Content .. 19 20 21 22 ..

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2023 year). Manual in english - page 21

336

4-6. Driving tips

Use the correct tire chain size
when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each
tire size.

Side chain:

0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter

0.39 in. (10 mm) in width

1.18 in. (30 mm) in length

Cross chain:

0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter

0.55 in. (14 mm) in width

0.98 in. (25 mm) in length

Regulations regarding the use
of tire chains vary depending on
location and type of road.

Always check local regulations
before installing chains.

■

Tire chain installation

Observe the following precautions

when installing and removing

chains:

●

Install and remove tire chains in a

safe location.

●

Install tire chains on the front tires

only. Do not install tire chains on

the rear tires.

●

Install tire chains on front tires as

tightly as possible. Retighten

chains after driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile

(0.5 - 1.0 km).

●

Install tire chains following the

instructions provided with the tire

chains.

WARNING

■

When parking the vehicle

When parking the vehicle without

applying the parking brake, make

sure to chock the wheels. If you

do not chock the wheels, the vehi-

cle may move unexpectedly, pos-

sibly resulting in an accident.

Selecting tire chains

Regulations on the use of
tire chains

NOTICE

■

Fitting tire chains (vehicles

with tire pressure warning

system)

The tire pressure warning valves

and transmitters may not function

correctly when tire chains are fit-

ted.

337

4-6. Driving tips

ing



Specific design characteris-
tics give it a higher center of
gravity than ordinary passen-
ger cars. This vehicle design
feature causes this type of
vehicle to be more likely to
rollover. And, utility vehicles
have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types
of vehicles.



An advantage of the higher
ground clearance is a better
view of the road allowing you
to anticipate problems.



It is not designed for corner-
ing at the same speeds as
ordinary passenger cars any
more than low-slung sports
cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds
may cause the vehicle to roll-
over.

When driving your vehicle off-

Utility vehicle precau-

tions

This vehicle belongs to the
utility vehicle class, which
has higher ground clear-
ance and narrower tread in
relation to the height of its
center of gravity to make it
capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road
applications.

Utility vehicle feature

WARNING

■

Utility vehicle precautions

Always observe the following pre-

cautions to minimize the risk of

death, serious injury or damage to

your vehicle:

●

In a rollover crash, an unbelted

person is significantly more

likely to die than a person wear-

ing a seat belt. Therefore, the

driver and all passengers

should always fasten their seat

belts.

●

Avoid sharp turns or abrupt

maneuvers, if at all possible.

Failure to operate this vehicle

correctly may result in loss of

control or vehicle rollover caus-

ing death or serious injury.

●

Loading cargo on the roof lug-

gage carrier (if equipped) will

make the center of the vehicle

gravity higher. Avoid high

speeds, sudden starts, sharp

turns, sudden braking or abrupt

maneuvers, otherwise it may

result in loss of control or vehi-

cle rollover due to failure to

operate this vehicle correctly.

●

Always slow down in gusty

crosswinds. Because of its pro-

file and higher center of gravity,

your vehicle is more sensitive to

side winds than an ordinary

passenger car. Slowing down

will allow you to have better

control.

●

Do not drive horizontally across

steep slopes. Driving straight up

or straight down is preferred.

Your vehicle (or any similar off-

road vehicle) can tip over side-

ways much more easily than

forward or backward.

Off-road driving

338

4-6. Driving tips

road, please observe the follow-
ing precautions to ensure your
driving enjoyment and to help
prevent the closure of areas to
off-road vehicles:



Drive your vehicle only in
areas where off-road vehicles
are permitted to travel.



Respect private property. Get
owner’s permission before
entering private property.



Do not enter areas that are
closed. Honor gates, barriers
and signs that restrict travel.



Stay on established roads.
When conditions are wet,
driving techniques should be
changed or travel delayed to
prevent damage to roads.

■

Additional information for off-

road driving



For owners in U.S. mainland,

Hawaii and Puerto Rico:

To obtain additional information per-
taining to driving your vehicle off-
road, consult the following organiza-
tions:

• State and Local Parks and Recre-

ation Departments

• State Motor Vehicle Bureau

• Recreational Vehicle Clubs

• U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of

Land Management

WARNING

■

Off-road driving precautions

Always observe the following pre-

cautions to minimize the risk of

death, serious injury or damage to

your vehicle:

●

Drive carefully when off the

road. Do not take unnecessary

risks by driving in dangerous

places.

