Toyota RAV4 (2024 year). Manual in english

193

4-1. Before driving

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

Vehicles without towing pack-
age

Front GAWR

Rear GAWR



Vehicles with towing package

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, towing
package (if available), 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.

Vehicles with towing package: If the
gross trailer weight exceeds 3000
lb. (1360 kg), it is recommended to
use a trailer with 2 or more axles.



Vehicles without towing pack-
age

(With brakes)



Vehicles with towing package

(With brakes)

194

4-1. Before driving

■

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.196)



Vehicles without towing pack-
age



Vehicles with towing package



The gross trailer weight must
never exceed the TWR
described below.



Without towing package

1500 lb. (680 kg)



With towing package

3500 lb. (1590 kg)



The gross combination weight
must never exceed the
GCWR described below.



Without towing package

Vehicles without Dynamic Torque
Vectoring AWD system: 6110 lb.
(2770 kg)

Vehicles with Dynamic Torque Vec-
toring AWD system: 6205 lb. (2815
kg)



With towing package

8205 lb. (3725 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.

Weight limits

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

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



Vehicles with towing package:
If the gross trailer weight is
over 2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway
control device with sufficient
capacity is 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



Without towing package

Vehicles without Dynamic
Torque Vectoring AWD system:
6110 lb. (2770 kg)

Vehicles with Dynamic Torque
Vectoring AWD system: 6205 lb.
(2815 kg)



With towing package

8205 lb. (3725 kg)

: These models meet the tow-vehi-

cle trailering requirement of SAE
International per SAE J2807.

■

TWR



Without towing package

1500 lb. (680 kg)



With towing package

3500 lb. (1590 kg)

: These models meet the tow-vehi-

cle trailering requirement of SAE
International per SAE J2807.

■

Unbraked TWR

1000 lb. (450 kg)

: These models meet the tow-vehi-

cle 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%)



Vehicles without towing pack-
age

Gross trailer weight

GCWR, TWR and
Unbraked TWR

Trailer Tongue Weight

196

4-1. Before driving

Tongue weight



Vehicles with towing package

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.

Use the correct trailer ball for

your application.

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.

Selecting trailer ball (vehi-

cles with towing package)

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Trailer ball load rating

Matches or exceeds the gross
trailer weight rating of the trailer.

Shank length

Protrudes beyond the bottom of the
lock washer and nut by at least 2
threads.

Shank diameter

Matches the ball mount hole diame-
ter size.

Ball diameter

Matches the size of the trailer cou-
pler. Most couplers are stamped
with the required trailer ball size.

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

Trailer class

Typical trailer

ball size

2 5/16 in.

II and III

2 in.

1 7/8 in.

Positions for towing hitch
receiver and hitch ball

198

4-1. Before driving

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

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

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

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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 and charging sys-
tem performance when using
engine braking, do not put the
transmission in D. If in the S
mode, the transmission shift
range position must be in 6 or
lower.



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
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 engine
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, imme-
diately turn off the air condi-
tioning (if in use), pull your
vehicle off the road and stop
in a safe spot. (



P.478)



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.

200

4-1. Before driving

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
engine.



When restarting after parking
on a slope:

With the transmission in P,
start the engine. 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.213)

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.
(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

201

4-1. Before driving

ing

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.

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed

to be dinghy towed (with 4

wheels on the ground)

behind a motor home.

NOTICE

■

To avoid serious damage to

your vehicle

Do not tow your vehicle with 4

wheels on the ground.

■

To prevent causing serious

damage to the transmission

and AWD system (AWD mod-

els)

2WD models: Never tow this vehi-

cle from the rear with the front

wheels on the ground. This may

cause serious damage to the

transmission.

203

4-2. Driving procedures

ing

4-2.Driving procedures

Pull the parking brake switch

to check that the parking

brake is set. (



P.213)

The parking brake indicator will

come on.

Check that the shift lever is

set in P.

Firmly depress the brake

pedal.

Turn the engine switch to

START to start the engine.

■

If the engine does not start

The engine immobilizer system may

not have been deactivated. (



P.70)

Contact your Toyota dealer.

■

When the steering lock cannot

be released

When starting the engine, the

engine switch may seem stuck in

OFF. To free it, turn the key while

turning the steering wheel slightly

left and right.

