2016 TOYOTA RAV4 Owners Manual

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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
◆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 system applies the brakes
to the spinning wheel and transfers some of the torque to the other wheel
to secure drive power.
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an
incline
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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◆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

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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.

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■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.

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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.

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■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 of\
f. The
EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■ Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will
operate:
● The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/
backward on an upward incline).
● The vehicle is stopped.
● The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
● The parking brake is not applied.
■ Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:
● The shift lever is shifted to P or N.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed.
● The parking brake is applied.
● Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.

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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.

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WARNING
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems will not function
correctly if different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
■ Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situ-
ations. Depending on many factors such as the conditions of the vehicle,
trailer, road surface, and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control sys-
tem may not be effective. Refer to your trailer owner’ manual for information
on how to tow your trailer properly.
■ If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
● Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.
● Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to
reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle
and trailer should stabilize. ( →P. 192)