2008 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual

Left side

46

Right side

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

CAUTION

RETURNING SEATBACKS Raise the seatback until it locks.

—Stowing third seats for luggage space

Do not fold the rear seatback when the rear passengers sit on the rear seats or the luggage is placed on the seat. Make sure that no passengers or luggage are on the rear seats.

CAUTION

in

the

folded seat or

Do not allow passengers to ride on the luggage compartment while driving; use the seat in its normal position. When returning the seatback to the upright position, observe the follow- ing precautions in order to prevent serious injury in a collision or sud- den stop: D Make sure the seatback is securely locked by pushing forward and rear- ward on the top of the seatback. Failure to do so will prevent the seat belt from operating properly.

D Make sure the seat belts are not twisted or caught in the seatback and are arranged in their proper position and are ready to use.

BEFORE FOLDING DOWN THIRD SEATS 1. Stow the third seat belt buckles as

shown in the illustration.

NOTICE

To prevent damage to the seat belt buckles, they must be stowed before you fold down the seatback.

47

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

2. Pull the seatback lock release strap the seatback. Make

to sure it is locked securely.

fold down

2. Pass the third seat belts through the

hangers.

STOWING THIRD SEATS 1. Lower the head restraint to the low-

This prevents the shoulder belt from being damaged.

est position.

CAUTION

The seat belt must be removed from the hanger when the seat belt is in use.

48

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

4. Push

the seat on

front side against the floor and push the seat on rear side against the floor. Make sure it is locked securely.

the

3. Pull and hold the seat lock release strap and lift up the seat rearward. Then push the seat down.

If the seat does not lift up when the seat lock release strap is pulled, lift the seat- back by pulling the seatback lock release strap, and push the seatback down again.

49

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

RETURNING THIRD SEATS 1. Pull and hold the seat lock release strap, then lift up the seat forward. Push the seat down. Push the seat on the rear side against the floor and push the seat on the front side. Make sure it is locked securely.

2. Pull the seatback lock release strap

and raise the seatback.

If the seat does not lift up when the seat lock release strap is pulled, lock the seat- back again. To lock the seatback, lift the seatback by pulling release strap and push the seatback down.

the seatback

lock

50

CAUTION

When stowing or returning the seat, observe the following precautions in order to prevent death or serious in- jury: D Make sure the seat is free of people or luggage. Then, hold the seat and slowly move it. Otherwise, people may be injured or luggage may be damaged if the seat hits them.

D Be careful not to get your hands or

feet pinched in the seat.

D Do not stow and return the seats when you are inside the vehicle in order to prevent pinching your hands or feet in the seat. Be sure to stow and return the seats from outside the vehicle.

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

Armrest

Head restraints

When returning seats to their original position, observe the following pre- cautions in order to prevent death or serious injury in a collision or sud- den stop: D Make sure

is securely locked by pushing forward and rear- ward on the top of the seatback or by trying to pull up the edge of the bottom cushion. Failure to do so will prevent the seat belt from oper- ating properly.

the seat

D Make sure the seat belts are not twisted or caught in the seatback and are arranged in their proper position and are ready to use.

Front seats

To use the armrest, lower the center head restraint. Pull the strap and pull the armrest down.

NOTICE

To prevent damage to the armrest, avoid putting heavy loads on it.

Rear/second seats

51

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

Seat heaters

CAUTION

D Adjust the center of the head re- straint so that it is closest to the top of your ears.

D After adjusting the head restraint, make sure it is locked in position. the head re-

D Do not drive with

straints removed.

Third seats

rear/second seats and

For your safety and comfort, adjust the head restraint before driving. To raise: Pull it up. To lower: Push it down while pressing the lock release button. The third seats head restraints—When an occupant sits on the rear seats, always pull up the head restraint to the lock position. The head restraint is most effective when it is close to your head. Therefore, using a cushion on the seatback is not recom- mended.

52

To turn on the seat heater, push the switches (“L” switch for driver’s seat and “R” switch for passenger’s seat). At this time, the indicator light will illu- minate to indicate the seat heater is operating. To turn off the seat heater, push the switch once again. The engine switch must be in the “ON” position to operate seat heaters.

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

CAUTION

NOTICE

z Do not put unevenly weighed ob- jects on the seat and do not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.

z When cleaning the seats, do not use organic substances (paint thin- ner, benzine, alcohol, gasoline, etc.). They may damage the heater and seat surface.

z To prevent the battery from being the switch off

discharged, when the engine is not running.

turn

the seat heater because

Occupants must use caution when op- erating it may make them feel too hot or cause burns at low temperatures (erythema, varicella). Use extra caution for; D Babies, small children, elderly per- sons, sick persons or persons with physical disabilities

D Persons who have sensitive skin D Persons who are exhausted D Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs which induce sleep (sleeping drug, cold remedy, etc.)

To prevent the seat overheating, do not use the seat heater with a blan- ket, cushion, or other insulating ob- jects which cover the seat.