■

When “Check Fuel Cap” is dis-

played on the multi-information

display



P.232

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)

Engine (ignition)

switch (vehicles with-

out smart key system)

Starting the engine

WARNING

■

When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sit-

ting in the driver’s seat. Do not

depress the accelerator pedal

while starting the engine under

any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident

resulting in death or serious

injury.

NOTICE

■

When starting the engine

●

Do not crank the engine for

more than 30 seconds at a time.

This may overheat the starter

and wiring system.

●

Do not race a cold engine.

●

If the engine becomes difficult to

start or stalls frequently, have

your vehicle checked by your

Toyota dealer immediately.

Changing the engine

switch positions

204

4-2. Driving procedures

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 engine.

■

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 engine switch is

in OFF or ACC to remind you to

remove the key.

Pull the parking brake switch

to check that the parking

brake is set. (



P.213)

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 engine

cannot be started.

Press the engine switch

shortly and firmly.

When operating the engine switch,

one short, firm press is enough. It is

not necessary to press and hold the

switch.
The engine will crank until it starts

or for up to 30 seconds, whichever

is less.
Continue depressing the brake

pedal until the engine is completely

started.
The engine can be started from any

WARNING

■

Caution when driving

Do not turn the engine switch to

OFF while driving. If, in an emer-

gency and you must turn the

engine off while the vehicle is

moving, turn the engine switch

only to ACC to stop the engine.

An accident may result if the

engine is stopped while driving.

(



P.438)

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the engine switch in

ACC or ON for long periods of

time without the engine running.

Engine (ignition)

switch (vehicles with

smart key system)

Performing the following

operations when carrying

the electronic key on your

person starts the engine or

changes engine switch

modes.

Starting the engine

205

4-2. Driving procedures

ing

engine switch mode.

■

If the engine does not start

●

The engine immobilizer system

may not have been deactivated.

(



P.70)

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 engine can-

not be started using the smart key

system. Refer to P.473 to start the

engine. However, if the electronic

key is carried inside the vehicle

and the doors are locked

(



P.123), the engine can be

started.

■

If the battery is discharged

The engine cannot be started using

the smart key system. Refer to

P.474 to restart the engine.

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P.114

■

Conditions affecting operation



P.141

■

Note for the entry function



P.141

■

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.

■

When “Check Fuel Cap” is dis-

played on the multi-information

display



P.232

■

Electronic key battery



P.424

■

Operation of the engine switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly

and firmly, the engine switch

mode may not change or the

engine may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the engine

immediately after turning the

engine switch to OFF, the engine

may not start in some cases. After

turning the engine switch to OFF,

please wait a few seconds before

restarting the engine.

■

Customization

If the smart key system has been

deactivated in a customized setting,

refer to P.473.

WARNING

■

When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sit-

ting in the driver’s seat. Do not

depress the accelerator pedal

while starting the engine under

any circumstances.

Doing so may cause an accident

resulting in death or serious

injury.

NOTICE

■

When starting the engine

●

Do not race a cold engine.

●

If the engine becomes difficult to

start or stalls frequently, have

your vehicle checked by your

Toyota dealer immediately.

206

4-2. Driving procedures

Stop the vehicle completely.

If the parking brake is in man-

ual mode, set the parking

brake. (



P.213)

Check the parking brake indicator

is illuminated.

Shift the shift lever to P.

Press the engine switch

shortly and firmly.

The engine 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 engine shut off fea-

ture

●

The vehicle is equipped with a

feature that automatically shuts off

the engine when the shift lever is

in P with the engine running for an

extended period.

●

The engine will automatically shut

off after approximately 1 hour if it

has been left running while the

shift lever is in P.

●

The timer for the automatic engine

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.123) from the inside

or the mechanical key (



P.473)

from the outside, the automatic

engine shut off feature will be dis-

abled. The timer for the automatic

engine shut off feature will be re-

enabled if the driver’s door is

opened.

NOTICE

■

Symptoms indicating a mal-

function with the engine

switch

If the engine 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 engine

WARNING

■

Stopping the engine in an

emergency

●

If you want to stop the engine in

an emergency while driving the

vehicle, press and hold the

engine switch for more than 2

seconds, or press it briefly 3

times or more in succession.

