Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Jump Start Procedure, Do It Right!
If the 12-volt battery is discharged in your Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The following procedures may be used to start the hybrid system if the vehicle’s 12-volt battery is discharged. You can also call your Toyota dealer or a qualified battery roadside assistance service that can safely perform the Toyota RAV4 jump start procedure on your vehicle.
Restarting the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid System
If you have a set of jumper (or booster) cables and a second vehicle with a 12-volt battery, you can jump start your vehicle by following these steps:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vehicles with alarm: Confirm that the electronic key is being carried, because when connecting the jumper (or booster) cables, depending on the situation, the alarm may activate and the doors locked.
- Open the hood and fuse box cover. Push claws A & B and to completely release the lock, and then lift up the cover.
- Open the exclusive jump starting terminal cover.
- Connect a positive jumper cable clamp (A) to on your vehicle and connect the clamp on the other end of the positive cable to (B) on the second vehicle. Then, connect a negative cable clamp to (C) on the second vehicle and connect the clamp at the other end of the negative cable to (D).
(A) Exclusive jump starting terminal (your vehicle). (B) Positive (+) battery terminal (second vehicle). (C) Negative (-) battery terminal (second vehicle). (D) Solid, stationary, unpainted metallic point away from the exclusive jump starting terminal and any moving parts as shown in the illustration. - Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately 5 minutes to recharge the 12-volt battery of your vehicle.
- Open and close any of the doors of your vehicle with the power switch OFF.
- Maintain the engine speed of the second vehicle and start the hybrid system of your vehicle by turning the power switch to ON.
- Make sure the “READY” indicator comes on. If the indicator light does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.
- Once the hybrid system has started, remove the jumper cables in the exact reverse order from which they were connected.
- Close the exclusive jump starting terminal cover, and reinstall the fuse box cover to its original position.
- Once the hybrid system starts, have the vehicle inspected at your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
When recharging or replacing the 12-volt battery in your Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
In some cases, it may not be possible to unlock the doors using the smart key system on your Toyota RAV4 Hybrid when the 12-volt battery is discharged. Use the wireless remote control or the mechanical key to lock or unlock the doors.
The hybrid system may not start on the first attempt after the 12-volt battery has recharged but will start normally after the second attempt. This is not a malfunction.
The power switch mode is memorized by the vehicle. When the 12-volt battery is reconnected, the system will return to the mode it was in before the 12-volt battery was discharged. Before disconnecting the 12-volt battery, turn the power switch off. If you are unsure what mode the power switch was in before the 12-volt battery discharged, be especially careful when reconnecting the 12-volt battery.
When removing the 12-volt battery terminals on your Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Always remove the negative (-) terminal first. If the positive (+) terminal contacts any metal in the surrounding area when the positive (+) terminal is removed, a spark may occur, leading to a fire in addition to electrical shocks and death or serious injury.
Avoiding 12-volt battery fires or explosions on your Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flammable gas that may be emitted from the 12-volt battery:
- Make sure each jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it is not unintentionally in contact with any other than the intended terminal.
- Do not allow the other end of the jumper cable connected to the “+” terminal to come into contact with any other parts or metal surfaces in the area, such as brackets or unpainted metal.
- Do not allow the + and - clamps of the jumper cables to come into contact with each other.
- Do not smoke, use matches, cigarette lighters or allow open flame near the 12-volt battery.
12-volt battery precautions Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while related parts contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following precautions when handling the 12-volt battery:
- When working with the 12-volt battery, always wear safety glasses and take care not to allow any battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with skin, clothing or the vehicle body.
- Do not lean over the 12-volt battery.
- In the event that battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes, immediately wash the affected area with water and seek medical attention. Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention can be received.
- Always wash your hands after handling the 12-volt battery support, terminals, and other battery-related parts.
- Do not allow children near the 12-volt battery.
When handling jumper cables around your Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
When connecting the jumper cables, ensure that they do not become entangled in the cooling fans, etc.
For more information please review your owner's manual.