Toyota RAV4 manuals

Toyota RAV4 (XA40) 2013-2018 Owners Manual: If the electronic key does not operate properly (vehicles with a smart key system)

Toyota RAV4 (XA40) 2013-2018 Owners Manual / When trouble arises / Steps to take in an emergency / If the electronic key does not operate properly (vehicles with a smart key system)

If communication between the electronic key and vehicle is interrupted („_p. 107) Or the electronic key cannot be used because the battery is depleted, the smart key system and wireless remote control cannot be used. In such cases, the doors can be opened and the engine can be started by following the procedure below.

Locking and unlocking the doors

Use the mechanical key   In order to perform the following operations:

  1. Locks all the doors
  2. Unlocks the door

Toyota RAV4. Locking and unlocking the doors


Turning the key rearward unlocks the driver’s door. Turning the key once again within 3 seconds unlocks the other doors.

Starting the engine

  1. Ensure that the shift lever is in p and depress the brake pedal.
  2. Touch the toyota emblem side of the electronic key to the engine switch.

Toyota RAV4. Starting the engine


When the electronic key is detected, a buzzer sounds and the engine switch will turn to ignition on mode.

When the smart key system is deactivated in customization setting, the engine switch will turn to accessory mode.

  1. Firmly depress the brake pedal and check that the smart key system indicator light (green) turns on.
  2. Press the engine switch.

In the event that the engine still cannot be started, contact your toyota dealer.

Stopping the engine

Shift the shift lever to p and press the engine switch as you normally do when stopping the engine.

Replacing the key battery

As the above procedure is a temporary measure, it is recommended that the electronic key battery be replaced immediately when the battery is depleted.

Changing engine switch modes

Release the brake pedal and press the engine switch in step 3 above.

The engine does not start and modes will be changed each time the switch is pressed

When the electronic key does not work properly

If the shift lever cannot be shifted from p
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake pedal, there may be a problem with the shift lock system (a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift lever). Have the veh ...

If the vehicle battery is discharged
The following procedures may be used to start the engine if the vehicle’s battery is discharged. You can also call your toyota dealer or a qualified repair shop. If you have a set of jumper (or ...

Other materials:

Data list / active test
Read data list Hint: Using the intelligent tester's data list allows switch, sensor, actuator, and other item values to be read without removing any parts. Reading the data list early in troubleshooting is one way to save time. Notice: In the table below, the values listed under "no ...

If the vehicle becomes stuck
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle becomes stuck in mud, dirt or snow: Stop the engine. Set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to p. Remove the mud, snow or sand from around the stuck tire. Place wood, stones or some other material to help provide t ...

Releasing and stowing the seat belt (for the rear center seat)
To release the hooked buckle “b”, push the buckle release button. Release button To release the hooked plate A insert the mechanical key  Or plate B or the wireless key into the hole on the buckle. When releasing the seat belt, retract it slowly. Stow th ...

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