2000 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 102

Rav4(U) Center differential lock system (four −wheel drive models with manual transmission) D When towing a trailer, in order to maintain engine braking efficiency, do not use the fifth gear. D Unlock the center differential immediately after differential buzzer will ferential is you finish using the center lock system. An indicator sound while the center difbeing unlocked. CAUTION Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. Abrupt shifting could cause the vehicle to spin or skid. D 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. 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. NOTICE Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into reverse. CAUTION The center differential must be unlocked in normal driving. Locking the center differential will result in difficult cornering control. D All front wheels or rear wheels are off the ground or on a slippery surface. D One of the four wheels is off the ground or on a slippery surface. Operating precautions NOTICE Do not drive on a dry paved surface with the center differential locked. This may damage the locking mechanism and the drive system. D If the front wheels and rear wheels are worn unevenly, the center differential may not lock or unlock smoothly. D Before locking the center differential, make sure the wheels have stopped spinning. 102 2000 RAV4 (OM42479U)