TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID 2020 Owners Manual (in English)
Manufacturer: TOYOTA, Model Year: 2020, Model line: RAV4 HYBRID, Model: TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID 2020Pages: 744, PDF Size: 31.43 MB
Page 211 of 744

2114-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■When “Check Fuel Cap” is dis-
played on the multi-information 
display
 P. 2 4 2
■If the hybrid system is malfunc-
tioning
 P. 8 0
OFF (“LOCK” position)
The steering wheel is locked and 
the key can be rem oved. (The key 
can be removed only when the shift  lever is in P.)
ACC (“ACC” position)
Some electrical 
components such 
as the audio sys tem can be used.
ON (“ON” position)
All electrical components can be 
used.
START (“START” position)
For starting the hybrid system.
■Turning the key from ACC to 
OFF
1 Shift the shift lever to P.
2 Push in the key  and turn it to 
OFF.
■Key reminder function
A buzzer sounds if the driver’s door 
is opened while the power switch is 
in OFF or ACC to remind you to 
remove the key.
WA R N I N G
■When starting the hybrid sys-
tem
Always start the hybrid system 
while sitting in the driver’s seat. 
Do not depress the accelerator 
pedal while starting the hybrid 
system under any circumstances. 
Doing so may cause an accident 
resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■When starting the hybrid sys-
tem
If the hybrid system becomes diffi-
cult to start, have your vehicle 
checked by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.
Changing power switch 
modes
A
 : $  5  1  ,  1  *
■Caution when driving
Do not turn the power switch to 
OFF while driving. If, in an emer-
gency and you must turn the 
hybrid system off while the vehicle 
is moving, turn the power switch 
only to ACC to stop the hybrid 
system. An accident may result if 
the hybrid system is stopped 
while driving. ( P.629)
B
C
D 
Page 212 of 744

2124-2. Driving procedures
1Pull the parking brake switch 
to check that the parking 
brake is set. ( P.224)
The parking brak e indicator will 
come on.
2 Check that the shift lever is 
set in P.
3 Firmly depress the brake 
pedal.
 and a message  will be dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play.
If it is not display ed, the hybrid sys-
tem cannot be started.
4 Press the power switch 
shortly and firmly.
When operating the power switch, 
one short, firm press is enough. It is 
not necessary to press and hold the 
switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on, 
the hybrid system will operate nor-
mally.
Continue depressing the brake 
pedal until the “READY” indicator is 
illuminated.
The hybrid system can be started 
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-vo lt battery dis-
charge
Do not leave the power switch in 
ACC or ON mode for long periods 
of time without the hybrid system 
on.
Power (ignition) 
switch (vehicles with 
smar t key system)
Performing the following 
operations when carrying 
the electronic key on your 
person starts the hybrid 
system or changes power 
switch modes.
Starting the hybrid sys-
tem 
Page 213 of 744

2134-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
from any power switch mode.
5Check that the “READY” indi-
cator is illuminated.
If the “READY” indicator changes 
from a flashing light to a solid light 
and the buzzer sounds, the hybrid 
system is starting normally. 
The vehicle will not move when the 
“READY” indicator is off. 
The vehicle can move when the 
“READY” indicator i s on even if the 
gasoline engine is stopped. (The 
gasoline engine starts or stops 
automatically in accordance with 
the state of the vehicle.)
■If the hybrid system does not 
start
●The immobilizer  system may not 
have been deactivated. ( P. 8 2 )
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.
■When the ambient temperature 
is low, such as during winter 
driving conditions
When starting the hybrid system, 
the flashing time of the “READY” 
indicator may be long. Leave the 
vehicle as it is u ntil the “READY” 
indicator is steady on, as steady 
means the vehicle is able to move.
■Sounds and vibrations specific 
to a hybrid vehicle
 P. 7 4
■If the 12-volt b attery is dis-
charged
The hybrid system cannot be started 
using the smart key system. Refer 
to P.665 to restar t the hybrid sys-
tem.
■Electronic key battery depletion
 P.122
■Conditions affecting operation
 P.149
■Note for the entry function
 P.150
■Steering lock function
●After turning the power switch to 
OFF and opening and closing the 
doors, the steeri ng wheel will be 
locked due to the steering lock 
function. Operating the power 
switch again automatically can-
cels the steering lock.
●When the steering lock cannot be 
released, “Push power switch 
while turning the steering wheel in 
either direction” will be displayed 
on the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in 
P. Press the power switch shortly 
and firmly while turning the steer-
ing wheel left and right.
●To prevent the steering lock motor 
from overheating , the motor may 
be suspended if the hybrid system 
is turned on and off repeatedly in 
a short period of ti me. In this case, 
refrain from operating the power 
switch. After about 10 seconds, 
the steering lo ck motor will 
resume functioning. 
Page 214 of 744

