2023 TOYOTA RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID power steering fluid

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5
5-1. Before driving
Driving
WARNING
●The 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.
■If 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
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time
during driving, as this may restrain the hybrid system output.
●Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do 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.
●When driving over bumps in the
road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damaging the wheels, under-side of the vehicle, etc.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the
following situations.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
●The 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.548, 559)
■When 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:
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine 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:
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine,
hybrid transaxle (front and rear), etc.
●Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-ble), and the function of all joints,
bearings, etc.
●Components connected to the trac-
tion battery.
■When 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.

4225-6. Driving tips
5-6.Driving tips
Use fluids that are appropriate to
the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
 Have a service technician
inspect the condition of the 12-
volt battery.
 Have the vehicle fitted with four
snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size
and brand, and that chains match the
size of the tires.*
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on
vehicles with 235/55R19 tires.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary prepa-
rations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter.
Always drive the vehicle in a
manner appropriate to the pre-
vailing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
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 at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit specified for the snow tires being
used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some
wheels.
■Driving with tire chains (except
235/55R19 tires)
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehi- cle 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 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road sur-faces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shift-
ing operations that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before enter-ing a curve to ensure that vehicle control is maintained.
●Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) system (if equipped).
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer or legitimate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters.

4847-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
The 12-volt battery is located in the
right-hand side of luggage compart-
ment.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-mable and explosive. Therefore,
observe the following precautions before recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to dis-connect the ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
●Vehicles with steering lock function: The hybrid system may not start. Fol-
low the procedure below to initialize the system.
1 Shift the shift lever to P.
2 Open and close any of the doors.
3 Restart the hybrid system.
●Unlocking the doors using the smart entry & start system may not be possi-ble immediately after reconnecting the
12-volt battery. If this happens, use the wireless remote control or the
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.Doing so may cause streaking on the
vehicle’s painted surfaces, as well as damaging the pump leading to prob-lems of the washer fluid not spraying.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as nec-
essary. Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid
bottle.
12-volt battery
Location

5328-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Wheel nut wrench can be purchased
at any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reli-able repairer.
 Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air con-
ditioning after use is normal.)
 Flat-looking tires or uneven tire
wear
 High coolant temperature warn-
ing light flashes or come on
 Changes in exhaust sound
 Excessive tire squeal when cor-
nering
 Strange noises related to the
suspension system
 Pinging or other noises related to
the hybrid system
 Engine missing, stumbling or
running roughly
 Appreciable loss of power
WARNING
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■While towing
●When towing using cables or
chains, avoid sudden starts, etc. which place excessive stress on the towing eyelets, cables or chains.
The towing eyelets, cables or chains may become damaged, bro-ken debris may hit people, and
cause serious damage.
●Vehicles with steering lock function:
Do not turn the power switch off. There is a possibility that the steer-ing wheel is locked and cannot be
operated.
■Installing towing eyelets to the
vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely. If not securely
installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the vehicle during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.
If you think something is
wrong
If you notice any of the follow-
ing symptoms, your vehicle
probably needs adjustment or
repair. Contact any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reli-
able repairer as soon as possi-
ble.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