Seat belts— —Seat belt precautions Toyota strongly urges that the driver and passengers in the vehicle be properly re- strained at all times with the seat belts provided. Failure to do so could increase the chance of injury and/or the severity of injury in accidents. The seat belts provided for your vehicle are designed for people of adult size, large enough to properly wear them. Child. Use a child restraint system ap- propriate for the child until the child be- comes large enough to properly wear the vehicle’s seat belts. See “Child restraint” on page 85 in this Section for details. If a child is too large for a child restraint system, the child should sit in the rear seat and must be restrained using the vehicle’s seat belt. According to accident statistics, the child is safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat. If a child must sit in the front seat, the seat belts should be worn properly. If an accident occurs and seat belts are not worn properly, the force of the rapid infla- tion of the airbag may cause death or serious injury to the child.

53

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

Do not allow any children to stand up or kneel on either rear or front seats. An unrestrained child could suffer serious in- jury or death during emergency braking or a collision. Also, do not let the child sit on your lap. Holding a child in your arms does not provide sufficient restraint. Pregnant woman. Toyota recommends the use of a seat belt. Ask your doctor for specific lap belt should be worn securely and as low as possible over the hips and not on the waist. Injured person. Toyota recommends the use of a seat belt. Depending on the inju- ry, first check with your doctor for specific recommendations.

recommendations. The

54

CAUTION

the vehicle

D Avoid reclining

in their seats Persons should ride their seat belts properly wearing whenever is moving. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or serious bodily inju- ry, in the event of sudden braking or a collision. When using the seat belts, observe the following: D Use the belt for only one person at a time. Do not use a single belt for two or more people—even children. the seatback any more than needed. The seat belts provide maximum protection in a frontal or rear collision when the driver and the front passenger are sitting up straight and well back in the seats. If you are reclined, the lap belt may slide past your hips and apply restraint forces directly to the abdomen or your neck may In the contact the shoulder belt. event of a the more the seat is reclined, the great- er the risk of death or serious inju- ry.

frontal collision,

D Be careful not to damage the belt webbing or hardware. Take care that they do not get caught or pinched in the seat or side doors.

D Inspect the belt system periodically. Check for cuts, fraying, and loose parts. Damaged parts should be re- placed. Do not disassemble or modify the system.

D Keep the belts clean and dry.

If they need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or lukewarm water. Never use bleach, dye, or abrasive clean- ers, or allow them to come into the belts—they may contact with severely weaken (See “Cleaning the interior” on page 386
in Section 5.)

the belts.

D Replace the belt assembly (includ- ing bolts) if it has been used in a severe impact. The entire assembly should be replaced even if damage is not obvious.

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

—Fastening front and rear seat belts

Tab

Buckle

tab

the

into

insert

Adjust the seat as needed and sit up straight and well back in the seat. To fasten your belt, pull it out of the re- tractor and the buckle. You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle. The seat belt length automatically adjusts to your size and the seat position. The retractor will lock the belt during a sudden stop or on impact. It also may lock if you lean forward too quickly. A slow, easy motion will allow the belt to extend, and you can move around freely.

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

is

then

When a passenger’s shoulder belt is com- pletely extended and retracted even slightly, the belt is locked in that position and cannot be extended. This fea- ture is used to hold the child restraint system securely. (For details, see “Child restraint” on page 85 in this Section.) To free the belt again, fully retract the belt and then pull the belt out once more. If the seat belt cannot be pulled out of the retractor, firmly pull the belt and release it. You will then be able to smoothly pull the belt out of the retractor.

CAUTION

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that the belt is not twisted.

D Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

D If the seat belt does not function normally, immediately contact your Toyota dealer. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed, because it cannot protect an adult occupant or your child from death or serious injury.

Take up slack

Too high

Keep as low on hips as possible

the

lap and

the position of

Adjust shoulder belts. Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips—not on your waist, then ad- just it to a snug fit by pulling the shoulder portion upward through the latch plate.

55

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

CAUTION

could

D Both high−positioned lap belts and cause loose−fitting belts death or serious to sliding under the lap belt during a collision or other unintended event. Keep the lap belt positioned as low on hips as possible.

injuries due

D Do not place the shoulder belt un-

der your arm.

Seat belts with an adjustable shoulder anchor— Adjust the shoulder anchor position to your size. To raise: Slide the anchor up. To lower: Push in the lock release button and slide the anchor down. After adjustment, make sure the anchor is locked in position.

CAUTION

Always make sure the shoulder belt is positioned across the center of your shoulder. The belt should be kept away from your neck, but not falling off your shoulder. Failure to do so could reduce the amount of protection in an accident and cause death or serious injuries in a colli- sion.

56

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

To release the belt, press the buckle release button and allow the belt to retract. If the belt does not retract smoothly, pull it out and check for kinks or twists. Then make sure it remains untwisted as it re- tracts.

REAR/SECOND CENTER SEAT BELT The is a rear/second center seat belt 3−point type restraint with 2 buckles. Both seat belt buckles must be correctly lo- cated and securely latched for proper op- eration. Make sure is securely latched for ready use of the center seat belt.

that buckle 1

Two buckles and tabs for rear/second center seat belt The two tabs have different shape for its end so that the belt is not buckled in the wrong place.