(



P.438)

However, do not touch the

engine switch while driving

except in an emergency. Turn-

ing the engine off while driving

will not cause loss of steering or

braking control, but the power

assist to these systems will be

lost. This will make it more diffi-

cult to steer and brake, so you

should pull over and stop the

vehicle as soon as it is safe to

do so.

●

If the engine 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 engine after

an emergency shutdown, shift

the shift lever to N and press the

engine switch shortly and firmly.

207

4-2. Driving procedures

ing

Modes can be changed by

pressing the engine switch with

brake pedal released. (The

mode changes each time the

switch is pressed.)

“ACCESSORY”
“IGNITION ON”

OFF

The emergency flashers can be

used.
The multi-information display will

not be displayed.

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

engine, the engine 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 engine

is not running) for more than an

hour with the shift lever in P, the

engine switch will automatically turn

WARNING

■

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

engine.

●

Do not leave the vehicle with

the engine running 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 engine running

in an area with snow build-up,

or where it is snowing. If snow-

banks build up around the vehi-

cle while the engine is running,

exhaust gases may collect and

enter the vehicle.

Changing engine switch

modes

208

4-2. Driving procedures

to OFF. However, this function can-

not entirely prevent battery dis-

charge. Do not leave the vehicle

with the engine switch in ACC or ON

for long periods of time when the

engine is not running.

If the engine is stopped with the

shift lever in a position other

than P, the engine switch will

not be turned to OFF but instead

be turned to ACC. Perform 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 then

press the engine switch

shortly and firmly.

Check that “ACCESSORY”

or “IGNITION ON” on the

multi-information display is

off.

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

●

Do not leave the engine switch

in ACC or ON for long periods of

time without the engine running.

●

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION

ON” is displayed on the multi-

information display, the engine

switch is not in OFF. Exit the

vehicle after turning the engine

switch to OFF.

When stopping the engine

with the shift lever in a

position other than P

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

Do not stop the engine when the

shift lever is in a position other

than P. If the engine is stopped in

another shift lever position, the

engine switch will not be turned to

OFF but instead be turned to

ACC. If the vehicle is left in ACC,

battery discharge may occur.

209

4-2. Driving procedures

ing

:Shifting to the D position allows

the system to select a gear suit-

able for the driving conditions.

Setting the shift lever to the D

position is recommended for nor-

mal driving.

:Selecting shift ranges using S

mode restricts the upper limit of

the possible gear ranges, con-

trols engine braking force, and

prevents unnecessary upshifting.

■

When driving with dynamic

radar cruise control with full-

speed range activated

Even when performing the following

actions with the intent of enabling

engine braking, engine braking will

not activate because dynamic radar

cruise control with full-speed range

will not be canceled.

●

While driving in S mode, down-

shifting to 7, 6, 5, or 4. (



P.211)

●

When switching the driving mode

to sport mode while driving in D.

(



P.310)

■

If “High Transmission Fluid

Temp” is displayed on the

multi-information display (AWD

models)

Make sure to return to D position

driving and reduce speed by easing

off the accelerator pedal. Stop the

vehicle in a safe place, shift the shift

lever to P and let the engine idle

until the warning message goes out.
When the warning message goes

out, the vehicle can be driven again.
If the warning message does not go

out after waiting a while, have your

vehicle inspected by your Toyota

dealer.

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-

Start Control)



P.185

■

AI-SHIFT

The AI-SHIFT automatically selects

the suitable gear according to driver

performance and driving conditions.

The AI-SHIFT automatically oper-

ates when the shift lever is in D.

(Shifting the shift lever to S cancels

the function.)

Automatic transmis-

sion

Select the shift position

depending on your purpose

and situation.

Shift position purpose

and functions

Shift

position

Objective or function

Parking the vehi-

cle/starting the engine

Reversing

Neutral

Normal driving

S mode driving

(



P.211)

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery

road surfaces

Do not accelerate or shift gears

suddenly.

Sudden changes in engine brak-

ing may cause the vehicle to spin

or skid, resulting in an accident.

210

4-2. Driving procedures

While the engine 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.

: 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
the shift release button is pushed

first, the shift lock will not be
released.

■

Shift lock system

The shift lock system is a system to
prevent accidental operation of the
shift lever in starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P
only when the engine switch is in
ON, the brake pedal is depressed
and the shift release button is
pushed.

