Toyota RAV4: For safety and security - Theft deterrent system

Engine immobilizer system Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 keys contain built-in transponder chips that prevent the engine from starting unless the key has been registered in the vehicle's onboard computer.

Never leave the keys inside the vehicle when you walk away, even for a short period.

This system is designed to help deter vehicle theft, but it cannot guarantee complete protection against every method of unauthorized entry or theft.

Operating the system

Vehicles without smart key system

After the key is removed from the engine switch, the security indicator flashes to show that the engine immobilizer system is operating.

When a registered key is inserted into the engine switch, the indicator turns off, showing that the immobilizer has recognized the key and the system has been canceled.

Vehicles with smart key system

After the engine switch is turned to OFF, the security indicator flashes to confirm that the engine immobilizer system is active.

When the engine switch is changed to ACC or ON using a registered electronic key, the indicator turns off to show that the system has been canceled.

■ System maintenance

The Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a maintenance-free engine immobilizer system. No routine owner maintenance is required for normal operation.

■ Conditions that may cause the system to malfunction

• The grip portion of the key is touching or covered by a metallic object that may interfere with transponder communication.
• The key is very close to or touching another vehicle security key that also contains a built-in transponder chip.

NOTICE

■ To ensure the system operates correctly

Do not modify, disconnect, or remove any part of the engine immobilizer system.

If the system is altered or removed, correct operation and theft-deterrent performance cannot be guaranteed.

Alarm Toyota RAV4 hybrid

The alarm uses exterior lights and an audible warning to alert nearby people when unauthorized entry or another monitored condition is detected.

The alarm may be triggered in the following situations while the system is set:

• Vehicles without smart key system: A locked door is unlocked or opened by any method other than the wireless remote control or key. The doors will lock again automatically.
• Vehicles with smart key system: A locked door is unlocked or opened by any method other than the entry function, wireless remote control, or mechanical key. The doors will lock again automatically.
• For Canada: A locked door is unlocked or opened by any method other than the entry function, if equipped, or wireless remote control. The doors will lock again automatically.
• The hood is opened while the alarm system is armed.

Setting/canceling/stopping the alarm system

■ Items to check before locking the vehicle

To reduce the possibility of accidentally triggering the alarm and to help protect the Toyota RAV4 from theft, confirm the following before locking the vehicle:

• No passengers or pets remain inside the vehicle.
• All side windows and the moon roof, if equipped, or panoramic moon roof, if equipped, are completely closed before the alarm is set.
• No valuables, keys, bags, or other personal belongings are left visible inside the cabin.

■ Setting

Close all doors and the hood, and then lock every door. The alarm system will be set automatically after approximately 30 seconds.

Except for vehicles in Canada, the alarm can also be set using the mechanical key.

While the system is preparing to arm, the security indicator remains illuminated. When the alarm is fully set, the indicator changes from continuously illuminated to flashing.

■ Canceling or stopping

Use one of the following procedures to deactivate the alarm system or stop an alarm that has already been triggered:

Except for Canada

• Unlock the doors using an authorized unlocking method.
• Turn the engine switch to ACC or ON, or start the engine. The alarm will be canceled or stopped after a few seconds.

For Canada

• Unlock the doors using the entry function, if equipped, or the wireless remote control.
• Start the engine. The alarm will be canceled or stopped after a few seconds.

■ System maintenance

The Toyota RAV4 uses a maintenance-free alarm system that does not require routine adjustment by the owner.

■ Triggering of the alarm

The alarm may be activated in the following situations. Stopping the alarm also deactivates the alarm system.

• For Canada: The doors are unlocked using the key instead of an approved alarm-canceling method.

• A person remaining inside the vehicle opens a door or the hood, or unlocks the vehicle using an inside lock button while the alarm is armed.

• The vehicle battery is recharged, disconnected, or replaced while the Toyota RAV4 remains locked.

■ Alarm-operated door lock

Depending on the circumstances, the doors may lock automatically in the following situations to help prevent unauthorized entry:

• A person remaining inside the vehicle unlocks a door and causes the alarm to activate.
• A person inside the vehicle unlocks a door while the alarm is already sounding.
• The vehicle battery is recharged, reconnected, or replaced.

■ Customization (for Canada)

The alarm can be configured to deactivate when the key is used to unlock a vehicle without the smart key system or when the mechanical key is used on a vehicle equipped with the smart key system.

NOTICE

■ To ensure the system operates correctly

Do not modify, disconnect, or remove any part of the alarm system.

If the system is altered or removed, its correct operation and ability to detect monitored conditions cannot be guaranteed.