TOYOTA RAV4 2005 XA30 / 3.G Owners Manual

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Shift into the Lº position. The trans-
mission will downshift to first gear
when the vehicle speed drops down to
or lower than the following speed, and
maximum engine braking will be en-
abled.Two- wheel drive models53 km/h (33 mph)
Four- wheel drive models
50 km/h (31 mph)
Vehicles with cruise controlÐWhen the
cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift the transmission by pushing and
releasing the overdrive switch, engine
braking will not be enabled because the
cruise control is not cancelled.
For ways to decrease the vehicle speed,
see Cruise controlº on page 135 in this
Section.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to skid or
spin.
(e) Using 2º and Lº positions
The 2º and Lº positions are used for
strong engine braking as described pre-
viously.
With the selector lever in 2º or Lº, you
can start the vehicle in motion as with the
lever in Dº.
With the selector lever in 2º, the vehicle
will start in first gear and automatically
shift to second gear.
With the selector lever in Lº, the trans-
mission is engaged in first gear.
NOTICE

Be careful not to over- rev the en- gine. Watch the tachometer to keepengine rpm from going into the redzone. The approximate maximum al-
lowable speed for each position isgiven below for your reference:
Two- wheel drive models2º 119 km/h (74 mph) . . . . . . . . .
Lº 66 km/h (41 mph) . . . . . . . . . .
Four- wheel drive models 2º 110 km/h (68 mph) . . . . . . . . .
Lº 61 km/h (38 mph) . . . . . . . . . .

Do not continue hill climbing or
hard towing for a long time in the2º or Lº position. This may causesevere automatic transmission dam-
age from overheating. To preventsuch damage, Dº position shouldbe used in hill climbing or hard
towing.
(f) Backing up
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever to the
Rº position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the ve-hicle is moving.

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(g) Parking1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Pull the parking brake lever up fully to securely apply the parking brake.
3. With the brake pedal pressed down, shift the selector lever to the Pº posi-
tion.
CAUTION
Never attempt to move the selector
lever into Pº position under any cir-
cumstances while the vehicle is mov-
ing. Serious mechanical damage and
loss of vehicle control may result.
(h) Good driving practice

If the transmission repeatedly shifts up
and down between third gear and over-
drive when climbing a gentle slope, the
overdrive should be turned off. Be sure
to turn the switch on immediately after-
ward.

When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use overdrive.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake
pedal while stopped with the engine
running. This prevents the vehicle
from creeping.
NOTICE
Always use the brake pedal or theparking brake to hold the vehicle onan upgrade. Do not attempt to holdthe vehicle using the accelerator ped-
al, as this can cause the transmissionto overheat.
(i) If you cannot shift the selector le- ver out of Pº position
If you cannot shift the selector lever from
the Pº position even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock
override button. For instructions, see If
you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector leverº on page 262 in Section 4.
The shift pattern is as shown above.
Press the clutch pedal down fully while
shifting, and then release it slowly. Do not
rest your foot on the pedal while driving,
because it will cause clutch trouble. Do
not use the clutch to hold the vehicle
when stopped on an uphill gradeÐuse the
parking brake.
Manual transmission

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Recommended shifting speeds
The transmission is fully synchronized and
upshifting or downshifting is easy.
For the best compromise between fuel
economy and vehicle performance, you
should upshift or downshift at the following
speeds:gear km/h (mph)
1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15)
2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25)
3 to 4 or 4 to 3 64 (40)
4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45)
Downshift to the appropriate gear if accel-
eration is needed when you are cruising
below the above downshifting speeds.
Upshifting too soon or downshifting too
late will cause lugging and, possibly, ping-
ing. Regularly revving the engine to maxi-
mum speed in each gear will cause ex-
cessive engine wear and high fuel
consumption. Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower
traffic, maximum acceleration may be nec-
essary. Make sure you observe the follow-
ing maximum allowable speeds in each
gear:
Two- wheel drive models gear km/h (mph)1 50 (31)
2 94 (58)
3 144 (89)
4 186 (115)
Four- wheel drive models
gear km/h (mph)1 43 (26)
2 85 (53)
3 131 (81)
4 170 (106)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going
faster than the maximum allowablespeed for the next lower gear.
Good driving practice

If it is difficult to shift into reverse, put
the transmission in neutral, release the
clutch pedal momentarily, and then try
again.

