving ...................................... 164 Break-in tips.......................... 166
Correct posture ....................... 28
Driving mode select switch ................................. 209
Procedures ........................... 164
Winter drive tips .................... 287
Driving position memory ........ 142 Driving position memory ....... 142
Memory recall function ......... 144
Dynamic Torque Control AWD system .......................... 272D