2021 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID Owners Manual

731-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
*: When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging or the
engine is warming up, etc., the
gasoline engine will not automati-
cally stop. ( P.73)
■During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predomi-
nantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
as necessary.
■When accelerating sharply
When the accelerator pedal is
depressed heavily, the power of
the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is added to that of the gas-
oline engine via the electric
motor (traction motor).
■When braking (regenera-
tive braking)
The wheels operate the electric
motor (traction motor) as a
power generator, and the hybrid
battery (traction battery) is
charged.
■Regenerative braking
In the following si tuations, kinetic
energy is converted to electric
energy and deceleration force can
be obtained in conjunction with the
recharging of the hybrid battery
(traction battery).
●The accelerator pedal is released
while driving with the shift lever in
D or S.
●The brake pedal is depressed
while driving with the shift lever in
D or S.
■EV indicator
The EV indicator comes on when the vehicle is driven using only the
electric motor (traction motor) or the
gasoline engine is stopped.
The on/off operation of the EV indi-
cator can be changed. (
P.109)
■Conditions in which the gaso-
line engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and
stops automatically. However, it
may not stop automatically in the
following conditions
*:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
●During hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) charging
●When the temperature of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) is
high or low
●When the heater is switched on
*: Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not
stop automatically in other situa-
tions.
■Charging the hybrid battery
(traction battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the
hybrid battery (trac tion battery), the
battery does not need to be charged
from an outside source. However, if
the vehicle is left parked for a long
time the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) will slowly dis charge. For this
reason, be sure to drive the vehicle
at least once every few months for
at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16
km). If the hybrid battery (traction
battery) becomes fully discharged
and you are unabl e to start the
hybrid system, contact your Toyota
dealer.

741-4. Hybrid system
■Charging the 12-volt battery
 P.674
■After the 12-volt battery has dis-
charged or when the terminal
has been removed and installed
during replace, etc.
The gasoline engine may not stop
even if the vehicle is being driven by
the hybrid battery (traction battery).
If this continues for a few days, con-
tact your To yota dealer.
■Sounds and vibrations specific
to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or
vibration even though the vehicle is
able to move with the “READY” indi-
cator is illuminate d. For safety,
make sure to shift the shift lever to P
and apply the parking brake when
parked.
The following sounds or vibrations
may occur when the hybrid system
is operating and are not a malfunc-
tion:
●Motor sounds may be heard from
the engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
under the rear seats when the
hybrid system starts or stops.
●Relay operating sounds such as a
snap or soft clank will be emitted
from the hybrid battery (traction
battery), under the rear seats,
when the hybrid system is started
or stopped.
●Sounds from the hybrid system
may be heard when the back door
is open.
●Sounds may be heard from the
transmission when the gasoline
engine starts or stops, when driv-
ing at low speeds, or during idling.
●Engine sounds may be heard
when accelerating sharply.
●Sounds may be heard due to
regenerative braking when the
brake pedal is dep ressed or as
the accelerator pedal is released.
●Vibration may be felt when the
gasoline engine starts or stops.
●Cooling fan sounds may be heard
from the air intake vent under the
rear seat.
■Maintenance, repair, recycling,
and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regard-
ing maintenance, repair, recycling
and disposal. Do n ot dispose of the
vehicle yourself.
When driving with the gasoline
engine stopped, a sound, which
changes in accordance with the
driving speed, will be played in
order to warn people nearby of
the vehicle’s approach. The
sound will stop when the vehicle
speed exceeds approximately
22 mph (35 km/h).
■Vehicle proximity notification
system
In the following ca ses, the vehicle
proximity notification system may be
difficult for surrounding people to
hear.
●In very noisy areas
●In the wind or the rain
Also, as the vehicle proximity notifi-
cation system is installed on the
front of the vehicle, it may be more
difficult to hear fro m the rear of the
vehicle compared to the front.
■If “Proximity Notification Sys-
tem Malfunction Visit Your
Dealer” is displayed on the
multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer.
Vehicle proximity notifica-
tion system