2144-2. Driving procedures
■If there is a malfunction in the 
smart key system
If “Smart Key Syst em Malfunction” 
is displayed on the multi-information 
display, the system may be malfunc-
tioning. Have the vehicle inspected 
by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■If the “READY” indicator does 
not come on
In the event that the “READY” indi-
cator does not come on even after 
performing the proper procedures 
for starting the vehicle, contact your 
Toyota dealer immediately.
■When “Check Fuel Cap” is dis-
played on the multi-information 
display
 P. 2 4 2
■If the hybrid system is malfunc-
tioning
 P. 8 0
■Electronic key battery
 P. 6 1 3
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly 
and firmly, the power switch mode 
may not change or  the hybrid sys-
tem may not start.
●If attempting to re start the hybrid 
system immediately after turning 
the power switch to OFF, the 
hybrid system ma y not start in 
some cases. After turning the 
power switch to OFF, please wait 
a few seconds before restarting 
the hybrid system.
■Customization
If the smart key system has been 
deactivated in a customized setting, 
refer to P.664.
1 Stop the vehicle completely.
2 If the parking brake is in man-
ual mode, set the parking 
brake. ( P.224)
WA R N I N G
■When starting the hybrid sys-
tem
Always start the hybrid system 
while sitting in the driver’s seat. 
Do not depress t he accelerator 
pedal while starting the hybrid 
system under any circumstances. 
Doing so may cause an accident 
resulting in death o r serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs 
while the vehicle is moving, do not 
lock or open the doors until the 
vehicle reaches a safe and com-
plete stop. Activation of the steer-
ing lock in this c ircumstance may 
lead to an accident, resulting in 
death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■When starting the hybrid sys-
tem
If the hybrid system becomes diffi-
cult to start, have your vehicle 
checked by your Toyota dealer 
immediately.
■Symptoms indicating a mal-
function with the power 
switch
If the power 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 hybrid sys-
tem 
Page 215 of 744

2154-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Check the parking brake indicator 
is illuminated.
3Shift the shift position to P.
4 Press the power switch 
shortly and firmly.
The hybrid system will stop, and the 
meter display will be extinguished.
5Release the brake pedal and 
check that “ACCESSORY” or 
“IGNITION ON” is not shown 
on the multi-information dis-
play.
■Automatic hybrid system shut 
off feature
●The vehicle is equipped with a 
feature that automatically shuts off 
the hybrid system when the shift 
lever is in P with  the hybrid system 
operating for an extended period.
●The hybrid system will automati-
cally shut off after approximately 1 
hour if it has been left running 
while the shift lever is in P.
●The timer for the  automatic hybrid 
system 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.132) from the inside or 
the mechanical key ( P.663) from 
the outside, the automatic hybrid 
system shut off fea ture will be dis-
abled. The timer for the automatic 
hybrid system shu t off feature will 
be re-enabled if the driver’s door 
is opened.
WA R N I N G
■Stopping the hybrid system 
in an emergency
●If you want to stop the hybrid 
system in an emergency while 
driving the vehicle, press and 
hold the power s witch for more 
than 2 seconds, or press it 
briefly 3 times or more in suc-
cession. ( P.629)
However, do not touch the 
power switch while driving 
except in an emergency. Turn-
ing the hybrid s ystem off while 
driving will not cause loss of 
steering or braking control, how-
ever, power assist to the steer-
ing will be lost. This will make it 
more difficult to steer smoothly, 
so you should pull over and stop 
the vehicle as soon as it is safe 
to do so.
●If the power 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 hybrid sys-
tem after an emergency shut-
down, shift the shift lever to N 
and press the power switch 
shortly and firmly.
■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 
hybrid system. 
Page 216 of 744

2164-2. Driving procedures
Modes can be changed by 
pressing the power switch with 
the brake pedal released. (The 
mode changes each time the 
switch is pressed.)
1OFF
*
The emergency flashers can be 
used.
2ACC
Some electrical  components such 
as the audio sys tem can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed 
on the multi-information display.
3 ON
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 
hybrid system, the power switch 
will be turned to A CC, not to OFF.
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACC for more 
than 20 minutes or ON (the hybrid 
system is not operating) for more 
than an hour with the shift lever in P, 
the power switch  will automatically 
turn to OFF. However, this function 
cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt 
battery discharge. Do not leave the 
vehicle with the  power switch in 
ACC or ON for long periods of time 
when the hybrid system is not oper-
ating.
WA R N I N G
●Do not leave the vehicle with 
the hybrid system operating 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 hybrid system 
operating in an area with snow 
build-up, or where it is snowing. 
If snowbanks build up around 
the vehicle while the hybrid sys-
tem is operating, exhaust gases 
may collect and enter the vehi-
cle.
Changing power switch 
modes
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery dis-
charge
●Do not leave the power switch 
in ACC or ON for long periods of 
time without the hybrid system 
on.
●If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION 
ON” is displayed on the multi-
information disp lay, the power 
switch is not in OFF. Exit the 
vehicle after turning the power 
switch to OFF. 
Page 217 of 744