■

If the shift lever cannot be
shifted from P

First, check whether the brake pedal
is being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted
even though the brake pedal is
depressed and the shift release but-
ton is pushed, there may be a prob-
lem with the shift lock system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately.
The following steps may be used as
an emergency measure to ensure
that the shift lever can be shifted.

Releasing the shift lock:

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



P.213)

Turn the engine switch to OFF.

Depress the brake pedal.

Pry the cover up with a flathead
screwdriver or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover,
cover the tip of the screwdriver
with a rag.

Press and hold the shift lock
override button and then push
the button on the shift knob.

Shifting the shift lever

211

4-2. Driving procedures

ing

The shift lever can be shifted

while both buttons are pressed.



P.310, 315

When the shift lever is in the S

position, the shift lever can be

operated as follows:

Upshifting

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from S1 to

S8 will be displayed on the multi-

information display.

The initial shift range in S mode

is set automatically to 4, 5 or 6

according to vehicle speed.

However, the initial shift range

may be set to 3 if AI-SHIFT has

operated while the shift lever

was in the D position. (



P.209)

■

S mode

●

You can choose from 8 levels of

accelerating force and engine

braking force.

●

A lower shift range will provide

greater accelerating force and

engine braking force than a higher

shift range, and the engine revolu-

tions will also increase.

●

To prevent the engine from over-

revving, upshifting may automati-

cally occur.

●

To protect the automatic transmis-

sion, a function is adopted that

automatically selects a higher shift

range when the fluid temperature

is high.

●

When the shift range is 7 or lower,

holding the shift lever toward “+”

sets the shift range to 8.

WARNING

■

To prevent an accident when

releasing the shift lock

Before pressing the shift lock

override button, make sure to set

the parking brake and depress the

brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal is acci-

dentally depressed instead of the

brake pedal when the shift lock

override button is pressed and the

shift lever is shifted out of P, the

vehicle may suddenly start, possi-

bly leading to an accident result-

ing in death or serious injury.

Selecting the driving

mode and snow mode (if

equipped)

Changing shift ranges in

S mode

212

4-2. Driving procedures

■

Downshifting restriction warn-
ing buzzer

To help ensure safety and driving
performance, downshifting opera-
tion may sometimes be restricted. In
some circumstances, downshifting
may not be possible even when the
shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will
sound twice.)

■

If the “S” indicator does not
come on or the “D” indicator is
displayed even after shifting the
shift lever to S

This may indicate a malfunction in
the automatic transmission system.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Toyota dealer immediately. (In this
situation, the transmission will oper-
ate in the same manner as when the
shift lever is in D.)

Right turn

Lane change to the right
(move the lever partway and
release it)

The right hand signals will flash 3
times.

Lane change to the left
(move the lever partway and
release it)

The left hand signals will flash 3
times.

Left turn

■

Turn signals can be operated
when

The engine switch is in ON.

■

If the indicator flashes faster
than usual

Check that a light bulb in the front or
rear turn signal lights has not

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

213

4-2. Driving procedures

Dr
iv

ing

burned out.

■

If the turn signals stop flashing
before a lane change has been
performed

Operate the lever again.

■

To discontinue flashing of the
turn signals during a lane
change

Operate the lever in the opposite
direction.

■

Using the manual mode

The parking brake can be set
and released manually.

Parking brake indicator light
(U.S.A.)

Parking brake indicator light
(Canada)

Parking brake switch indica-
tor

Parking brake

The parking brake can be
set or released automati-
cally or manually.
In automatic mode, the
parking brake can be set or
released automatically
according to shift lever
operation. Also, even in
automatic mode, the park-
ing brake can be set or
released manually.

Operating instructions

214

4-2. Driving procedures

Pull the switch to set the
parking brake.

The parking brake indicator light
and the parking brake switch indi-
cator will turn on.

Pull and hold the parking brake
switch if an emergency occurs and
it is necessary to operate the park-
ing brake while driving.

Press the switch to release
the parking brake.

• Operate the parking brake switch

while depressing the brake pedal.

• Using the parking brake auto-

matic release function, the park-
ing brake can be released by
depressing the accelerator pedal.
When using this function, slowly
depress the accelerator pedal.
(



P.215)

Make sure that the parking brake
indicator light and the parking brake
switch indicator turn off.

