transmission TOYOTA RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID 2021 Owners Manual

3TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
6
5
4
3
2
8
7
9
Smart entry & start system . 223
4-3. Adjusting the seats
Front seats .......................... 270
Rear seats .......................... 271
Driving position memory ..... 273
Head restraints ................... 276
4-4. Adjusting the steering wheel
and mirrors
Steering wheel .................... 278
Inside rear view mirror ........ 279
Digital Rear-view Mirror ...... 280
Outside rear view mirrors.... 289
4-5. Opening, closing the win -
dows and moon roof
Power windows ................... 291
Panoramic moon roof ......... 294
5-1. Before driving
Driving the vehicle .............. 300
Cargo and luggage ............. 306
Trailer towing ...................... 308
5-2. Driving procedures
Power (ignition) switch ........ 317
Hybrid transmission ............ 321
Turn signal lever ................. 325
Parking brake...................... 326
Brake Hold .......................... 329
5-3. Operating the lights and wip -
ers
Headlight switch.................. 332
AHB (Automatic High Beam)
.......................................... 334
Fog light switch ................... 337
Windshield wipers and washer
.......................................... 338
Rear window wiper and washer
.......................................... 340
5-4. Refueling
Opening the fuel tank cap ... 342
5-5. Using the driving support sys -
tems
Toyota Safety Sense .......... 344
PCS (Pre-Collision System) 355
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) .. 362
RSA (Road Sign Assist)...... 372
Dynamic radar cruise control
with full-speed range ........ 376
Cruise control...................... 388
Speed limiter ....................... 391
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) ... 393
Toyota parking assist-sensor
.......................................... 414
PKSB (Parking Support Brake)
.......................................... 420
Parking Support Brake function
(static objects) .................. 424
Parking Support Brake function
(rear-crossing vehicles) .... 430
Driving mode select switch . 434
Trail Mode ........................... 435
GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter)
system .............................. 437
Driving assist systems ........ 438
5-6. Driving tips
Winter driving tips ............... 445
Utility vehicle precautions ... 448
5Driving

5
299
5
Driving
Driving
5-1. Before driving
Driving the vehicle ............ 300
Cargo and luggage ........... 306
Trailer towing .................... 308
5-2. Driving procedures
Power (ignition) switch ...... 317
Hybrid transmission .......... 321
Turn signal lever ............... 325
Parking brake ................... 326
Brake Hold ........................ 329
5-3. Operating the lights and wip -
ers
Headlight switch ............... 332
AHB (Automatic High Beam)
....................................... 334
Fog light switch ................. 337
Windshield wipers and washer
....................................... 338
Rear window wiper and washer
....................................... 340
5-4. Refueling
Opening the fuel tank cap. 342
5-5. Using the driving support
systems
Toyota Safety Sense ........ 344
PCS (Pre-Collision System)
....................................... 355
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) 362
RSA (Road Sign Assist) ... 372
Dynamic radar cruise control
with full-speed range ...... 376
Cruise control ................... 388
Speed limiter ..................... 391
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) . 393
Toyota parking assist-sensor
........................................ 414
PKSB (Parking Support Brake)
........................................ 420
Parking Support Brake function
(static objects) ................ 424
Parking Support Brake function
(rear-crossing vehicles) .. 430
Driving mode select switch 434
Trail Mode ......................... 435
GPF (Gasoline Particulate Fil -
ter) system ...................... 437
Driving assist systems ...... 438
5-6. Driving tips
Winter driving tips ............. 445
Utility vehicle precautions . 448

