2016 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID Owners Manual

731-2. Hybrid system
RAV4-HV_OM_OM42A56U_(U)
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For safety and security
Hybrid system features
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the
actual item.Gasoline engine
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Rear electric motor (traction motor)
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different
from conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with
the characteristics of your vehicle, and operate it with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and
an electric motor (traction moto r) according to driving condi-
tions, improving fuel efficien cy and reducing exhaust emis-
sions.
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741-2. Hybrid system
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◆When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops
* when the vehicle is stopped. During
start off, the electric motor (tra ction motor) drives the vehicle. At
slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine is
stopped
* and the electric motor (traction motor) is used.
When the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) is
not being charged.
*: When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging or the engine is warming up, etc., the gasoline engine will not automatically stop.
( P. 75)
◆During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) as nec-
essary.
◆When accelerating sharply
When the accelerator pedal is depressed heavily, the power of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) is added to that of the gasoline
engine via the electric motor (traction motor).
◆When braking (regenerative braking)
The wheels operate the electric motor (traction motor) as a power
generator, and the hybrid battery (traction battery) is charged.
When driving with the gasoline engine stopped, a sound, which
changes in accordance with the driving speed, will be played in order
to warn people nearby of the vehi cle’s approach. The sound will stop
when the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).
Vehicle proximity notification system

751-2. Hybrid system
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For safety and security
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and
deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
●The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift lever in D or S.
● The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift lever in D or S.
■ EV indicator
■ Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop
automatically in the following conditions:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
● During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low
● When the heater is switched on
■ Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the bat-
tery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the
vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery (traction battery) will
slowly discharge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once
every few months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid
battery (traction battery) becomes fully discharged and you are unable to start
the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Charging the 12-volt battery
P. 583 The EV indicator comes on when the
vehicle is driven using only the electric
motor (traction motor) or the gasoline
engine is stopped.

761-2. Hybrid system
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After the 12-volt battery has dischar ged or when the terminal has been
removed and installed during exchange, etc.
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is being driven by the
hybrid battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your
Toyota dealer.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehicle is able to
move with the “READY” indicator is illuminated. For safety, apply the parking
brake and make sure to shift the shift lever to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating and are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) when the
hybrid system starts or stops.
● Relay operating sounds such as a snap or soft clank will be emitted from the
hybrid battery (traction battery), behind the rear seats, when the hybrid sys-
tem is started or stopped.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is open.
● Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine
starts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is
depressed or as the accelerator pedal is released.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vents on the lower
sides of the rear seat.
■ Vehicle proximity notification system
In the following cases, the vehicle proximity notification system may be diffi-
cult for surrounding people to hear.
●In very noisy areas
● In the wind or the rain
Also, as the vehicle proximity notification system is installed on the front of
the vehicle, it may be more difficult to hear from the rear of the vehicle com-
pared to the front.
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. on/off operation of the EV indicator) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 620)

771-2. Hybrid system
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For safety and security
Hybrid system precautions
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the
actual item.
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high volt-
age system (about 650V at maximum) as well as contains parts
that become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating.
Obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.
Warning label
High voltage cables (orange)
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Rear electric motor (traction
motor)Service plug
Front electric motor (traction
motor)
Power control unit
Air conditioning compressor1
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781-2. Hybrid system
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The cooling air intake and dis-
charge vents for the hybrid battery
(traction battery) are located
under the rear seats and between
the rear seats and deck board,
respectively. If the air intake vents
are blocked, it could lead to a
reduction in hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) output.
The hybrid battery (traction battery)
output will not be reduced, even if
the space between the upper part
of the air discharge vents on the
back of the rear seat and deck
board is blocked with luggage, etc.
When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off system blocks the high voltage current and stops
the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel leakage. If
the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle will not restart.
To restart the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.
A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown on
the multi-information display, read
the message and follow the
instructions. ( P. 544)
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake and discharge vents
Air intake vents
Air discharge vents
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message

791-2. Hybrid system
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For safety and security
■If a warning light comes on, a warn ing message is displayed, or the 12-
volt battery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In this case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be started,
refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel le\
vel
warning light ( P. 537) go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel, the
hybrid system may not be able to start. (The standard amount of fuel is about
2.7 gal. [10.1 L, 2.2 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This
value may vary when the vehicle is on a slope. Add extra fuel when the vehi-
cle is inclined.)
■ Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on hybrid vehicles incorporate electromag-
netic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount of elec-
tromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or home
electronic appliances.
● Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced
radio parts.
■ Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of
the hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving
style and driving conditions.
WARNING
■High voltage precautions
This vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt sys-
tem. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe
burns and electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.
●Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables or their connectors.
● The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high
voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and
always obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.
●Never try to open the service plug
access hole located under the rear seat.
The service plug is used only when the
vehicle is serviced and is subject to high
voltage.

801-2. Hybrid system
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WARNING
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious
injury:
●Pull your vehicle off the road, apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever
to P, and turn the hybrid system off.
● Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
● If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be strong alkaline
electrolyte from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact
with your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water
or, if possible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
● If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even
a small amount of water may be dangerous.
● If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with four wheels raised. If the
wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground
when towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may
cause a fire. ( P. 528)
● Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.