TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID 2021 Manual PDF
Page 71 of 752
711-3. Emergency assistance
1
For safety and security
cle’s location, assess the emer-
gency, and dispatch the 
necessary assistance required.
If you accidentally press the “SOS” 
button, tell the response-center 
agent that you are not experiencing 
an emergency.
■Enhanced Roadside Assis-
tance
Enhanced Roadside Assistance 
adds GPS data to the already 
included warranty-based Toyota 
roadside service.
Subscribers can press the 
“SOS” button to reach a Safety 
Connect response-center agent, 
who can help with a wide range 
of needs, such as: towing, flat 
tire, fuel delivery, etc. For a 
description of the Enhanced 
Roadside Assistance services 
and their limitations, please see 
the Safety Connect Terms and 
Conditions, which are available 
at Toyota.com in the United 
States, Toyotapr.com in Puerto 
Rico and Toyota.ca in Canada.
Important! Read this informa-
tion before using Safety Con-
nect.
■Exposure to radio fre-
quency signals
The Safety Connect system 
installed in your vehicle is a low-
power radio transmitter and  receiver. It receives and also 
sends out radio frequency (RF) 
signals.
In August 1996, the Federal 
Communications Commission 
(FCC) adopted RF exposure 
guidelines with safety levels for 
mobile wireless phones. Those 
guidelines are consistent with 
the safety standards previously 
set by the following U.S. and 
international standards bodies.
ANSI (American National 
Standards Institute) C95.1 
[1992]
 NCRP (National Council on 
Radiation Protection and 
Measurement) Report 86 
[1986]
 ICNIRP (International Com-
mission on Non-Ionizing Radi-
ation Protection) [1996]
Those standards were based on 
comprehensive and periodic 
evaluations of the relevant sci-
entific literature. Over 120 scien-
tists, engineers, and physicians 
from universities, and govern-
ment health agencies and 
industries reviewed the avail-
able body of research to 
develop the ANSI Standard 
(C95.1).
The design of Safety Connect 
complies with the FCC guide-
lines in addition to those stan-
dards.
Safety information for 
Safety Connect 
Page 72 of 752
721-4. Hybrid system
1-4.Hybrid system
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual 
item.
Gasoline engine
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Rear electric motor (traction motor)
■When stopped/during start 
off
The gasoline engine stops
* 
when the vehicle is stopped. 
During start off, the electric 
motor (traction motor) drives the 
vehicle. At slow speeds or when  traveling down a gentle slope, 
the engine is stopped
* and the 
electric motor (traction motor) is 
used.
When the shift lever is in N, the 
hybrid battery (traction battery) 
is not being charged.
Hybrid system features
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics differ ent 
from conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar 
with the characteristics of your vehicle, and operate it with 
care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and 
an electric motor (traction motor) according to driving condi-
tions, improving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emis-
sions.
System components
A
B
C 
Page 73 of 752
731-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
*: When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging or the 
engine is warming up, etc., the 
gasoline engine will not automati-
cally stop. ( P.73)
■During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predomi-
nantly used. The electric motor 
(traction motor) charges the 
hybrid battery (traction battery) 
as necessary.
■When accelerating sharply
When the accelerator pedal is 
depressed heavily, the power of 
the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is added to that of the gas-
oline engine via the electric 
motor (traction motor).
■When braking (regenera-
tive braking)
The wheels operate the electric 
motor (traction motor) as a 
power generator, and the hybrid 
battery (traction battery) is 
charged.
■Regenerative braking
In the following si tuations, kinetic 
energy is converted to electric 
energy and deceleration force can 
be obtained in conjunction with the 
recharging of the hybrid battery 
(traction battery).
●The accelerator pedal is released 
while driving with the shift lever in 
D or S.
●The brake pedal is depressed 
while driving with the shift lever in 
D or S.
■EV indicator
The EV indicator comes on when  the vehicle is driven using only the 
electric motor (traction motor) or the 
gasoline engine is stopped.
The on/off operation of the EV indi-
cator can be changed. (
P.109)
■Conditions in which the gaso-
line engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and 
stops automatically. However, it 
may not stop automatically in the 
following conditions
*:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
●During hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) charging
●When the temperature of the 
hybrid battery (traction battery) is 
high or low
●When the heater is switched on
*: Depending on the circumstances,  the gasoline engine may also not 
stop automatically  in other situa-
tions.
