steering TOYOTA RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID 2023 Manual PDF

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.

4185-5. Using the driving support systems
■Sounds and vibrations caused by
the ABS, brake assist, VSC, Trailer
Sway Control, TRC and hill-start
assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the
engine compartment when the brake
pedal is depressed repeatedly, when
the hybrid system is started or just
after the vehicle begins to move. This
sound does not indicate that a mal-
function has occurred in any of these
systems.
●Any of the following conditions may
occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates
that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the
vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also
after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in
the following cases, but it does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the
engine compartment when the brake
pedal is operated.
●Motor sound of the brake system
heard from the front part of the vehicle
when the driver’s door is opened.
●Operating sound heard from the
engine compartment when one or two
minutes passed after the stop of the
hybrid system.
■Active Cornering Assist operation
sounds and vibrations
When the Active Cornering Assist is
operated, operation sounds and vibra-
tions may be generated from the brake
system, but this is not a malfunction.
■Automatic reactivation of TRC,
Trailer Sway Control and VSC sys-
tems
After turning the TRC, Trailer Sway
Control and VSC systems off, the sys-
tems will be automatically re-enabled in
the following situations:
●When the power switch is turned off
●If only the TRC system is turned off,
the TRC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRC and VSC systems are
turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed
increases.
■Operating conditions of Active Cor-
nering Assist
The system operates when the following
occurs.
●TRC/VSC can operate
●The driver is attempting to accelerate
while turning
●The system detects that the vehicle is
drifting to the outer side
●The brake pedal is released
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS
system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is
reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent
steering input over an extended period
of time. The steering wheel may feel
heavy as a result. Should this occur,
refrain from excessive steering input or
stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid sys-
tem off. The EPS system should return
to normal within 10 minutes.
■Operating conditions of emergency
brake signal
When the following conditions are met,
the emergency brake signal will operate:
●The emergency flashers are off.
●Actual vehicle speed is over 55 km/h
(35 mph).
●The system judges from the vehicle
deceleration that it is a sudden brak-
ing operation.
■Automatic system cancelation of
emergency brake signal
The emergency brake signal will be can-
celed in any of the following situations:
●The emergency flashers are turned
on.
●The system judges from the vehicle

421
5
5-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving
WARNING
■If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
●Firmly grip the steering wheel.
Steer straight ahead. Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.
●Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradu-
ally to reduce speed. Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction
with the steering or brakes, your vehi-
cle and trailer should stabilize.
( P.296)
■Secondary Collision Brake (if
equipped)
Do not rely solely upon the Secondary Collision Brake. This system is
designed to help reduce the possibil- ity of further damage due to a second-ary collision, however, that effect
changes according to various condi- tions. Overly relying on the system may result in death or serious injury.

4225-6. Driving tips
5-6.Driving tips
Use fluids that are appropriate to
the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
 Have a service technician
inspect the condition of the 12-
volt battery.
 Have the vehicle fitted with four
snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size
and brand, and that chains match the
size of the tires.*
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on
vehicles with 235/55R19 tires.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary prepa-
rations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter.
Always drive the vehicle in a
manner appropriate to the pre-
vailing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit specified for the snow tires being
used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some
wheels.
■Driving with tire chains (except
235/55R19 tires)
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehi- cle being unable to be driven safely, and may cause death or serious
injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit specified for the tire chains being used, or 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road sur-faces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shift-
ing operations that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before enter-ing a curve to ensure that vehicle control is maintained.
●Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) system (if equipped).
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer or legitimate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters.

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.

6
429
6
Interior features
Interior features
6-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning sys-
tem ................................. 430
Remote Air Conditioning Sys-
tem ................................. 438
Heated steering wheel/Front
seat heaters/Front seat heat-
ers and ventilators/Rear seat
heaters ........................... 440
6-2. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list................ 443
6-3. Using the storage features
List of storage features ..... 445
Luggage compartment fea-
tures ............................... 449
6-4. Using the other interior fea-
tures
Other interior features....... 453

