check engine TOYOTA RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID 2021 Owners Manual

4TABLE OF CONTENTS
6-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning sys -
tem.................................... 452
Remote Air Conditioning System
.......................................... 460
Heated steering wheel/Front
seat heaters/Front seat heaters
and ventilators/Rear seat heat -
ers..................................... 462
6-2. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list .................. 465
6-3. Using the storage features
List of storage features ....... 468
Luggage compartment features
.......................................... 472
6-4. Using the other interior fea -
tures
Other interior features ......... 476
7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the
vehicle exterior ................. 488
Cleaning and protecting the
vehicle interior .................. 491
7-2. Maintenance
Maintenance requirements . 494
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precau -
tions .................................. 496
Hood ................................... 498
Positioning a floor jack ........ 499
Engine compartment........... 501
12-volt battery ..................... 506
Tires .................................... 509
Tire inflation pressure ......... 529
Wheels ................................ 530
Air conditioning filter ........... 532
Cleaning the DC/DC Converter
air intake vent and filter .... 536
Wiper insert replacement .... 539
Electronic key battery ......... 543
Checking and replacing fuses
.......................................... 545
Light bulbs .......................... 548
8-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers ............ 560
If your vehicle has to be stopped
in an emergency ............... 560
If the vehicle is trapped in rising
water ................................. 561
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed
.......................................... 563
If you think something is wrong
.......................................... 566
If a warning light turns on or a
warning buzzer sounds..... 568
If a warning message is dis -
played ............................... 578
If you have a flat tire (vehicles
without spare tire) ............. 582
If you have a flat tire (vehicles
with spare tire) .................. 593
6Interior features
7Maintenance and care
8When trouble arises

13Pictorial index
Precautions against winter season ................................................. P.445
To prevent freezing (windshield wiper de-icer)*1............................. P.457
Precautions against car wash ................................... ...................... P.489
Replacing the wiper insert..................................... .......................... P.539
Fuel filler door ............................................... ................................ P.342
Refueling method ............................................... ............................. P.342
Fuel type/fuel tank capacity ................................... ......................... P.620
Charging port .................................................. .............................. P.105
Charging method ................................................ ............................ P.127
Tires .......................................................... ..................................... P.509
Tire size/inflation pressure .............................................................. P.624
Winter tires/tire chain ........................................ .............................. P.445
Checking/rotation/tire pressu re warning system ............................. P.509
Coping with flat tires......................................... ....................... P.582, 593
Hood ........................................................... .................................... P.498
Opening ........................................................ .................................. P.498
Engine oil ..................................................... ................................... P.621
Coping with overheat ........................................... ........................... P.611
Warning messages ............................................... .......................... P.578
Headlights/front position lights/daytime running lights ........ ... P.332
Turn signal lights ............................................. ............................. P.325
Front fog lights............................................... ............................... P.337
Tail lights .................................................... ................................... P.332
Tail lights .................................................... ................................... P.332
Back-up lights
Shifting the shift lever to R .................................. ............................ P.321
Light bulbs of the exterior lights for driving
(Replacing method: P.548, Watts: P.626)
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M

85
2
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
The plug-in hybrid system oper -
ates in the following modes.
The multi-information display can be
used to check which mode the plug-in
hybrid system is curr ently being driven
in. ( →P.168)
■EV mode
When a sufficient amount of elec -
tricity is remaini ng after charging*1,
EV driving is performed using elec -
tricity stored in the hybrid battery
(traction battery).*2
When in EV mode, the EV drive mode
indicator illuminates.
*1: The amount of remaining charge can
be checked on the SOC (State of
Charge) gauge. ( →P.174)
*2: Depending on the situation, EV driv-
ing may be cancel ed and both gaso-
line engine and electric motor are
used. ( →P.90)
■AUTO EV/HV mode
Normally, the elec tricity stored in
the hybrid battery (traction battery)
is used for EV driving. However,
when more power is required, such
as for driving uphill or accelerating
suddenly, the gasoline engine
starts and provides powerful accel-
eration by strongly depressing the
accelerator pedal.
When the vehicle is in a condition
where EV driving is possible, EV
mode and AUTO EV/HV mode can
be switched by operating the
switch. ( →P.86)
When in AUTO EV/HV mode, the
AUTO EV/HV mode indicator illumi -
nates.
■HV mode
When in HV mode, the vehicle is
driven using both the gasoline
Plug-in hybrid system oper -
ation mode

