2021 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID battery

2134-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
from any power switch mode.
5Check that the “READY” indi-
cator is illuminated.
The vehicle will not move when the
“READY” indicator is off.
■If the hybrid system does not
start
●The immobilizer system may not
have been deactivated. ( P.81)
Contact your Toyota dealer.
●If a message related to start-up is
shown on the multi-information
display, read the message and fol-
low the instructions.
■When the ambient temperature
is low, such as during winter
driving conditions
●When starting the hybrid system,
the flashing time of the “READY”
indicator may be long. Leave the
vehicle as it is until the “READY”
indicator is steady on, as steady
means the vehicle is able to move.
●When the hybrid battery (traction
battery) is extremely cold (below
approximately -22°F [-30°C])
under the influence of the outside
temperature, it may not be possi-
ble to start the h ybrid system. In
this case, try to start the hybrid
system again after the tempera-
ture of the hybrid battery
increases due to the outside tem-
perature increase etc.
■Sounds and vibrations specific
to a hybrid vehicle
 P.74
■If the 12-volt b attery is dis-
charged
The hybrid system cannot be
started using the smart key system.
Refer to P.672to r estart the hybrid
system.
■Electronic key battery depletion
 P.120
■Conditions affecting operation
 P.148
■Note for the entry function
 P.149
■Steering lock function
●After turning the power switch to
OFF and opening and closing the
doors, the steeri ng wheel will be
locked due to the steering lock
function. Operating the power
switch again automatically can-
cels the steering lock.
●When the steering lock cannot be
released, “Push power switch
while turning the steering wheel in
either direction” will be displayed
on the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in
P. Press the power switch shortly
and firmly while turning the steer-
ing wheel left and right.
●To prevent the steering lock motor
from overheating , the motor may
be suspended if the hybrid system
is turned on and off repeatedly in
a short period of ti me. In this case,
refrain from operating the power
switch. After about 10 seconds,
the steering lo ck motor will
resume functioning.

2144-2. Driving procedures
■If there is a malfunction in the
smart key system
If “Smart Key Syst em Malfunction”
is displayed on the multi-information
display, the syst em may be mal-
functioning. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Toyota dealer
immediately.
■If the “READY” indicator does
not come on
In the event that the “READY” indi-
cator does not come on even after
performing the proper procedures
for starting the vehicle, contact your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■When “Check Fuel Cap” is dis-
played on the multi-information
display
 P.243
■If the hybrid system is malfunc-
tioning
 P.80
■Electronic key battery
 P.618
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly
and firmly, the power switch mode
may not change or the hybrid sys-
tem may not start.
●If attempting to re start the hybrid
system immediately after turning
the power switch to OFF, the
hybrid system ma y not start in
some cases. After turning the
power switch to OFF, please wait
a few seconds before restarting
the hybrid system.
■Customization
If the smart key system has been
deactivated in a customized setting,
refer to P.671.
1 Stop the vehicle completely.
2 If the parking brake is in man-
ual mode, set the parking
brake. ( P.224)
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid sys-
tem
Always start the hybrid system
while sitting in the driver’s seat.
Do not depress t he accelerator
pedal while starting the hybrid
system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident
resulting in dea th or serious
injury.
■Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs
while the vehicle is moving, do not
lock or open the doors until the
vehicle reaches a safe and com-
plete stop. Activation of the steer-
ing lock in this c ircumstance may
lead to an accident, resulting in
death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■When starting the hybrid sys-
tem
If the hybrid system becomes diffi-
cult to start, have your vehicle
checked by your T oyota dealer
immediately.
■Symptoms indicating a mal-
function with the power
switch
If the power 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.
Stopping the hybrid sys-
tem

2164-2. Driving procedures
Modes can be changed by
pressing the power switch with
the brake pedal released. (The
mode changes each time the
switch is pressed.)
1OFF
*
The emergency flashers can be
used.
2ACC
Some electrical components such
as the audio sys tem can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed
on the multi-information display.
3 ON
All electrical components can be
used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
*: If the shift lever is in a position
other than P when turning off the
hybrid system, the power switch
will be turned to ACC, not to OFF.
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACC for more
than 20 minutes or ON (the hybrid
system is not operating) for more
than an hour with the shift lever in P,
the power switch will automatically
turn to OFF. Howev er, this function
cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt
battery discharge. Do not leave the
vehicle with the power switch in
ACC or ON for long periods of time
when the hybrid system is not oper-
ating.
WARNING
●Do not leave the vehicle with
the hybrid system operating for
a long time. If such a situation
cannot be avoided, park the
vehicle in an open space and
ensure that exhaust fumes do
not enter the vehicle interior.
●Do not leave the hybrid system
operating in an area with snow
build-up, or where it is snowing.
If snowbanks build up around
the vehicle while the hybrid sys-
tem is operating, exhaust gases
may collect and enter the vehi-
cle.
Changing power switch
modes
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery dis-
charge
●Do not leave the power switch
i n A C C o r O N f o r l o n g p e r i o d s o f
time without the hybrid system
on.
●If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION
ON” is displayed on the multi-
information display, the power
switch is not in OFF. Exit the
vehicle after turning the power
switch to OFF.