Buckle 1—Properly matches with hook end tab Buckle 2—Properly matches with round end tab

57

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

CAUTION

located and securely

Make sure the both buckles are cor- rectly latched. Failure to properly match the buckle and tab may cause death or severe injury in case of an accident or a collision.

To release the hook end tab, insert the key into the hole on the buckle and allow the belt to retract.

CAUTION

Do not use the rear/second center seat belt with either buckle released. Fastening only the shoulder belt or lap belt may cause death or severe personal in case of sudden braking or a collision.

injury

58

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

—Stowing the rear seat belt buckles

—Stowing the rear/second center seat belt

rear seat belt buckles can be

The stowed when not in use. The seat belt buckles must be stowed before you fold the seatback.

CAUTION

Before using the seat belt, pull out the buckle and make sure the belt is not twisted.

Rear/second seat belt buckles

Third seat belt buckles

STOWING THE REAR/SECOND CENTER SEAT BELT Insert the tabs of the center seat belt into the cover as shown above. Make sure the tabs are securely locked in the cover. The seat belt must be stowed before you fold the seatback.

NOTICE

Stow the rear/second center seat belt when not in use.

59

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

from your Toyota dealer

—Seat belt extender If your seat belts cannot be fastened se- curely because they are not long enough, a personalized seat belt extender is avail- able free of charge. Please contact your local Toyota dealer to order the proper required length for the extender. Bring the heaviest coat you ex- pect to wear for proper measurement and selection of length. Additional ordering in- formation is available at your Toyota deal- er.

CAUTION

the

When using the seat belt extender, following precautions. observe Failure to follow these instructions could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt restraint system in case of an accident, increasing the chance of death or serious injury. D Remember that the extender pro- vided for you may not be safe when used on a different vehicle, for another person, or at a different seating position than the one origi- nally intended.

60

in

the extender

D If the seat belt extender has been connected to the driver’s seat belt buckle without wearing the seat belt when using the driver’s seat, the SRS driver’s air- bag system will judge that the driv- er wears the seat belt even if not wearing it. In this case, the driver’s airbag may not activate correctly, causing death or serious injury in the event of collision. Be sure to wear the seat belt with the seat belt extender.

D Make sure

the

light

indicator

reconnect

the “AIR BAG ON” indicator light is illuminated when using the seat belt extender for the If the “AIR front passenger seat. BAG OFF” is illuminated, disconnect the extender tongue from the seat belt buckle, then seat belt. Reconnect the seat belt extender after making sure the “AIR BAG ON” indicator light is illuminated. If you use the seat belt extender while the “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light front passenger airbag and side airbag on the front passenger side may not activate correctly, causing death or serious in the event of collision.

illuminated,

injury

the

is

D Be sure to wear the seat belt with- out the seat belt extender if you can fasten the seat belt without the extender.

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

If

installing a child

D Do not use the seat belt extender when restraint system on the front or rear passen- ger seat. installing a child re- straint system with the seat belt extender connected to the seat belt, the seat belt will not securely hold the child restraint system, which could cause death or serious injury to the child or other passengers in the event of collision.

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

As far as the seat belt extender on the front passenger side is concerned, do not fail to disconnect the extender from the seat belt after the above operation in or- der to activate the front passenger airbag correctly when getting the vehicle next time. When not and store in the vehicle for future use.

in use, remove the extender

into

To connect the extender to the seat belt, insert the tab into the seat belt buckle so that the “PRESS” signs on the buckle release buttons of the ex- tender and the seat belt are both facing outward as shown. You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle. When releasing the seat belt, press on the buckle release button on the extender, not on the seat belt. This helps prevent damage to the vehicle interior and extend- er itself.

CAUTION

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that the lap and shoulder portions of the belt and the seat belt extend- er are not twisted.

D Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

D If the seat belt does not function normally, immediately contact your Toyota dealer. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed, because it cannot protect an adult occupant or your child from death or serious injury.

61

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

if no passenger

Vehicles with curtain shield airbags—When the sensor detects a severe frontal impact or a vehicle roll over, the front seat belts are quickly drawn back by the retractors so that the belts snugly restrain the occu- pants. The front passenger’s seat belt pretension- er will not activate is detected in the front passenger seat by the front passenger occupant classification system. However, front passenger’s seat belt pretensioner may activate if lug- gage is put on the seat, or the seat belt is buckled up regardless of the presence of an occupant in the seat. (As for the front passenger occupant classification system, see “—Front passenger occupant classification system” on page 81 in this Section.) The seat belt pretensioners and SRS air- bags may not operate together in all colli- sions.

the

—Seat belt pretensioners

Vehicles without curtain shield air- bags—The driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners are designed to be activated in response to a severe frontal impact. Vehicles with curtain shield airbags— The driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners are designed to be activated in response to a severe fron- tal impact or a vehicle roll over. Vehicles without curtain shield airbags— When the sensor detects a severe frontal impact, the front seat belts are quickly drawn back by the retractors so that the belts snugly restrain the occupants.