89
2
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
charge will deplete quickly. Also,
EV driving may be canceled by
rapid acceleration or vehicle
speed.
 Restrain your speed as much as
possible. The distance that can
be driven in EV mode will reduce
considerably at high speeds.
*: The EV driving range can be checked
using the multi-information display.
( →P.181)
■When in AUTO EV/HV mode
Only the electric motor is used for
EV driving* during normal driving,
but when the accelerator pedal is
strongly depressed, the gasoline
engine starts. ( →P.90)
Also, when the hybrid battery (trac -
tion battery) level is low, the mode
switches to HV mode automatically
the same as in EV mode.
AUTO EV/HV mode i s suitable for
driving conditions when more
power is required, such as for driv -
ing uphill or accelerating suddenly.
However, because the gasoline
engine will start more easily, it is
recommended to drive in EV mode
usually.
*: The EV driving range can be checked
using the multi-information display.
( →P.181)
■When in HV mode
The vehicle can be used in the
same way as a standard hybrid
vehicle.
In HV mode, controls are primarily
carried out as follows in accor -
dance with the driving conditions.
 The gasoline engine stops* when
the vehicle is stopped.
 During start off, the electric
motor (traction motor) drives the
vehicle.
 During normal driving, the gaso-
line engine and electric motor
(traction motor) are controlled
effectively, and the vehicle is
driven with optimum fuel effi -
ciency. Also, when necessary,
the electric motor (traction
motor) operates as an electrical
generator to charge the hybrid
battery (traction battery).
 When the accelerator pedal is
depressed heavily, drive force
from both the gasoline engine
and the electric motor (traction
motor) is used to accelerate.
*: When the hybrid battery (traction bat -
tery) requires char ging or the engine
is warming up, etc., the gasoline
engine will not autom atically stop.
( →P.91)
■When braking (regenerative
braking)
The electric motor (traction motor)
charges the hybrid battery (traction
battery).
The EV driving range can be
extended by actively using this
regenerative braking to store elec -
tricity in the hybrid battery (traction
battery).

922-1. Plug-in hybrid system
hybrid battery (traction battery)
from an external power source
before using the vehicle.
Even if charging t he hybrid battery
(traction battery) has not been com-
pleted, the vehicle can be driven. How -
ever, if there is not enough charge
remaining, it is possible that the vehicle
cannot be driven in EV mode or AUTO
EV/HV mode, or the EV driving range
will become shorter.
■Refilling fuel
Plug-in hybrid vehicl es can be driven
using electricity charged from an exter -
nal power source. However, as the gas - oline engine is used depending on the
situation ( →P.90) even if in EV mode or
AUTO EV/HV mode, and the gasoline engine is provided on board as a power
source for driving in HV mode, it is
needed to refueling the vehicle.
Check the fuel amount and refill immedi -
ately when the fuel level becomes low.
( →P.342)
■If the vehicle is not used for a long
time
●The 12-volt battery may discharge. In
this event, charge t he 12-volt battery. ( →P.606)
In order to prevent t he hybrid battery
(traction battery) from becoming
extremely low in c harge, charge the hybrid battery (trac tion battery) from
external power source or start the
hybrid system at least once every 2 or 3 months, and turn the power switch
off after the gasoline engine has
stopped automatically. (If the gasoline engine does not sta rt up even after
approximately 10 seconds have
passed since the “READY” indicator came on, the power switch can be
turned to off without any further
action.) When the 12-volt battery is dis -
charged, refer to “If the 12-volt battery
is discharged” ( →P.606) and perform the correction procedure.
●When the vehicle is left with the AC charging cable co nnected, the elec-
tricity consumption amount of the 12-
volt battery increas es due to controls, such as the system checking, operat-
ing. When the AC charging cable is
not needed, immediately remove it from the vehicle.
When driving with the gasoline
engine stopped, a sound, which
changes in accord ance with the
driving speed, wil l be played in
order to warn people nearby of the
vehicle’s approach. The sound will
stop when the vehicle speed
exceeds approximately 25 km/h (15
mph).
■Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System
In the following cases, the Acoustic
Vehicle Alerting System may be difficult for surrounding people to hear.
●In very noisy areas
●In the wind or the rain
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting
System