751-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
*: This function can only be used in
the mainland U.S.A. It cannot be
used in other states and territo-
ries, including Alaska and Hawaii.
This system operates based on
the driving situation and traffic
information to enhance fuel
economy.
For details about Predictive effi-
cient drive, refer to “NAVIGA-
TION AND MULTIMEDIA
SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”.
■Predictive deceleration sup-
port
 When the vehicle approaches
to predictive deceleration sup-
port points registered in the
navigation system, the “Refer-
ence operation range” ( ) of
the ECO Accelerator Guid-
ance ( P.105) on the multi-
information display will be
turned off to encourage the
driver to reduce excessive
acceleration.
 The engine braking force will be increased according to the
driving conditions to more effi-
ciently charge the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) after the
accelerator pedal is released.
■Predictive SOC control
The following types of control
are performed based on data
such as road and traffic informa-
tion during route guidance by
the navigation system to help
ensure that the vehicle effi-
ciently uses electricity.
 When there is a long downhill
slope along the route, the sys-
tem reduces the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) level
before reaching the slope to
help ensure charging capacity
for regenerative braking while
traveling downhill.
 When traffic congestion is
predicted along the route, the
system helps ensure a certain
battery level before reaching
congested roads to reduce
the frequency of starting the
engine to charge the hybrid
battery (traction battery) due
to low battery levels.
Predictive efficient drive
(vehicles with navigation
system)
*
A

761-4. Hybrid system
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual
item.
Warning label
Service plug
Rear electric motor (traction motor)
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
High voltage cables (orange)
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Power control unit
Air conditioning compressor
Hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high
voltage system (about 650V at maximum) as well as contains
parts that become extremely hot when the hybrid system is
operating. Obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.
System components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

771-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel
and the hybrid system cannot be
started, refuel th e vehicle with at
least enough gasoline to make the
low fuel level warning light ( P.649)
go off. If there is only a small
amount of fuel, th e hybrid system
may not be able to start. (The stan-
dard amount of fuel is about 2.3 gal.
[8.8 L, 1.9 Imp.gal.], when the vehi-
cle is on a level surface. This value
may vary when the vehicle is on a
slope. Add extra fuel when the vehi-
cle is inclined.)
■Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on
hybrid vehicles incorporate elec-
tromagnetic shielding, and there-
fore emit approximately the same
amount of electromagnetic waves
as conventional gasoline pow-
ered vehicles or home electronic
appliances.
●Your vehicle may cause sound
interference in so me third party-
produced radio parts.
■Hybrid battery (tr action battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery)
has a limited service life. The lifes-
pan of the hybrid battery (traction
battery) can change in accordance
with driving style and driving condi-
tions.
■Starting the hybrid system in an
extremely cold environment
When the hybrid battery (traction
battery) is extremely cold (below
approximately -22°F [-30°C]) under
the influence of t he outside tem-
perature, it may no t be possible to
start the hybrid system. In this case,
try to start the hyb rid system again
after the temperature of the hybrid
battery increases due to the outside
temperature increase etc.
WARNING
■High voltage precautions
This vehicle has high voltage DC
and AC systems as well as a 12-
volt system. DC and AC high volt-
age is very dangerous and can
cause severe burns and electric
shock that may result in death or
serious injury.
●Never touch, disassemble,
remove or replace the high volt-
age parts, cables or their con-
nectors.
●The hybrid system will become
hot after starting as the system
uses high voltage. Be careful of
both the high voltage and the
high temperature, and always
obey the warning labels
attached to the vehicle.
●Never try to open the service
plug access hole located under-
neath the rear seats. The ser-
vice plug is used only when the
vehicle is serviced and is sub-
ject to high voltage.
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions
to reduce the risk of death or seri-
ous injury:
●Pull your vehicle off the road,
shift the shift le ver to P, apply
the parking brake, and turn the
hybrid system off.
●Do not touch the high voltage
parts, cables and connectors.

781-4. Hybrid system
WARNING
●If electric wires are exposed
inside or outside your vehicle,
an electric shock may occur.
Never touch exposed electric
wires.
●If a fire occurs in the hybrid
vehicle, leave the vehicle as
soon as possible. Never use a
fire extinguisher that is not
meant for electric fires. Using
even a small amount of water
may be dangerous.
●If your vehicle needs to be
towed, do so with four wheels
raised. If the wheels connected
to the electric motor (traction
motor) are on the ground when
towing, the motor may continue
to generate electricity. This may
cause a fire. ( P.637)
●Carefully inspect the ground
under the vehicle. If you find
that liquid has leaked onto the
ground, the fuel system may
have been damaged. Leave the
vehicle as soon as possible.
AXAH54L models*
●If a fluid leak occurs, do not
touch the fluid as it may be
strong alkaline electrolyte from
the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery). If it comes into contact
with your skin or eyes, wash it
off immediately with a large
amount of water or, if possible,
boric acid solution. Seek imme-
diate medical attention.
*: The model code is indicated on
the Certification Regulation
Label. ( P.684)
AXAL54L models*
●Do not touch the battery if liquid
is leaking from or adhering to it.
If electrolyte (carbonic-based
organic electrolyte) from the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
comes into contact with the
eyes or skin, it could cause
blindness or skin wounds. In the
unlikely event that it comes into
contact with the eyes or skin,
wash it off immediately with a
large amount of water, and seek
immediate medical attention.
●If electrolyte is leaking from the
hybrid battery (traction battery),
do not approac h the vehicle.
Even in the unlikely event that
the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is damaged, the internal
construction of the battery will
prevent a large amount of elec-
trolyte from l eaking out. How-
ever, any electrolyte that does
leak out will give off a vapor.
This vapor is an irritant to skin
and eyes and could cause acute
poisoning if inhaled.
●Do not bring burning or high-
temperature items close to the
electrolyte.
The electrolyte may ignite and
cause a fire.
*: The model code is indicated on
the Certificatio n Regulation
Label. ( P.684)
■Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
●AXAL54L models*: Your vehi-
cle contains a sealed lithium-ion
battery.
*: The model code is indicated on
the Certificatio n Regulation
Label. ( P.684)