If the parking brake indicator
light and the parking brake
switch indicator flash, operate
the switch again. (



P.452)

■

Turning the automatic
mode on

While the vehicle is stopped,
pull and hold the parking brake
switch until a buzzer sounds and
a message is shown on the
multi-information display.

When the automatic mode is
turned on, the parking brake
operates as follows.



When the shift lever is shifted
from P, the parking brake will
be released, and the parking
brake indicator light and the
parking brake switch indica-
tor will turn off.



When the shift lever is shifted
to P, the parking brake will be
set, and the parking brake
indicator light and the parking
brake switch indicator will turn
on.

Operate the shift lever with the
vehicle stopped and the brake
pedal depressed.

The auto function may not oper-
ate if the shift lever is moved
extremely quickly or the brake
pedal is not firmly depressed.

In this situation, apply the park-
ing brake manually. (



P.213)



When the engine is off, the
parking brake will be set, and
the parking brake indicator
light and the parking brake
switch indicator turn on.

215

4-2. Driving procedures

Dr
iv

ing

■

Turning the automatic
mode off

While the vehicle is stopped and
depressing the brake pedal,
press and hold the parking
brake switch until a buzzer
sounds and a message is
shown on the multi-information
display.

■

Parking brake operation

●

When the engine switch is not in
ON, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake
switch.

●

When the engine switch is not in
ON, automatic mode (automatic
brake setting and releasing) is not
available.

■

Parking brake automatic
release function

When all of the following conditions
are met, the parking brake can be
released by depressing the acceler-
ator pedal.

●

The driver’s door is closed

●

The driver is wearing the seat belt

●

The shift lever is in a forward driv-
ing position or reverse driving
position

●

The malfunction indicator lamp or
brake system warning light is not
illuminated

When depressing the accelerator
pedal, depress it slowly.

If the parking brake is not released
when the accelerator pedal is
depressed, release the parking
brake manually.

When the shift lever is shifted from
P, the parking brake will be released
automatically.

■

If “Parking Brake Temporarily
Unavailable” is displayed on
the multi-information display

If the parking brake is operated
repeatedly over a short period of
time, the system may restrict opera-
tion to prevent overheating. If this
happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will
return after about 1 minute.

■

If “Parking Brake Unavailable”
is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display

Operate the parking brake switch. If
the message does not disappear
after operating the switch several
times, the system may be malfunc-
tioning. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Toyota dealer.

■

Parking brake operation sound

When the parking brake operates, a
motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a
malfunction.

■

Parking brake indicator light
and Parking brake switch indi-
cator

●

Depending on the engine switch
position / mode, the parking brake
indicator light and the parking
brake switch indicator will turn on
and stay on as described below:
ON: Comes on until the parking
brake is released.
Not in ON: Stays on for approxi-
mately 15 seconds.

●

When the engine switch is turned
off with the parking brake set, the
parking brake indicator light and
the parking brake switch indicator
will stay on for about 15 seconds.

216

4-2. Driving procedures

This does not indicate a malfunc-

tion.

■

When the parking brake switch

malfunctions

Automatic mode (automatic brake

setting and releasing) will be turned

on automatically.

■

Parking the vehicle



P.179

■

Parking brake engaged warning

buzzer

A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is

driven with the parking brake

engaged. “Parking Brake ON” is dis-

played on the multi-information dis-

play (with the vehicle reaching a

speed of 3 mph [5 km/h]).

■

If the brake system warning

light comes on



P.447

■

Usage in winter time



P.326

WARNING

■

When parking the vehicle

Do not leave a child in the vehicle

alone. The parking brake may be

released unintentionally by a child

and there is the danger of the

vehicle moving that may lead to

an accident resulting in death or

serious injury.

■

Parking brake switch

Do not set any objects near the

parking brake switch. Objects

may interfere with the switch and

may lead the parking brake to

unexpectedly operate.

NOTICE

■

When parking the vehicle

Before you leave the vehicle, shift

the shift lever to P, set the parking

brake and make sure that the

vehicle does not move.

■

When the system malfunc-

tions

Stop the vehicle in a safe place

and check the warning messages.