1002-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Shift the shift lever to D when
stopped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift
lever to P when parking. When
using the N, there is no positive
effect on fuel consumption. In the
N, the gasoline engine operates but
electricity canno t be generated.
Also, when using the air condition -
ing system, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) power is con -
sumed.
 Drive your vehicle smoothly.
Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual accelera -
tion and deceler ation will make
more effective use of the electric
motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine
power.
 Avoid repeated acceleration.
Repeated acceleration con -
sumes hybrid battery (traction
battery) power, resulting in poor
fuel consumption. Battery power
can be restored by driving with
the accelerator pedal slightly
released.
Make sure to operate the brakes
gently and a ti mely manner. A
greater amount of electrical energy
can be regenerated when slowing
down.
Repeated acceler ation and decel-
eration, as well as long waits at traf -
fic lights, will lead to high fuel and
electricity consumption. Check traf -
fic reports before leaving and avoid
delays as much as possible. When
driving in a traffic jam, gently
release the brake pedal to allow the
vehicle to move forward slightly
while avoiding overuse of the accel -
erator pedal. Doing so can help
control excessive electricity and
fuel consumption.
 Control and maintain the vehicle
at a constant speed. Before stop -
ping at a toll booth or similar,
allow plenty of time to release
the accelerator and gently apply
the brakes. A greater amount of
electrical energy can be regener -
ated when slowing down.
 Electricity consumption will
increase significantly when driv -
ing at high speeds in EV mode or
AUTO EV/HV mode. If there will
be a long distance to the next
external charging point after
leaving a freewa y, it is recom-
mended to drive in HV mode
while on the freeway and change
Shift lever operation
Accelerator pedal/brake
pedal operation
When braking
Delays
Highway driving

101
2
2-1. Plug-in hybrid system
Plug-in hybrid system
to EV mode or AUTO EV/HV
mode after leaving the freeway.
( →P.86)
 Turn the “A/C” switch off when it
is not needed. Doing so can help
reduce excessive e lectricity and
fuel consumption.
In summer: When the ambient tem -
perature is high, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the
burden on the air co nditioning system
and reduce electricity and fuel con -
sumption as well.
In winter: Avoid excessive and unnec-
essary use of the heater. Usage of the
heated steering w heel (if equipped)
( →P.462) and seat heaters (→P.463)
are effective.
 Using the Remote Air Condition-
ing System ( →P.460) while the
AC charging cable is connected
to the vehicle can reduce elec -
tricity consumption immediately
after starting off by operating air
conditioning mainly using elec -
tricity from an external power
source.
 When setting the charging
schedule, setting the charging
mode to “Departure” and “Cli -
mate Prep” to on can reduce
electricity consumption immedi -
ately after starting off by operat -
ing air conditioning before
charging is completed. ( →P.144)
Make sure to check the tire inflation
pressure frequen tly. If there is
improper tire inflation pressure in
the tires, the EV driving range will
become shorter, and fuel consump-
tion when in HV mode will increase.
Also, as snow tires can cause large
amounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to increased fuel
and electricity consumption.
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to
poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary lugga ge. Installing a
large roof rack will also cause poor
fuel economy.
Since the gasoline engine starts up
and cuts out automatically, warm -
ing up is not necessary.
Air conditioning
Checking tire inflation pres -
sure
Luggage
Warming up before driving