When towing a trailer, in order to main-
tain engine braking efficiency, do not
use fifth gear.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a
slippery surface. Abrupt shifting
could cause the vehicle to skid or
spin.
NOTICE
Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped before shifting into reverse.

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The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of front
wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to ONº,
the system automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power against front wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction
control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or
maneuvering conditions which may
cause the vehicle to lose traction
control. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow,
your vehicle should be fitted with
snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious
speed for the present road condi-
tions.
NORMAL DRIVING MODE
Leave the system on during the ordi-
nary driving so that it can operate
when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds just after
the vehicle begins to move. This means
that the traction control system is in the
self- check mode, but does not indicate a
malfunction.When the traction control system is oper-
ating, the following conditions occur:

The system controls the spinning of the
front wheels. At this time, the slip indi-
cator light blinks.

You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to ONº. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
Traction control system
(two- wheel drive models)

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TRACTION CONTROL OFF MODE
If your wheels get stuck in a ditch
when you are driving on a severe off
road and sand, turn off the traction
control system. This system that con-
trols engine performance interferes with
the process of freeing your wheels.
To turn off: Push TRAC OFFº switch.
The TRAC OFFº indicator light will come
on.
The vehicle stability control system is al-
ways activated, even if the traction control
system is turned off.
To turn on: Push TRAC OFFº switch
once again.
The TRAC OFFº indicator light will go off.TRAC OFFº indicator light comes on for
a few seconds when the ignition key is
turned to ONº. It will come on again
when you push the TRAC OFFº switch to
turn off the system.
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:

The indicator light does not come on
when the ignition key is turned ONº.

The indicator light remains on after the
ignition is turned on.

The indicator light comes on with the
normal driving mode while driving.
VSC TRACº warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the traction control system
or the vehicle stability control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to ONº and will go off after
a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.

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In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:

The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to ONº.

The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to ONº.

The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.
The TRAC OFFº indicator light will come
on when the VSC TRACº warning light
comes on even if the TRAC OFFº switch
is not pushed. The traction control system automatical-
ly helps prevent the spinning of 4
wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to ONº,
the system automatically turns on.CAUTION
Under certain slippery road condi-
tions, full traction of the vehicle and
power against 4 wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction
control system is in operation. Do not
drive the vehicle under any speed or
maneuvering conditions which may
cause the vehicle to lose traction
control. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow,
your vehicle should be fitted with
snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious
speed for the present road condi-
tions.
NORMAL DRIVING MODE
Leave the system on during the ordi-
nary driving so that it can operate
when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds just after
the vehicle begins to move. This means
that the traction control system is in the
self- check mode, but does not indicate a
malfunction.
Traction control system
(four- wheel drive models)

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When the traction control system is oper-
ating, the following conditions occur:

The system controls the spinning of the
4 wheels. At this time, the slip indica-
tor light blinks.

You may feel vibration or noise in your
vehicle, caused by operation of the
brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to ONº. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
VSC TRACº warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the traction control system
or the vehicle stability control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to ONº and will go off after
a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing. In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:

The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to ONº.

The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to ONº.

The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.

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The vehicle stability control system
helps provide integrated control of the
systems such as an anti- lock brake
system, brake assist system, traction
control, engine control, etc. This sys-
tem automatically controls the brakes
and engine to help prevent the vehicle
from skidding when cornering on a slip-
pery road surface or operating steering
wheel abruptly.
This system activates when the vehicle
speed is about more than 15 km/h (9
mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds just after
the vehicle begins to move. This means
that the system is in the self- check mode,
but does not indicate a malfunction.CAUTION

Do not rely excessively on the ve-
hicle stability control system. Even
if the vehicle stability control sys-
tem is operating, you must always
drive carefully and attentively to
avoid serious injury. Reckless driv-
ing will result in an unexpected ac-
cident. If the slip indicator light
flashes, an alarm sounds, special
care should be taken while driving.

