traction control TOYOTA RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID 2023 Owner's Manual

315
5
5-2. Driving procedures
Driving*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.317)
*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 dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range, or cruise
control will not be canceled.
●While driving in D or S mode, down-
shifting to 5 or 4. ( P.317, 318)
●When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in D position.
( P.411)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive- Start Control)
 P.294
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
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sud-
den acceleration, as this could result in the vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid bat- tery (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.

413
5
5-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving
Press the Trail Mode switch.
Press the Trail Mode switch, to turn the
Trail Mode on. The Trail Mode indicator
light will come on the multi-information
display.
To turn the system off, press the Trail
Mode switch again.
If the tires are spinning, the slip
indicator flashes to indicate that the
Trail Mode is controlling the spin-
ning of the tires.
■Trail Mode
●Trail Mode controls the vehicle so that
it can use the maximum amount of drive force when driving on rough roads. As a result, fuel efficiency may
diminish when compared to driving with Trail Mode off.
●If Trail Mode is continuously used for a long period of time, depending on the driving conditions, the load on
related parts increases and the sys- tem may not function correctly. In this case, “Traction Control Turned OFF”
will be shown on the multi-information display but the vehicle can be driven normally. The “Traction Control
Turned OFF” on the multi-information display will turn off after a short while
Trail Mode
Trail Mode is designed to con-
trol the spinning of the drive
wheels by integratedly con-
trolling AWD, brake and drive
force control systems. Use the
Trail Mode when driving
bumpy roads, etc.
WARNING
■Before using Trail Mode
Make sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to observe these precautions may result in an unex-
pected accident.
●Trail mode is intended for use when driving on rough roads.
●Check that the Trail Mode indicator is illuminated before driving.
●Trail Mode is not intended to expand the limits of the vehicle.
Thoroughly check the road condi- tions and drive with caution.
Enabling the system
When the Trail Mode is oper-
ating

4165-5. Using the driving support systems
■VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Con-
trol+)
Provides cooperative control of the
ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stabil-
ity when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling steering per-
formance.
■Trailer Sway Control
Helps the driver to control trailer
sway by selectively applying brake
pressure for individual wheels and
reducing driving torque when trailer
sway is detected.
■TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and
prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or
accelerating on slippery roads
■Active Cornering Assist (ACA)
Helps to prevent the vehicle from
drifting to the outer side by perform-
ing inner wheel brake control when
attempting to accelerate while turn-
ing
■Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward
movement of the vehicle when
starting on an uphill
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to
reduce the amount of effort needed
to turn the steering wheel.
■E-Four (Electronic On-Demand
AWD system)
Automatically controls the drive
system such as to front-wheel drive
or AWD (all wheel drive) according
to various running conditions
including normal driving, during cor-
nering, on a uphill, when starting
off, during acceleration, on a slip-
pery roads due to snow or rain,
thus contributing to stable
operability and driving stability.
■Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied sud-
denly, the emergency flashers
automatically flash to alert the vehi-
cle behind.
■The Secondary Collision
Brake (if equipped)
When the SRS airbag sensor
detects a collision and the system
operates, the brakes and brake
lights are automatically controlled
to reduce the vehicle speed and
help reduce the possibility of further
damage due to a secondary colli-
sion.
■When the TRC/VSC/ABS/Trail
Mode/Trailer Sway Control systems
are operating
The slip indicator light will flash while the
TRC/VSC/ABS/Trail Mode/Trailer Sway
Control systems are operating.