62

The seat belt pretensioner system con- sists mainly of the following components and their locations are shown in the il- lustration. 1. Front airbag sensors 2. SRS warning light 3. “AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF”

indicator lights

4. Front passenger occupant classification

system (ECU and sensors)

5. Seat belt pretensioner assemblies 6. Front passenger’s seat belt buckle

switch

7. Airbag sensor assembly

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

The seat belt pretensioners are controlled by the airbag sensor assembly. The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sen- sor and airbag sensor. When the seat belt pretensioners are acti- vated, an operating noise may be heard and a small amount of non−toxic gas may be released. This does not indicate that a fire is occurring. This gas is normally harmless. Once been activated, remain locked. If the vehicle is involved in multiple colli- sions, the pretensioner will activate for the first collision, but will not activate for the second or subsequent collisions.

the seat belt pretensioners have the seat belt retractors

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

CAUTION

NOTICE

Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury in the event of sudden braking or an accident. Failure to do so may cause death or severe injury. D If the pretensioner has activated, the seat belt becomes it cannot be further extended, nor will it return to the stowed position. The seat belt cannot be used again and must be replaced at your Toyota dealer.

locked:

D Do not modify, remove, strike or open the seat belt pretensioner as- semblies, airbag sensor or sur- rounding area or wiring. Consult your Toyota dealer about any repair and modification.

consulting

Do not perform any of the following changes without your Toyota dealer. Such changes can interfere with proper operation of the seat belt pretensioners in some cases. z Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile two−way radio, cassette tape player or compact disc player

z Repairs on or near the front seat

belt retractor assemblies

z Modification of the suspension sys-

tem

z Modification of the front end struc-

ture

z Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to the front end

z Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front end structure or con- sole

63

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

light system monitors

This warning the airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen- sors, side and curtain shield airbag sen- sors, curtain shield airbag sensors, driv- er’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch, “AIR BAG ON” indicator light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat belt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, in- terconnecting wiring and power sources. (For details, see “Service reminder indica- tors and warning buzzers” on page 129 in Section 1−6.) If any of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction of the airbags or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. D The light does not come on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position or remains on for more than 6 seconds.

D The light comes on while driving. D If any seat belt does not retract or cannot be pulled out due to a malfunc- tion or activation of the relevant seat belt pretensioner.

D The seat belt pretensioner assembly or

surrounding area has been damaged.

This indicator comes on when the en- gine switch is turned to the “ON” posi- tion. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the seat belt pretensioners are operating properly.

64

In the following cases, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible: D The front of the vehicle (shaded in the illustration) was involved in an accident that was not severe enough to cause the seat belt pretensioners to operate. D Either seat belt pretensioner assembly scratched,

or cracked, or otherwise damaged.

surrounding area

is

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

In response to a severe frontal impact, the SRS front airbags work with the seat belts to help reduce injury by inflating. The SRS front airbags help reduce injuries mainly to the driver’s or front passenger’s head or chest caused by hitting the ve- hicle interior. The SRS front passenger airbag will not activate if there is no passenger sitting in the the front passenger airbag may deploy if lug- gage is put in the seat, or the seat belt is buckled up, regardless of the presence of an occupant in the seat. (As for the front passenger occupant classification system, see “—Front passenger occupant classification system” on page 81 in this Section.) Always wear your seat belt properly.

front passenger seat. However,

SRS airbags— —SRS driver airbag and front passenger airbag

The SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys- tem) front airbags are designed to pro- vide further protection for the driver and front passenger in addition to the primary safety protection provided by the seat belts. Your vehicle is equipped with “ADVANCED AIRBAGS” designed based on US motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS208). The airbag system controls airbag deployment power for the driver and front passenger. The driver airbag system consists of the driver seat’s position sensor etc. The front passenger’s airbag system consists of the front passenger occupant classification sensor etc.

CAUTION

D The SRS front airbag system is de- signed only as a supplement to the primary protection of the driver and front passenger seat belt systems. The driver and front passenger can be killed or seriously injured by the inflating airbags if they do not wear the available seat belts properly. During sudden braking just before a collision, an unrestrained driver or front passenger can move for- ward into direct contact with or close proximity to the airbag which may then deploy during the colli- sion. To ensure maximum protection in an accident, the driver and all passengers the vehicle must wear their seat belts properly. Wear- ing a seat belt properly during an accident reduces the chances of death or serious injury or being thrown out of the vehicle. For in- structions and precautions concern- ing the seat belt system, see “Seat belts” on page 53 in this Section.

in

65

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

restraint

D Improperly seated and/or restrained infants and children can be killed or seriously injured by the deploy- ing airbags. An infant or child who is too small to use a seat belt should be properly secured using a child Toyota strongly recommends in- fants and children be placed in the rear seat of the vehicle and proper- ly restrained. The rear seat is the safest for infants and children. For instructions concerning the installa- tion of a child restraint system, see “Child restraint” on page 85 in this Section.

that all

system.

