2022 TOYOTA RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID steering

261
5
5-1. Before driving
Driving
WARNING
OThe brake system consists of 2 or more individual hydraulic systems;
if one of the systems fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal should be depressed
more firmly than usual and the braking distance will increase. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
QIf the vehicle becomes stuck
Do not spin the wheels excessively
when any of the tires is up in the air, or the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may damage the driveline
components or propel the vehicle for- ward or backward, causing an acci-dent.
NOTICE
QWhen driving the vehicle
ODo not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time
during driving, as this may restrain the hybrid system output.
ODo not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
QAvoiding damage to vehicle parts
ODo not turn the steering wheel fully
in either direction and hold it there for an extended period of time.Doing so may damage the power
steering motor.
OWhen driving over bumps in the
road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damaging the wheels, under-side of the vehicle, etc.
QIf you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the
following situations.
OIt may be difficult to control your vehicle.
OThe vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
OThe vehicle will lean abnormally.
Hold the steering wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to
slow down the vehicle.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire ( P.522, 533)
QWhen encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain, etc. Doing so may cause the following serious dam-
age to the vehicle:
OEngine stalling
OShort in electrical components
OEngine damage caused by water
immersion
In the event that you drive on a
flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to have any autho-rized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer check the following:
OBrake function
OChanges in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine,
hybrid transaxle (front and rear), etc.
OLubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-ble), and the function of all joints,
bearings, etc.
OComponents connected to the trac-
tion battery.
QWhen parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake, and shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move or
the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed.

263
5
5-1. Before driving
Driving
WARNING
ODo not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover (if equipped)
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
OSecure all items in the occupant compartment.
QLoad and distribution
ODo not overload your vehicle.
ODo not apply loads unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deterio-
ration of steering or braking control which may cause death or serious injury.
QWhen loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier (if equipped)
Observe the following precautions:
OPlace the cargo so that its weight is distributed evenly between the front
and rear axles.
OIf loading long or wide cargo, never
exceed the vehicle overall length or width. ( P.558)
OBefore driving, make sure the cargo is securely fastened on the roof lug-gage carrier.
OLoading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of grav-
ity of the vehicle higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or abrupt maneu-
vers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly and result in death or serious injury.
OIf driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds, stop the vehicle now and then
during the trip to make sure the cargo remains in its place.
ODo not exceed 80 kg (176.4 lb.) cargo weight on the roof luggage carrier.
NOTICE
QWhen loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier (if equipped)
Be careful not to scratch the surface
of the panoramic moon roof (if equipped).

2705-1. Before driving
34 mm (1.3 in.)
412 mm (16.2 in.)
332 mm (13.1 in.)
370 mm (14.6 in.)
570 mm (22.4 in.)
601 mm (23.7 in.)
1073 mm (42.2 in.)
Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. In order to
avoid accident, death or serious
injury, keep the following in mind
when towing:
QChecking connections
between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the
operation of the connection
between the trailer and lights after
driving for a brief period as well as
before starting off.
QPracticing driving with a cou-
pled trailer
 Get the feel for turning, stopping
and reversing with the trailer
coupled by practicing in an area
with no or light traffic.
 When reversing with a coupled
trailer, hold the section of the
steering wheel nearest to you
and rotate clockwise to turn the
trailer left or counterclockwise to
turn it right. Always rotate a little
at a time to prevent steering
error. Have someone guide you
when reversing to lessen the risk
of an accident.
QIncreasing vehicle-to-vehicle
distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the
distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent
to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer.
Avoid sudden braking that may
cause skidding. Otherwise, the
vehicle may spin out of control. This
is especially true when driving on
wet or slippery road surfaces.
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NOTICE
QWhen the rear bumper strength-
ening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that
area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to
corrosion, which will weaken the sec- tion concerned and may result in damage. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts
that will come in contact when attach- ing a steel bracket.
Guidance