2174-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
If the hybrid system is stopped
with the shift lever in a position
other than P, the power switch
will not be turned to OFF but
instead be turned to ACC. Per-
form the following procedure to
turn the switch to OFF:
1 Check that the parking brake
is set.
2 Shift the shift lever to P.
3 Check that “ACCESSORY” is
displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display and press the
power switch shortly and
firmly.
4 Check that “ACCESSORY”
or “IGNITION ON” on the
multi-information display is
off. Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on,
the EV drive mode indicator will
come on. Pressing the switch when
in EV drive mode will return the
vehicle to normal driving (using the
gasoline engine and electric motor
[traction motor]).
When stopping the hybrid
system with the shift lever
in a position other than P
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery dis-
charge
Do not stop the hybrid system
when the shift lever is in a position
other than P. If th e hybrid system
is stopped in another shift lever
position, the powe r switch will not
be turned to OFF but instead be
turned to ACC. If the vehicle is left
in ACC, 12-volt bat tery discharge
may occur.
EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, electric
power is supplied by the
hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery), and only the electric
motor (traction motor) is
used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to
drive in residential areas
early in the morning and
late at night, or in indoor
parking lots etc. without
concern for noises and gas
emissions.
However, when the vehicle
proximity notification sys-
tem is active, the vehicle
may produce sound.
Operating instructions

2184-2. Driving procedures
■Situations in which EV drive
mode cannot be turned on
It may not be po ssible to turn EV
drive mode on in t he following situa-
tions. If it cannot be turned on, a
buzzer will sound and a message
will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
●The temperature of the hybrid sys-
tem is high.
The vehicle has been left in the
sun, driven on a hill, driven at high
speeds, etc.
●The temperature of the hybrid sys-
tem is low.
The vehicle has been left in tem-
peratures lower than about 32°F
(0°C) for a long period of time etc.
●The gasoline engine is warming
up.
●The hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is low.
The remaining batt ery level indi-
cated in the Energy monitor dis-
play is low. ( P.113)
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is
depressed firmly or the vehicle is
on a hill etc.
●The windshield defogger is in use.
Use the EV drive mode when it
becomes available.
■Switching to EV drive mode
when the gasoline engine is
cold
If the hybrid system is started while
the gasoline engine is cold, the gas-
oline engine will star t automatically
after a short peri od of time in order
to warm up.
In this case, you will become unable
t o s w i t c h t o E V d r i v e m o d e . A f t e r t h e
hybrid system has started and the
“READY” indicator has illuminated,
press the EV drive mode switch
before the gasoline engine starts to
switch to EV drive mode.
■Automatic cancelation of EV
drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the
gasoline engine may automatically
restart in the follo wing situations.
When EV drive mode is canceled, a
buzzer will sound, the EV drive
mode indicator will flash and go off
and a message will be shown on the
multi-informat ion display.
●The hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) becomes low.
The remaining batt ery level indi-
cated in the Ener gy monitor dis-
play is low. ( P.113)
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is
depressed firmly or the vehicle is
on a hill etc.
Drive the vehicle for a while before
attempting to turn on the EV drive
mode again.
■Possible driving distance when
driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving
distance ranges from a few hundred
meters to approximately 0.6 mile (1
km). However, depending on vehi-
cle conditions, there are situations
when EV drive mode cannot be
used.
(The distance tha t is possible
depends on the hybrid battery [trac-
tion battery] level a nd driving condi-
tions.)
■Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to
achieve the best possible fuel econ-
omy during normal driving (using
the gasoline engine and electric
motor [traction motor]). Driving in
EV drive mode more than neces-
sary may lower fuel economy.

