Toyota RAV4 EV 2002 Owner's Manual

Foreword

Welcome to the growing group of value−conscious people who drive Toyotas. We are proud of the advanced engineering and quality construction of each vehicle we build.

This electric vehicle is 2WD (FF).

This Owner’s Manual explains the operation of your new Toyota. Please read it thoroughly and have all the occupants follow the instructions carefully. Doing so will help you enjoy many years of safe and trouble−free motoring. For important information about this manual and your Toyota, read the following pages carefully.

When it comes to service, remember that your EV service station knows your vehicle best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. He will provide quality maintenance and any other assistance you may require.

Please leave this Owner’s Manual in this vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will need this information also.

All information and specifications in this manual are current at the time of printing. However, because of Toyota’s policy of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.

Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment, including options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.

Important information about this manual

Safety and vehicle damage warnings

Throughout this manual, you will see safety and vehicle damage warnings. You must follow these warnings carefully to avoid possible injury or damage.

The types of warnings, what they look like, and how they are used in this manual are explained as follows:

CAUTION

This is a warning against anything which may cause injury to people if the warning is ignored. You are informed about what you must or must not do in order to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.

NOTICE

This is a warning against anything which may cause damage to the vehicle or its equipment if the warning is ignored. You are informed about what you must or must not do in order to avoid or reduce the risk of damage to your vehicle and its equipment.

Safety symbol

When you see the safety symbol shown above, it means: “Do not...”; “Do not do this”; or “Do not let this happen”.

Important information about your Toyota

New vehicle warranty

Your new vehicle is covered by the following Toyota limited warranties:

D New vehicle warranty D Others

For further information, please refer to the ”Owner’s Warranty Information Booklet” or ”Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

Your responsibility for maintenance

It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that the specified maintenance is performed. Section 7 gives details of these maintenance requirements. Also included in Section 7 is general maintenance. For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.

Accessories, spare parts and

modification of your Toyota

A wide variety of non−genuine spare parts and accessories for Toyota vehicles are currently available in the market. You should know that Toyota does not warrant these products and is not responsible for their performance, repair, or replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse effect they may have on, your Toyota vehicle.

This vehicle should not be modified with non−genuine Toyota products. Modification with non−genuine Toyota products could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from the modification may not be covered under warranty.

iii

Installation of a mobile

two−way radio system

As the installation of a mobile two−way radio system in your vehicle could affect electronic systems such as anti−lock brake system, SRS airbag system and seat belt pretensioner system, be sure to check with your EV service station for precautionary measures or special instructions regarding installation.

Scrapping of your Toyota

The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your Toyota contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped with the airbags and pretensioners left as they are, this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to have the systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner removed and disposed of by the qualified service shop or by your EV service station before you dispose of your vehicle.

When the electric vehicle needs to be disposed of, sufficient care should be taken for the treatment of poisonous electrolyte of traction batteries. For the disposal of the electric vehicle, consult your EV service station.

On−pavement and off−road

driving tips

This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class. In general, utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. This kind of vehicle will handle and maneuver differently from an ordinary passenger car because it is designed for off−road use also. In addition, this kind of vehicle has a higher ground clearance and center of gravity than that of an ordinary passenger car. The ordinary utility vehicle is more likely to rollover. Failure to operate this kind of vehicle correctly may result in loss of control, accidents or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. However, your RAV4 EV is an electric vehicle. It has heavy traction batteries under the floor. So the ground clearance is not so high. Avoid off−road driving because it may damage the traction batteries. Be sure to read “Off−road vehicle precautions” on page 126 in Section 3 and “Off−road driving precautions” on page 137 in Section 4.

Traction batteries

Traction batteries have a service life. Call your EV service station or a service station for information concerning recycling or disposal of traction batteries and your vehic le.