1703-1. Instrument cluster
Warning lights inform the driver of
malfunctions in the indicated vehi -
cle’s systems.
*1: These lights turn on when the power
switch is turned to ON to indicate
that a system check is being per -
formed. They will turn off after the
hybrid system is on , or after a few
seconds. There may be a malfunc-
tion in a system if the light does not
come on, or turn off. Have the vehi -
cle inspected by any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Warning lights
(Red)
Brake system warning
light*1 ( →P.568)
(Yellow)
Brake system warning
light*1 ( →P.568)
Charging system warn -
ing light*1 ( →P.569)
High coolant temperature
warning light*2 ( →P.569)
Hybrid system overheat
warning light*2 ( →P.569)
Low engine oil pressure
warning light*2 ( →P.569)
Malfunction indicator
lamp*1 ( →P.570)
SRS warning light*1
( →P.570)
ABS warning light*1
( →P.570)
(Red/yellow)
Electric power steering
system warning light*1
( →P.570)
(Flashes or illu- minates)
PCS warning light*1 (if
equipped) ( →P.571)
(Orange)
LTA indicator (if
equipped) ( →P.571)
Toyota parking assist-
sensor OFF indicator*3 ( i f
equipped) ( →P.572)
PKSB OFF indicator*1 (if
equipped) ( →P.572)
BSM OFF indicator*1 (if
equipped) ( →P.573)
RCTA OFF indicator*1 (if
equipped)
( →P.573)
Slip indicator light*1
( →P.573)
Brake Override Sys -
tem/Drive-Start Con -
trol/PKSB (if equipped)
warning light*2 ( →P.574)
(Flashes)
Brake hold operated indi-
cator*1 ( →P.574)
(Flashes)
Parking brake indicator
( →P.574)
Tire pressure warning
light*1 ( →P.575)
Low fuel level warning
light ( →P.575)
Driver’s and front pas -
senger’s seat belt
reminder light ( →P.575)
Rear passengers’ seat
belt reminder lights
( →P.576)

1783-1. Instrument cluster
changed suddenly (at the
entrance/exit of a garage, tunnel, etc.)
●When “--” or “E” is displayed, the sys -
tem may be malfunctioning. Take your vehicle to any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
●Displays the outsi de temperature
within the range o f -40°C (-40°F) to 50°C (122°F).
●When the outside temperature is
approximately 3°C (37°F) or lower,
the indicator will flash for approxi-
mately 10 seconds, then stay on.
■Liquid crystal display
→ P.180
■Customization
Settings (e. g. mete r display) can be
changed on the scre en of the multi-
information display. ( →P.186)
Switches the items of the odome-
ter, trip meter A, trip meter B and
the brightness of the instrument
cluster lights by pressing the “ODO
TRIP” switch.
 When the trip meter is displayed,
pressing and holding the switch
will reset the tr ip meter.
 When the instrument cluster light
control display is displayed,
pressing and holding the switch
will adjust the brightness of the
instrument cluster lights.
■Instrument cluster brightness
adjustment
The instrument cluster brightness levels when the tail lights are on and off can be
WARNING
■The information display at low
temperatures
Allow the interior o f the vehicle to
warm up before usin g the liquid crys-
tal information display. At extremely low temperatures, the display moni -
tor may respond slowly, and display
changes may be delayed.
For example, there is a lag between
the driver’s shifting and the new shift
range appearing on the display. This lag could cause the driver to down -
shift again, causing rapid and exces -
sive engine braking and possibly an accident resulting in death or injury.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine
and its components
●The engine may be overheating if “Engine Coolant Temp High Stop in
a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual”
is shown on the multi-information display. In this case, immediately
stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
check the engine after it has cooled
completely. ( →P.611)
Using the “ODO TRIP”
switch

195
3
3-1. Instrument cluster
Vehicle status information and indicators
■Hybrid System Indicator
Charge area
Hybrid Eco area
Eco area
Power area
Displayed content is the same as that
displayed on the multi-information dis -
play (Hybrid System Indicator).
For details, refer to P.177.
■Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revo -
lutions per minute. Audio system screen (if
equipped)
Multi-information display
Meter control switches
( →P.180)
The energy monitor can be used to
check the vehicl e drive status,
hybrid system operation status and
energy regeneration status.
■Display
Multi-information display
Press or of the meter con -
trol switches on the steering wheel
A
B
C
D
Energy monitor/con-
sumption screen
You can view the status of
your vehicle on the multi-infor-
mation display and the audio
system screen* (if equipped).
*: For navigation system or multime -
dia system
System components
Energy monitor
A
B
C