66

The SRS front airbags are designed to deploy in severe (usually frontal) colli- sions where the magnitude and duration of the forward deceleration of the ve- hicle exceeds the designed threshold level. The SRS front airbags will deploy if the severity of the impact is above the de- signed threshold level, comparable to an approximate 25 km/h (15 mph) collision when the vehicle has the impact straight into a fixed barrier that does not move or deform. However, threshold velocity will be considerably higher if the vehicle strikes an object, such as a parked vehicle or sign pole, which can move or deform on impact, or if the vehicle is involved in an underride collision in which the front of the vehicle “underrides”, or goes under, the bed of a truck, etc.). It in some collisions where the forward deceleration of the ve- hicle is very close to the designed thresh- old level, the SRS front airbags and the seat belt pretensioners may not activate together. Always wear your seat belts properly.

(e.g. a collision

is possible

that

this

Collision from the rear

Collision from the side

Vehicle rollover

The SRS front airbags are not generally designed to inflate if the vehicle is in- volved in a side or rear collision, if it rolls over, or if it is involved in a low− speed frontal collision. But, whenever a collision of any type causes sufficient forward deceleration of the vehicle, de- ployment of the SRS front airbags may occur.

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

Hitting a curb, edge of pavement or hard surface

Falling into or jumping over a deep hole

Landing hard or vehicle falling

The SRS front airbags may also deploy if a serious impact occurs to the under- side of your vehicle. Some examples are shown in the illustration.

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

8. Driver’s seat position sensor 9. Airbag sensor assembly 10. Airbag module for driver

(airbag and inflator)

fills

The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor. The front airbag sensors constantly moni- tor the forward deceleration of the vehicle. If an impact results in a forward decelera- tion beyond the designed threshold level, the system triggers the airbag inflators. At this time a chemical reaction in the infla- tors very quickly the airbags with non−toxic gas to help restrain the forward motion of the occupants. The front airbags then quickly deflate, so that there is no obstruction of the driver’s vision should it be necessary to continue driving. When the airbags inflate, they produce a loud noise and release some smoke and residue along with non−toxic gas. This does not indicate a fire. This smoke may remain inside the vehicle for some time, and may cause some minor irritation to the eyes, skin or breathing. Be sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent any potential skin irritation with soap and water. If you can safely exit from the vehicle, you should do so imme- diately.

67

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

The SRS front airbag system consists mainly of the following components, and their locations are shown in the illustra- tion. 1. Front airbag sensors 2. SRS warning light 3. “AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF”

indicator lights

4. Airbag module for front passenger

(airbag and inflator)

5. Front passenger occupant classification

system (ECU and sensors)

6. Front passenger’s seat belt buckle

switch

7. Driver’s seat belt buckle switch

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

CAUTION

The driver or front passenger who is too close to the steering wheel or dashboard during airbag deployment can be killed or seriously injured. Toyota strongly recommends that: D The driver sit as far back as pos- sible from the steering wheel while still maintaining control of the ve- hicle.

D The front passenger sit as far back

as possible from the dashboard.

D All vehicle occupants be properly restrained using the available seat belts.

For instructions and precautions con- cerning the seating position, see “—Front seat precautions” on page 34 in this Section.

injuries, especially

Deployment of the airbags happens in a fraction of a second, so the airbags must inflate with considerable force. While the system is designed to reduce serious inju- ries, primarily to the head and chest, it may also cause other, less severe injuries to the face, chest, arms and hands. These are usually in the nature of minor burns or abrasions and swelling, but the force of a deploying airbag can cause more seri- ous if an occupant’s hands, arms, chest or head is in close proximity to the airbag module at the time of deployment. This is why it is important for to: avoid placing any object or part of the body between the occupant and the airbag module; sit straight and well back into the seat; wear the available seat belt properly; and sit as far as possible from the airbag module, while still maintaining control of the ve- hicle. Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, airbag cover and inflator) may be hot for several minutes after deployment, so do not inflate only once. The windshield may be damaged by absorbing some of the force of the inflat- ing airbag.

touch! The airbags

the occupant

is

in use, since

D Do not sit on the edge of the seat or lean against the dashboard when the vehicle the front passenger airbag could inflate with considerable speed and force. Anyone who is up against, or very close to, an airbag when it inflates, can be killed or seriously injured. Sit up straight and well back in the seat, and always use your seat belt properly.

68

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

D Toyota strongly recommends that all infants and children be placed in the rear seat of the vehicle and be properly restrained.

D Do not hold a child on your lap or in your arms. Use a child restraint system in the rear seat. For instruc- tions concerning the installation of a child restraint system, see “Child restraint” on page 85 in this Sec- tion.

D Do not put anything or any part of your body on or in front of the dashboard or steering wheel pad that houses the front airbag sys- tem. They might restrict inflation or cause death or serious injury as they are projected rearward by the force of the deploying airbags. Like- wise, the driver and front passenger should not hold objects their arms or on their knees.

in

the

D Do not modify or remove any wir- ing. Do not modify, remove, strike or open any components such as the steering wheel pad, steering wheel, column cover, dashboard near front passenger airbag, front passenger airbag or airbag sensor assembly. Doing so may pre- vent the front airbag system from activating correctly, cause sudden activation of the system or disable the system, which could result in death or serious injury. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious injury. Consult your Toyota dealer about any repair and modification. If you wish to modify your vehicle for a person with physical disability, con- sult your Toyota dealer. It may dan- gerously interfere with the SRS front airbags operation.

