2017 TOYOTA RAV4 steering

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4-5. Using the driving support systems
■Warning message
Warning messages are used to indicate a system malfunction or to inform t\
he
driver of the need for caution while driving. ( →P. 625)
■ Customization
The following settings can be changed.
For how to change settings, refer to P. 695.
FunctionSetting details
Lane departure alert functionAdjust alert sensitivity
Steering control functionTurn steering wheel assistance on and off
Vehicle sway warning functionTurn function on and off
Adjust alert sensitivity

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4-5. Using the driving support systems
■Conditions under which the vehicle -to-vehicle distance control mode
may not function correctly
In the case of the following conditions, operate the brake pedal (or accelera-
tor pedal, depending on the situation) as necessary.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, the system
may not operate properly.
● When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
●
When the road curves or when the lanes
are narrow
● When steering wheel operation or your
position in the lane is unstable

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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)

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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

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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.

RAV4_OM_OM0R005U_(U)
3114-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■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.

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)

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4-6. Driving tips
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
● Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear
tires.
● Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
WARNING
■ Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
● Use tires of the specified size.
● Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
● Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of
snow tires being used.
● Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■ Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
● Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
● Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine braking.
● Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
● Do not use LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) system (if
equipped).