Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2023 year). Manual in english

208

4-1. Before driving

■

GCWR (Gross Combination
Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross

combination weight. The gross
combination weight is the sum
of the total vehicle weight
(including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment
installed on the vehicle) and the
weight of the trailer being towed
(including the cargo in the
trailer).

■

GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross
vehicle weight. The gross vehi-
cle weight is the total weight of
the vehicle. When towing a
trailer, it is the sum of the vehi-
cle weight (including the occu-
pants, cargo and any optional
equipment installed on the vehi-
cle) and the tongue weight.

WARNING

●

Vehicle-trailer instability is more

likely on steep long downhills.

Before descending steep or

long downhill grades, slow

down and downshift. Do not

make sudden downshifts when

descending steep or long down-

hill grades. Avoid holding the

brake pedal down too long or

applying the brakes too fre-

quently. This could cause the

brakes to overheat and result in

reduced braking efficiency.

●

Do not tow a trailer when the

compact spare tire is installed

on your vehicle.

■

When towing a trailer

Toyota recommends trailers with

brakes that conform to any appli-

cable federal and state/provincial

regulations.

●

If the gross trailer weight

exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer

brakes are required. Toyota rec-

ommends trailers with brakes

that conform to all applicable

federal and state/provincial reg-

ulations.

●

Never tap into your vehicle’s

hydraulic system, as this will

lower the vehicle’s braking

effectiveness.

●

Never tow a trailer without using

a safety chain securely attached

to both the trailer and the vehi-

cle. If damage occurs to the

coupling unit or hitch ball, there

is danger of the trailer wander-

ing into another lane.

Towing related terms

209

4-1. Before driving

ing

■

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)

The maximum allowable gross
axle weight. The gross axle
weight is the load placed on
each axle (front and rear).

Front GAWR

Rear GAWR

■

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross
trailer weight. The gross trailer
weight is the sum of the trailer
weight and the weight of the
cargo in the trailer.
TWR is calculated assuming
base vehicle with one driver,
one front passenger, hitch and
hitch systems (if required).

Additional optional equipment, pas-
sengers and cargo in the vehicle
will reduce the trailer weight rating
so as not to exceed GCWR, GVWR
and GAWR.

(With brakes)

■

Unbraked TWR (Unbraked
Trailer Weight Rating)

The trailer weight rating for tow-
ing a trailer without a trailer ser-
vice brake system.

(Without brakes)

■

Tongue Weight

The load placed on the trailer
hitch ball. (



P.210)

210

4-1. Before driving



The gross trailer weight must
never exceed 1750 lb. (795
kg).



The gross combination weight
must never exceed 6670 lb.
(3025 kg).



The gross vehicle weight
must never exceed the
GVWR indicated on the Certi-
fication Regulation Label.



The gross axle weight on
each axle must never exceed
the GAWR indicated on the
Certification Regulation Label.



If the gross trailer weight is
over the unbraked TWR,
trailer service brakes are
required.

Confirm that the gross trailer
weight, gross combination
weight, gross vehicle weight,
gross axle weight and tongue
weight are all within the limits.

■

GCWR

6670 lb. (3025 kg)

: This model meets the tow-vehicle

trailering requirement of SAE
International per SAE J2807.

■

TWR

1750 lb. (795 kg)

: This model meets the tow-vehicle

trailering requirement of SAE
International per SAE J2807.

■

Unbraked TWR

1000 lb. (450 kg)

: This model meets the tow-vehicle

trailering requirement of SAE
International per SAE J2807.



A recommended tongue
weight varies in accordance
with the types of trailers or
towing as described below.



To ensure the recommended
values shown below, the
trailer must be loaded by
referring to the following
instructions.

• Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be
distributed so that the tongue
weight is 9% to 11%.
(Tongue weight /Gross trailer
weight x 100 = 9% to 11%)

Weight limits

GCWR, TWR and
Unbraked TWR

Trailer Tongue Weight

211

4-1. Before driving

ing

Gross trailer weight

Tongue weight

The gross trailer weight, gross
axle weight and tongue weight
can be measured with platform
scales found at a highway
weighing station, building supply
company, trucking company,
junk yard, etc.

Trailer hitch assemblies have
different weight capacities.
Toyota recommends the use of
Toyota hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. For details, contact your
Toyota dealer.



If you wish to install a trailer
hitch, contact your Toyota
dealer.



Use only a hitch that con-
forms to the gross trailer
weight requirement of your
vehicle.



Follow the directions supplied
by the hitch manufacturer.



Lubricate the hitch ball with a
light coating of grease.



Remove the hitch ball when-
ever you are not towing a
trailer. Remove the trailer
hitch if you do not need it.
After removing the hitch, seal
any mounting holes in the
vehicle body to prevent entry
of any substances into the
vehicle.

