2002 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 28

Avoid the driving that may cause an excessive load applied to the vehicle. Driving such as high speed driving, driving on a slope, rapid speed increases, frequent speed increases or decreases will shorten the driving range. Check the condition of the traction batteries with the SOC meter and traction battery voltmeter and charge if required. If the traction battery's capacity or voltage is excessively low, you might not be able to drive the electric vehicle. If the needle of the traction battery voltmeter enters the yellow zone frequently, the driving range will be shortened. (f) Effective operation battery life for a longer CAUTION (g) If you cannot shift the selector lever out of "P" position. If you cannot shift the selector lever from the "P" position even though the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For instructions, see "If you cannot shift running mode selector lever" on page 161 in Section 5. D While the vehicle is moving, never attempt to move the selector lever into "P" position under any circumstances. Serious mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control may result. D Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the "READY" light on. With the selector lever in a position other than "P" or "N", if you depress the accelerator pedal advertently, the vehicle may start abruptly. CAUTION Only use the shift lock override button in an emergency. If you must use the shift lock override button, the safety interlock of the selector lever is not functioning properly. For your safety, have the vehicle serviced immediately. NOTICE Do not hold the vehicle on an upgrade with the accelerator pedal. It can cause the traction motor system to overheat. Always use the brake pedal or parking brake. D Avoid acceleration at full throttle or deceleration by applying the brakes fully. D Charge the traction batteries before the SOC meter needle enters the yellow zone. 20