■Charging the hybrid battery 
(traction battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the 
hybrid battery (trac tion battery), the 
battery does not need to be charged 
from an outside source. However, if 
the vehicle is left  parked for a long 
time the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) will slowly dis charge. For this 
reason, be sure to drive the vehicle 
at least once every  few months for 
at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 
km). If the hybrid battery (traction 
battery) becomes fully discharged 
and you are unabl e to start the 
hybrid system, contact your Toyota 
dealer. 
Page 74 of 752
741-4. Hybrid system
■Charging the 12-volt battery
 P.674
■After the 12-volt battery has dis-
charged or when the terminal 
has been removed and installed 
during replace, etc.
The gasoline engine may not stop 
even if the vehicle is being driven by 
the hybrid battery (traction battery). 
If this continues for a few days, con-
tact your To yota dealer.
■Sounds and vibrations specific 
to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or 
vibration even though the vehicle is 
able to move with the “READY” indi-
cator is illuminate d. For safety, 
make sure to shift the shift lever to P 
and apply the parking brake when 
parked.
The following sounds or vibrations 
may occur when the hybrid system 
is operating and are not a malfunc-
tion:
●Motor sounds may be heard from 
the engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the 
hybrid battery (traction battery) 
under the rear seats when the 
hybrid system starts or stops.
●Relay operating sounds such as a 
snap or soft clank will be emitted 
from the hybrid battery (traction 
battery), under the rear seats, 
when the hybrid system is started 
or stopped.
●Sounds from the hybrid system 
may be heard when the back door 
is open.
●Sounds may be heard from the 
transmission when the gasoline 
engine starts or stops, when driv-
ing at low speeds, or during idling.
●Engine sounds may be heard 
when accelerating sharply.
●Sounds may be  heard due to 
regenerative braking when the 
brake pedal is dep ressed or as 
the accelerator pedal is released.
●Vibration may be felt when the 
gasoline engine starts or stops.
●Cooling fan sounds may be heard 
from the air intake vent under the 
rear seat.
■Maintenance, repair, recycling, 
and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regard-
ing maintenance, repair, recycling 
and disposal. Do n ot dispose of the 
vehicle yourself.
When driving with the gasoline 
engine stopped, a sound, which 
changes in accordance with the 
driving speed, will be played in 
order to warn people nearby of 
the vehicle’s approach. The 
sound will stop when the vehicle 
speed exceeds approximately 
22 mph (35 km/h).
■Vehicle proximity notification 
system
In the following ca ses, the vehicle 
proximity notification system may be 
difficult for surrounding people to 
hear.
●In very noisy areas
●In the wind or the rain
Also, as the vehicle proximity notifi-
cation system is installed on the 
front of the vehicle, it may be more 
difficult to hear fro m the rear of the 
vehicle compared to the front.
■If “Proximity Notification Sys-
tem Malfunction Visit Your 
Dealer” is displayed on the 
multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. 
Have the vehicle inspected by your 
Toyota dealer.
Vehicle proximity notifica-
tion system 
Page 75 of 752
751-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
*: This function can only be used in 
the mainland U.S.A. It cannot be 
used in other states and territo-
ries, including Alaska and Hawaii.
This system operates based on 
the driving situation and traffic 
information to enhance fuel 
economy.
For details about Predictive effi-
cient drive, refer to “NAVIGA-
TION AND MULTIMEDIA 
SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”.
■Predictive deceleration sup-
port
 When the vehicle approaches 
to predictive deceleration sup-
port points registered in the 
navigation system, the “Refer-
ence operation range” ( ) of 
the ECO Accelerator Guid-
ance ( P.105) on the multi-
information display will be 
turned off to encourage the 
driver to reduce excessive 
acceleration.
 The engine braking force will  be increased according to the 
driving conditions to more effi-
ciently charge the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) after the 
accelerator pedal is released.
■Predictive SOC control
The following types of control 
are performed based on data 
such as road and traffic informa-
tion during route guidance by 
the navigation system to help 
ensure that the vehicle effi-
ciently uses electricity.
 When there is a long downhill 
slope along the route, the sys-
tem reduces the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) level 
before reaching the slope to 
help ensure charging capacity 
for regenerative braking while 
traveling downhill.
 When traffic congestion is 
predicted along the route, the 
system helps ensure a certain 
battery level before reaching 
congested roads to reduce 
the frequency of starting the 
engine to charge the hybrid 
battery (traction battery) due 
to low battery levels.
Predictive efficient drive 
(vehicles with navigation 
system)
*
A 
Page 76 of 752
761-4. Hybrid system
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual 
item.
Warning label
Service plug
Rear electric motor (traction motor)
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
High voltage cables (orange)
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Power control unit
Air conditioning compressor
Hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high 
voltage system (about 650V at maximum) as well as contains 
parts that become extremely hot when the hybrid system is 
operating. Obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.
System components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H 
Page 77 of 752
771-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel 
and the hybrid system cannot be 
started, refuel th e vehicle with at 
least enough gasoline to make the 
low fuel level warning light ( P.649) 
go off. If there is only a small 
amount of fuel, th e hybrid system 
may not be able to start. (The stan-
dard amount of fuel is about 2.3 gal. 
[8.8 L, 1.9 Imp.gal.], when the vehi-
cle is on a level surface. This value 
may vary when the vehicle is on a 
slope. Add extra fuel when the vehi-
cle is inclined.)
■Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on 
hybrid vehicles incorporate elec-
tromagnetic shielding, and there-
fore emit approximately the same 
amount of electromagnetic waves 
as conventional gasoline pow-
ered vehicles or home electronic 
appliances.
●Your vehicle may cause sound 
interference in so me third party-
produced radio parts.
■Hybrid battery (tr action battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) 
has a limited service life. The lifes-
pan of the hybrid battery (traction 
battery) can change in accordance 
with driving style and driving condi-
tions.
■Starting the hybrid system in an 
extremely cold environment
When the hybrid battery (traction 
battery) is extremely cold (below 
approximately -22°F [-30°C]) under 
the influence of t he outside tem-
perature, it may no t be possible to 
start the hybrid system. In this case, 
try to start the hyb rid system again 
after the temperature of the hybrid 
battery increases due to the outside 
temperature increase etc.
WARNING
■High voltage precautions
This vehicle has high voltage DC 
and AC systems as well as a 12-
volt system. DC and AC high volt-
age is very dangerous and can 
cause severe burns and electric 
shock that may result in death or 
serious injury.
●Never touch, disassemble, 
remove or replace the high volt-
age parts, cables or their con-
nectors.
●The hybrid system will become 
hot after starting as the system 
uses high voltage. Be careful of 
both the high voltage and the 
high temperature, and always 
obey the warning labels 
attached to the vehicle.
●Never try to open the service 
plug access hole located under-
neath the rear seats. The ser-
vice plug is used only when the 
vehicle is serviced and is sub-
ject to high voltage.
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions 
to reduce the risk of death or seri-
ous injury:
●Pull your vehicle  off the road, 
shift the shift le ver to P, apply 
the parking brake, and turn the 
hybrid system off.
●Do not touch the high voltage 
parts, cables and connectors. 
Page 78 of 752
781-4. Hybrid system
WARNING
●If electric wires are exposed 
inside or outside your vehicle, 
an electric shock may occur. 
Never touch exposed electric 
wires.
●If a fire occurs in the hybrid 
vehicle, leave the vehicle as 
soon as possible. Never use a 
fire extinguisher that is not 
meant for electric fires. Using 
even a small amount of water 
may be dangerous.
●If your vehicle needs to be 
towed, do so with four wheels 
raised. If the wheels connected 
to the electric motor (traction 
motor) are on the ground when 
towing, the motor may continue 
to generate electricity. This may 
cause a fire. ( P.637)
●Carefully inspect the ground 
under the vehicle. If you find 
that liquid has leaked onto the 
ground, the fuel system may 
have been damaged. Leave the 
vehicle as soon as possible.
AXAH54L models*
●If a fluid leak occurs, do not 
touch the fluid as it may be 
strong alkaline electrolyte from 
the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery). If it comes into contact 
with your skin or eyes, wash it 
off immediately with a large 
amount of water or, if possible, 
boric acid solution. Seek imme-
diate medical attention.
*: The model code is indicated on 
the Certification Regulation 
Label. ( P.684)
AXAL54L models*
●Do not touch the battery if liquid 
is leaking from or adhering to it.
If electrolyte (carbonic-based 
organic electrolyte) from the 
hybrid battery (traction battery) 
comes into contact with the 
eyes or skin, it could cause 
blindness or skin wounds. In the 
unlikely event that it comes into 
contact with the eyes or skin, 
wash it off immediately with a 
large amount of water, and seek 
immediate medical attention.
●If electrolyte is leaking from the 
hybrid battery (traction battery), 
do not approac h the vehicle.
Even in the unlikely event that 
the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is damaged, the internal 
construction of  the battery will 
prevent a large amount of elec-
trolyte from l eaking out. How-
ever, any electrolyte that does 
leak out will give off a vapor. 