Hitch

WARNING

■

Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have dif-

ferent weight capacities estab-

lished by the hitch manufacturer.

Even though the vehicle may be

physically capable of towing a

higher weight, the operator must

determine the maximum weight

rating of the particular hitch

assembly and never exceed the

maximum weight rating specified

for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding the

maximum weight rating set by the

trailer-hitch manufacturer can

cause an accident resulting in

death or serious personal injuries.

NOTICE

■

When installing a trailer hitch

Use only the position recom-

mended by your Toyota dealer.

Do not install the trailer hitch on

the bumper; this may cause body

damage.

212

4-1. Before driving

Weight carrying ball position:
43.3 in. (1100 mm)

Hitch receiver pin hole posi-
tion: 38.1 in. (969 mm)

■

Matching trailer ball height to

trailer coupler height

No matter which class of tow hitch

applies, for a more safe trailer

hookup, the trailer ball setup must

be the proper height for the coupler

on the trailer.

Coupler

Trailer ball

Please consult your dealer
when installing trailer lights, as
incorrect installation may cause
damage to the vehicle’s lights.
Please take care to comply with
your state’s laws when installing
trailer lights.

Your vehicle will handle differ-
ently when towing a trailer. Help
to avoid an accident, death or
serious injury, keep the follow-
ing in mind when towing:



Speed limits for towing a
trailer vary by state or prov-
ince. Do not exceed the
posted towing speed limit.



Toyota recommends that the
vehicle-trailer speed limit is 65
mph (104 km/h) on a flat,
straight, dry road. Do not
exceed this limit, the posted
towing speed limit or the
speed limit for your trailer as
set forth in your trailer owner’s
manual, whichever is lowest.
Instability of the towing vehi-
cle-trailer combination (trailer
sway) increases as speed

Positions for towing hitch
receiver and hitch ball

Connecting trailer lights

NOTICE

■

Do not directly splice trailer

lights

Do not directly splice trailer lights.

Directly splicing trailer lights may

damage your vehicle’s electrical

system and cause a malfunction.

Trailer towing tips

213

4-1. Before driving

ing

increases. Exceeding speed
limits may cause loss of con-
trol.



Before starting out, check the
trailer lights, tires and the
vehicle-trailer connections.
Recheck after driving a short
distance.



Practice turning, stopping and
reversing with the trailer
attached in an area away
from traffic until you become
accustomed to the feel of the
vehicle-trailer combination.



Reversing with a trailer
attached is difficult and
requires practice. Grip the
bottom of the steering wheel
and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the
left. Move your hand to the
right to move the trailer to
right. (This is generally oppo-
site to reversing without a
trailer attached.) Avoid sharp
or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when
reversing to reduce the risk of
an accident.



As stopping distance is
increased when towing a
trailer, vehicle-to vehicle dis-
tance should be increased.
For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of
speed, allow at least one
vehicle and trailer length.



Avoid sudden braking as you
may skid, resulting in the
trailer jackknifing and a loss of

vehicle control. This is espe-
cially true on wet or slippery
surfaces.



Avoid jerky starts or sudden
acceleration.



Avoid jerky steering and
sharp turns, and slow down
before making turn.



Note that when making a turn,
the trailer wheels will be
closer than the vehicle wheels
to the inside of the turn. Com-
pensate by making a wider
than normal turning radius.



Slow down before making a
turn, in cross winds, on wet or
slippery surfaces, etc.

Increasing vehicle speed can
destabilize the trailer.



Take care when passing other
vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After
passing a vehicle, do not for-
get the length of your trailer,
and be sure you have plenty
of room before changing
lanes.



To maintain engine braking
efficiency, when using engine
braking, do not use the trans-
mission in D.



Instability happens more fre-
quently when descending
steep or long downhill grades.
Before descending, slow
down and downshift. Do not
make sudden downshifts
while descending steep or

214

4-1. Before driving

long downhill grades.



Avoid holding the brake pedal
down too long or applying the
brakes too frequently. This
could cause the brakes to
overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.



Due to the added load of the
trailer, your vehicle’s hybrid
system may overheat on hot
days (at temperatures over
85°F [30°C]) when driving up
a long or steep grade. If the
engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates overheating,
immediately turn off the air
conditioning (if in use), pull
your vehicle off the road and
stop in a safe spot. (



P.490)



Always place wheel blocks
under both the vehicle’s and
the trailer’s wheels when
parking. Apply the parking
brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P. Avoid park-
ing on a slope, but if unavoid-
able, do so only after
performing the following:

Apply the brakes and keep
them applied.

Have someone place wheel
blocks under both the vehi-
cle’s and trailer’s wheels.

When the wheel blocks are in
place, release the brakes
slowly until the blocks absorb
the load.