●

Do not grip the steering wheel

spokes when driving off-road. A

bad bump could jerk the wheel

and injure your hands. Keep

both hands and especially your

thumbs on the outside of the

rim.

●

Always check your brakes for

effectiveness immediately after

driving in sand, mud, water or

snow.

●

After driving through tall grass,

mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc.,

check that there is no grass,

bush, paper, rags, stone, sand,

etc. adhering or trapped on the

underbody. Clear off any such

matter from the underbody. If

the vehicle is used with these

materials trapped or adhering to

the underbody, a breakdown or

fire could occur.

339

4-6. Driving tips

ing

WARNING

●

When driving off-road or in rug-

ged terrain, do not drive at

excessive speeds, jump, make

sharp turns, strike objects, etc.

This may cause loss of control

or vehicle rollover causing

death or serious injury. You are

also risking expensive damage

to your vehicle’s suspension

and chassis.

NOTICE

■

To prevent the water damage

Take all necessary safety mea-

sures to ensure that water dam-

age to the hybrid battery (traction

battery), hybrid system or other

components does not occur.

●

Water entering the engine com-

partment may cause severe

damage to the hybrid system.

Water entering the interior may

cause the hybrid battery (trac-

tion battery) stowed under the

rear seats to short circuit.

●

Water entering the hybrid trans-

mission will cause deterioration

in transmission quality. The

malfunction indicator may come

on, and the vehicle may not be

drivable.

●

Water can wash the grease

from wheel bearings, causing

rusting and premature failure,

and may also enter the hybrid

transaxle case, reducing the

gear oil’s lubricating qualities.

■

When you drive through

water

If driving through water, such as

when crossing shallow streams,

first check the depth of the water

and the bottom of the riverbed for

firmness. Drive slowly and avoid

deep water.

■

Inspection after off-road driv-

ing

●

Sand and mud that has accu-

mulated around brake discs

may affect braking efficiency

and may damage brake system

components.

●

Always perform a maintenance

inspection after each day of off-

road driving that has taken you

through rough terrain, sand,

mud, or water. For scheduled

maintenance information, refer

to the “Scheduled Maintenance

Guide” or “Owner’s Manual

Supplement”.

341

Interior

featur

Interior features

5-1. Using the air conditioning

system and defogger

Automatic air conditioning

system.......................

342

Heated steering wheel/seat

heaters/seat ventilators

..................................

349

5-2. Using the interior lights

Interior lights list ..........

352

5-3. Using the storage features

List of storage features

355

Luggage compartment fea-

tures ..........................

359

5-4. Using the other interior

features

Other interior features .

364

Garage door opener....

375

342

5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

5-1.Using the air conditioning system and defogger

Automatic mode switch

Left-hand side temperature control knob

Right-hand side temperature control knob

“SYNC” switch

“OFF” switch

Windshield defogger switch

Rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers switch

Eco air conditioning mode switch

Fan speed decrease switch

Fan speed increase switch

Airflow mode control switch

Outside/recirculated air mode switch

Front seat concentrated airflow mode (S-FLOW) switch

“A/C” switch

■

Adjusting the temperature
setting

Turn driver’s side temperature
control dial clockwise to

increases the temperature and
turn the dial counterclockwise to
decreases the temperature.

The air conditioning system

Automatic air conditioning system

Air outlets and fan speed are automatically adjusted accord-
ing to the temperature setting.

Air conditioning controls

343

5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

Interior

featur

switches between individual and
simultaneous modes each time the
“SYNC” switch is pressed.
Simultaneous mode (the indicator
on the “SYNC” switch is on):
The driver’s side temperature con-
trol dial can be used to adjust the
temperature for the driver’s and
passenger’s side. At this time,
operate the passenger’s side tem-
perature control dial to enter indi-
vidual mode.
Individual mode (the indicator on
the “SYNC” switch is off):
The temperature for the driver’s
and passenger’s side can be
adjusted separately.

■

Setting the fan speed

Press the fan speed increase
switch to increase the fan speed
and the fan speed decrease
switch to decrease the fan
speed.

Pressing the “OFF” switch turns off
the fan.

■

Change the airflow mode

Press the airflow mode control
switch.

The airflow mode changes as fol-
lows each time the switch is
pressed.

Upper body

Upper body and feet

Feet

Feet and the windshield
defogger operates

■

Switching between outside
air and recirculated air
modes

Press the outside/recirculated
air mode switch.