CAUTION

Precautions for use

of RAV4 EV

The RAV4 EV has both high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12−volt system. DC and AC high voltage are both very dangerous and can cause death or serious i njuries, severe burns and el ectric shock.

D In order to avoid personal injuries, do not touch

the high voltage wirings (orange colored) and their connectors.

D Follow the caution labels attached to the high volt-

age parts.

D Do not remove or replace the high voltage parts

such as the power control unit (located in the motor compartment), traction batteries (located under the floor), etc.

D Do not touch the service plug located under the

floor carpet of the rear seat without EV technical training. (See page viii.) This component is provided to disable the high voltage system in case of servicing at an EV service station.

If an accident occurs

D Pull the vehicle off the road, put the selector lever

in ”P” and remove the motor key.

D In order to avoid personal injuries, do not touch

any high voltage wirings and their connectors, and high voltage parts (power control unit, traction batteries, etc.).

D If some exposed electric wirings are protruding

inside or outside of the vehicle, an electric shock may occur. Never touch the electric wirings.

D If fluid leaks or gets in some parts of the vehicle,

never touch it because it may be strong alkali from the traction batteries. If it gets into your skin or eyes, wash off immediately with a large amount of water, if possible, boric acid solution, and get immediate medical attention in order to help avoid serious injury.

D If a vehicle fire occurs, extinguish it using a fire

extinguisher for the exclusive use on electric fires. Or, use a large amount of water to prevent flammable gas from being generated from the batteries.

D When your vehicle needs to be towed, do it with

the front wheels raised. For details on towing, see “If your vehicle needs to be towed” on page 154 in Section 5.

CAUTION

High Voltage

Your electric vehicle is equipped with cables connected to parts of the vehicle subject to high voltage (about 300 V). There are some other parts which reach high temperatures when you are driving. Never touch battery cables (wrapped in orange−colored harnesses) and their connector since high voltages are applied and they are dangerous. Caution labels are applied to these parts to identify them. Carefully observe the instructions on these caution labels.

vii

Location Of Warning Labels On High Voltage

Warnings for:

1. Power control unit

2. HWS noise filter

3. Charging

4. Service plug

viii

SECTION 1 – 1

FEATURES ON NEW TOYOTA RAV4 EV

Overview of instruments and controls

Instrument panel overview 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Instrument cluster overview 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Indicator symbols on the instrument p anel 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Odometer and tri p meter 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SOC (State of charge) meter and traction battery voltmeter 6. . . . . . . .

Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Instrument panel overview

1. Side vents

2. Instrument cluster

3. Personal lights

4. Glove box

5. Power door lock switches

6. Power window switches

7. Parking brake lever

8. Rear ashtray

9. Running mode selector lever

10. Front ashtray

11. Hood lock release lever

12. Window lock switch

1. Instrument panel light control knob

2. Headlight and turn signal switch

3. Wiper and washer switch

4. Clock

5. HWS (Heated windshield) switch

6. Air conditioning controls

7. Emergency flasher switch

8. Rear window defogger switch

9. Car audio

10. Charge controller

11. Front seat heater switches

12. Charge door opener

13. Cigarette lighter

14. Motor switch

15. Set switch

16. Snow mode switch

17. Power rear view mirror control switches

Instrument cluster overview

1. Speedometer

2. Odometer

3. Service reminder indicators or indicator lights

4. SOC (State of Charge) meter

5. Traction battery voltmeter

6. Trip meter

7. Trip meter reset knob

Indicator symbols on the instrument panel

Brake system warning light

Seat belt reminder light

∗

Auxiliary battery discharge warning light

Motor system warning light

SOC (State of Charge) warning light

Anti−lock brake system warning light

Open door warning light

SRS warning light

∗

Turn signal indicator lights

Headlight high beam indicator light

Running mode position indicator light

∗

EB (Electrical Brake) mode indicator light

Snow mode indicator light

Driving ready light

Low tire pressure warning light

Output control warning light

∗

: For details, see ”Service reminder indicators and warning

∗

buzzers” on page 7 in this section.

