Page 298 of 741

298
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
◆Dynamic Torque Control AWD system (AWD models)
Automatically switches from front-w heel drive to all-wheel drive (AWD)
according to the driving conditions, helping to ensure reliable handling and
stability. Examples of conditions where the system 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 reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel
◆Trailer Sway Control (if equipped)
Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake pres-
sure for individual wheels and reducing engine torque when trailer sway is
detected.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate if VSC
turned off or experiences a malfunction.
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control systems are operating.
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are operating
Page 299 of 741
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
2994-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, di rt 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.
Vehicles with the multi-informat ion display (with monochrome dis-
play)
Vehicles with the multi-informat ion display (with color display)
Disabling the TRAC system
2WD models: AWD models:
The “AUTO LSD” and VSC
OFF indicator lights will come
on. The “TRAC OFF” indicator
light will come on.
2WD models:
AWD models:
The “AUTO LSD” and VSC OFF
indicator lights will come on. “Traction Control Turned Off” will
be shown.
Page 300 of 741

300
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
■Turning off the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems
To turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off, press and hold
for more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
Vehicles with the multi-information display (with monochrome display)
The “TRAC OFF” and VSC OFF in dicator lights will come on.
Press again to turn the systems back on.
Vehicles with the multi-information display (with color display)
“Traction Control Turned Off” will be shown and the VSC OFF indicator light
will come on.
*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: On vehicles with pre-collision system, pre-collision brake assist and pre- collision braking will also be disabled. The PCS warning light will come on
and the message will be shown on the multi-information display. ( →P. 238)
■ When the “AUTO LSD” indicator light flashes even if the VSC OFF
switch has not been pressed (2WD models)
TRAC, AUTO LSD and hill-start assist control 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) (vehicles with the multi-
information display [wit h monochrome display])
TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota
dealer.
■ When the message is displayed on th e multi-information display show-
ing that TRAC has been disabled even if the VSC OFF switch has not
been pressed (AWD models) (vehicles with the multi-information display
[with color display])
TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota
dealer.
Page 301 of 741

RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
3014-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC/Trailer
Sway Control, TRAC and hill-start assist control 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 an d VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off, the sys-
tems will be automatically re-enabled in the following situations:
● When the engine switch is turned to the “LOCK” position (vehicles without
smart key system) or off (vehicles with 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/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off,
automatic re-enabling will not occur when vehicle speed increases.
Page 303 of 741

RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
3034-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WARNING
■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.
■ Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
● Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may
lead to an accident.
■ When the VSC/Trailer Sw ay Control 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/Trailer Sway Control systems ar e 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/Trailer Sway Control systems off unless
necessary.
Page 306 of 741

306
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Outside rear view mirror indicators
Blind Spot Monitor function:
When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the outside rear view mirror
indicator comes on while the turn signal lever is not operated and the out-
side rear view mirror indicator flashes while the turn signal lever is oper-
ated.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function:
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is
detected, the outside rear view mirror indicators flash.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer (Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
only)
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is
detected, a buzzer sounds from behind the left-hand rear seat.
Press or of the meter control switches and select on
the multi-information display.
Press or of the meter control switches and select ,
and then press .
■The outside rear view mirror indicators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be dif-
ficult to see.
■ Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer hearing
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may be difficult to hear over loud noises
such as high audio volume.
■ When there is a malfunction in the Blind Spot Monitor system
If a system malfunction is detected due to any of the following reasons, the
warning messages will be displayed: ( →P. 631, 633)
● There is a malfunction with the sensors
● The sensors have become dirty
● The outside temperature is extremely high or low
● The sensor voltage has become abnormal
Turning the Blind Spot Monitor system on/off
2
3
1
2
Page 308 of 741
308
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
■Handling the radar sensor
One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is installed inside the left and right side of
the vehicle rear bumper respectively. Observe the following to ensure the
Blind Spot Monitor system can function correctly.
● Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper to a strong
impact. If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may mal-
function and vehicles that enter the detection area may not be detected.\
If
the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have
the area inspected by your Toyota dealer.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor or surrounding area on
the bumper.
● Do not modify the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
● Do not paint the rear bumper any color other than an official Toyota color.
●Keep the sensor and its surrounding
area on the bumper clean at all times.
Page 316 of 741

315
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures. • Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician ins pect the condition of the battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
Perform the following accordin g 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, vehicle’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.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Al ways drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle