traction control TOYOTA RAV4 EV 2014 1.G Owners Manual

22
CAUTION
■General precautions while driving
Driving under the influence: Never drive your vehicle when under the influ-
ence of alcohol or drugs that have impaired your ability to operate your vehi-
cle. Alcohol and certain drugs delay reaction time, impair judgment and
reduce coordination, which could lead to an accident that could result in
death or serious injury.
Defensive driving: Always drive defensively. Anticipate mistakes that other
drivers or pedestrians might make and be ready to avoid accidents.
Driver distraction: Always give your full attention to driving. Anything that dis-
tracts the driver, such as adjusting controls, talking on a cellular phone or
reading can result in a collision with resulting death or serious injury to you,
your occupants or others.
■ General precaution regarding children’s safety
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle, and never allow children to
have or use the key.
Children may be able to start the vehicle or shift the vehicle into neutral.
There is also a danger that children may injure themselves by playing with
the windows, the moon roof, or other features of the vehicle. In addition, heat
build-up or extremely cold temperatures inside the vehicle can be fatal to
children.
■ Traction battery
Never resell, hand over or modify the traction battery. To prevent accidents,
traction batteries that have been removed from a disposed vehicle are col-
lected through Toyota dealers. Do not dispose of the battery yourself.
Unless the battery is properly collected, the following may occur, resulting in
death or serious injury:
●The traction battery may be illegally disposed of or dumped, and someone
may touch a high voltage part, resulting in an electric shock.
● The traction battery is intended to be used exclusively with your EV. If the
traction battery is used outside of your vehicle or modified in any way, acci-
dents such as electric shock, heat generation, smoke generation, an
explosion and electrolyte leakage may occur.
If the traction battery is resold or handed over to a third party, the possibility
of an accident is extremely high bec ause the person receiving the traction
battery may not be aware of these dangers.

41
1
1-1. EV system
Before driving
EV (Electric Vehicle) driving tips
Observe the following to reduce traction battery consumption and
increase driving range.
■ Driving in normal mode:
Normal mode (when compared with sport mode) allows the most effi-
cient driving. ( P. 208)
■Route selection
In addition to a driving style of repeated acceleration and deceleration,
driving on routes that have steep inclines and long waits at traffic lights
will lead to poor power consumption. Check traffic reports before leav-
ing, avoid delays and drive on flat roads as much as possible. When
encountering a delay, gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehi-
cle to move forward slightly while avoiding overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control excessive energy consumption.
■Use of EV System Indicator
Keeping the EV System Indicator needle within ECO area can help
improve Eco-friendly driving. ( P. 221)
■When braking the vehicle
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be retained when slowing down.
■Highway driving
Control your speed, keep at a constant speed and obey speed limits.
Also, before stopping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to
release the accelerator and slowly stop the vehicle using regenerative
braking and the brake pedal. A greater amount of electrical energy can
be retained while slowing down.

42 1-1. EV system
■Air conditioning system
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help con-
trol excessive energy consumption. Even when the air conditioning is
on, driving range can be extended by setting it to “ECO LO” or “ECO
HI”, or by turning the A/C off. ( P. 276) If pre-climate (Remote Climate
Control) is operated before departure when the vehicle is plugged in,
depending on air-conditioning specifications, traction battery power
consumption can be reduced. ( P. 53)
Additionally, keep in mind the following during heavy air conditioning
use in summer and winter. In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated mode. Doing so
can help control excessive power consumption.
In winter: By combining use with the seat heater, the set temperature
for the heater can be reduced. This can increase power efficiency.
■ Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire
inflation pressure can cause poor power consumption.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to poor power consumption. Use a tire that is appropri-
ate for the season.
■Luggage
Carrying luggage can lead to poor power consumption. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a roof rack can also cause poor power
consumption.