Odometer and trip meter

This meter displays the odometer and trip meter.

1. Odometer— Shows the total distance the vehicle has been driven.

2. Trip meter—Shows the distance driven since the last time it was set to zero. The black digits on white indicate tenths of miles.

3. Trip meter reset knob—Resets the trip meter to zero. To reset the trip meter, push the knob.

SOC (State of Charge) meter and traction battery voltmeter

Battery check

Check the battery condition using the SOC meter and traction battery voltmeter.

A: SOC (State of Charge) meter—

The SOC meter indicates the battery charging capacity with the motor switch on or during charging.

1. Yellow zone—The area where application of charge is recommended.

2. Red zone—The area where immediate application of charge is recommended.

With the decreased electric capacity, you may not be able to continue driving and the traction battery life will also be shortened.

B: Traction battery voltmeter—

The traction battery voltmeter indicates the voltage level of the traction batteries. Increasing energy consumption is indicated by a decreasing voltage level. (For example, acceleration, accessory use, etc.) For best performance, recharge the batteries when the voltmeter enters the yellow zone (3). For further information, see “How to drive” on page 17 in Section 1−2 and “Brake system” on page 128 in Section 3.

Tips for Driving Distance: The output control warning light (4) comes on when the voltmeter enters the yellow zone because of rapid acceleration, increasing energy consumption, etc. When the voltage drops, the warning light comes on. The buzzer sounds at further drop of voltage. As the ambient temperature becomes colder, the voltmeter tends to enter the yellow zone. To have a longer driving range, continue your driving while keeping the voltmeter from entering the yellow zone.

Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers

If the indicator or buzzer comes on... Do this.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

If parking brake is off, stop immediately and contact EV service station.

(indicator and buzzer)

Fasten seat belts .

(indicator and buzzer)

Take vehicl e to EV service st ation immediat ely.

Close all side doors and back door.

Adjust tire pressure.

Take vehicle to EV service station. If brake system warning light is also on, stop immediately and contact EV service station.

Apply a charge.

If the indicator or buzzer comes on... Do this.

(h)

(i)

(j)

(k)

(indicator and buzzer)

Buzzers

Stop and check .

Take vehicle to EV service station.

Drive at m oderate speed.

S Remove key. S Turn off headli ghts. S Shift the selector lever to “P”.

(a) Brake System Warning Light and

Buzzer

This light comes on in the following cases when the motor switch is in the “ON” position.

D When the parking brake is applied ...

This light comes on for a few seconds when the motor switch is turned to the “ON” position even after the parking brake is released.

D When the brake fluid level is low ...

CAUTION

It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the brake fluid level is low.

D When the hydraulic brake booster

fails ...

If the hydraulic booster causes a problem resulting in poor braking performance, the warning light comes on and buzzer sounds continuously.

D When the regenerative brake fails ...

For further information, see “Brake system” on page 128 in Section 3.

Have your vehicle checked at your EV service station in the following cases:

D The light does not come on even if the

parking brake is applied when the motor switch is in the “ON” position.

D The light does not come on even if the

motor switch is turned on with the parking brake released.

A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not indicate a problem.

CAUTION

If either of the following conditions occurs, immediately stop your vehicle at a safe place and contact your EV service station.

D The light does not turn off even

after the parking brake is released while the traction motor is running.

D The warning buzzer comes on to-

gether with the warning light.

In either case, this can indicate that the brakes may not work properly and your stopping distance will become longer. Depress the brake pedal firmly and bring the vehicle to an immediate stop.

Any of the following conditions may occur, but do not indicate the malfunction:

D The light may stay on for about 60

seconds after the motor switch is turned to the “ON” position. It is normal if it turns off after a while.

D Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly

may turn on the warning light and buzzer. It is normal if the light turns off and the buzzer stops sounding after a few seconds.