The mode switches between out-
side air mode and recirculated air
mode each time the switch is oper-
ated.
When recirculated air mode is
selected, the indicator illuminates
on the outside/recirculated air
mode switch.

■

Set cooling and dehumidifi-
cation function

Press the “A/C” switch.

When the function is on, the indica-
tor illuminates on the “A/C” switch.

■

Eco air conditioning mode

The air conditioning is controlled
with low fuel consumption priori-

344

5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

tized such as reducing fan
speed, etc.
Press the eco air conditioning
mode switch.

When the eco air conditioning
mode is on, the indicator illumi-
nates on the eco air conditioning
mode switch.

■

Defogging the windshield

Defoggers are used to defog the
windshield and front side win-
dows.
Press the windshield defogger
switch.

Set the outside/recirculated air
mode switch to outside air mode if
the recirculated air mode is used. (It
may switch automatically.)
To defog the windshield and the
side windows quickly, turn the air
flow and temperature up.
To return to the previous mode,
press the windshield defogger
switch again when the windshield is
defogged.
When the windshield defogger
switch is on, the indicator illumi-
nates on the windshield defogger
switch.

■

Defogging the rear window
and outside rear view mir-
rors (if equipped)

Defoggers are used to defog the
rear window and to remove rain-
drops, dew and frost from the
outside rear view mirrors (if
equipped).
Press the rear window and out-
side rear view mirror defoggers

switch.

The defoggers will automatically
turn off after 15 minutes.
When the rear window and outside
rear view mirror defoggers switch is
on, the indicator illuminates on the
rear window and outside rear view
mirror defoggers switch.

■

Fogging up of the windows

●

The windows will easily fog up

when the humidity in the vehicle is

high. Turning “A/C” switch on will

dehumidify the air from the outlets

and defog the windshield effec-

tively.

●

If you turn “A/C” switch off, the

windows may fog up more easily.

●

The windows may fog up if the

recirculated air mode is used.

■

When driving on dusty roads

Close all windows. If dust thrown up

by the vehicle is still drawn into the

vehicle after closing the windows, it

is recommended that the air intake

mode be set to outside air mode

and the fan speed to any setting

except off.

■

Outside/recirculated air mode

●

Setting to the recirculated air

mode temporarily is recom-

mended in preventing dirty air

from entering the vehicle interior

and helping to cool the vehicle

when the outside air temperature

is high.

●

Outside/recirculated air mode may

automatically switch depending on

the temperature setting or the

inside temperature.

■

When the outside temperature

exceeds 75°F (24°C) and the air

conditioning system is on

●

In order to reduce the air condi-

tioning power consumption, the air

conditioning system may switch to

recirculated air mode automati-

345

5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

Interior

featur

cally. This may also reduce fuel

consumption.

●

Recirculated air mode is selected

as a default mode when the power

switch is turned to ON.

●

It is possible to switch to outside

air mode at any time by pressing

the outside/recirculated air mode

switch.

■

Operation of the air condition-

ing system in Eco drive mode

●

In Eco drive mode, the air condi-

tioning system is controlled as fol-

lows to prioritize fuel efficiency:

• Engine speed and compressor

operation controlled to restrict

heating/cooling capacity

• Fan speed restricted when auto-

matic mode is selected

●

To improve air conditioning perfor-

mance, perform the following

operations:

• Adjust the fan speed

• Turn off Eco drive mode (



P.323)

• Turn off Eco air conditioning mode

●

When the driving mode is set to

Eco driving mode, the Eco air con-

ditioning mode will be turned on

automatically. Even in this case,

the Eco air conditioning mode can

be turned off by pressing the Eco

air conditioning mode switch.

■

When the outside temperature

falls to nearly 32°F (0°C)

The dehumidification function may

not operate even when “A/C” switch

is pressed.

■

Ventilation and air conditioning

odors

●

To let fresh air in, set the air condi-

tioning system to the outside air

mode.

●

During use, various odors from

inside and outside the vehicle may

enter into and accumulate in the

air conditioning system. This may

then cause odor to be emitted

from the vents.

●

To reduce potential odors from

occurring:

• It is recommended that the air

conditioning system be set to out-

side air mode prior to turning the

vehicle off.

• The start timing of the blower may

be delayed for a short period of

time immediately after the air con-

ditioning system is started in auto-

matic mode.