619Alphabetical Index
Operation ................................... 282
Emergency, in case of
If a warning buzzer sounds ........ 534
If a warning light turns on ........... 534
If a warning message is displayed
................................................. 544
If the 12-volt battery is discharged
................................................. 573
If the electronic key does not operate
properly.................................... 571
If the fuel filler door cannot be
opened..................................... 570
If the hybrid system will not start 568
If the vehicle is submerged or water
on the road is rising ................. 527
If you have a flat tire........... 548, 559
If you lose your keys .................. 570
If you think something is wrong.. 532
If your vehicle becomes stuck .... 582
If your vehicle has to be stopped in
an emergency .......................... 526
If your vehicle needs to be towed
................................................. 529
If your vehicle overheats ............ 578
Emergency brake signal .............. 416
Emergency flashers ..................... 526
Emergency tire puncture repair kit
..................................................... 548
Energy monitor ............................. 226
Engine
Compartment ............................. 479
Exhaust gas precautions.............. 47
Hood .......................................... 476
How to start the hybrid system... 310
Identification number.................. 585
If the hybrid system will not start 568
If your vehicle has to be stopped in
an emergency .......................... 526
Overheating ............................... 578
Power switch .............................. 310
Engine coolantCapacity ..................................... 588
Checking .................................... 481
High coolant temperature warning
light .......................................... 535
Preparing and checking before win-
ter ............................................. 422
Warning light .............................. 535
Engine coolant temperature 187, 193
Engine oil
Capacity ..................................... 587
Checking .................................... 479
Preparing and checking before win-
ter ............................................. 422
Warning light .............................. 535
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Function ..................................... 416
Warning light .............................. 536
EV/HV mode selection switch........ 86
EV driving range ........................... 103
EV mode ..........................................85
Exhaust gas precautions ............... 47
Extended Headlight Lighting system
..................................................... 327
F
Flat tire ................................... 548, 559
Tire pressure warning system .... 488
Floor mats ....................................... 32
Fluid
Brake .......................................... 590
Hybrid transmission.................... 589
Rear differential .......................... 589
Washer ....................................... 483
Fog lights
Replacing light bulbs ..................516
Switch......................................... 331
Footwell lights............................... 443
Front fog lights
Replacing light bulbs ..................516
Switch......................................... 331
Front passenger’s seat belt reminder

628Alphabetical Index
Utility vehicle precautions ........... 425
V
Vanity lights
Vanity lights................................ 453
Wattage...................................... 591
Vanity mirrors ............................... 453
Vehicle data recordings ................... 7
Vehicle identification number ..... 584
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) ... 415
Ventilators (seat ventilators) ....... 440
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) ... 415
W
Warning buzzers
Approach warning ...................... 375
Brake hold .................................. 540
Brake Override System .............. 540
Brake system ............................. 534
BSM OFF indicator .................... 539
Charging system ........................ 535
Downshifting ...................... 317, 318
Drive-Start Control ..................... 540
Electric power steering............... 536
High coolant temperature........... 535
Hybrid system overheat ............. 535
Low engine oil pressure ............. 535
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) . 353, 537
Open door .................................. 238
Open hood ................................. 238
Open window ............................. 280
PKSB OFF indicator................... 538
Pre-collision warning .......... 343, 537
Radar cruise control ................... 375
RCTA (Rear Crossing Traffic Alert)
................................................. 387
RCTA OFF indicator .................. 539
RSA (Road Sign Assist) ............. 364
Seat belt reminder.............. 541, 542
Shift position ...................... 317, 318Toyota parking assist ................. 395
Toyota parking assist-sensor OFF
indicator ...................................538
Vehicle sway warning................. 357
Warning lights
ABS ............................................ 536
Brake hold operated indicator .... 540
Brake Override System .............. 540
Brake system .............................534
BSM OFF indicator..................... 539
Charging system ........................ 535
Driver’s seat belt reminder light.. 541
Drive-Start Control ..................... 540
Electric power steering ............... 536
Engine ........................................536
Front passenger’s seat belt reminder
light .......................................... 541
High coolant temperature ........... 535
Hybrid system overheat ............. 535
Low engine oil pressure ............. 535
Low fuel level .............................541
LTA indicator .............................. 537
Malfunction indicator lamp ......... 536
Parking brake indicator .............. 540
PCS warning light.......................537
PKSB OFF indicator ................... 538
PKSB.......................................... 538
RCTA OFF indicator................... 539
Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder
lights......................................... 542
Seat belt reminder light ...... 541, 542
Slip indicator............................... 539
SRS ............................................ 536
Tire pressure .............................. 541
Toyota parking assist-sensor OFF
indicator ...................................538
Warning messages .......................544
Washer
Checking .................................... 483
Low washer fluid warning message
......................................... 483, 544