D You may hear a small sound in the

motor compartment after the traction motor is started or the brake pedal is depressed repeatedly. This is a pump pulsating sound of the brake system, and it is not a malfunction.

(b) Seat Belt Reminder Light and

Buzzer

This light and buzzer remind you to buckle up the driver’s seat belt.

Once the motor switch is turned to ”ON” or ”START”, the reminder light flashes and buzzer sounds if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light stays flashing and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.

tor switch is turned to the “ACC” or “ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the SRS airbags are operating properly.

This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assemblies, front airbag sensors, inflators, warning light, interconnecting wiring and power sources.

If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning light system. Contact your EV service station as soon as possible to service the vehicle.

D When the motor switch is turned to the

“ACC” or “ON” position, the light does not come on, remains on or flashes.

D The light comes on or starts flashing

while driving.

If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front passenger airbags have a problem. If the light flashes, the seat belt pretensioners have a problem.

(d) Open Door Warning Light

This warning light comes on when any of the doors are not completely closed.

Do not drive the vehicle with the light on. If any of the doors accidently opens during driving, it is danger and may cause an acci dent.

(e) Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

This light warns that the tire pressure of any one or more of the tires is critically reduced. The light comes on when the motor switch is turned to the ”ON” position. It goes off after about 3 seconds. This indicates that the tire pressure warning system is functioning properly. If the light remains on after about 3 seconds, increase the tire pressure and start driving after making sure the light is off.

If the light comes on while driving, adjust tire pressure to the specified level. (See ”Tires” on page 205 in Section 9.) After the tire pressure is adjusted, the light should go off after driving at about more than 30 km/h (19 mph) for some time. If the light still remains on, have the tire pressure warning system checked at your EV service station.

(f) ”ABS” Warning Light

The light comes on when the motor switch is turned to the “ON” position. If the anti− lock brake system works properly, the light turns off after a few seconds. Thereafter, if the system malfunctions, the light comes on again.

When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system warning light is off), the anti−lock brake system does not operate, but the brake system still operates conventionally.

When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system warning light is off), the anti−lock brake system does not operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.

If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the warning light system, Contact your EV service station as soon as possible to service the vehicle.

D The light does not come on when the

motor switch is turned to the “ON” position, or remains on.

D The light comes on while you are driv-

ing.

A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not indicate a problem.

Either of the following conditions may occur, but do not indicate the malfunction:

D The light may stay on for about 60

seconds after the motor switch is turned to the “ON” position. It is normal if it turns off after a while.

D Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly

may turn on the light. It is normal if it turns off after a few seconds.

(g) SOC (State of Charge) Warning

Light

This warning light comes on when the charging capacity is about less than 20 % and flashes with less than 15 %. If this light comes on, we recommend that you should charge the traction batteries. And if the light flashes, immediately apply a charge.

With the discharged traction batteries, you may not be able to continue driving and the traction battery life will also be shortened.

(h) Auxiliary Battery Discharge Warning

Light

This light comes on when the motor switch is on. It goes off when the traction motor is ready to run.

If this light comes on during driving, the auxiliary battery system may have a problem. Decrease the vehicle speed and stop in a safe place. If the light goes off, you can drive. If not, contact EV service station.

(i) Motor System Caution Light

This light comes on when the motor switch is on. It goes off when the traction motor is ready to run.

The light comes on if the motor system has a problem. If this light comes on, stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact EV service station.

(j) Output Control Warning Light and

Buzzer

This light comes on when the motor switch is on. It goes off when the traction motor is ready to run. The warning light may come on if you continue driving under high load, or with an excessive load applied on a steep incline or at higher or lower ambient temperatures, or at the lower traction batteries voltage. The buzzer sounds at further drop of voltage. The voltage becomes lower as the SOC capacity decreases largely or battery temperature becomes lower. In this case, the power is limited, so that the acceleration becomes uneven or the maximum vehicle speed decreases. As this does not indicate a malfunction, you can continue driving at moderate speed.

