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 221 of 744

2214-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
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 pow er 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 lev er can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
1 Pull the parking brake switch to 
check that the parking brake is 
set. ( P.224)
2 Turn the power switch off.
3 Depress the brake pedal.
4 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.
5 Pry the cover up with a flathead 
screwdriver or equivalent tool. The shift lever can be shifted 
while both buttons
 are pressed.
P.365
When the shift lever is in the S 
position, the shift lever can be 
operated as follows:
WA R N I N G
■To prevent an accident when 
releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock 
override button, m ake 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
Changing shift ranges in 
S mode 
Page 222 of 744

2224-2. Driving procedures
1Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to 
S6, will be displayed on the multi-
information display.
The initial shift range in S mode 
is set automatically to S3, S4 or 
S5 according to vehicle speed.
■S mode
●You can choose from 6 levels of 
accelerating force and engine 
braking force.
●A lower shift ra nge will provide 
greater accelerating force and 
engine braking force than a higher 
shift range, and t he engine revolu-
tions will also increase.
●To prevent the e ngine from over-
revving, upshifti ng may automati-
cally occur when the shift range is 
4 or lower.
●When the shift range is 4 or lower, 
holding the shift lever toward “+” 
sets the shift range to 6.
■Downshifting restriction warn-
ing buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving 
performance, downshifting opera-
tion may sometimes b e restricted. In 
some circumstances, downshifting 
may not be possible even when the 
shift lever is opera ted. (A buzzer will 
sound twice.)
■If the “S” indi cator 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 transmission system. Have the 
vehicle inspected by your Toyota 
dealer immediately. (In this situa-
tion, the transmission will operate in 
the same manner as when the shift 
lever is in D.) 
Page 223 of 744

2234-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
1Right turn
2 Lane change to the right 
(move the lever partway and 
release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3 
times.
3Lane change to the left 
(move the lever partway and 
release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3 
times.
4Left turn
■Turn signals can be operated 
when
The power swit ch 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  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.
Tur n signal lever
Operating instructions 
Page 224 of 744

2244-2. Driving procedures
■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
1 Pull the switch to set the  parking brake.
The parking brake indicator light 
and Parking brake switch indicator 
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.
2 Push the switch to release 
the parking brake.
• Operate the parking brake switch 
while depressing the brake pedal.
• Parking brake automatic release  function ( P.225)
Make sure that the parking brake 
indicator light and parking brake 
switch indicator turn off.
If the parking brake indicator 
light and parking brake switch 
indicator flash, operate the 
switch again. ( P.642)
■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.
Parking brake
The parking brake can be 
set or released automati-
cally or manually. In auto-
matic mode, the parking 
brake can be set or released 
automatically according to 
shift lever operation. Also, 
even in automatic mode, the 
parking brake can be set or 
released manually.
Operating instructions
A
B
C 
Page 225 of 744

2254-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
When the shift position is 
shifted from P, the parking 
brake will be released, and 
the parking brake indicator 
light and parking brake switch 
indicator will turn off.
 When the shift position is 
shifted to P, the parking brake 
will be set, and the parking 
brake indicator light and park-
ing brake switch indicator will 
turn on.
Operate the shift lever with the 
vehicle stopped and the brake 
pedal depressed.
■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 power s witch is not in 
ON, the parking brake cannot be 
released using the parking brake 
switch.
●When the power s witch is not in  ON, automatic mode (automatic 
brake setting and releasing) is not 
available.
■Parking brake automatic 
release function
The parking brake  will be released 
automatically when the accelerator 
pedal is slowly depressed under the 
following conditions:
●The driver’s door is closed
●The driver is wearing the seat belt
●The shift lever is in a forward or 
reverse position.
●The malfunction in dicator lamp or 
brake system warning light is not 
illuminated
If the automatic release function 
does not operate, release the park-
ing brake manually.
■If “Parking Brake Temporarily 
Unavailable” is displayed on 
the multi-info rmation display
If the parking brake is operated 
repeatedly over a short period of 
time, the system may  restrict opera-
tion to prevent ove rheating. 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 (whirr ing sound) may 
be heard. This does not indicate a 
malfunction.
■Parking brake indicator light
●Depending on the power switch 
position/mode, the parking brake 
indicator light will turn on and stay  
Page 226 of 744