2174-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
If the hybrid system is stopped 
with the shift lever in a position 
other than P, the power switch 
will not be turned to OFF but 
instead be turned to ACC. Per-
form the following procedure to 
turn the switch to OFF:
1 Check that the parking brake 
is set.
2 Shift the shift lever to P.
3 Check that “ACCESSORY” is 
displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display and press the 
power switch shortly and 
firmly.
4 Check that “ACCESSORY” 
or “IGNITION ON” on the 
multi-information display is 
off. Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on, 
the EV drive mode indicator will 
come on. Pressing the switch when 
in EV drive mode  will return the 
vehicle to normal driving (using the 
gasoline engine and electric motor 
[traction motor]).
When stopping the hybrid 
system with the shift lever 
in a position other than P
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-vo lt battery dis-
charge
Do not stop the hybrid system 
when the shift lever is in a position 
other than P. If the  hybrid system 
is stopped in another shift lever 
position, the powe r switch will not 
be turned to OFF but instead be 
turned to ACC. If the vehicle is left 
in ACC, 12-volt b attery discharge 
may occur.
EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, electric 
power is supplied by the 
hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery), and only the electric 
motor (traction motor) is 
used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to 
drive in residential areas 
early in the morning and 
late at night, or in indoor 
parking lots etc. without 
concern for noises and gas 
emissions.
However, when the vehicle 
proximity notification sys-
tem is active, the vehicle 
may produce sound.
Operating instructions 
Page 218 of 744

2184-2. Driving procedures
■Situations in which EV drive 
mode cannot be turned on
It may not be po ssible to turn EV 
drive mode on in t he following situa-
tions. If it cannot be turned on, a 
buzzer will sound and a message 
will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
●The temperature of the hybrid sys-
tem is high. 
The vehicle has been left in the 
sun, driven on a hill, driven at high 
speeds, etc.
●The temperature of the hybrid sys-
tem is low. 
The vehicle has been left in tem-
peratures lower than about 32°F 
(0°C) for a long period of time etc.
●The gasoline engine is warming 
up.
●The hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is low.
The remaining batt ery level indi-
cated in the Energy monitor dis-
play is low. ( P. 1 1 3 )
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is 
depressed firmly or the vehicle is 
on a hill etc.
●The windshield defogger is in use.
Use the EV drive mode when it 
becomes available.
■Switching to EV drive mode 
when the gasoline engine is 
cold
If the hybrid system is started while 
the gasoline engine  is cold, the gas-
oline engine will star t automatically 
after a short peri od of time in order 
to warm up.
In this case, you will become unable 
to switch to EV drive mode. After the 
hybrid system has started and the 
“READY” indicator has illuminated, 
press the EV drive mode switch 
before the gasoline engine starts to 
switch to EV drive mode.
■Automatic cancelation of EV 
drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the 
gasoline engine may automatically 
restart in the follo wing situations. 
When EV drive mode is canceled, a 
buzzer will sound, the EV drive 
mode indicator will flash and go off 
and a message will be shown on the 
multi-information display.
●The hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) becomes low.
The remaining batt ery level indi-
cated in the Ener gy monitor dis-
play is low. ( P. 1 1 3 )
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is 
depressed firmly or the vehicle is 
on a hill etc.
Drive the vehicle for a while before 
attempting to turn on the EV drive 
mode again.
■Possible driving distance when 
driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving 
distance ranges from a few hundred 
meters to approximately 0.6 mile (1 
km). However, depending on vehicle 
conditions, there are situations 
when EV drive mode cannot be 
used. 
(The distance tha t is possible 
depends on the hybrid battery [trac-
tion battery] level a nd driving condi-
tions.)
■Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to 
achieve the best possible fuel econ-
omy during normal driving (using 
the gasoline engine and electric 
motor [traction motor]). Driving in 
EV drive mode more than neces-
sary may lower fuel economy. 
Page 219 of 744

2194-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever 
to D for normal driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerat-
ing force and engine braking 
force.
■When driving with dynamic 
radar cruise control with full-
speed range activated
Even when perform ing 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 5 or 4. ( P.221)
●When switching th e driving mode 
to sport mode while driving in D 
position. ( P.365)
WA R N I N G
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, 
pay special attention to the area 
around the vehicle. Because 
there is no engine noise, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or 
other people and vehicles in the 
area may not be aware of the 
vehicle starting off or approaching 
them, so take ext ra care while 
driving.
Hybrid transmission
Select the shift position 
depending on your purpose 
and situation.
Shift position purpose 
and functions
Shift 
positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/start- ing the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 
Page 220 of 744

2204-2. Driving procedures
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-
Start Control)
 P. 1 9 0
 While the power 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 
and the brake pe dal is depressed.
*: 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 
WA R N I N G
■When driving on slippery 
road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and 
sudden acceleration, as this could 
result in the vehicle skidding to 
the side or spinning.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid 
battery (traction battery) will not 
be charging, even when the 
engine is running. Therefore, if 
the vehicle is left with the shift 
lever in N for a long period of 
time, the hybrid battery (traction 
battery) will discharge, and this 
may result in the vehicle not being 
able to start.
Shifting the shift lever