69

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

NOTICE

consulting

front airbag system

Do not perform any of the following changes without your Toyota dealer. Such changes can interfere with proper operation of the SRS in some cases. z Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile two−way radio, cassette tape player or compact disc player

z Modification of the suspension sys-

tem

z Modification of the front end struc-

ture

z Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to the front end

This indicator comes on when the en- gine switch is turned to the “ON” posi- tion. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the SRS front airbags are operating properly.

z Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front end structure, con- sole, steering wheel or dashboard near the front passenger airbag

steering

column,

70

light system monitors

This warning the airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen- sors, side and curtain shield airbag sen- sors, curtain shield airbag sensors, driv- er’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch, “AIR BAG ON” indicator light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat belt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, in- terconnecting wiring and power sources. (For details, see “Service reminder indica- tors and warning buzzers” on page 129 in Section 1−6.) If any of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction of the airbags or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. D The light does not come on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position or remains on for more than 6 seconds.

D The light comes on while driving. The SRS warning light and “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light will come on if there is a malfunction in the front passenger occupant classification system.

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

—SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags

The SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys- tem) side airbags and curtain shield air- bags are designed to provide further protection for the driver, front passen- ger and rear/second passengers in addi- tion to the primary safety protection provided by the seat belts.

In the following cases, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible: D The SRS front airbags have been in-

flated.

D The front of the vehicle (shaded in the illustration) was involved in an accident that was not severe enough to cause the SRS front airbags to inflate.

D The pad section of the steering wheel or dashboard (shaded in the illustra- tion) is scratched, cracked, or other- wise damaged.

NOTICE

Do not disconnect the battery cables before contacting your Toyota dealer.

In response to a severe side impact, the SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbags in the impacted side work with the seat belts to help reduce injury by inflating. The SRS side airbags help reduce injuries mainly to the driver’s or front passenger’s chest. The SRS curtain shield airbags help reduce injuries mainly to the driver’s, front passenger’s or rear/second passen- ger’s head and help prevent them from being thrown out of the vehicle. The SRS side airbag on the passenger seat will not activate if there is no pas- senger sitting in the front passenger seat. However, the side airbag on the passen- ger seat may deploy if luggage is put in the seat, or the seat belt is buckled up regardless of the presence of the occu- pant in the seat. (As for the front passen- ger occupant classification system, see “—Front passenger occupant classification system” on page 81 in this Section.) The SRS curtain shield airbag on the pas- senger side are activated even with no passenger in the front seat or rear/second outside seat.

71

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

Roll sensing function: In response to a vehicle rollover, the cur- tain shield airbags on both sides work with the seat belts to help reduce injury by inflating. The curtain shield airbags help reduce injuries mainly to the driver’s, front passenger’s or rear/second passen- ger’s head and help prevent them from being thrown out of the vehicle. The SRS curtain shield airbags may acti- vate even when the side airbags are not activated. Always wear your seat belt properly.

CAUTION

D The SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag system is designed only as a supplement to the prima- ry protection of the driver, front passenger and rear/second outside passenger seat belt systems. To en- sure maximum protection in an ac- cident, the driver and all passen- gers in the vehicle must wear their seat belts properly. Wearing a seat belt properly during an accident re- duces the chances of death or seri- ous injury or being thrown out of instructions and the vehicle. For precautions concerning the seat belt system, see “Seat belts” on page 53 in this Section.

D Do not allow anyone to lean his/her head or any part of his/her body against the door or the area of the seat, front pillar, rear pillar or roof side rails from which the SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag deploy even is a child seated in the child restraint system. It is dangerous if the SRS side air- bag and curtain shield airbag in- flate, and the impact of the deploy- ing airbag could cause death or se- rious injury to the occupant.

if he/she

72

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

restraint

D Improperly seated and/or restrained infants and children can be killed or seriously injured by the deploy- ing airbags. An infant or child who is too small to use a seat belt should be properly secured using a child Toyota strongly recommends in- fants and children be placed in the rear seats of the vehicle and prop- erly restrained. The rear seats are the safest for infants and children. For the installation of a child restraint sys- tem, see “Child restraint” on page 85 in this Section.

instructions concerning

that all

system.

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

The SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag system may not activate if the vehicle is subjected to a collision from the side at certain angles, or a collision to the side of the vehicle body other than the passenger compartment as shown in the illustration. The SRS side airbags are designed to inflate when the passenger compartment area suffers a severe the side. Always wear your seat belts properly.

impact

from

Collision from the rear

Collision from the front

Vehicle rollover

The SRS side airbags are not generally designed to inflate if the vehicle is in- volved in a front or rear collision, if it rolls over, or if it is involved in a low− speed side collision.

73

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

Collision from the front

Collision from the rear

The angle of vehicle tip−up is marginal

Skidding vehicle hitting a curb stone

Pitch end over end

The curtain shield airbags may inflate if the angle of vehicle tip−up is margin- al or if the skidding vehicle’s tires hit a curb stone laterally as shown in the illustration.