CAUTION

If the light comes on frequently or does not go off, the system may suddenly fail and your vehicle may become undriveable. Have your vehicle checked at EV service station.

(k) Warning Buzzers

In the following cases, the buzzer continues to sound:

D The driver’s door is opened with the

key in the ”ACC” or ”LOCK” position.

D The driver’s door is opened with the

key removed from the motor switch and the headlight switch left on.

D The driver’s door is opened with the

selector lever in a position other than ”P” when the ”READY” light is on.

CHECKING SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS (except the SOC warning light)

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Open one of the doors. The open door warning light should come on.

3. Close the door. The open door warning light should go off.

4. Turn the motor switch to ”ACC”. The SRS airbag warning light should come on. It goes off after about 6 seconds.

5. Turn the motor switch to ”ON”, but do not start the motor. All the service reminder indicators except the open door warning light and SRS airbag warning light should come on. The ”ABS” warning light and low tire pressure warning light go off after about 3 seconds.

If any service reminder indicator or warning buzzer does not function as described above, have it checked by your EV service station as soon as possible.

SECTION 1 – 2

FEATURES ON NEW TOYOTA RAV4 EV

How to drive

Before starting the traction motor 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Motor switch with steering lock 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to start the traction motor 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to drive 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Parking brake 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tire pressure warning system 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Before starting the traction motor

1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.

2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle and head restraint height.

3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.

4. Lock all the doors.

5. Fasten seat belts.

When you get in a vehicle, check whether the ”READY” light is on or not.

Because the electric vehicle does not produce any noise or vibration when the vehicle is ready to start with the ”READY” light on, be careful not to start the vehicle abruptly by depressing the accelerator pedal inadvertently.

Motor switch with steering lock

If you leave the key in the ”ACC” or ”LOCK” position and open the side door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.

”LOCK”—Traction motor is off and the steering wheel is locked. The key can be removed only at this position.

”START”—Traction motor is ready to run. The key will return to the ”ON” position when released.

Hold the motor switch at this position until the ”READY” light comes on and a beep sounds.

”ON”—Traction motor starts to run when the accelerator pedal is depressed with the ”READY” light on, and all accessories on.

This is the normal driving position.

”ACC”—Accessories such as the radio operate, but the traction motor is off.

NOTICE

Do not leave the key in the ”ON” position. The auxiliary battery will discharge and the traction motor could be damaged.

How to start the traction motor— (a) Before starting the traction motor

You must push in the key to turn it from ”ACC” to the ”LOCK” position.

When starting the traction motor, the key may seem stuck at the ”LOCK” position. To free it, first be sure the key is pushed all the way in, and then rock the steering wheel slightly while turning the key gently.

CAUTION

Never remove the key when the vehicle is moving, as this will lock the steering wheel and result in loss of steering control.

1. Make sure the charge coupler is not connected.

If the charge coupler is connected when the motor switch is turned to ”START”, the traction motor is not ready to start. Make sure the charging is finished and disconnect the charge coupler.

2. Make sure the parking brake has been applied.

3. Make sure the selector lever is in the ”P” position.

Although you may turn on the traction motor with the selector lever in the ”N” position, for your safety, be sure to start the vehicle with the selector lever in the ”P” position.

4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until driving off.

(b) Turning on the traction motor

NOTICE

z If there is a problem in the traction

motor system, the ”READY” light does not come on. Instead the motor system caution light comes on. If this happens, contact EV service station.

z With the auxiliary battery dis-

charged, turning the motor switch to ”START” will not turn on the ”READY” light. If this happens, contact EV service station.

Before starting the traction motor, be sure to follow the instructions in ”(a) Before starting the traction motor”.

Normal starting procedure

Turn and hold the motor switch to ”START” with the brake pedal depressed until the ”READY” light comes on and a beep sounds. After making sure the ”READY” light is on, release your hand from the motor switch.

The ”READY” light does not come on when you depress the accelerator pedal and/or the selector lever is put in a position other than ”P” or ”N”. Release your foot from the accelerator pedal and/or put the selector lever in ”P” and turn the motor switch to ”START” again.

How to drive

Lock release button —

To prevent misshifting

:With the brake pedal de-

pressed, shift while pressing the lock release button in (The motor switch must be in the ”ON” position.).

:Shift while pressing the

lock release button in.

:Shift normally.

EB button

OFF position

ON position Releasing the

accelerator pedal in “D” position will provide engine braking effect.

Selector Lever Position

P — Parking, motor starting and

key removal position

R — Reverse position N — Neutral position D — Normal driving position

When r eleasing the accelerator ped al with the E B button in ON position, engine b raking ef fect will be applied.

B — Position for engine braking effect

More powerful engine braking ef fect than EB mode will be applied.

Although the EB indicator light comes on with the EB button ON, additional EB engine braking effect will not be applied.

Do not press the lock release button unless otherwise necessary.

You cannot shift the selector lever from ”P” with the motor switch at ”ACC” or ”LOCK” even after you depress the brake pedal.

You cannot shift the selector lever if you depress the brake pedal with the lock release button pressed. You must first depress the brake pedal, then push in the lock release button and shift the selector lever.

(a) Normal driving

1. Shift the selector lever to ”D” or ”R” with the brake pedal depressed.

CAUTION

Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while shifting.

2. Release the parking brake.

3. Release your foot from the brake pedal and depress the accelerator pedal to start the vehicle.

Operate the accelerator pedal carefully because the speed at starting is controlled only by the accelerator pedal.

4. The selector lever should be operated in the same manner as an ordinary gasoline−fueled vehicle with an automatic transmission. If you desire an “engine braking effect”, push the “EB” button (EB indicator lamp will illuminate). The “engine braking effect” is similar to that as an ordinary gasoline−fueled vehicle with an automatic transmission. “Engine braking effect” is not applied without the “EB” mode in “D” position. For an additional “engine braking effect”, move the selector lever to the “B” position.

Whenever you select “EB” or “B” mode, the vehicle speed will decrease depending on the road conditions when you release the accelerator pedal. Select “B” mode if more powerful engine braking effect is needed. Under certain driving conditions, such as downhill driving or long decelerations, the “EB” and “B” mode can be used to recharge the traction batteries and increase the vehicle’s driving range. See “Regenerative Brake” on page 128 in Section 3 for additional information.

CAUTION

Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. Abrupt shifting could cause the vehicle to spin or skid.

(b) Backing up

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever to the ”R” position.

NOTICE

Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. Pull the parking brake lever up fully to securely apply the parking brake.

3. With the brake pedal pressed down, shift the selector lever to the ”P” position.

If the driver’s door is opened with the ”READY” light on and the selector lever at a position other than ”P”, you hear beeps.

(d) Driving in ”SNOW MODE” Push the switch to turn on the snow

mode when the vehicle is stopped.

The motor traction is controlled in this mode, so you can start the vehicle smoothly on the road in snow.

When you push the switch again, the snow mode turns off.

NOTICE

Do not turn on or off the switch during driving. This operation will cause acceleration shock.

(e) Good driving practices

Tips for Driving Distance:

1. Traction battery voltmeter

2. Yellow zone

3. Output control warning light The output control warning l ight comes o n

when t he v oltmeter enters the yellow z one because of rapid acceleration, increasing energy consumption, etc. When the voltage drops, the warning light comes on. The buzzer sounds at further drop of voltage. As the ambient temperature becomes colder, the v oltmeter tends t o e nter the y el low zone. To have a longer driving range, continue your driving while keeping the voltmeter from entering the yellow zone.

Avoid the driving that may cause an excessive load applied to the vehicle.