Only use tires of specified size. The
size, manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern for all 4 tires should be the
same. If you use the tires other
than specified, or different type or
size, the vehicle stability control
system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels,
contact your Toyota dealer. (See
Checking and replacing tiresº on
page 293 in Section 7- 2.)
If the vehicle is going to skid during driv-
ing, the slip indicator light blinks and an
alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition key is turned
to ONº. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on,
contact your Toyota dealer.
Vehicle stability control
system

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VSC TRACº warning light
This light warns that there is a problem
somewhere in the vehicle stability control
system or the traction control system.
The light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to ONº and will go off after
a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the
system does not work. However, as con-
ventional braking operates when applied,
there is no problem to continue your driv-
ing.In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer:

The warning light does not come on
after the ignition key is turned to ONº.

The warning light remains on after the
ignition key is turned to ONº.

The warning light comes on while driv-
ing.
Two- wheel drive models onlyÐThe TRAC
OFFº indicator light will come on when the
VSC TRACº warning light comes on even
if the TRAC OFFº switch is not pushed. The tire pressure warning system is de-
signed to provide warning when tire
inflation pressure is critically low while
the vehicle is moving. The low tire
pressure warning light comes on to in-
form you that such low tire pressure
may hamper driving.
This system is not designed to operate
when the vehicle is stopped. Therefore,
check the tire inflation pressure regularly.
The recommended cold tire inflation pres-
sure, tire size and the vehicle capacity
weight are on the tire and loading informa-
tion label. (For instructions, see Checking
tire inflation pressureº on page 291 in
Section 7- 2.)
Installed tires should be of the specified
size. They should be of the same size
and construction. If tires other than the
specified size are used, or if tires of dif-
ferent sizes or constructions are mixed,
the tire pressure warning system will not
function properly.
Tire pressure warning system

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LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT
This light comes on when the ignition key
is turned to the ONº position. It goes off
after a few seconds. This indicates that
the tire pressure warning system is func-
tioning properly.
If the low tire pressure warning light
comes on or blinks while driving, do
the following.If the warning light comes on:
1. Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level as soon as pos-
sible. (See Tiresº on page 316 in
Section 8.)
2. Push the tire pressure warning sys- tem reset switch for a few seconds
and make sure the warning light
goes off.
If the light remains on after the reset
switch has been pushed, have the tire
pressure warning system checked at your
Toyota dealer.
If you have a flat tire, replace it with the
spare tire. For details, see If you have
a flat tireº on page 247 in Section 4.
If the warning light blinks once every
second:
The low tire pressure warning system may
be malfunctioning. Contact your Toyota
dealer.
If the warning light blinks twice every
second:
The low tire pressure warning system
needs to be initialized. Reset the system
with the tire pressure warning system re-
set switch. (To reset the system, see
TIRE PRESSURE WARNING SYSTEM
RESET SWITCHº.) The tire pressure warning system does
not function properly under certain cir-
cumstances. In the following cases, the
low tire pressure warning light may not
come on even if the tire inflation pres-
sure is low, or it may come on when
the tire inflation pressure is actually
normal.

Snow tires, or tire chains are used.

The tire inflation pressure is excessive-
ly higher than specified, or tire inflation
pressure suddenly drops due to burst-
ing or other causes.

The vehicle is driven on a slippery
road surface such as rough or frozen
roads.

The vehicle speed is less than 30 km/h
(19 mph) or more than 100 km/h (62
mph), and the driving duration is less
than 5 minutes.

The tires differ in tread pattern or
manufacturer.

The tires are not the specified size.

The tread wear is very different among
the installed tires.

Rapid acceleration/deceleration or
sharp turns is continued.

Towing a trailer.