2002 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 40

Effective operation for maximizing battery life 1. Do not charge the traction batteries or park the vehicle under the conditions below which can cause the batteries to become hot. Do not charge just after driving on a steep hill or highway 2. If the SOC meter is only slightly depleted from the "F" mark due to limited driving, additional charging (Topping-Off) is not recommended to insure maximum battery life. 3. If charging and preheating/precooling is selected, charging will always occur first. Therefore, allow sufficient time (7 to 8 hours) between the charging start time and preheating/precooling. If the preheating/precooling is set, the operation may finish without a full charge since charging for preheating/precooling took place first. To apply a full charge, take sufficient time (7 to 8 hours) between charging start time and preheating/ precooling start time. [AFTER CHARGING] 1. Remove the charge coupler and close the charge port door. 2. Verify that the SOC meter reads "Full". CAUTION D Do not touch the charge coupler or charge port just after charging, because these surfaces may be hot. D Keep flammable objects away from the vehicle during charging. D Be careful not to drop or step on the charge coupler. If damaged, proper charging may not occur. D Take care that water, dirt or foreign objects such as pebbles do not enter the charge port on the vehicle. This may cause a failure of the equipment. 32