315
5
5-1. Before driving
Driving
■Sudden acceleration/steering
input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing
may result in the trailer colliding
with your vehicle. D ecelerate well in
advance when approaching turns
and take them slowly and carefully
to avoid sudden braking.
■Important points regarding
turning
The wheels of the tr ailer will travel
closer to the inside of the curve
than the wheels of the vehicle. To
make allowance for this, take the
turns wider than you would nor -
mally do.
■Important points regarding
stability
Vehicle movement resulting from
uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The
vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Fre -
quently check behind when moving
alongside such vehicles. As soon
as such vehicle movement occurs,
immediately start to decelerate
smoothly by slowly applying the
brakes. Always steer the vehicle
straight ahead while braking.
■Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length
of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle
distance is sufficient before execut -
ing lane changes.
■Transmission information
To maintain engine braking effi -
ciency, when using engine braking,
do not use the transmission in D.
( →P.321)
■If the hybrid system overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long,
steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30°C (85°F) may result
in the hybrid system overheating. If
the high coolant temperature warn -
ing light indicates that the hybrid
system is overheating, turn the air
conditioning off immediately, leave
the road and stop the vehicle in a
safe place. ( →P.611)
■When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under
the wheels of both the vehicle and
trailer. Firmly set the parking brake
and shift the shift lever to P.
■Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted
with new power train components
should not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
■Maintenance
●Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight bur -
den placed on the vehicle compared to normal driving.
●Retighten all bolts securing the hitch - ing ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
■If trailer sway occurs
One or more factor s (crosswinds, pass- ing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can
adversely affect handling of your vehicle
and trailer, causing instability.

321
5
5-2. Driving procedures
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. Perform the following pro -
cedure to turn the switch to OFF:
1 Check that the parking brake is
set.
2 Shift the shift lever to P.
3 Check that “IGNITION ON” is
displayed on the multi-informa -
tion display and press the power
switch shortly and firmly.
4 Check that “ACCESSORY” or
“IGNITION ON” on the multi-
information display is off.
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and
reduce noise, shift the shift lever to
D for normal driving.
*2: Vehicles with paddle shift switches
only: Selecting shift ranges in the D
position allows suitable use of
engine braking. ( →P.323)
*3: By selecting shift ranges using S
mode, you can control accelerating
force and engine braking force.
■When driving with dynamic radar
cruise control with full-speed range or cruise control activated (if
equipped)
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling
engine braking, engine braking will not
activate because dyn amic radar cruise control with full-speed range, or cruise
control will not be canceled.
●While driving in D or S mode, down-
When stopping the hybrid
system with the shift lever in
a position other than P
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery dis -
charge
Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is i n a position other
than P. If the hy brid system is
stopped in another shift lever position, the power switch will not be turned to
OFF but instead remain ON. If the
vehicle is left in ON , 12-volt battery discharge may occur.
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, 2
SS mode driving*3

325
5
5-2. Driving procedures
Driving
■S mode
●You can choose from 6 levels of
accelerating force and engine braking force.
●A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and engine braking
force than a higher shift range, and
the engine revolutions will also increase.
●To prevent the eng ine from over-rev- ving, upshifting may automatically
occur when the shif t range is 3 or
lower.
●When the shift range is 4 or lower,
holding the shift le ver toward “+” sets the shift range to 6.
■Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safe ty and driving per- formance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some cir -
cumstances, downshifting may not be possible even when the shift lever or
paddle shift switches (if equipped) is
operated. (A buzze r will sound twice.)
■If the “S” indicator does not come on or the “D” indicator is displayed
even after shifting t he shift lever to
S
This may indicate a malfunction in the transmission system. Have the vehicle
inspected by any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately. (In
this situation, the transmission will oper -
ate in the same manner as when the shift lever is in D.)
1 Right turn
2 Lane change to the right (move
the lever partway and release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3 times.
3 Lane change to the left (move
the lever partway and release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
4 Left turn
■Turn signals can be operated when
The power switch is in ON.
■If the indicator flashes faster than
usual
Check that a light b ulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
Turn signal lever
Operating instructions

