Page 197 of 741

RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
1974-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( →P. 73)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ When the steering lock cannot be released
■ Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the engine switch is in the
“LOCK” or “ACC” position to remind you to remove the key. When starting the engine, the engine
switch may seem stuck in the “LOCK”
position. To free it, turn the key while turn-
ing the steering wheel slightly left and
right.
WARNING
■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. 605)
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 start or stalls frequently, have your vehi-
cle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately.
Page 202 of 741

202
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
WARNING
■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 while driving
If engine failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activation of the
steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in
death or serious injury.
■ Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle,
press and hold the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly
3 times or more in succession. ( →P. 605)
However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or
braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will
make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTICE
■ To prevent battery discharge
● Do not leave the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode
for long periods of time without the engine running.
● If “POWER ON” is displayed on the multi-information display, the engine
switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the engine switch off.
● Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If
the engine is stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will
not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehi-
cle is left in ACCESSORY mode, battery discharge may occur.
■ When starting the engine
● Do not race a cold engine.
● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehi-
cle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual,
such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact
your Toyota dealer immediately.
Page 210 of 741

210
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
Turn signal lever
Right turn
Lane change to the right (move
the lever partway and release
it)
The right hand signals will flash 3
times.
Lane change to the left (move
the lever partway and release
it)
The left hand signals will flash 3
times.
Left turn
■Turn signals can be operated when
Vehicles without smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
■ If the turn signals stop flashing before a lane change has been per-
formed
Operate the lever again.
■ To discontinue flashing of the turn signals during a lane change
Operate the lever in the opposite direction.
■ Customization
The setting of the turn signals flash during a lane change can be changed.
(Customizable features: →P. 702)
Operating instructions
1
2
3
4
Page 223 of 741
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
2234-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
If equipped, wiper intervals can be adjusted when intermittent opera-
tion is selected.Increases the intermittent wind-
shield wiper frequency
Decreases the intermittent
windshield wiper frequency
Washer/wiper dual operation
The wipers will automatically oper-
ate a couple of times after the
washer squirts.
■The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
Vehicles without smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
washer fluid reservoir.
5
6
7
Page 227 of 741
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
2274-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
■The rear window wiper and w asher can be operated when
Vehicles without smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ON” position.
Vehicles with smart key system
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ If no washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzle is not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
washer fluid reservoir.
NOTICE
■When the rear window is dry
Do not use the wiper, as it may damage the rear window.
■ When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may over-
heat.
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
Page 536 of 741
535
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
7Maintenance and care
7-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .......... 536
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior ........... 539
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ................... 542
General maintenance........ 545
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs......................... 548
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions ..................... 549
Hood ................................. 551
Positioning a floor jack ...... 553
Engine compartment ......... 554
Tires .................................. 565
Tire inflation pressure ....... 577
Wheels .............................. 580
Air conditioning filter.......... 583
Wireless remote control/electronic
key battery ...................... 585
Checking and replacing fuses ............................... 588
Light bulbs......................... 591
Page 618 of 741

6178-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RAV4_OM_OM42A41U_(U)
8
When trouble arises
Low fuel level warning lightIndicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.4 gal.
(9.0 L, 2.0 Imp. gal.) or less
→ Refuel the vehicle.
High engine coolant temperature warning light (if
equipped)
Indicates that the engine is almost overheating.
→ P. 664
(U.S.A.)
Maintenance required reminder light (if equipped)
Indicates that maintenance is required according to the
driven distance on the maintenance schedule.
*4
Illuminates for about 3 seconds and then flashes for about
15 seconds approximately 4500 miles (7200 km) after the
reminder light has been reset.
→ If necessary, perform maintenance.
Comes on and remains on if the distance driven exceeds
5000 miles (8000 km) after the reminder light has been
reset.
(The indicator will not work properly unless the reminder
light has been reset.)
→ Perform the necessary maintenance.
Please reset the reminder lig ht after the maintenance
is performed. (
→P. 543)
Automatic transmission flui d temperature warning light
(if equipped) Indicates that the automatic transmission fluid tempera-
ture is too high if the light comes on
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
Dynamic Torque Control AWD system warning light (if
equipped)
When the light blinks:
The system has been overloaded and front-wheel drive
has been automatically engaged.
→ Drop your speed or stop the vehicle until the light
stops blinking. (Do not stop the engine.)
When the light comes on:
Malfunction in the Dynamic Torque Control AWD system.
→ Have the system checked by your Toyota dealer.
(Yellow)
Cruise control warning light (If equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control
→ P. 275
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions