Toyota RAV4 (XA50) 2019-2024 Owners Manual: Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with smart key system)

Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key on your person starts the engine or changes engine switch modes.

Starting the engine

1. Pull the parking brake switch to check that the parking brake is set.

The parking brake indicator will come on.

2. Check that the shift lever is set in P.

3. Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message will be displayed
on the multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started.

4. Press the engine switch shortly and firmly.

When operating the engine switch, one short, firm press is enough. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.

The engine will crank until it starts or for up to 30 seconds, whichever is less.

Continue depressing the brake pedal until the engine is completely started.

The engine can be started from any engine switch mode.

â– If the engine does not start

• The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated.

  Contact your Toyota dealer.

• If a message related to start-up is shown on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions.
• If the door is unlocked with the mechanical key, the engine cannot be started using the smart key system. However, if the electronic key is carried inside the vehicle and the doors are locked, the engine can be started.

â– If the battery is discharged

The engine cannot be started using the smart key system.

â– If there is a malfunction in the smart key system

If "Smart Key System Malfunction" is displayed on the multi-information display, the system may be malfunctioning.

Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.

â– Operation of the engine switch

• If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the engine switch mode may not change or the engine may not start.
• If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the engine switch to OFF, the engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine switch to OFF, please wait a few seconds before restarting the engine.

â– Customization

If the smart key system has been deactivated in a customized setting.

WARNING

â– When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sitting in the driver's seat. Do not depress the accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.

Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

â– When starting the engine

• Do not race a cold engine.
• If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer immediately.

â– Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch

If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact your Toyota dealer immediately.

Stopping the engine

1. Stop the vehicle completely.

2. If the parking brake is in manual mode, set the parking brake. Check the parking brake indicator is illuminated.

3. Shift the shift lever to P.

4. Press the engine switch shortly and firmly.

The engine will stop, and the meter display will be extinguished.

5. Release the brake pedal and check that "ACCESSORY" or "IGNITION ON" is not shown on the multi-information display.

â– Automatic engine shut off feature

• The vehicle is equipped with a feature that automatically shuts off the engine when the shift lever is in P with the engine running for an extended period.
• The engine will automatically shut off after approximately 1 hour if it has been left running while the shift lever is in P.
• The timer for the automatic engine shut off feature will reset if the brake pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in a position other than P.
• After the vehicle is parked, if the door is locked with the door lock switch from the inside or the mechanical key from the outside, the automatic engine shut off feature will be disabled.

  The timer for the automatic engine shut off feature will be re-enabled if the driver's door is opened.

WARNING

â– Stopping the engine in an emergency

• If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succession.

  However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

• If the engine switch is operated while the vehicle is running, a warning message will be shown on the multi-information display and a buzzer sounds.
• When restarting the engine after an emergency shutdown, shift the shift lever to N and press the engine switch shortly and firmly.

â– When parking

Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless. Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases to enter the vehicle and may lead to an accident caused by light-headedness, or may lead to death or a serious health hazard.

• If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area or a closed area, such as a garage, stop the engine.
• Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running for a long time. If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space and ensure that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.
• Do not leave the engine running in an area with snow build-up, or where it is snowing. If snow-banks build up around the vehicle while the engine is running, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle.

Changing engine switch modes

Modes can be changed by pressing the engine switch with brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)

1. "ACCESSORY"
2. "IGNITION ON"

1. OFF*
   The emergency flashers can be used.

   The multi-information display will not be displayed.

2. ACC
   Some electrical components such as the audio system can be used.

   "ACCESSORY" will be displayed on the multi-information display.

3. ON
   All electrical components can be used.

   "IGNITION ON" will be displayed on the multi-information display.

*: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the engine, the engine switch will be turned to ACC, not to OFF.

â– Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACC for more than 20 minutes or ON (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the engine switch will automatically turn to OFF. However, this function cannot entirely prevent battery discharge.

Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACC or ON for long periods of time when the engine is not running.

NOTICE

â– To prevent battery discharge

• Do not leave the engine switch in ACC or ON for long periods of time without the engine running.
• If "ACCESSORY" or "IGNITION ON" is displayed on the multi-information display, the engine switch is not in OFF. Exit the vehicle after turning the engine switch to OFF.

When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other than P

If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P, the engine switch will not be turned to OFF but instead be turned to ACC. Perform the following procedure to turn the switch to OFF:

1. Check that the parking brake is set.

2. Shift the shift lever to P.

3. Check that "ACCESSORY" is displayed on the multi-information display and then press the engine switch shortly and firmly.

4. Check that "ACCESSORY" or "IGNITION ON" on the multi-information display is off.

NOTICE

â– To prevent battery discharge

Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If the engine is stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will not be turned to OFF but instead be turned to ACC. If the vehicle is left in ACC, battery discharge may occur.