4406-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
*: If equipped
Turns the heated steering wheel
on/off
The indicator light comes on when the
heated steering wheel is operating.
■Operation condition
The power switch is in ON.
Heated steering
wheel*/Front seat heat-
ers*/Front seat heaters
and ventilators*/Rear
seat heaters
 Heated steering wheel
Warm up the grip of the steering
wheel
 Front seat heaters
Warm up the front seat uphol-
stery
 Front seat ventilators
Maintain good ventilation by pull-
ing air through the Front seat
upholstery
 Rear seat heaters
Warm up the rear seat upholstery
WARNING
■To prevent minor burn injuries
Care should be taken if anyone in the following categories comes in contact with the steering wheel or seats when
the heater is on:
●Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically chal-
lenged
●Persons with sensitive skin
●Persons who are fatigued
●Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
■To prevent causes of overheat-ing and minor burn injuries
Observe the following precautions
when using a seat heater:
●Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat
heater.
●Do not use seat heater more than
necessary.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the seat heaters and seat ventilators
Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the seat and do not stick sharp objects (needles,
nails, etc.) into the seat.
■To prevent 12-volt battery dis-
charge
Do not use the functions when the hybrid system is off.
Heated steering wheel

449
6
6-3. Using the storage features
Interior features
Center
Vehicles with wireless charger:
 P.456
Raise the hook to use.
The cargo hooks are provided for
securing loose items.
Pull the tab and open the deck
board.
WARNING
■Items unsuitable for the open tray
Observe the following precautions when putting items in the open tray.
Failure to do so may cause items to be thrown out of the tray in the event of sudden braking or steering. In
these cases, the items may interfere with pedal operation or cause driver distraction, resulting in an accident.
●Do not store items in the tray that can easily shift or roll out.
●Do not stack items in the tray higher than the tray’s edge.
●Do not put items in the tray that may protrude over the tray’s edge.
Luggage compartment
features
Cargo hooks
WARNING
■When cargo hooks are not in use
To avoid injury, always return the hooks to their stowed positions when not in use.
Deck board

4687-1. Maintenance and care
WARNING
■Precaution regarding the rear bumper
If the paint of the rear bumper is chipped or scratched, the following systems may not function correctly. If
this occurs, consult any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
●BSM (if equipped)
●RCTA (if equipped)
●PKSB (if equipped)
●Toyota parking assist-sensor
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration
and corrosion on the body and components (aluminum wheels, etc.)
●Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on
the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the
paint surface
• After driving in an area contami- nated with soot, oily smoke, mine
dust, iron powder or chemical sub- stances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily
soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gas- oline are spilled on the paint sur-
face
●If the paint is chipped or scratched,
have it repaired immediately.
●To prevent the wheels from corrod- ing, remove any dirt and store in a place with low humidity when stor-
ing the wheels.
■Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
●Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.Wax may cause damage to the
lenses.
■When using an automatic car
wash
Set the wiper switch to off position. If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the
wipers may operate and the wiper blades may be damaged.
■When using a high pressure car wash
●When washing the vehicle, do not
let water from the high-pressure washer directly hit the camera (if equipped) or the area around the
camera. Due to the shock from the high pressure water, it is possible that the device may not operate
normally.
●Do not spray water directly on the
radar which is equipped behind the radar sensor cover. Otherwise it may cause the device to be dam-
aged.
●Do not bring the nozzle tip close to
boots (rubber or resin manufac- tured cover), or connectors or the following parts.
The parts may be damaged if they come into contact with high-pres-sure water.
• Traction related parts
• Steering parts
• Suspension parts
• Brake parts

4847-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
The 12-volt battery is located in the
right-hand side of luggage compart-
ment.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery produces hydrogen gas which is flam-mable and explosive. Therefore,
observe the following precautions before recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to dis-connect the ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and
disconnecting the charger cables to the 12-volt battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
●Vehicles with steering lock function: The hybrid system may not start. Fol-
low the procedure below to initialize the system.
1 Shift the shift lever to P.
2 Open and close any of the doors.
3 Restart the hybrid system.
●Unlocking the doors using the smart entry & start system may not be possi-ble immediately after reconnecting the
12-volt battery. If this happens, use the wireless remote control or the
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.Doing so may cause streaking on the
vehicle’s painted surfaces, as well as damaging the pump leading to prob-lems of the washer fluid not spraying.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as nec-
essary. Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the label of the washer fluid
bottle.
12-volt battery
Location