The curtain shield airbags are not gen- erally designed to inflate if the vehicle is involved in a front or rear collision, if it pitches end over end, or if it is involved in a low−speed side collision.

from

The curtain shield airbags may not acti- if the vehicle is subjected to a vate collision the side at certain angles, or a collision to the side of the vehicle body other than the passenger compartment as shown in the illustra- tion. The curtain shield airbags are designed to inflate when the passenger compartment area suffers a severe the side or vehicle rollover. Always wear your seat belts properly.

impact

from

74

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

8. Airbag sensor assembly 9. Front passenger’s seat belt buckle

switch

Hitting a curb, edge of pavement or hard surface

Falling into or jumping over a deep hole

Landing hard or vehicle falling

The SRS side and curtain shield airbags may deploy if a serious impact occurs to the underside of your vehicle. Some examples are shown in the illustration.

The SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag system consists mainly of the fol- lowing components, and their locations are shown in the illustration. 1. SRS warning light 2. “AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF”

indicator lights

3. Curtain shield airbag modules

(airbag and inflator)

4. Front passenger occupant classification

system (ECU and sensors)

5. Side airbag modules

(airbag and inflator)

6. Curtain shield airbag sensors 7. Side and curtain shield airbag sensors

inflators and/or

The SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag system is controlled by the airbag sensor assembly. The airbag sensor as- sembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor. the side and In a severe side impact, curtain shield airbag sensor and/or the curtain shield airbag sensor trigger(s) the side airbag the curtain shield airbag time a chemical reaction in the inflators quickly fills the airbags with non−toxic gas to help restrain the occu- pants. In a vehicle rollover, the airbag sensor assembly triggers the curtain shield airbag inflator. At this time, a chemical reaction in the airbags to help restrain the with non−toxic gas lateral motion of the occupants.

the lateral motion of

inflators quickly

inflators. At

this

fills

the

75

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

CAUTION

inflate with

SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags considerable force. To reduce the possibility of death or serious injury when they in- flate, the driver, front passenger and rear/second outside passengers must: D Wear their seat belts properly. D Remain properly seated with their backs upright and against the seats at all times.

Improper sitting and wearing of the seat belts may not retain you inside the vehicle.

When the airbags inflate, they produce a fairly loud noise and release some smoke and residue along with non−toxic gas. This does not indicate a fire. This smoke may remain inside the vehicle for some time, and may cause some minor irritation to the eyes, skin or breathing. Be sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent any potential skin irritation with soap and water. If you can safely exit from the vehicle, you should do so imme- diately. Deployment of the airbags happens in a fraction of a second, so the airbags must inflate with considerable force. While the system is designed to reduce serious inju- ries, it may also cause minor burns or abrasions and swelling. Front seats as well as parts of the front and rear pillars, front, center and rear garnish and roof interior may be hot for several minutes, but them- selves will not be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate only once.

the airbags

76

D Do not allow anyone to lean against the door when the vehicle is in use, since the side airbag and curtain shield airbag could inflate with con- siderable speed and force. Other- wise, he/she may be killed or seri- ously injured. Special care should be taken especially when you have a small child in the vehicle.

D Sit up straight and well back in the seat, distributing your weight evenly in the seat. Do not apply excessive weight the seats with a side airbag, and to the front pillar, rear pillar and roof side rail with a curtain shield airbag.

the outer side of

to

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

D Do not allow anyone to kneel on the passenger seat, facing the pas- senger’s side door, since the side airbag and curtain shield airbag could considerable speed and force. Otherwise, he/she may be killed or seriously injured. Special care should be taken espe- cially when you have a small child in the vehicle.

inflate with

D Do not allow anyone to get his/her head or hands out of windows the curtain shield airbags since could inflate with considerable speed and force. Otherwise, he/she may be killed or seriously injured. Special care should be taken espe- cially when you have a small child in the vehicle.

77

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

inflate, since

D Do not allow anyone to get his/her head closer to the area where the side airbag and curtain shield air- bag these airbags could considerable speed and force. Otherwise, he/she may be killed or seriously injured. Special care should be taken espe- cially when you have a small child in the vehicle.

inflate with

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

D Do not attach a cup holder or any other device or object on or around the door. When the side airbag in- flates, the cup holder or any other device or object will be thrown with great force or the side airbag may not activate correctly, resulting in injury. Likewise, death or serious the driver and front passenger should not hold objects their arms or on their knees.

in

D Do not attach a microphone or any other device or object near the area where the curtain shield airbag acti- vates such as on the windshield glass, side door glass, front, center and roof side garnish. When the curtain shield airbag inflates, the microphone or other device or ob- ject will be thrown away with great force or the curtain shield airbag may not activate correctly, resulting in death or serious injury.

78

D Do not hook a hanger, heavy or sharp pointed objects on the coat hook. If the curtain shield airbag inflates, those items will be thrown away with great force or the curtain shield airbag may not activate cor- rectly, resulting in death or serious injury. When you hang clothes, hang them on the coat hook direct- ly.

D Do not use seat accessories which cover the parts where the side air- bags inflate. Such accessories may prevent the side airbags from acti- vating correctly, causing death or serious injury.