●

When parking, the system auto-

matically switches to outside air

mode to encourage better air cir-

culation throughout the vehicle,

helping to reduce odors that occur

when starting the vehicle.

■

Using the Intelligent Assistant

(if equipped)

Air conditioning system can be

operated using the Intelligent Assis-

tant.
For details regarding the Intelligent

Assistant, refer to the “MULTIME-

DIA OWNER’S MANUAL”.

■

Air conditioning filter



P.424

■

Air conditioning system refrig-

erant

●

A label regarding the refrigerant of

the air conditioning system is

attached to the hood at the loca-

tion shown in the following illustra-

tion.

346

5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

●

The meaning of each symbol on

the label are as follows:

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized.

(Customizable features:



P.529)

Press the “AUTO” switch.

The dehumidification function

begins to operate. Air outlets and

fan speed are automatically

adjusted according to the tempera-

ture setting and humidity.

Adjust the temperature set-
ting.

To stop the operation, press
the “OFF” switch.

If the fan speed setting or air
flow modes are operated, the
automatic mode indicator goes
off. However, automatic mode
for functions other than that
operated is maintained.

■

Using automatic mode

Fan speed is adjusted automati-

cally according to the temperature

setting and the ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a

while until warm or cool air is ready

to flow immediately after the auto-

matic mode switch is pressed.

Caution

Air conditioning system

Air conditioning system
lubricant type

Requires registered tech-
nician to service air con-
ditioning system

Flammable refrigerant

WARNING

■

To prevent the windshield

from fogging up

Do not use the windshield defog-

ger switch during cool air opera-

tion in extremely humid weather.

The difference between the tem-

perature of the outside air and

that of the windshield can cause

the outer surface of the wind-

shield to fog up, blocking your

vision.

■

When the outside rear view

mirror defoggers are operat-

ing (if equipped)

Do not touch the rear view mirror

surfaces when the outside rear

view mirror defoggers are on.

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery dis-

charge

Do not leave the air conditioning

system on longer than necessary

when the hybrid system is off.

■

When repairing/replacing

parts of the air conditioning

system

Have repair/replacement per-

formed by your Toyota dealer.

When a part of the air condition-

ing system, such as the evapora-

tor, is to be replaced, it must be

replaced with a new one.

Using automatic mode

347

5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

Interior

featur

This function automatically con-
trols the air conditioning airflow
so that priority is given to the
front seats. When the front pas-
senger seat is not occupied, air-
flow may switch to only the
driver’s seat. Unnecessary air
conditioning is suppressed, con-
tributing to increased fuel effi-
ciency.
Front seat concentrated airflow
mode operates in the following
situations.



No passengers are detected
in the rear seats



The windshield defogger is
not operating

While operating,

illumi-

nates.

■

Manually turning front seat
concentrated airflow mode
on/off

In front seat concentrated air-
flow mode, directing airflow to
the front seats only and to all
seats can be switched via switch
operation. When the mode has
been switched manually, auto-
matic airflow control stops oper-
ating.

Press

on the air condition-

ing operation panel and switch
the airflow.



Indicator illuminated: Airflow
to the front seats only



Indicator off: Airflow to all the
seats

■

Operation of automatic airflow

control

●

In order to maintain a comfortable

interior, airflow may be directed to

seats without passengers immedi-

ately after the hybrid system is

started and at other times depend-

ing on the outside temperature.

●

After the hybrid system is started,

if passengers move around inside

or enter/exit the vehicle, the sys-

tem cannot accurately detect the

presence of passengers and auto-

matic airflow control will not oper-

ate.

■

Operation of manual airflow

control

Even if the function is manually

switched to directing airflow to only

the front seats, when a rear seat is

occupied, it may automatically direct

airflow to all seats.

■

To return to automatic airflow

control

With the indicator off, turn the

power switch to OFF.

After 60 minutes or more elapse,

turn the power switch to ON.

This feature is used to prevent
ice from building up on the wind-
shield and wiper blades.
Press the switch to turn the sys-
tem on/off.

The indicator comes on when the
system is on.

Front seat concentrated
airflow mode (S-FLOW)

Windshield wiper de-icer
(if equipped)

348

5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

The windshield wiper de-icer will
automatically turn off after a period
of time.

■

Location of air outlets

The air outlets and air volume
change according to the
selected air flow mode.