Apply the parking brake
firmly.

Shift into P and turn off the
hybrid system.



When restarting after parking
on a slope:

With the transmission in P,
start the hybrid system. Be
sure to keep the brake pedal
depressed.

Shift into a forward gear. If
reversing, shift into R.

If the parking brake is in man-
ual mode, release the park-
ing brake. (



P.231)

Release the brake pedal, and
slowly pull or back away from
the wheel blocks. Stop and
apply the brakes.

Have someone retrieve the
blocks.

■

Break-in schedule

If your vehicle is new or equipped

with any new power train compo-

nents (such as an engine, transmis-

sion, differential or wheel bearing),

Toyota recommends that you do not

tow a trailer until the vehicle has

been driven for over 500 miles (800

km).
After the vehicle has been driven for

over 500 miles (800 km), you can

start towing. However, for the next

500 miles (800 km), drive the vehi-

cle at a speed of less than 45 mph

(72 km/h) when towing a trailer, and

avoid full throttle acceleration.

■

Maintenance

●

If you tow a trailer, your vehicle

will require more frequent mainte-

nance due to the additional load.

215

4-1. Before driving

ing

(See “Scheduled Maintenance

Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Sup-

plement”.)

●

Retighten the fixing bolts of the

towing ball and bracket after

approximately 600 miles (1000

km) of trailer towing.

■

If trailer sway occurs

One or more factors (crosswinds,

passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.)

can adversely affect handling of

your vehicle and trailer, causing

instability.

●

If trailer swaying occurs:

• Firmly grip the steering wheel.

Steer straight ahead.

Do not try to control trailer sway-

ing by turning the steering wheel.

• Begin releasing the accelerator

pedal immediately but very gradu-

ally 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.).

●

After the trailer swaying has

stopped:

• Stop in a safe place. Get all occu-

pants 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

appropriate, if possible.

• Check the load in the vehicle.

Make sure the vehicle is not over-

loaded 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 combina-
tion. Drive at a lower speed to pre-
vent instability. Remember that

swaying of the towing vehicle-trailer
increases as speed increases.

217

4-2. Driving procedures

ing

4-2.Driving procedures

Pull the parking brake switch
to check that the parking
brake is set. (



P.231)

The parking brake indicator will

come on.

Check that the shift lever is in
P.

Firmly depress the brake
pedal.

Turn the power switch to
START to start the hybrid
system.

If the “READY” indicator turns on,

the hybrid system will operate nor-

mally.
Continue depressing the brake

pedal until the “READY” indicator is

illuminated.

Check 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.80)

Contact your Toyota dealer.

■

When the steering lock cannot

be released

When starting the hybrid system,

the power switch may seem stuck in

OFF. To free it, turn the key while

turning the steering wheel slightly

left and right.

■

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 hybrid 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 Electric Vehicle



P.72

■

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

Power (ignition)

switch (vehicles with-

out smart key system)

Starting the hybrid sys-
tem

218

4-2. Driving procedures

for starting the vehicle, contact your

Toyota dealer immediately.

■

When “Check Fuel Cap” is dis-

played on the multi-information

display



P.251

■

If the hybrid system is malfunc-

tioning



P.79

OFF (“LOCK” position)

The steering wheel is locked and
the key can be removed. (The key
can be removed only when the shift
lever is in P.)

ACC (“ACC” position)

Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.

ON (“ON” position)

All electrical components can be
used.

START (“START” position)

For starting the hybrid system.

■

Turning the key from ACC to

OFF

Shift the shift lever to P.

Push in the key and turn it to

OFF.

■

Key reminder function

A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door

is opened while the power switch is

in OFF or ACC to remind you to

remove the key.

WARNING

■

When starting the hybrid sys-

tem

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.

NOTICE

■

When starting the hybrid sys-

tem

If the hybrid system becomes diffi-

cult to start, have your vehicle

checked by your Toyota dealer

immediately.

Changing power switch
modes

WARNING

■

Caution when driving

Do not turn the power switch to

OFF while driving. If, in an emer-

gency and you must turn the

hybrid system off while the vehicle

is moving, turn the power switch

only to ACC to stop the hybrid

system. An accident may result if

the hybrid system is stopped

while driving. (



P.449)

219

4-2. Driving procedures

ing

Pull the parking brake switch
to check that the parking
brake is set. (



P.231)

The parking brake indicator will

come on.

Check that the shift lever is
set in P.

Firmly depress the brake
pedal.

and a message will be dis-

played on the multi-information dis-

play.

If it is not displayed, the hybrid sys-

tem cannot be started.

Press the power switch
shortly and firmly.