449
5
5-6. Driving tips
Driving
cautions to ensure your driving
enjoyment and to help prevent the
closure of areas to off-road vehi -
cles:
 Drive your vehicle only in areas
where off-road vehicles are per -
mitted to travel.
 Respect private property. Get
owner’s permission before enter -
ing private property.
 Do not enter areas that are
closed. Honor gates, barriers
and signs that restrict travel.
 Stay on established roads. When
conditions are wet, driving tech -
niques should be changed or
travel delayed to prevent dam -
age to roads.
WARNING
■Off-road drivin g precautions
Always observe the following precau -
tions to minimize the risk of death, serious injury or damage to your vehi -
cle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by
driving in dangerous places.
●Do not grip the steering wheel
spokes when driving off-road. 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 b rakes for effec-
tiveness immediately after driving in sand, mud, water or snow.
●After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, ri vers, etc., check
that there is no g rass, bush, paper,
rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the underbody. Clear off
any such matter from the under -
body. If the vehi cle is used with these materials trapped or adhering
to the underbody, a breakdown or
fire could occur.
●When driving 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 and chassis.
NOTICE
■To prevent the water damage
Take all necessary safety measures
to ensure that wat er damage to the hybrid battery (tr action battery),
hybrid system or other components
does not occur.
●Water entering the engine compart -
ment may cause severe damage to
the hybrid system.
●Water entering the hybrid transmis -
sion will cause deterioration in transmission quality. The malfunc -
tion indicator may come on, and the
vehicle may no t be drivable.
●Water can wash the grease from
wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature fa ilure, and may
also enter the h ybrid transaxle
case, reducing the gear oil’s lubri - cating qualities.

5648-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The following may indicate a prob-
lem with your transmission. Contact
any authorized Toyota retailer or
Toyota authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer or commercial tow -
ing service before towing.
 The hybrid system warning mes-
sage is shown on the multi-infor -
mation display and the vehicle
does not move.
 The vehicle makes an abnormal
sound.
From the front
Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From the rear
Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
when towing using a wheel-lift
type truck
●Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the power switch is off. The
steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front
wheels straight.
●When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for tow -
ing at the opposite end of the raised
vehicle. Without adequate clear - ance, the vehicle could be dam -
aged while being towed.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
when towing with a sling-type
truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck,
either from the front or rear.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.
Situations when it is neces -
sary to contact dealers
before towing
Towing with a wheel-lift type
truck
NOTICE
■Towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a s ling-type truck to prevent body damage.

623
9
9-1. Specifications
Vehicle specifications
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
*: The fluid capacity is t he quantity of reference.
If replacement is necessary, cont act any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Ignition system (spark plug)
MakeDENSO FC16HR-Q8
Gap0.8 mm (0.031 in.)
NOTICE
■Iridium-tipped spark plugs
Use only iridium-tippe d spark plugs. Do not adjust the spark plug gap.
Electrical system (12-volt battery)
Specific voltage reading at 20°C (68°F):
12.0 V or higher
(Turn the power switch to OFF and turn
on the high beam h eadlights for 30 sec-
onds.)
If the voltage is lower than the standard
value, charge the 12-volt battery.
Charging ratesQuick charge15 A max.
Slow charge5 A max.
Hybrid transmission
Fluid capacity*4.4 L (4.6 qt., 3.9 Imp.qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF WS
NOTICE
■Hybrid transmission fluid type
Using transmission fluid other t han the above type may cause abnormal noise or
vibration, or ultimate ly damage the transmission of your vehicle.