■

Adjusting the air flow direc-
tion and opening/closing
the air outlets



Front

Direct air flow to the left or
right, up or down

Open the vent

Close the vent

: If equipped (center air outlets

only)



Rear

Direct air flow to the left or
right, up or down

Open the vent

Close the vent

WARNING

■

To prevent burns

Do not touch the glass at lower

part of the windshield or to the

side of the front pillars when the

windshield wiper deicer is on.

Air outlet layout and oper-
ations

349

5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

Interior

featur

: If equipped

WARNING

■

To not interrupt the wind-

shield defogger from operat-

ing

Do not place anything on the

instrument panel which may cover

the air outlets. Otherwise, air flow

may be obstructed, preventing the

windshield defoggers from defog-

ging.

Heated steering

wheel

/seat heat-

ers

/seat ventilators



Heated steering wheel

Warm up the grip of the steer-
ing wheel



Seat heaters

Warm up the seat upholstery



Seat ventilators

Maintain good ventilation by
pulling air through the seat
upholstery

WARNING

■

To prevent minor burn inju-

ries

Care should be taken if anyone in

the following categories comes in

contact with the steering wheel or

seats when the heater is on:

●

Babies, small children, the

elderly, the sick and the physi-

cally challenged

●

Persons with sensitive skin

●

Persons who are fatigued

●

Persons who have taken alco-

hol or drugs that induce sleep

(sleeping drugs, cold remedies,

etc.)

350

5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

Turns the heated steering wheel
on/off

The indicator light comes on when
the heated steering wheel is oper-
ating.

■

Operation condition

The power switch is in ON.



Front

Turns the seat heaters on/off

High temperature

Low temperature

When the seat heater is on, the
indicator illuminates on the seat
heater switch.
When not in use, put the switch in
the neutral position. The indicator
will turn off.



Rear

Turns the seat heaters on/off

The indicator light comes on when
the seat heater is operating.

■

Operation condition

The power switch is in ON.

NOTICE

■

To prevent damage to the

seat heaters and seat ventila-

tors

Do not put heavy objects that

have an uneven surface on the

seat and do not stick sharp

objects (needles, nails, etc.) into

the seat.

■

To prevent 12-volt battery dis-

charge

Do not use the functions when the

hybrid system is off.

Heated steering wheel

Operating the seat heat-
ers

351

5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

Interior

featur

Turns the seat heaters and ven-
tilators on/off

The level indicators

come on

during operation.
Each time the switch is pressed,
the operation condition changes as
follows.
Hi (3 segments lit)



Mid (2 seg-

ments lit)



Lo (1 segment lit)



Off

Turns the seat heater on

The level indicators

come on

yellow during operation.

Turns the seat ventilator on

The level indicators

come on

green during operation.

■

Operation condition

The power switch is in ON.

■

Air conditioning system-linked

control mode

When a seat ventilator is set to Hi,

the fan speed of the seat ventilator

may increase according to the fan

speed of the air conditioning sys-

tem.

WARNING

■

To prevent causes of over-

heating and minor burn inju-

ries

Observe the following precautions

when using a seat heater:

●

Do not cover the seat with a

blanket or cushion when using

the seat heater.

●

Do not use seat heater more

than necessary.

Operating the seat heat-
ers and ventilators

WARNING

■

To prevent causes of over-

heating and minor burn inju-

ries

Observe the following precautions

when using a seat heater:

●

Do not cover the seat with a

blanket or cushion when using

the seat heater.

●

Do not use seat heater more

than necessary.

352

5-2. Using the interior lights

5-2.Using the interior lights

Rear interior light (



P.353)

Front interior lights/personal lights (



P.353)

Open tray lights (if equipped)

Footwell lights (if equipped)

Front cup holder lights (if equipped)

: These lights turn on when a door is unlocked.

When the shift lever is in a position other than P, the brightness of these
lights will reduce intensity.

■

Illuminated entry system (vehi-

cles with smart key system)

The lights automatically turn on/off

according to the power switch

mode, the presence of the elec-

tronic key, whether the doors are

locked/unlocked, and whether the

doors are opened/closed.

■

To prevent the 12-volt battery

from being discharged

If the interior lights remain on when

the power switch is turned to OFF,

the lights will go off automatically

after 20 minutes.

■

The interior lights may turn on

automatically when

If any of the SRS airbags deploy

(inflate) or in the event of a strong

rear impact, the interior lights will

Interior lights list

Location of the interior lights

Content .. 19 20 21 22 ..