This vapor is an irritant to skin 
and eyes and could cause acute 
poisoning if inhaled.
●Do not bring burning or high-
temperature items close to the 
electrolyte.
The electrolyte may ignite and 
cause a fire.
*: The model code is indicated on 
the Certificatio n Regulation 
Label. ( P.684)
■Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
●AXAL54L models*: Your vehi-
cle contains a sealed lithium-ion 
battery.
*: The model code is indicated on 
the Certificatio n Regulation 
Label. ( P.684) 
Page 79 of 752
791-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
There is an air intake vent under 
the right side of the rear seat for 
the purpose of cooling the 
hybrid battery (traction battery). 
If the vent is blocked, 
charging/discharging of the 
hybrid battery (traction battery) 
may become limited.
WARNING
●Never resell, hand over or mod-
ify the hybrid battery. To prevent 
accidents, hybrid batteries that 
have been removed from a dis-
posed vehicle are collected 
through Toyota dealer. Do not 
dispose of the battery yourself.
Unless the battery  is properly col-
lected, the follo wing may occur, 
resulting in dea th or serious 
injury:
• The hybrid battery may be ille- gally disposed of or dumped, 
and it is hazardous to the envi-
ronment or someone may touch 
a high voltage part, resulting in 
an electric shock.
• The hybrid battery is intended to  be used exclusively with your 
hybrid vehicle. If the hybrid bat-
tery is used  outside of your 
vehicle or modifi ed in any way, 
accidents such as electric 
shock, heat generation, smoke 
generation, an explosion and 
electrolyte leakage may occur.
When reselling or  handing over 
your vehicle, the possibility of an 
accident is extremely high 
because the person receiving the 
vehicle may not be aware of these 
dangers.
●If your vehicle is disposed of 
without the hybrid battery hav-
ing been removed, there is a 
danger of serious electric shock 
if high voltage parts, cables and 
their connectors are touched. In 
the event that your vehicle must 
be disposed of, the hybrid bat-
tery must be disposed of by 
your Toyota dealer or a qualified 
service shop. If the hybrid bat-
tery is not dispos ed of properly, 
it may cause electric shock that 
can result in death or serious 
injury.
Hybrid battery (traction 
battery) air intake vent
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) air intake vent
●Make sure not to block the air 
intake vent with anything, such 
as a seat cover, plastic cover, or 
luggage. If the vent is blocked, 
the charging/discharging of the 
hybrid battery (traction battery) 
may become limited.
●When dust etc. has accumu-
lated in the air intake vent, clean 
it with a vacuum cleaner to pre-
vent the vent from clogging.
●Clean the air intake vent regu-
larly to prevent the charging/dis-
charging of the hybrid battery 
(traction battery) from being 
restricted. 
Page 80 of 752
801-4. Hybrid system
When a certain level of impact is 
detected by the impact sensor, 
the emergency shut off system 
blocks the high voltage current 
and stops the fuel pump to mini-
mize the risk of electrocution 
and fuel leakage. If the emer-
gency shut off system activates, 
your vehicle will not restart. To 
restart the hybrid system, con-tact your Toyota dealer.
A message is automatically dis-
played when a malfunction 
occurs in the hybrid system or 
an improper operation is 
attempted.
If a warning message is shown 
on the multi-information display, 
read the message and follow the 
instructions.
■If a warning light comes on, a 
warning message
 is displayed, 
or the 12-volt battery is discon-
nected
The hybrid system may not start. In 
this case, try to start the system 
again. If the “READY” indicator does 
not come on, contact your Toyota 
dealer.
NOTICE
●Do not get water or foreign 
materials in the air intake vent 
as this may cause a short circuit 
and damage the hybrid battery 
(traction battery).
●Do not carry large amounts of 
water such as water cooler bot-
tles in the vehicle. If water spills 
onto the hybrid battery (traction 
battery), the battery may be 
damaged. Have the vehicle 
inspected by your Toyota 
dealer.
●There is a filter installed to the 
air intake vent. When the filter 
remains noticeably dirty even 
after cleaning the air intake 
vent, filter cleaning or replace-
ment is recommended. For 
information rega rding filter 
cleaning or replacement, refer 
to P.611.
●If “Maintenance Required for 
Traction Battery Cooling Parts 
See Owner’s Manual” is shown 
on the multi-information dis-
play, the air intake vent and fil-
ter may be clogged. Refer to 
P.611for information on how to 
clean the air intake vent.
Emergency shut off sys-
tem
Hybrid warning message