Driving such as high speed driving, driving on a slope, rapid speed increases, frequent speed increases or decreases will shorten the driving range.

Check the condition of the traction batteries with the SOC meter and traction battery voltmeter and charge if required.

If the traction battery’s capacity or voltage is excessively low, you might not be able to drive the electric vehicle.

If the needle of the traction battery voltmeter enters the yellow zone frequently, the driving range will be shortened.

(f) Effective operation for a longer

battery life

D Avoid acceleration at full throttle or

deceleration by applying the brakes fully.

D Charge the traction batteries before

the SOC meter needle enters the yellow zone.

CAUTION

D While the vehicle is moving, never

attempt to move the selector lever into ”P” position under any circumstances. Serious mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control may result.

D Always keep your foot on the

brake pedal while stopped with the ”READY” light on. With the selector lever in a position other than ”P” or ”N”, if you depress the accelerator pedal advertently, the vehicle may start abruptly.

NOTICE

Always use the brake pedal or the parking brake to hold the vehicle on an upgrade. Do not attempt to hold the vehicle using the accelerator pedal, as this can cause the transmission to overheat.

(g) If you cannot shift the selector le-

ver out of ”P” position.

If you cannot shift the selector lever from the ”P” position even though the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For instructions, see ”If you cannot shift running mode selector lever” on page 157 in Section 5.

CAUTION

Only use the shift lock override button in an emergency. If you must use the shift lock override button, the safety interlock of the selector lever is not functioning properly. For your safety, have the vehicle serviced immediately.

Parking brake

Tire pressure warning system

CAUTION

Before driving, be sure the parking brake is fully released and the parking brake reminder light is off.

When parking, firmly apply the parking brake to avoid inadvertent creeping.

To set: Pull up the lever. For better holding power, first depress the brake pedal and hold it while setting the parking brake.

To release: Pull up the lever slightly (1), press the lock release button (2), and lower (3).

To remind you that the parking brake is set, the parking brake reminder light in the instrument panel remains on until you release the parking brake.

The tire pressure warning system is designed to provide warning when tire pressure of any one of the tires is critically reduced while the vehicle is moving. The low tire pressure warning light comes on to inform you that such low tire pressure may hamper driving.

This system is not designed to operate when the vehicle is stopped. Therefore, check the tire pressures regularly. The recommended cold tire pressures, tire sizes and the vehicle capacity weight are given in Section 9. The recommended cold tire pressures and tire sizes are also on the tire pressure label. (For instruction, see ”Checking tire pressure” on page 183 in Section 8−2.)

Installed tires should be of the specified size. They should be of the same size and construction. If tires other than of the specified size are used, or if tires of different sizes or constructions are mixed, the tire pressure warning system will not function properly.

LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT

This light comes on when the motor switch is turned to the ”ON” position. It goes off after about 3 seconds. This indicates that the tire pressure warning system is functioning properly.

If the low tire pressure warning light comes on while driving, adjust tire pressure to the specified level. (See ”Tires” on page 205 in Section 9.)

After the tire pressure is adjusted, the light should go off after driving at about more than 30 km/h (19 mph) for some time. If the light still remains on, have the tire pressure warning system checked at your EV service station.

The tire pressure warning system does not function properly under certain circumstances. In the following cases, the low tire pressure warning light may not come on even if the tire pressure is low, or it may come on when the tire pressure is actually normal.

D If the tread wear is uneven among the

installed tires.

D If a compact spare tire, snow tires, or

tire chains are used.

D If the tire pressure is excessively high-

er than specified, or if tire pressure is suddenly reduced due to bursts or other causes.

D If the vehicle is driven on a slippery

road surface such as rough road and frozen road.

D If the vehicle speed is less than 30

km/h (19 mph) and if the driving duration is less than about 5 minutes.

D After the replacement of wheels, the

tire pressure warning system may not work properly. Contact EV service station.

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