417
5 5-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving
■Disabling the TRC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or
snow, the TRC system may reduce
power from the hybrid system to the
wheels.
Pressing to turn the system off may
make it easier for you to rock the vehicle
in order to free it.
To turn the TRC system off, quickly
press and release .
The “Traction Control Turned OFF” will
be shown on the multi-information dis-
play.
Press again to turn the system back
on.
■Turning off the TRC/VSC/Trailer
Sway Control systems
To turn the TRC/VSC/Trailer Sway Con-
trol systems off, press and hold for
more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is
stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come
on and the “Traction Control Turned
OFF” will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display.
*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision
System), PCS will also be disabled
(only pre-collision warning is avail-
able). The PCS warning light will
come on and a message will be dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play. (P.353)
■When the message is displayed on
the multi-information display show-
ing that TRC has been disabled
even if has not been pressed
TRC is temporary deactivated. If the
information continues to show, contact
any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.
■Operating conditions of hill-start
assist control
When all of the following conditions are
met, the hill-start assist control will oper-
ate:
●The shift lever is in a position other
than P or N (when starting off for-
ward/backward on an upward incline)
●The vehicle is stopped
●The accelerator pedal is not
depressed
●The parking brake is not engaged
●The power switch is in ON
■Automatic system cancelation of
hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in
any of the following situations:
●The shift lever is shifted to P or N
●The accelerator pedal is depressed
●The brake pedal is depressed and the
parking brake is engaged
●A maximum of 2 seconds have
elapsed after the brake pedal is
released
●The power switch is turned to OFF

4265-6. Driving tips
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 driving 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 brakes for effec-tiveness immediately after driving in sand, mud, water or snow.
●After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., 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 break-
down 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 water damage to the hybrid battery (traction 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 not be drivable.
●Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature failure, and may
also enter the hybrid transaxle case, reducing the gear oil’s lubri-cating qualities.

4386-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
If the Remote Air Conditioning Sys-
tem is used while the AC charging
cable is connected to the vehicle,
electricity from an external power
source can be used minimizing the
drop in charge of the hybrid battery
(traction battery).
Charging will be conducted automati-
cally after the Remote Air Conditioning
System is stopped.
Check the temperature setting of
the air conditioning system.
(P.431)
The Remote Air Conditioning System
will operate in accordance with the tem-
perature settings of the air conditioning
system.
Press and hold “A/C” on the wire-
less remote control to operate the
Remote Air Conditioning System.
The system can be stopped by press-
ing “A/C” twice.
■Operating conditions
The system will only operate if all of the
following conditions are met:
●The shift lever is in P.
●The power switch is off.
●All doors are closed.
●The hood is closed.
■Remote Air Conditioning System
automatic shut-off
The system will automatically shut off
under the following conditions:
●About 20 minutes have passed since
operation began
●Any one of the operating conditions is
not met
The system may also shut off if the
charge level of the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) drops to low.
■Conditions affecting operation
The system may not start in the follow-
ing situations:
●The charge level of the hybrid battery
(traction battery) is low
Remote Air Conditioning
System
The Remote Air Conditioning
System uses electrical energy
stored in the hybrid battery
(traction battery) and allows
the air conditioning to be oper-
ated by remote control.
Before leaving the vehicle
Activating the Remote Air
Conditioning System

