1996 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 70

Center differential lock system (four-wheel drive models with manual transmission) S Unlock the center differential immediately after you finish using the center differential lock system. An indicator buzzer will sound while the center differential is being unlocked. After you have pushed the center differential lock switch to lock and moved the vehicle a short distance, the indicator light in the instrument panel stays on. If the light either fails to come on or goes out, ask your Toyota dealer to check the electrical system and the locking mechanism. S The center differential lock system is provided for use only when the vehicle does not have enough traction to move itself out of the following situations. S All front wheels or rear wheels are off the ground or on a slippery surface. S One of the four wheels is off the ground or on a slippery surface. Operating precautions S If the front wheels and rear wheels are worn unevenly, the center differential may not lock or unlock smoothly. S Before locking the center differential, make sure the wheels have stopped spinning. ! CAUTION The center differential must be unlocked in normal driving. Locking the center differential will result in difficult cornering control. To lock the center differential: 1. Press the brake pedal and stop the wheel spinning. 2. Put the front wheels in as straightahead a position as possible. 3. Push the center differential lock switch and check that the indicator light in the instrument panel comes on. NOTICE Do not drive on a dry paved surface with the center differential locked. This may damage the locking mechanism and the drive system. 64