791-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
There is an air intake vent under
the right side of the rear seat for
the purpose of cooling the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
If the vent is blocked,
charging/discharging of the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
may become limited.
WARNING
●Never resell, hand over or mod-
ify the hybrid battery. To prevent
accidents, hybrid batteries that
have been removed from a dis-
posed vehicle are collected
through Toyota dealer. Do not
dispose of the battery yourself.
Unless the battery is properly col-
lected, the follo wing may occur,
resulting in dea th or serious
injury:
• The hybrid battery may be ille- gally disposed of or dumped,
and it is hazardous to the envi-
ronment or someone may touch
a high voltage part, resulting in
an electric shock.
• The hybrid battery is intended to be used exclusively with your
hybrid vehicle. If the hybrid bat-
tery is used outside of your
vehicle or modifi ed in any way,
accidents such as electric
shock, heat generation, smoke
generation, an explosion and
electrolyte leakage may occur.
When reselling or handing over
your vehicle, the possibility of an
accident is extremely high
because the person receiving the
vehicle may not be aware of these
dangers.
●If your vehicle is disposed of
without the hybrid battery hav-
ing been removed, there is a
danger of serious electric shock
if high voltage parts, cables and
their connectors are touched. In
the event that your vehicle must
be disposed of, the hybrid bat-
tery must be disposed of by
your Toyota dealer or a qualified
service shop. If the hybrid bat-
tery is not dispos ed of properly,
it may cause electric shock that
can result in death or serious
injury.
Hybrid battery (traction
battery) air intake vent
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) air intake vent
●Make sure not to block the air
intake vent with anything, such
as a seat cover, plastic cover, or
luggage. If the vent is blocked,
the charging/discharging of the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
may become limited.
●When dust etc. has accumu-
lated in the air intake vent, clean
it with a vacuum cleaner to pre-
vent the vent from clogging.
●Clean the air intake vent regu-
larly to prevent the charging/dis-
charging of the hybrid battery
(traction battery) from being
restricted.

801-4. Hybrid system
When a certain level of impact is
detected by the impact sensor,
the emergency shut off system
blocks the high voltage current
and stops the fuel pump to mini-
mize the risk of electrocution
and fuel leakage. If the emer-
gency shut off system activates,
your vehicle will not restart. To
restart the hybrid system, con-tact your Toyota dealer.
A message is automatically dis-
played when a malfunction
occurs in the hybrid system or
an improper operation is
attempted.
If a warning message is shown
on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the
instructions.
■If a warning light comes on, a
warning message
is displayed,
or the 12-volt battery is discon-
nected
The hybrid system may not start. In
this case, try to start the system
again. If the “READY” indicator does
not come on, contact your Toyota
dealer.
NOTICE
●Do not get water or foreign
materials in the air intake vent
as this may cause a short circuit
and damage the hybrid battery
(traction battery).
●Do not carry large amounts of
water such as water cooler bot-
tles in the vehicle. If water spills
onto the hybrid battery (traction
battery), the battery may be
damaged. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota
dealer.
●There is a filter installed to the
air intake vent. When the filter
remains noticeably dirty even
after cleaning the air intake
vent, filter cleaning or replace-
ment is recommended. For
information rega rding filter
cleaning or replacement, refer
to P.611.
●If “Maintenance Required for
Traction Battery Cooling Parts
See Owner’s Manual” is shown
on the multi-information dis-
play, the air intake vent and fil-
ter may be clogged. Refer to
P.611for information on how to
clean the air intake vent.
Emergency shut off sys-
tem
Hybrid warning message