2264-2. Driving procedures
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 power switch is turned 
off with the parking brake set, the 
parking brake indicator light will 
stay on for about 15 seconds. This 
does not indicate a malfunction.
■When the parking brake switch 
malfunctions
Automatic mode (automatic brake 
setting and releas ing) will be turned 
on automatically.
■Parking the vehicle
 P. 1 8 9
■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 v ehicle reaching a 
speed of 5 km/h [3 mph]).
■If the brake system warning 
light comes on
 P. 6 3 6
■Usage in winter time
 P. 3 7 8
WA R N I N G
■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 o bjects 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 position to P, set the park-
ing 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 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 Toy-
ota dealer immediately if this 
occurs. 
Page 227 of 744

2274-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Press the brake hold switch to 
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 doo r is not closed.
●The driver is not wearing the seat 
belt.
If any of the cond itions 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 ne cessary 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 parkin g brake switch 
with the brake pedal depressed.
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
A
B 
Page 228 of 744

2284-2. Driving procedures
Make sure that the parking brake 
indicator light goes off. ( P.224)
■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 th e multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and 
follow the instructions.
■If the brake hold operated indi-
cator flashes
 P. 6 4 1
WA R N I N G
■When the vehicle is on a 
steep incline
When using the brake hold sys-
tem on a steep in cline, exercise 
caution. The brake hold function 
may not hold the vehicle in such a 
situation.
■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 w hen 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 power switch off 
while the system is holding the 
brake may release the brake, 
which would cause the vehicle to 
move. When operating the power 
switch, depress the brake pedal, 
shift the shift lever to P and set 
the parking brake. 
Page 229 of 744

2294-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
4-3.Operating the lights and wipers
Operating the   switch 
turns on the lights as follows:
Ty p e A
U.S.A.
Canada
1  The side marker, parking, 
tail, license plate, instrument 
panel lights, and daytime run-
ning lights ( P.229) turn on.
2  The headlights and all 
lights listed above (except 
daytime running lights) turn 
on.
3  The headlights, daytime 
running lights ( P.229) and 
all the lights listed above turn  on and off automatically.
4  (U.S.A.) Off 
 (Canada) The daytime 
running lights turn on. 
( P.229)
Type B
1  The side marker, parking, 
tail, license plate, instrument 
panel lights, and daytime run-
ning lights ( P.229) turn on.
2  The headlights and all 
lights listed above (except 
daytime running lights) turn 
on.
3  The daytime running 
lights turn on. ( P.229)
4  Off
■AUTO mode can be used when
The power switch is in ON.
■Daytime running light system
●Vehicles without projector head-
lights: The daytime running lights 
illuminate using the same lights as 
the low beam headlight lights, and 
illuminate dimmer  than the low 
Headlight switch
The headlights can be oper-
ated manually or automati-
cally.
Turning on the headlights
A
B 
Page 230 of 744

2304-3. Operating the lights and wipers
beam headlight lights.
●Vehicles with projector head-
lights: The daytime running lights 
illuminate using the same lights as 
the parking lights and illuminate 
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 condi tions are met. 
(The daytime running lights are 
not designed for  use at night.)
• The hybrid system is operating
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight s witch is in the   
(Canada only),  ,   or 
* 
position
*: When the surroundings are bright
The daytime running lights remain 
on after they illumi nate, 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 gr eater 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 interfere s with the sensor 
detecting the level of ambient light 
and may cause the automatic head-
light system to malfunction.
■Automatic light off system
●When the headlights are on: The 
lights turn off 30 seconds after the 
power switch is turned to ACC or 
OFF and a door is opened and 
closed. (The lights turn off immedi-
ately 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 power  switch is turned 
to ACC or OFF and the driver’s 
door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the 
power switch to ON, or turn the light 
switch off once and then back to 
 or   position.
■Light reminder buzzer
Vehicles without smart key system
A buzzer sounds when the power 
switch is turned to ACC or OFF, the 
key is removed and the driver’s door 
is opened while the lights are turned 
on. 
Vehicles with smart key system
A buzzer sounds when the power 
switch is turned to ACC or OFF and 
the driver’s door is opened while the 
lights are turned on.
■Automatic headlight leveling 
system (if equipped)
The level of the headlights is auto-
matically adjusted  according to the 
number of passengers and the load-
ing condition of the vehicle to 
ensure that the headlights do not 
interfere with o ther road users.
■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 o n automatically