439
6
6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Interior features
●The outside temperature is extremely
low
●When the hybrid system is cool (for
example, after being left for a long time in low temperatures)
■Windshield defogger
When defogging the windshield using
the Remote Air Conditioning System, defogging may be insufficient due to the power being restricted more than during
normal air conditioning operation. Also, the outside of the windshield may fog up due to the outside temperature, humidity
or air conditioning set temperature.
■Using the heater via the Remote Air Conditioning System
●When the outside temperature is low, heating may feel insufficient due to restricted operation of the air condi-
tioning.
●When the outside heat exchanger
becomes frosted over, heating perfor- mance may decline due to automati-cally switching to the frost removal
operation. ( P.432)
■Security feature
Any unlocked doors will be automatically locked when the system is operating.
The emergency flashers flash to indicate that the doors have been locked or the system has been turned off.
■Conditions affecting operation
 P.254
■While the Remote Air Conditioning System is operating
●Depending on the operating condition of the Remote Air Conditioning Sys-tem, the air conditioning compressor
or cooling fan may spin and an operat- ing noise may be heard.However, this does not indicate a mal-
function.
●The air conditioning operation
switches, etc. will not operate while the Remote Air Conditioning System is operating.
■Electronic key battery depletion
 P.232
■When the electronic key battery is fully depleted
 P.511
■Customization
Setting (e.g. Operation using “A/C” on the wireless remote control) can be changed. (Customizable features:
 P.607)
WARNING
■Precautions for the Remote Air Conditioning System
●Do not use the system if people are in the vehicle. Even when the system is in use, the
internal temperature may still reach a high or low level due to features such as the automatic shut-off.
Children and pets left inside the vehicle may suffer heatstroke dehy-dration or hypothermia, or could
result in death or serious injury.
●Depending on the surrounding envi-
ronment, signals from the wireless switch may transmit further than expected. Pay appropriate attention
to the vehicle’s surroundings and use the switch only when neces-sary.
●Do not operate “A/C” on the wire-less remote control if the hood is
open. The air conditioning may operate unintentionally and objects may be drawn into the electrical
cooling fan.
NOTICE
■To prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery) from being dis-charged
Use “A/C” on the wireless remote control only when necessary.

545
8
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
• A warning message about an opera-
tion of the brake pedal may be shown while the driving assist systems such as PCS (Pre-Collision system) (if
equipped) or the dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range (if equipped) is operating. If a warning
message is shown, be sure to decel- erate the vehicle or follow the instruc-tion shown on the multi-information
display. • A warning message is shown when Brake Override System operates.
( P.289) • A warning message is shown when Drive-Start Control or Parking Support
Brake function (if equipped) operates ( P.289, 403). Follow the instructions on the multi-information display.
●If a message about an operation of the power switch is shown
An instruction for operation of the power
switch is shown when the incorrect pro-
cedure for starting the hybrid system is
performed or the power switch is oper-
ated incorrectly. Follow the instructions
shown on the multi-information display
to operate the power switch again.
●If a message about a shift lever opera- tion is shown
To prevent the shift lever from being
operated incorrectly or the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly, a message that
requires shifting the shift lever may be
shown on the multi-information display.
In that case, follow the instruction of the
message and shift the shift lever.
●If a message or image about an open/close state of a part or replen-
ishment of a consumable is shown
Confirm the part indicated by the multi-
information display or a warning light,
and then perform the coping method
such as closing the open door or replen-
ishing a consumable.
■If a message that indicates the
need for visiting any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho-rized repairer, or any reliable
repairer is displayed
The system or part shown on the multi- information display is malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer immediately.
■If a message that indicates the need for referring to Owner’s Man-ual is displayed
●If the following messages are shown, follow the instructions, accordingly.
• “Blind Spot Monitor Unavailable” ( P.388) • “RCTA Unavailable” ( P.388)
• “Engine Coolant Temp High” ( P.578) • “Exhaust Filter Full” ( P.414)
●If the following messages are shown, there may be a malfunction.
Immediately have the vehicle inspected
by any authorized Toyota retailer or
Toyota authorized repairer, or any reli-
able repairer.
• “Plug-in Charging System Malfunc- tion”• “Hybrid System Malfunction”
• “Charging system malfunction” • “Check Engine”• “Traction battery system malfunction”
• “Accelerator System Malfunction” • “Smart Entry & Start System Malfunc-tion”
●If the following messages are shown, there may be a malfunction.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place and contact any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer. Con-
tinuing to drive the vehicle may be dan-
gerous.
•“Oil Pressure Low” • “Braking Power Low”
●If any of the following messages are