■

When the vehicle battery is

discharged

The parking brake system cannot

be activated. (



P.474)

■

When the parking brake can-

not be released due to a mal-

function

Driving the vehicle with the park-

ing brake set will lead to brake

components overheating, which

may affect braking performance

and increase brake wear. Have

the vehicle inspected by your

Toyota dealer immediately if this

occurs.

217

4-2. Driving procedures

Dr
iv

ing

Turn the brake hold system on

The brake hold standby indicator

(green)

comes on. While the

system is holding the brake, the
brake hold operated indicator (yel-

low)

comes on.

■

Brake hold system operating
conditions

The brake hold system cannot be
turned on in the following condi-
tions:

●

The driver’s door is not closed.

●

The driver is not wearing the seat
belt.

If any of the conditions above are
detected when the brake hold sys-
tem is enabled, the system will turn
off and the brake hold standby indi-
cator light will go off. In addition, if
any of the conditions are detected
while the system is holding the
brake, a warning buzzer will sound
and a message will be shown on the
multi-information display. The park-
ing brake will then be set automati-
cally.

■

Brake hold function

●

If the brake pedal is left released
for a period of about 3 minutes
after the system has started hold-
ing the brake, the parking brake
will be set automatically. In this
case, a warning buzzer sounds
and a message is shown on the
multi-information display.

●

To turn the system off while the
system is holding the brake, firmly
depress the brake pedal and
press the button again.

●

The brake hold function may not
hold the vehicle when the vehicle
is on a steep incline. In this situa-
tion, it may be necessary for the
driver to apply the brakes. A warn-
ing buzzer will sound and the
multi-information display will
inform the driver of this situation. If
a warning message is shown on
the multi-information display, read
the message and follow the
instructions.

■

When the parking brake is set
automatically while the system
is holding the brakes

Perform any of the following opera-
tions to release the parking brake.

●

Depress the accelerator pedal.
(The parking brake will not be
released automatically if the seat
belt is not fastened.)

●

Operate the parking brake switch
with the brake pedal depressed.

Make sure that the parking brake
indicator light goes off. (



P.213)

Brake Hold

The brake hold system
keeps the brake applied
when the shift lever is in D,
S or N with the system on
and the brake pedal has
been depressed to stop the
vehicle. The system
releases the brake when the
accelerator pedal is
depressed with the shift
lever in D or S to allow
smooth start off.

Enabling the system

218

4-2. Driving procedures

■

When an inspection at your

Toyota dealer is necessary

When the brake hold standby indi-

cator (green) does not illuminate

even when the brake hold switch is

pressed with the brake hold system

operating conditions met, the sys-

tem may be malfunctioning. Have

the vehicle inspected at your Toyota

dealer.

■

If “Brake Hold Malfunction

Press Brake to Deactivate Visit

Your Dealer” or “Brake Hold

Malfunction Visit Your Dealer”

is displayed on the multi-infor-

mation display

The system may be malfunctioning.

Have the vehicle inspected by your

Toyota dealer.

■

Warning messages and buzzers

Warning messages and buzzers are

used to indicate a system malfunc-

tion or to inform the driver of the

need for caution. If a warning mes-

sage is shown on the multi-informa-

tion display, read the message and

follow the instructions.

■

If the brake hold operated indi-

cator flashes



P.452

WARNING

■

When the vehicle is on a

steep incline

Take care when using the brake

hold system on a steep incline,

exercise caution. The brake hold

function may not hold brakes in

such situations.
Also, the system may not activate

depending on the angle of the

slope.

■

When stopped on a slippery

road

The system cannot stop the vehi-

cle when the gripping ability of the

tires has been exceeded. Do not

use the system when stopped on

a slippery road.

NOTICE

■

When parking the vehicle

The brake hold system is not

designed for use when parking

the vehicle for a long period of

time. Turning the engine switch

off while the system is holding the

brake may release the brake,

which would cause the vehicle to

move. When operating the engine

switch, depress the brake pedal,

shift the shift lever to P and set

the parking brake.

219

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Dr
iv

ing

4-3.Operating the lights and wipers

Operating the

switch

turns on the lights as follows:



U.S.A. (Type A)

The side marker, park-

ing, tail, license plate, instru-
ment panel lights, and
daytime running lights
(



P.220) turn on.

The headlights and all

lights listed above (except
daytime running lights) turn
on.

The headlights, daytime

running lights (



P.220) and

all the lights listed above turn
on and off automatically.