271
5 5-1. Before driving
Driving
QSudden acceleration/steering
input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing
may result in the trailer colliding
with your vehicle. Decelerate well in
advance when approaching turns
and take them slowly and carefully
to avoid sudden braking.
QImportant points regarding
turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel
closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To
make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would nor-
mally do.
QImportant points regarding
stability
Vehicle movement resulting from
uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The
vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Fre-
quently check behind when moving
alongside such vehicles. As soon
as such vehicle movement occurs,
immediately start to decelerate
smoothly by slowly applying the
brakes. Always steer the vehicle
straight ahead while braking.
QPassing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length
of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle
distance is sufficient before execut-
ing lane changes.
QTransmission information
To maintain engine braking effi-
ciency, when using engine braking,
do not use the transmission in D.
(P.277)
QIf the hybrid system overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long,
steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30°C (85°F) may result
in the hybrid system overheating. If
the high coolant temperature warn-
ing light indicates that the hybrid
system is overheating, turn the air
conditioning off immediately, leave
the road and stop the vehicle in a
safe place. (P.551)
QWhen parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under
the wheels of both the vehicle and
trailer. Firmly set the parking brake
and shift the shift lever to P.
QBreak-in schedule
Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted
with new power train components
should not be used for towing trailers for
the first 800 km (500 miles).
QMaintenance
OMaintenance must be performed more
frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight bur-
den placed on the vehicle compared
to normal driving.
ORetighten all bolts securing the hitch-
ing ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
QIf trailer sway occurs
One or more factors (crosswinds, pass-
ing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can
adversely affect handling of your vehicle
and trailer, causing instability.

2725-1. Before driving
OIf trailer swaying occurs:
• 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 (if enabled, Trailer
Sway Control can also help to stabilize
the vehicle and trailer.).
OAfter the trailer swaying has stopped:
• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants
out of the vehicle.
• Check the tires of the vehicle and the
trailer.
• Check the load in the trailer.
Make sure the load has not shifted.
Make sure the tongue weight is appro-
priate, if possible.
• Check the load in the vehicle.
Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded
after occupants get in.
If you cannot find any problems, the
speed at which trailer swaying occurred
is beyond the limit of your particular
vehicle-trailer combination. Drive at a
lower speed to prevent instability.
Remember that swaying of the towing
vehicle-trailer increases as speed
increases.

2745-2. Driving procedures
QWhen the ambient temperature is
low, such as during winter driving
conditions
OWhen 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.
OWhen the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is extremely cold (below approxi-
mately -30°C [-22°F]) under the
influence of the outside temperature, it
may not be possible to start the hybrid
system. In this case, try to start the
hybrid system again after the tem-
perature of the hybrid battery
increases due to the outside tempera-
ture increase etc.
QSounds and vibrations specific to a
Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
P.91
QIf the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started
using the smart entry & start system.
Refer to P.546 to restart the hybrid sys-
tem.
QElectronic key battery depletion
P.200
QConditions affecting operation
P.222
QNote for the entry function
P.223
QSteering lock function
OAfter turning the power switch to OFF
and opening and closing the doors,
the steering wheel will be locked due
to the steering lock function. Operat-
ing the power switch again automati-
cally cancels the steering lock.
OWhen the steering lock cannot be
released, “Push Power Switch while
Turning 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 steering wheel
left and right.
OTo 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 time. In this case, refrain
from operating the power switch. After
about 10 seconds, the steering lock
motor will resume functioning.
QIf there is a malfunction in the
smart entry & start system
If “Smart Entry & Start System Malfunc-
tion” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display, the system may be
malfunctioning. Have the vehicle
inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or
any reliable repairer immediately.
QIf the “READY” indicator does not
come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator
does not come on even after performing
the proper procedures for starting the
vehicle, contact any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or
any reliable repairer immediately.
QIf the hybrid system is malfunction-
ing
P.99
QElectronic key battery
P.486
QOperation of the power switch
OIf the switch is not pressed shortly and
firmly, the power switch mode may not
change or the hybrid system may not
start.
OIf attempting to restart the hybrid sys-
tem immediately after turning the