547
8
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
12-volt battery.
■If “Engine Oil Level Low Add or
Replace” is displayed
The engine oil level may be low. Check the level of the engine oil, and add
engine oil if necessary. This message may be displayed if the vehicle is stopped on a slope. Move the vehicle to
a level surface and check if the mes- sage disappears.
■If a message that indicates the mal-function of front camera is dis-
played (if equipped)
The following systems may be sus- pended until the problem shown in the
message is resolved. ( P.341, 534)
●PCS (Pre-Collision System)*
●LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)*
●AHB (Automatic High Beam)*
●RSA (Road Sign Assist)*
●Dynamic radar cruise control with full-
speed range*
*: If equipped
■If a message that indicates the mal- function of radar sensor is dis-
played
The following systems may be sus- pended until the problem shown in the
message is resolved. ( P.341, 534)
●PCS (Pre-Collision System)*
●LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)*
●Dynamic radar cruise control with full-
speed range*
*: If equipped
■If “Radar Cruise Control Temporar- ily Unavailable See Owner’s Man-
ual” is shown
The dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range system (if equipped) is
suspended temporarily or until the prob- lem shown in the message is resolved. (causes and coping methods: P.341)
■If “Radar Cruise Control Unavail-
able” is shown
The dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range system (if equipped)
cannot be used temporarily. Use the system when it becomes available again.
■Warning buzzer
 P.542
WARNING
■If a warning light comes on or a warning buzzer sounds when a
warning message is shown on the multi-information display
 P.543
NOTICE
■“High Power Consumption Par- tial Limit On AC/Heater Opera-
tion” is frequently shown
There is a possible malfunction relat- ing to the charging system or the 12-
volt battery may be deteriorating. Have the vehicle inspected by any
authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■If “Maintenance Reqd. For Trac-tion Battery At Your Dealer” is
shown
The hybrid battery (traction battery) is scheduled to be inspected or
replaced. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer immediately.
●Continuing to drive the vehicle with- out having the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) inspected will cause the hybrid system not to start.
●If the hybrid system does not start, contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.

616Alphabetical Index
Blower customization ................. 432
Front seat concentrated airflow
mode (S-FLOW) ...................... 435
Humidity sensor ......................... 437
Remote Air Conditioning System438
Automatic headlight leveling system
..................................................... 327
Automatic High Beam (AHB) ....... 328
Automatic light control system ... 326
Auxiliary box ................................. 448
Average fuel economy . 201, 213, 216
Average vehicle speed ......... 204, 216
B
Back door ...................................... 240
Hands Free Power Back Door ... 244
Power back door ........................ 243
Wireless remote control ............. 243
Back-up lights
Replacing light bulbs .................. 516
Wattage...................................... 591
Battery (12-volt battery) ............... 484
If the 12-volt battery is discharged
................................................. 573
Preparing and checking before win-
ter ............................................ 422
Replacing ................................... 576
Warning light .............................. 535
Battery (traction battery)................ 95
Charging ............................ 127, 135
Location ....................................... 95
Specification............................... 586
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) ............ 386
Blind Spot Monitor function ........ 389
Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function
................................................. 391
Bottle holders ............................... 447
Brake
Brake Hold ................................. 323
Parking brake ............................. 320
Regenerative braking ................... 90Warning light .............................. 534
Brake assist...................................415
Brake Hold ..................................... 323
Brake Override System ................ 289
Break-in tips .................................. 289
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) ............386
Blind Spot Monitor function ........ 389
Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function
................................................. 391
C
Card holder.................................... 448
Care
Aluminum wheels .......................466
Exterior ....................................... 466
Front camera .............................. 339
Interior ........................................469
Radar sensor.............................. 339
Seat belts ...................................469
Water-repellent coating .............. 467
Cargo hooks .................................. 449
Chains ............................................ 424
Charging
“My Room Mode” .......................164
AC charging cable ...................... 109
Charging equipment ................... 106
Charging indicator ...................... 107
Charging messages ................... 172
Charging procedure ................... 135
Charging schedule function........ 144
Charging time may increase ...... 134
High voltage components............. 95
How to charge ............................ 135
Information related to charging dis-
play .......................................... 131
Opening and closing the charging
port lid ...................................... 107
Power sources precautions ........ 126
Power sources that can be used 124
Safety functions.......................... 132
When charging cannot be carried