2204-2. Driving procedures
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-
Start Control)
 P.190
While the power switch
is in ON and the brake pedal
depressed
*, shift the shift lever
while pushing the shift release
button on the shift knob.
Shift the shift lever while
pushing the shift release button
on the shift knob.
Shift the shift lever nor-
mally.
When shifting the shift lever
between P and D, make sure that
the vehicle is completely stopped
and the brake pe dal is depressed.
*: For the vehicle to be able to be
shifted from P, the brake pedal
must be depressed before the
shift release button is pushed. If
WARNING
■When driving on slippery
road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and
sudden acceleration, as this could
result in the vehicle skidding to
the side or spinning.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid
battery (traction battery) will not
be charging, even when the
engine is running. Therefore, if
the vehicle is left with the shift
lever in N for a long period of
time, the hybrid battery (traction
battery) will discharge, and this
may result in the vehicle not being
able to start.
Shifting the shift lever

2314-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
lights turn off 30 seconds after the
power switch is turned to ACC or
OFF and a door is opened and
closed. (The lights turn off imme-
diately if on the key is
pressed after all the doors are
closed.)
●When only the tail lights are on:
The tail lights turn off automati-
cally if the power switch is turned
to ACC or OFF and the driver’s
door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the
power switch to ON, or turn the light
switch off once and then back to
or position.
■Light reminder buzzer
Vehicles without smart key system
A buzzer sounds when the power
switch is turned to ACC or OFF, the
key is removed and the driver’s door
is opened while the lights are turned
on.
Vehicles with smart key system
A buzzer sounds when the power
switch is turned to ACC or OFF and
the driver’s door is opened while the
lights are turned on.
■Automatic headlight leveling
system (if equipped)
The level of the headlights is auto-
matically adjusted according to the
number of passengers and the load-
ing condition of the vehicle to
ensure that the headlights do not
interfere with other road users.
■Windshield wiper linked head-
light illumination (if equipped)
When driving during daytime with
the headlight switch turned to , if
the windshield wipers are used, the
headlights will turn on automatically
after several seconds to help
enhance the visibility of your vehi- cle.
■12-volt battery-saving function
In order to prevent the 12-volt bat-
tery of the vehicle from discharging,
if the headlights and/or tail lights are
on when the power switch is turned
to OFF, the battery saving function
will operate and au tomatically turn
off all the lights af ter approximately
20 minutes.
When any of the following are per-
formed, the battery-saving function
is canceled once and then reacti-
vated. All the light s will turn off auto-
matically 20 minutes after the
battery-saving function has been
reactivated:
●When the headlight switch is oper-
ated
●When a door is opened or closed
■If “Headlight System Malfunc-
tion Visit Your Dealer” is dis-
played on the multi-information
display
The system may be malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer.
■Customization
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitiv-
ity) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P.713)
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery dis-
charge
Do not leave the lights on longer
than necessary when the hybrid
system is not running.

2384-3. Operating the lights and wipers
will not switch.)
Vehicles with rain-sensing wind-
shield wipers
With low speed windshield wiper
operation selected, wiper operation
will be switched from low speed to
intermittent wiper operation when
the vehicle is stationary. (However,
when the sensor s ensitivity is
adjusted to the highest level, the
mode will not switch.)
■Raindrop sensor (vehicles with
rain-sensing windshield wipers)
●The raindrop sensor judges the
amount of raindrops.
●If the wiper switch is turned to the
“AUTO” position while the power
switch is in ON, the wipers will
operate once to show that “AUTO”
mode is activated.
●If the wiper sensitivity is adjusted
to higher, the wip er may operate
once to indicate the change of
sensitivity.
●If the temperature of the raindrop
sensor is 185°F (85°C) or higher,
or 5°F (-15°C) or lower, the auto-
matic operation m ay not occur. In
this case, operate the wipers in
any mode other than “AUTO”.
■If no windshield washer fluid
sprays
Check that the wash er nozzles are
not blocked if there is washer fluid in
the windshield was her fluid reser-
voir.
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of
windshield wipe rs in “AUTO”
mode (vehicles with rain-
sensing windshield wipers)
The windshield wipers may oper-
ate unexpectedly if the sensor is
touched or the windshield is sub-
ject to vibration in “AUTO” mode.
Take care that your fingers or
anything else does not become
caught in the windshield wipers.
■Caution regarding the use of
washer fluid
When it is cold, do not use the
washer fluid unt il the windshield
becomes warm. The fluid may
freeze on the windshield and
cause low visibility. This may lead
to an accident, resulting in death
or serious injury.
NOTICE
■When the washer fluid tank is
empty
Do not operate the switch continu-
ally as the washer fluid pump may
overheat.
■When a nozzle becomes
blocked
In this case, contact your Toyota
dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or
other object. The nozzle will be
damaged.
■To prevent 12-volt battery dis-
charge
Do not leave the wipers on longer
than necessary when the hybrid
system is off.