2017 TOYOTA RAV4 warning

294
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
■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. 289)

298
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(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. If the turn
signal lever is operated toward the detected side, the outside rear view
mirror indicator flashes.
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. 630, 632)
● 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

300
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(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.

RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
3014-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
The Blind Spot Monitor function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles
that are traveling in an adjacent lane in the area that is not reflected in
the outside rear view mirror (the b lind spot), and advises the driver of
the vehicles existence via the outside rear view mirror indicator.
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
The range of the detection area
extends to: Approximately 11.5 ft. (3.5 m)
from the side of the vehicle
The first 1.6 ft. (0.5 m) from the
side of the vehicle is not in the
detection area
Approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m) from
the rear bumper
Approximately 3.3 ft. (1 m) for-
ward of the rear bumper
The Blind Spot Monitor function
The Blind Spot Monitor function detection areas
1
2
3
WARNING
■Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
The Blind Spot Monitor function is a supplementary function which alerts the
driver that a vehicle is present in the blind spot. Do not overly rely on the
Blind Spot Monitor function. The function cannot judge if it is safe to change
lanes, therefore over reliance could cause an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

304
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in reverse.
It can detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear of
the vehicle. It uses radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehi-
cle’s existence through flashing the outside rear view mirror indicators
and sounding a buzzer.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
Approaching vehicles Detection areas12
WARNING
■Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a replace-
ment for careful driving. The driver must be careful when backing up, even
when using the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function. The driver’s own visual
confirmation of behind you and your vehicle is necessary and be sure there
are no pedestrians, other vehicles, etc. before backing up. Failure to do so
could cause death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

310
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(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.
“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. 239)
■ 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 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)
TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota
dealer.
■ 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.

312
RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
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.

RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
3134-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
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)