Off



U.S.A. (Type B)

The side marker, park-

ing, tail, license plate, instru-
ment panel lights, and
daytime running lights
(



P.220) turn on.

The headlights and all

lights listed above (except
daytime running lights) turn
on.

The daytime running

lights turn on. (



P.220)

Off

Headlight switch

The headlights can be oper-
ated manually or automati-
cally.

Turning on the headlights

220

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers



Canada

The side marker, park-

ing, tail, license plate, instru-
ment panel lights, and
daytime running lights
(



P.220) turn on.

The headlights and all

lights listed above (except
daytime running lights) turn
on.

The headlights, daytime

running lights (



P.220) and

all the lights listed above turn
on and off automatically.

■

AUTO mode can be used when

The engine switch is in ON.

■

Daytime running light system

●

Vehicles with multi-LED head-
lights and LED projector head-
lights with bulb type front turn
signal lights: The daytime running
lights illuminate using the same
lights as the low beam headlights
and illuminate dimmer than the
low beam headlights.

●

Vehicles with LED projector head-
lights with LED type front turn sig-

nal lights: The daytime running
lights illuminate using the same
lights as the parking lights and illu-
minate brighter than the parking
lights.

●

To make your vehicle more visible
to other drivers during daytime
driving, the daytime running lights
turn on automatically when all of
the following conditions are met.
(The daytime running lights are
not designed for use at night.)

• The engine is running
• The parking brake is released
• For the U. S. A.: The headlight

switch is in the

position

• For Canada: The headlight switch

is in the

position

: When the surroundings are bright

The daytime running lights remain
on after they illuminate, even if the
parking brake is set again.

●

For the U.S.A.: Daytime running
lights can be turned off by operat-
ing the switch.

●

Compared to turning on the head-
lights, the daytime running light
system offers greater durability
and consumes less electricity, so
it can help improve fuel economy.

■

Headlight control sensor (if
equipped)

The sensor may not function prop-
erly if an object is placed on the sen-
sor, or anything that blocks the
sensor is affixed to the windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light
and may cause the automatic head-
light system to malfunction.

221

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

ing

■

Automatic light off system

●

When the headlights are on: The

lights turn off 30 seconds after the

engine 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 engine switch is turned

to ACC or OFF and the driver’s

door is opened.

To turn the lights on again, turn the

engine switch to ON, or turn the light
switch to the

posi-

tion once and then back to

position.

■

Light reminder buzzer

A buzzer sounds when the engine

switch is turned to OFF and the

driver’s door is opened while the

lights are turned on.

■

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.

■

Battery-saving function

In order to prevent the battery of the

vehicle from discharging, if the

headlights and/or tail lights are on

when the engine switch is turned to

OFF, the battery saving function will

operate and automatically turn off all

the lights after approximately 20

minutes.
When any of the following are per-

formed, the battery-saving function

is canceled once and then reacti-

vated. All the lights 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.517)

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the lights on longer

than necessary when the engine

is not running.

222

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

With the headlights on, push

the lever away from you to

turn on the high beams.

Pull the lever toward you to the

center position to turn the high

beams off.

Pull the lever toward you and

release it to flash the high

beams once.

You can flash the high beams with

the headlights on or off.

Press the Automatic High

Beam switch.

Turning on the high beam

headlights

AHB (Automatic High

Beam)

The Automatic High Beam

uses an in-vehicle front

camera to assess the bright-

ness of streetlights, the

lights of vehicles ahead etc.,

and automatically turns the

high beams on or off as nec-

essary.

WARNING

■

Limitations of the Automatic

High Beam

Do not overly rely on the Auto-

matic High Beam. Always drive

safely, taking care to observe

your surroundings and turning the

high beam on or off manually if

necessary.

■

To prevent incorrect opera-

tion of the Automatic High

Beam system

Do not overload the vehicle.

Activating the Automatic

High Beam system

223

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Dr
iv

ing

Turn the headlight switch to

the

position.

The Automatic High Beam indicator
will come on when the system is
operating.

■

High beams automatic turning
on or off conditions

●

When all of the following condi-
tions are fulfilled, the high beams
will be automatically turned on
(after approximately 1 second):

• Vehicle speed is above approxi-

mately 21 mph (34 km/h) or more.

