Toyota RAV4 (XA50) 2019-2024 Owners Manual: Downhill assist control system

The downhill assist control system helps to prevent excessive speed on steep downhill slopes.

The system will operate when the vehicle is traveling under 15 mph (25 km/h) with the accelerator and brake pedals released.

WARNING

■When using downhill assist control system

Do not rely overmuch on the downhill assist control system.

Always thoroughly check the road conditions, and drive safely.

System operation

Press the "DAC" switch

The downhill assist control system indicator will come on and the system will operate. When the system is in operation, the slip indicator light will flash, and the stop lights/high mounted stop lights will be lit. A sound may also occur during the operation. This does not indicate a malfunction.

Turning off the system

Press the "DAC" switch while the system is in operation.

The downhill assist control system indicator will flash as the system gradually ceases operation, and will turn off when the system is fully off.

Press the "DAC" switch while the downhill assist control system indicator is flashing to start the system again.

■Operating tips

The system will operate when the shift lever is in a 1 range of S mode or R.

■If the downhill assist control system indicator flashes

• In the following situations, the indicator flashes and the system will not operate:
  • The shift lever is in a position other 1 range of S mode or R.
  • The accelerator or brake pedal is depressed.
  • The vehicle speed exceeds approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).
  • The brake system overheats.
• In the following situation, the indicator flashes to alert the driver, but the system will operate:
  • The "DAC" switch is turned off while the system is operating.

The system will gradually ceases operation. The indicator will flash during operation, and then go off when the system is fully off.

■When the downhill assist control system is operated continuously

This may cause the brake actuator to overheat. In this case, the downhill assist control system will stop operating, a buzzer will sound and the downhill assist control system indicator will start flashing, and "Traction Control Turned OFF" will be shown on the multi-information display. Refrain from using the system until the downhill assist control system indicator stays on and the message goes off. (The vehicle can be driven normally during this time.)

■Sounds and vibrations caused by the downhill assist control system

• A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in downhill assist control system.
• Either of the following conditions may occur when the downhill assist control system is operating.

  None of these are indicators that a malfunction has occurred.

  • Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
  • A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.

■System malfunction

In the following cases, have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer.

• The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the engine switch is turned to ON.
• The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the "DAC" switch is pressed.
• The slip indicator light comes on.

WARNING

■The system may not operate on the following surfaces, which may lead to an accident causing death or serious injury

• Slippery surfaces such as wet or muddy roads
• Icy surface
• Unpaved roads