275
5
5-2. Driving procedures
Driving
power switch to OFF, the hybrid sys-
tem may not start in some cases. After turning the power switch to OFF, please wait a few seconds before
restarting the hybrid system.
QCustomization
If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated in a customized set-
ting, refer to P.545.
1 Stop the vehicle completely.
2 If the parking brake is in manual
mode, set the parking brake.
( P.282)
Check the parking brake indicator is
illuminated.
3 Shift the shift lever to P.
4 Press the power switch shortly
and firmly.
The hybrid system will stop, and the meter display will be extinguished.
Release the shift lever when pressing the power switch.
5 Release the brake pedal and
check that “ACCESSORY” or
“IGNITION ON” is not shown on
the multi-information display.
WARNING
QWhen starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while
sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any
circumstances. Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
QCaution 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 complete stop.
Activation of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an acci-dent, resulting in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
QWhen starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by
any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
QSymptoms indicating a malfunc-tion with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be oper- ating somewhat differently than usual, such as the switch sticking slightly,
there may be a malfunction. Contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer immediately.
Stopping the hybrid system
WARNING
QStopping the hybrid system in an emergency
OIf you want to stop the hybrid sys-tem in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold the
power switch for more than 2 sec- onds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succession. ( P.500)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning the hybrid sys-
tem off while driving will not cause a loss of steering or braking control. However, power assist for the
steering wheel may be lost making it difficult to steer smoothly before stopping the vehicle depending on
the remaining charge in the 12-volt battery or usage conditions. In this situation, you should pull over and
stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

3125-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
QLimitations of the pre-collision system
OThe driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to observe your sur-
roundings. Do not use the pre-collision system instead of normal braking opera-
tions under any circumstances. This system will not prevent colli-sions or lessen collision damage or
injury in every situation. Do not overly rely on this system. Failure to do so may lead to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
OAlthough this system is designed to
help avoid a collision or help reduce the impact of the collision, its effec-tiveness may change according to
various conditions, therefore the system may not always be able to achieve the same level of perfor-
mance. Read the following conditions care-fully. Do not overly rely on this sys-
tem and always drive carefully.
• Conditions under which the system may operate even if there is no pos-
sibility of a collision: P.315
• Conditions under which the system may not operate properly: P.316
ODo not attempt to test the operation of the pre-collision system yourself.
Depending on the objects used for testing (dummies, cardboard objects imitating detectable objects,
etc.), the system may not operate properly, possibly leading to an accident.
QPre-collision braking
OWhen the pre-collision braking
function is operating, a large amount of braking force will be applied.
OIf the vehicle is stopped by the operation of the pre-collision brak-ing function, the pre-collision brak-
ing function operation will be canceled after approximately 2 sec-onds. Depress the brake pedal as
necessary.
OThe pre-collision braking function
may not operate if certain opera- tions are performed by the driver. If the accelerator pedal is being
depressed strongly or the steering wheel is being turned, the system may determine that the driver is tak-
ing evasive action and possibly pre- vent the pre-collision braking function from operating.
OIn some situations, while the pre-collision braking function is operat-
ing, operation of the function may be canceled if the accelerator pedal is depressed strongly or the steer-
ing wheel is turned and the system determines that the driver is taking evasive action.
OIf the brake pedal is being depressed, the system may deter-
mine that the driver is taking eva- sive action and possibly delay the operation timing of the pre-collision
braking function.
QWhen to disable the pre-colli-
sion system
In the following situations, disable the system, as it may not operate prop-
erly, possibly leading to an accident resulting in death or serious injury:
OWhen the vehicle is being towed
OWhen your vehicle is towing another vehicle
OWhen transporting the vehicle via truck, boat, train or similar means of
transportation
OWhen the vehicle is raised on a lift
with the hybrid system on and the tires are allowed to rotate freely