• The area ahead of the vehicle is

dark.

• There are no vehicles ahead with

headlights or tail lights turned on.

• There are few streetlights on the

road ahead.

●

If any of the following conditions
are fulfilled, the high beams will be
automatically turned off:

• Vehicle speed drops below

approximately 17 mph (27 km/h).

• The area ahead of the vehicle is

not dark.

• Vehicles ahead have headlights

or tail lights turned on.

• There are many streetlights on the

road ahead.

■

Front camera detection infor-
mation

●

The high beams may not be auto-
matically turned off in the following
situations:

• When oncoming vehicles sud-

denly appear from a curve

• When the vehicle is cut in front of

by another vehicle

• When vehicles ahead are hidden

from sight due to repeated curves,
road dividers or roadside trees

• When vehicles ahead appear from

the faraway lane on a wide road

• When vehicles ahead have no

lights

●

The high beams may be turned off
if a vehicle ahead that is using fog
lights without using the headlights
is detected.

●

House lights, street lights, traffic
signals, and illuminated billboards
or signs may cause the high
beams to switch to the low beams,
or the low beams to remain on.

●

The following factors may affect
the amount of time taken to turn
the high beams on or off:

• The brightness of headlights, fog

lights, and tail lights of vehicles
ahead

• The movement and direction of

vehicles ahead

• When a vehicle ahead only has

operational lights on one side

• When a vehicle ahead is a two-

wheeled vehicle

• The condition of the road (gradi-

ent, curve, condition of the road
surface etc.)

• The number of passengers and

amount of luggage

●

The high beams may be turned on
or off when the driver does not
expect it.

●

Bicycles or similar objects may not
be detected.

●

In the situations shown below, the
system may not be able to accu-
rately detect surrounding bright-
ness levels. This may cause the
low beams to remain on or the
high beams to cause problems for
pedestrians, vehicles ahead or
other parties. In these cases,
manually switch between the high
and low beams.

• In bad weather (rain, snow, fog,

sandstorms, etc.)

• The windshield is obscured by

224

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

fog, mist, ice, dirt, etc.

• The windshield is cracked or dam-

aged

• The front camera is deformed or

dirty

• When the temperature of the front

camera is extremely high

• Surrounding brightness levels are

equal to those of headlights, tail
lights or fog lights

• When headlights or tail lights of

vehicles ahead are turned off,
dirty, changing color, or not aimed
properly

• When the vehicle is hit by water,

snow, dust, etc. from a preceding
vehicle

• When driving through an area of

intermittently changing brightness
and darkness

• When frequently and repeatedly

driving ascending/descending
roads, or roads with rough, bumpy
or uneven surfaces (such as
stone-paved roads, gravel roads,
etc.)

• When frequently and repeatedly

taking curves or driving on a wind-
ing road

• There is a highly reflective object

ahead of the vehicle, such as a
sign or mirror

• The back of a vehicle ahead is

highly reflective, such as a con-
tainer on a truck

• The vehicle’s headlights are dam-

aged or dirty, or are not aimed
properly

• The vehicle is listing or tilting due

to a flat tire, a trailer being towed,
etc.

• The high beams and low beams

are repeatedly being switched
between in an abnormal manner

• The driver believes that the high

beams may be causing problems
or distress to other drivers or
pedestrians nearby

■

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.

■

Temporarily lowering sensor
sensitivity

The sensitivity of the sensor can be
temporarily lowered.

Turn the engine switch to OFF
while the following conditions are
met.

●

The headlight switch is in

position.

●

The headlight switch lever is in
high beam position.

●

Automatic High Beam switch is
on.

Turn the engine switch to ON.

Within 60 seconds after step 2,
repeat pulling the headlight
switch lever to the original posi-
tion then pushing it to the high
beam position quickly 10 times,
then leave the lever in the origi-
nal position.

If the sensitivity is changed, the
Automatic High Beam indicator
is turn on and off 3 times.

Automatic High Beam (headlights)
may turn on even when the vehicle
is stopped.

■

Switching to the high
beams

Push the lever away from you.

The Automatic High Beam indicator
will turn off and the headlight high
beam indicator will turn on.

Pull the lever to its original position
to activate Automatic High Beam
system again.

Turning the high beams
on/off manually

Toyota RAV4 (2024 year). Manual in english - page 7