D Do not modify or replace the seats or upholstery of the seats with side airbags. Such changes may prevent the side airbag system from activat- ing correctly, disable the system or cause the side airbags to inflate ac- cidentally, resulting in death or seri- ous injury.

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

D Do not disassemble or repair the front, center and roof side garnish containing the curtain shield air- bags. Such changes may disable the system or cause the curtain shield airbags to inflate accidental- ly, resulting in death or serious in- jury.

D Do not modify or change the sus- pension system. Such changes may cause the curtain shield airbags to inflate accidentally, which could re- sult in death or serious injury.

the manufacturer’s

D Do not use tires or wheels other than recom- mended size. Such a use may cause the curtain shield airbags to inflate accidentally, which could result in death or serious injury. For details, see “Checking and replacing tires” on page 410 in Section 7−2.

D Do not place luggage heavier than specified on the roof luggage carri- er. Such luggage may cause the curtain shield airbags to inflate ac- cidentally, which could in death or serious injury. For details, see “Roof luggage carrier” on page 303 in Section 1−10.

result

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious injury. Consult your Toyota dealer about any repair and modification. If you wish to modify your vehicle for a person with physical disability, con- sult your Toyota dealer. It may dan- gerously interfere with the SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags op- eration.

NOTICE

consulting

Do not perform any of the following changes without your Toyota dealer. Such changes can interfere with proper operation of the SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag system in some cases. z Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile two−way radio, cassette tape player or compact disc player

z Modification of the suspension sys-

tem

z Modification of the side structure of

the passenger compartment

z Repairs made on or near the con-

sole or front seat

79

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

light system monitors

This warning the airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sen- sors, side and curtain shield airbag sen- sors, curtain shield airbag sensors, driv- er’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch, “AIR BAG ON” indicator light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat belt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, in- terconnecting wiring and power sources. (For details, see “Service reminder indica- tors and warning buzzers” on page 129 in Section 1−6.) If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction of the airbags or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. D The light does not come on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position or remains on for more than 6 seconds.

D The light comes on while driving. The SRS warning light and “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light will come on if there is a malfunction in the front passenger occupant classification system.

This indicator comes on when the en- gine switch is turned to the “ON” posi- tion. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This means the SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags are operating properly.

80

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

In the following cases, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible: D Any of the SRS side airbags and cur- tain shield airbags have been inflated. D The portion of the doors (shaded in the illustration) was involved in an accident that was not severe enough to cause the SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags to inflate.

D The surface of the seats with the side airbag (shaded is scratched, cracked, or otherwise dam- aged.

illustration)

the

in

D The portion of

the front, center and roof side garnish containing the curtain shield airbags the is scratched, cracked, or illustration) otherwise damaged.

inside (shaded

in

NOTICE

Do not disconnect the battery cables before contacting your Toyota dealer.

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

—Front passenger occupant classification system Your vehicle is equipped with a front passenger occupant classification sys- tem. This system detects the conditions 1—4 in the table on page 83 and based on these conditions activates or deacti- vates the following systems; D Front passenger airbag D Side airbag on

front passenger

the

seat

D Front passenger’s seat belt pretension-

er

The system monitors the weight and load on the front passenger seat, and the seat belt buckle switch to determine conditions 1—4. In order for the system to detect the conditions correctly, do not do any of the following: D Apply a heavy load to the front pas- senger seat or equipment (e.g. seat- back pocket).

D Attach a commercial seatback

table,

etc. to the front passenger seatback.

D Put weight on the front passenger seat by putting your hands or feet on the seatback from the rear passenger seat.

The “AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF” indicator lights indicate the actuation of the front passenger airbag, side airbag on the front passenger seat and front passenger’s seat belt pretensioner. The “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light will be illuminated when the engine switch is in the “ON” position with the condition 2 in the table shown below.

81

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

If the front passenger occupant classifica- tion system determines that a person of adult size sits in the front passenger seat but the “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light is illuminated, one of the following is likely to have occurred: D A rear passenger lifts the front passen-

ger seat cushion with their legs.

D Objects are placed under the front pas-

senger seat.

D The

front passenger seatback

is

in

contact with the rear/second seat.

To ensure the system correctly detects an adult sitting in the front passenger seat, make sure the above do not occur. Make sure that the “AIR BAG ON” indica- tor light is illuminated when an adult is seated in the front passenger seat. If the “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light is illumina- ted, ask the passenger to sit up straight, well back in the seat, and with the seat belt worn correctly. If the “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light still remains illuminated, ei- ther ask the passenger to move to the rear seat, or if that is not possible, move the front passenger seat fully rearward.

82

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

The “AIR BAG ON” and “AIR BAG OFF” indicator lights will be illuminated ini- tially when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position. After about four seconds, they will go off. After that, the front passenger occupant classification system operates and judges which indi- cator light be illuminated.

indicator

The SRS warning light and “AIR BAG OFF” if there is a malfunction in the front pas- senger occupant classification system.

light will come on

2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)

’08 Rav4_U (L/O 0802)

Condition and operation in the front passenger occupant classification system

Indicator/warning light

Devices

Condition detected by the front passenger

occupant classification

system

1. Adult∗1
2. Child∗2 or child