Toyota RAV4 Owner's Manual page 226

Shift the shift lever while
pushing the shift release button on
the shift knob.
Shift the shift lever nor-
mally.
When shifting the shift lever between P
and D, make sure that the vehicle is
completely stopped.
*
: For the vehicle to be able to be
shifted from P, the brake pedal must
be depressed before the shift release
button is pushed. If the shift release
button is pushed first, the shift lock
will not be released.
■ Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to pre-
vent accidental operation of the shift
lever in starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P
only when the engine switch is in ON,
the brake pedal is depressed and the
shift release button is pushed.
■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted
from P
First, check whether the brake pedal is
being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted even
though the brake pedal is depressed
and the shift release button is pushed,
there may be a problem with the shift
lock system. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Toyota dealer immediately.
The following steps may be used as an
emergency measure to ensure that the
shift lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
1 Pull the parking brake switch to
check that the parking brake is set.
(P.236)
2 Turn the engine switch to OFF.
4-2. Driving procedures
3 Depress the brake pedal.
4 Pry the cover up with a flathead
screwdriver or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover,
cover the tip of the screwdriver with
a rag.
5 Press and hold the shift lock override
button and then push the button on
the shift knob.
The shift lever can be shifted while
both buttons are pressed.
WARNING
■ To prevent an accident when
releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override
button, make sure to set the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal is accidentally
depressed instead of the brake pedal
when the shift lock override button is
pressed and the shift lever is shifted
out of P, the vehicle may suddenly
start, possibly leading to an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
Selecting the driving mode
and snow mode (if
equipped)
P.348, 354
225
4