54 1-3. Charging
*: By using a smart phone, pre-climate operations and so forth can
be performed from a distant location. ( P. 58)
■ Important things to check be fore charging and pre-climate
operations (Remote Climate Control)
Before charging and pre-climate operations, always check that:
● The parking brake is securely set ( P. 216)
● The shift position is in P ( P. 206)
● All windows and doors are closed
● The motor compartment hood is securely closed
If the hood is open the electric cooling fans will not operate, raising
the temperature of the charger and traction battery. This may
increase charging time or cause charging to be aborted.
●All lights are turned off (For example, the headlights, emer-
gency flashers, interior lights, etc.)
If any lights are turned on, then these features will consume electric-
ity, and charging time will increase.
SystemDetails
Pre-climate
(Remote Climate
Control)*
The time when pre-climate operations are to be
completed by can be set for each day of the
week. Cabin temperature is adjusted before depar-
ture by performing climate control operations,
thereby reducing traction battery consumption
after departure. If these operations are per-
formed while the vehicle is plugged in, the
traction battery's power consumption is
reduced, increasing driving range. ( P. 66)
If the amount of charge remaining in the trac-
tion battery is 50% or less at the time pre-cli-
mate operations begin, pre-climate operations
will not be performed in order to preserve driv-
ing range.

81
1-3. Charging
1
Before driving
■
When not using the vehicle for an extended period of time
In order to preserve the traction battery, Toyota recommends plugging in the
vehicle whenever it is not in use.
Pre-climate operations will occur while the amount of charge remaining in
the traction battery is more than 50% at the time pre-climate operations
begin. If the schedule is left set, pre-climate operations will continue to func-
tion up to the maximum of 15 minutes even if the vehicle is not used for
extended periods of time. Because this uses energy from the traction bat-
tery, temporarily suspend the pre-climate schedule (smart phone exclusive
setting P. 58) or delete the pre-climate schedule, if the vehicle is not being
regularly used.
When using navigation screen operations, only canceling the schedule is
available. Because the schedule will need to be set once again when it is
used next time, Toyota recommends using a smart phone and temporarily
suspending the schedule.
■ If the amount of charge remaining in the traction battery becomes low
while driving
The driving power restriction output control warning light illuminates and
driving range is extended by automatically restricting driving power and air
conditioning system operations. Using the navigation system, promptly
search for the closest charging station and charge the vehicle. If the traction
battery fully discharges, driving will not be possible.
For information on how to search for a charging station, refer to the “Naviga-
tion System Owner's Manual”.
■ Charging schedule confirmation disp lay after switching the EV system
off
The current charging schedule will be displayed for a while after the EV sys-
tem is turned off. To change the charging schedule, set the schedule using
the navigation system’s screen. ( P. 64, 70)
■ If the charging port door is frozen
P. 268

199
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
NOTICE
■
When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
●Short in electrical components
● Traction battery damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following.
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of transmission fluid and so forth.
● Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possi-
ble), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.
● If the P position control system is damaged by flooding, it may not be pos-
sible to shift the shift position to P, or from P to other positions. When the
shift position cannot be changed from P to any other position, the front
wheels will lock, and moving the vehicle with the front wheels on the
ground will not be possible. In this case, move the vehicle with both front
wheels or all four wheels lifted.

251
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
When the TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are operatingThe slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC/ABS sys-
tems are operating.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in res ponse to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavi ly when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
■Hill-start assist control
P. 256
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel

259
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Utility vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious per-
sonal injury or damage to your vehicle:
●In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
● 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.
● Avoid loading any items on the roof that will raise the vehicle’s center of
gravity.
● Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and taller
vehicle height, this vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordinary
passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
● This vehicle is an electric vehicle. Avoid driving through deep water that
may cause the battery pack, motor or motor controller to be submerged or
flooded. Furthermore, this vehicle is not suitable for off-road driving, unlike
conventional sport utility vehicles. When it is unavoidable to drive off-road
or in rugged 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, chassis and traction batteries.
● Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or
straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar vehicle) can tip over
sideways much more easily than forward or backward.

261
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious per-
sonal injury or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off-road driving is unavoidable. Do not take unneces-
sary risks by driving in dangerous places.
● Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when off-road driving is unavoid-
able. 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.
● When it is unavoidable to drive through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, etc.,
take care not to damage the traction batteries equipped under the floor.
After driving through such terrain, 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.
● When driving off-road is unavoidable, 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, chassis, drive unit or the
traction batteries.

268
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Motor coolant
• Heater coolant
• Traction battery coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspec t the condition of the 12-volt
battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set
of tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is
frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● Do not try to forcibly open the charging port cap if it is frozen.
Melt the ice using a hair dryer, immediately and thoroughly
wiping away any moisture.
● To ensure proper operation of th e climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.
● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior li ghts, vehicle's roof, chassis,
around the tires or on the brakes.