Toyota RAV4 (XA40) 2013-2018 Owners Manual: Driving assist systems

To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.

Abs (anti-lock brake system)

Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface

Brake assist

Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation

Vsc (vehicle stability control)

Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on slippery road surfaces

Trac (traction control)

Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads

Auto lsd function (2wd models)

The auto lsd function is activated when the system is in trac off mode. It operates when one of the drive wheels is spinning, such as when the wheel is spinning freely on ice or mud. The system applies the brakes to the spinning wheel and transfers some of the torque to the other wheel to secure drive power.

Dynamic torque control awd system (awd models)

Automatically switches from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive (awd) according to the driving conditions, helping to ensure reliable handling and stability. Examples of conditions where the system will switch to awd are when cornering, going uphill, starting off or accelerating, and when the road surface is slippery due to snow, rain, etc.

Eps (electric power steering)

Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the steering wheel

When the trac/vsc systems are operating

The slip indicator light will flash while the trac/vsc systems are operating.

Disabling the trac system

If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the trac system may reduce power from the engine 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 trac system off, quickly press and release   .

Press again to turn the system
back on.

2Wd models: the “auto lsd” and vsc off indicator lights will come on.

Awd models: the “trac off” indicator light will come on.

Turning off both trac/vsc systems

To turn the trac/vsc systems off, press and hold   for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.

2Wd models: the vsc off indicator light will come on.

Awd models: the “trac off” and vsc off indicator lights will come on.

Press   again to turn the
systems back on.

When the “auto lsd” indicator light flashes even if the vsc off switch has not been pressed (2wd models)

trac and auto lsd cannot be operated. Contact your toyota dealer.

When the “trac off” indicator light comes on even if the vsc off switch has not been pressed (awd models) trac cannot be operated. Contact your toyota dealer.

Sounds and vibrations caused by the abs, brake assist, vsc and trac systems

• A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction 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 after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the abs is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the abs is activated.

Eps operation sound

When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

Automatic reactivation of trac and vsc systems

After turning the trac and vsc systems off, the systems will be automatically re-enabled in the following situations:

• When the engine switch is turned to the “lock” position (vehicles without a smart key system) or off (vehicles with a smart key system).
• If only the trac system is turned off, the trac will turn on when vehicle speed increases

If both the trac and vsc systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will not occur when vehicle speed increases.

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 engine off. The eps system should return to normal within 10 minutes.

Caution

The abs does not operate effectively when

• The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
• The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.

Stopping distance when the abs is operating may exceed that of normal conditions

The abs is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:

• When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
• When driving with tire chains
• When driving over bumps in the road
• When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces

Trac may not operate effectively when

Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road surfaces, even if the trac system is operating.

Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

When the vsc is activated

The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

When the trac/vsc systems are turned off

Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions.

As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the trac/vsc systems off unless necessary.

Replacing tires

Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire inflation pressure level.

Contact your toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.

Handling of tires and the suspensio

n

Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.