When operating the power switch,

one short, firm press is enough. It is

not necessary to press and hold the

switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on,

the hybrid system will operate nor-

mally.
Continue depressing the brake

pedal until the “READY” indicator is

illuminated.
The hybrid system can be started

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery dis-

charge

Do not leave the power switch in

ACC or ON for long periods of

time without the hybrid system on.

Power (ignition)

switch (vehicles with

smart key system)

Performing the following
operations when carrying
the electronic key on your
person starts the hybrid
system or changes power
switch modes.

Starting the hybrid sys-
tem

220

4-2. Driving procedures

from any power switch mode.

Check 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.80)

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.

●

If the door is unlocked with the

mechanical key, the hybrid system

cannot be started using the smart

key system. Refer to P.484 to start

the hybrid system. However, if the

electronic key is carried inside the

vehicle and the doors are locked

(



P.139), the hybrid system can

be started.

■

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 hybrid 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 Electric Vehicle



P.72

■

If the 12-volt battery is dis-

charged

The hybrid system cannot be

started using the smart key system.

Refer to P.485 to restart the hybrid

system.

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P.130

■

Conditions affecting operation



P.157

■

Note for the entry function



P.157

■

If there is a malfunction in the

smart key system

If “Smart Key System Malfunction”

is displayed on the multi-information

display, the system 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.251

■

If the hybrid system is malfunc-

tioning



P.79

■

Electronic key battery



P.433

221

4-2. Driving procedures

ing

■

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 restart the hybrid

system immediately after turning

the power switch to OFF, the

hybrid system may 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.484.

Stop the vehicle completely.

If the parking brake is in man-
ual mode, set the parking
brake. (



P.231)

Check the parking brake indicator

is illuminated.

Shift the shift lever to P.

Press the power switch
shortly and firmly.

The hybrid system will stop, and the

meter display will be extinguished.

Release the brake pedal and
check that “ACCESSORY” or
“IGNITION ON” is not shown
on the multi-information dis-
play.

■

Automatic hybrid system shut

off feature

●

The vehicle is equipped with a

feature that automatically shuts off

the hybrid system when the shift

lever is in P with the hybrid system

operating for an extended period.

●

The hybrid system will automati-

cally shut off after approximately 1

hour if it has been left running

while the shift lever is in P.

●

The timer for the automatic hybrid

system shut off feature will reset if

the brake pedal is depressed or if

the shift lever is in a position other

than P.

●

After the vehicle is parked, if the

door is locked with the door lock

switch (



P.139) from the inside

or the mechanical key (



P.483)

from the outside, the automatic

hybrid system shut off feature will

be disabled. The timer for the

automatic hybrid system shut off

WARNING

■

When starting the hybrid sys-

tem

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.

NOTICE

■

When starting the hybrid sys-

tem

If the hybrid system becomes diffi-

cult to start, have your vehicle

checked by your Toyota 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

222

4-2. Driving procedures

feature will be re-enabled if the

driver’s door is opened.

Modes can be changed by
pressing the power switch with
the brake pedal released. (The
mode changes each time the
switch is pressed.)

WARNING

■

Stopping the hybrid system

in an emergency

●

If you want to stop the hybrid

system in an emergency while

driving the vehicle, press and

hold the power switch for more

than 2 seconds, or press it

briefly 3 times or more in suc-

cession. (



P.449)

However, do not touch the

power switch while driving

except in an emergency. Turn-

ing the hybrid system off while

driving will not cause loss of

steering or braking control, how-

ever, power assist to the steer-

ing will be lost. This will make it

more difficult to steer smoothly,

so you should pull over and stop

the vehicle as soon as it is safe

to do so.

●

If the power switch is operated

while the vehicle is running, a

warning message will be shown

on the multi-information display

and a buzzer sounds.

●

When restarting the hybrid sys-

tem after an emergency shut-

down, shift the shift lever to N

and press the power switch

shortly and firmly.

■

When parking

Exhaust gases include harmful

carbon monoxide (CO), which is

colorless and odorless. Observe

the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause

exhaust gases to enter the vehicle

and may lead to an accident

caused by light-headedness, or

may lead to death or a serious

health hazard.

●

If the vehicle is in a poorly venti-

lated area or a closed area,

such as a garage, stop the

hybrid system.

●

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

223

4-2. Driving procedures

ing

“ACCESSORY”

“IGNITION ON”

OFF

The emergency flashers can be
used.

ACC

Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed
on the multi-information display.

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. However, 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.

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:

Check that the parking brake
is set.

Shift the shift lever to P.

Check that “ACCESSORY” is
displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display and press the
power switch shortly and
firmly.

Check that “ACCESSORY”
or “IGNITION ON” on the
multi-information display is
off.

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery dis-

charge

●

Do not leave the power switch

in ACC or ON for long periods of

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.

When stopping the hybrid
system with the shift lever
in a position other than P

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2023 year). Manual in english - page 13