2015 TOYOTA RAV4 brake

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4-5. Using the driving support systems
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 to 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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4-5. Using the driving support systems
CAUTION
■When using the rear view monitor system
The rear view monitor system is a supplemental device intended to assist
the driver when backing up. When backing up, be sure to check visually
behind and all around the vehicle before proceeding.
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in
death or serious injuries.
● Never depend on the rear view monitor system entirely when backing up.
The image and the position of the guide lines displayed on the screen may
differ from the actual state.
Use caution, just as you would when backing up any vehicle.
● Be sure to back up slowly, depressing the brake pedal to control vehicle
speed.
● The instructions given are only guide lines.
When and how much to turn the steering wheel will vary according to traf-
fic conditions, road surface conditions, vehicle condition, etc. when park-
ing. It is necessary to be fully aware of this before using the rear view
monitor system.
● When parking, be sure to check that the parking space will accommodate
your vehicle before maneuvering into it.
● Do not use the rear view monitor system in the following cases:
• On icy or slick road surfaces, or in snow
• When using tire chains or the compact spare tire (if equipped)
• When the back door is not closed completely
• On roads that are not flat or straight, such as curves or slopes.
● In low temperatures, the screen may darken or the image may become
faint. The image could distort when the vehicle is moving, or you may
become unable to see the image on the screen. Be sure to check direct
visually and with the mirrors all around the vehicle before proceeding.
● If the tire sizes are changed, the position of the fixation guide lines dis-
played on the screen may change.
● The camera uses a special lens. The distances between objects and
pedestrians that appear in the image displayed on the screen will differ
from the actual distances. ( P. 262)

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4-5. Using the driving support systems
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. 272)
■ 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
4
Driving
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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4-5. Using the driving support systems
◆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 AW D 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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4-5. Using the driving support systems
■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 re-enabled 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 re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.

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4-6. Driving tips
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

RAV4_OM_OM42A78U_(U)
2954-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
CAUTION
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, seri-
ous injury or damage to your vehicle:
● Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving
in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spok es when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and espe-
cially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
● Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
● After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that
there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the
vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody,
a breakdown or fire could occur.
● When driving off-road or in rugged te rrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss
of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.