653Alphabetical Index
If a warning light turns on ........... 568
If a warning message is displayed
................................................. 578
If the 12-volt batt ery is discharged
................................................. 606
If the electronic key does not operate
properly .................................... 604
If the fuel filler door cannot be
opened..................................... 603
If the hybrid system will not start 601
If the vehicle is trapped in rising
water ........................................ 561
If you have a flat tire........... 582, 593
If you lose your keys .................. 603
If you think something is wrong.. 566
If your vehicle becomes stuck .... 615
If your vehicle has to be stopped in
an emergency .......................... 560
If your vehicle needs to be towed
................................................. 563
If your vehicle overheats ............ 611
Emergency brake signal .............. 439
Emergency flashers ..................... 560
Emergency tire puncture repair kit
..................................................... 582
Energy monitor ............................. 195
Engine
Compartment ............................. 501
Exhaust gas precautions.............. 47
Hood .......................................... 498
How to start the hybrid system... 317
Identification number.................. 619
If the hybrid system will not start 601
If your vehicle has to be stopped in
an emergency .......................... 560
Overheating ............................... 611
Power switch .............................. 317
Engine coolant
Capacity ................ ..................... 622
Checking .................................... 503
High coolant temperature warning
light .......................................... 569
Preparing and ch ecking before win-
ter ............................................. 445
Warning light ..............................569
Engine coolant temperature gauge
..................................................... 174
Engine oil
Capacity .....................................621
Checking .................................... 501
Preparing and ch ecking before win-
ter ............................................. 445
Warning light ..............................569
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Function .....................................438
Warning light ..............................570
EV/HV mode selection switch........ 86
EV driving range ...........................102
EV mode .......................................... 85
Exhaust gas precautions ............... 47
Extended Headlight Lighting system
..................................................... 333
F
Flat tire ...................................582, 593
Tire pressure war ning system ....511
Floor mats ....................................... 32
Fluid
Brake .......................................... 624
Hybrid transmission.................... 623
Rear differential ..........................624
Washer ....................................... 505
Fog lights
Replacing light bulbs ..................548
Switch.........................................337
Wattage ......................................626
Footwell lights............................... 465
Front fog lights
Replacing light bulbs ..................548
Switch.........................................337
Wattage ......................................626
Front passenger’s seat belt reminder

655Alphabetical Index
HV mode .......................................... 85
Hybrid battery ( traction battery)
Charging .................................... 135
Location ....................................... 94
Specification............................... 621
Hybrid battery ( traction battery)
charge mode ................................. 85
Hybrid system
ACCESSORY mode .................. 320
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System 92
Brake Override System .............. 301
Drive-Start Control ..................... 301
Emergency shut off system.......... 98
Energy monitor/consumption screen
................................................. 195
High voltage components ............ 94
How to start the hybrid system... 317
Hybrid System Indicator ............. 174
If the hybrid system will not start 601
If your vehicle has to be stopped in
an emergency .......................... 560
Ignition switch (power switch) .... 317
Overheating ............................... 611
Plug-in hybrid system precautions94
Plug-in hybrid vehicle driving tips. 99
Power (ignition) switch ............... 317
Regenerative brakin g ................... 90
Starting the hybrid system ......... 317
Hybrid System Indica tor .............. 174
Hybrid transmission ..................... 321
I
Identification
Engine ........................................ 619
Vehicle ....................................... 618
Ignition switch (pow er switch) .... 317
Auto power off function .............. 320
Changing the powe r switch modes
................................................. 320
If your vehicle has to be stopped in
an emergency .......................... 560
Starting the hybrid system..........317
Illuminated entry system.............. 466
Immobilizer system ........................ 76
Indicators....................................... 168
Initialization
Items to initialize......................... 643
Panoramic moon roof ................. 295
Power back door ........................218
Power windows ........ ..................291
Tire pressure war ning system ....523
Inside rear view mirror ......... 279, 280
Installing a child restraint system to
a front passenger seat ................. 52
Instrument cluster light control... 178
Interior lights ................................. 465
Switch.........................................465
Wattage ......................................626
Intrusion sensor.............................. 79
ISOFIX lower anchorages .............. 62
J
Jack
Positioning a floor jack ...............499
Vehicle-equipped jack ........ 583, 594
Jack handle ...........................583, 594
Jam protection function
Electronic sunshade ................... 295
Panoramic moon roof ................. 295
Power back door opener and closer
.................................................216
Power windows ........ ..................291
K
Keyless entry
Smart entry & star t system .........223
Wireless remote control .............203
Keys ............................................... 202
Battery-saving function...............224
Electronic key .............................202
If the electronic key does not operate