Toyota RAV4 Dashboard Warning Lights
Detailed below are the dashboard warning lights for the popular Toyota RAV4 SUV. The Toyota RAV4 has been in production since 1995 and is currently on its 5th generation. These warning lights primarily focus on Toyota’s 5th generation of the RAV4 (XA50), 2018 onwards, but the warning lights may still offer help to earlier and later models of the RAV4. Dashboard display design layout and warning lights location will vary depending on your model of RAV4.
All warning lights that may illuminate on your RAV4’s dashboard are displayed along with an explanation. You’ll also often see the recommended course of action to take based on Toyota’s guidelines. Warning lights typically illuminate in either red or yellow. Red warning lights often mean danger and generally require urgent attention. Yellow or amber warning lights may illuminate due to:
- A maintenance or service issue
- A non-urgent minor fault
- A system or utility that has been manually deactivated where usually it is on by default
Brake Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4 brake warning light can illuminate either in red or yellow. By illuminating in red, it means that either there is a brake system malfunction, or that brake fluid levels are low. If the brake light come son in red, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and do not continue driving as it may be dangerous. If brake fluid levels are low, it may indicate a leak in the brake circuit.
If the brake light comes on in yellow, it means there’s a fault in the parking brake system. You can continue to drive, but have the parking brake inspected right away.
Battery Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4 red battery warning light stays on after engine ignition or comes on while driving due to a fault in the charging system. If the light comes on while driving, immediately switch off any non-essential system that consume electricity. Continued driving with the battery light on may affect vehicle braking systems.
The usual cause for the battery warning light is a failing alternator or loose / broken drive belts. Check also battery connections, battery condition and wiring.
Coolant Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4 red thermometer symbol comes on while driving to indicate the the engine coolant has overheated. You may additionally experience a loss of engine power and the needle on the engine temperature gauge goes into the red. If driving, pull off the road as soon as safely possible and switch off the engine.
Allow several minute for the engine to cool and then inspect radiator and hoses for sighs of leaks. Check coolant and if levels are low add coolant. Engine coolant is a mixture of ethylene glycol and raises the boiling temperature of the fluid and helps to prevent it freezing. Normal water can be used in emergencies, but this must be replaced with coolant as soon as possible.
After adding coolant, start the engine and check that the cooling fan is operational by switching on the air conditioning system. If the fan is not operating, switch off the engine and contact a Toyota repair workshop. Only continue to drive the vehicle if all warning lights and messages go off.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This Toyota RAV4 red oil light is not to be confused with the low oil level light as this one means that the oil pressure is low. Low oil pressure can result in the engine components not being properly lubricated and therefore becoming damaged. Very low engine oil levels can trigger the low oil pressure light.
If this red oil light comes on while driving, pull off the road as soon as safely possible and switch off the engine. Check oil levels and add oil if required. However, only continue to drive if the oil light goes off.
Check Engine Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4 engine warning light, or check engine warning light comes on due to a fault with either the electronic engine control system, the electronic throttle control system, or the emission control system. There are many reasons why the engine warning light is lit and the only way to diagnose the engine light is to use a fault code reader.
Every time the engine light or check engine light comes on, a fault code is usually generated and stored. Diagnostic fault code readers can read the fault code. which can then be used to determine where the fault is. You can wither have fault codes read at most auto workshops, or you can purchase fault code scanners yourself. You can usually continue to drive with the engine light on, but have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
Airbag Warning Light
As with most warning lights, the airbag light should come on briefly with the ignition and go out shortly after. If the Toyota RAV4 airbag warning light remains constantly lit, it indicates a fault with the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner system.
Faults range from airbag module problems, worn clock springs, seat belt buckles and airbag sensors. A diagnostic fault code reader that’s capable of scanning ABS faults should help to diagnose the fault.
ABS Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4 ABS warning light remains lit when there’s a fault with the Anti-lock Braking System. ABS is an additional safety function that enables the driver to steer the vehicle during hard braking. When the ABS light is on, your normal brakes will continue to work as usual, but without ABS support. The usual cause for an ABS fault is one of the four wheel speed sensors malfunctioning.
Power Steering Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4 uses electric power steering rather than hydraulic and the power steering warning light illuminates either in red or yellow. A red light often means total loss of power steering, while a yellow light means partial failure.
Due to the RAV4 using electric power steering (EPS), switching off the ignition and restarting may reset the EPC system. EPS issues can occur due to low battery charge, so it might be worth charging the battery. Occasionally, the EPS motor can overheat if the driver has been making significant steering movements while the car is stationary. In this instance, the EPS will resume once the motor has sufficiently cooled.
PCS Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4 has a Pre-Collision System (PCS) that alerts the driver by either audio and warning light alerts and if necessary initiates automatic braking to avoid a forward collision. The system relies on a camera mounted at the top centre of the windshield. When the area around the camera sensor is covered with dirt, moisture (fogged up, covered with condensation, ice, etc.), or other foreign matter, the PCS system may not operate correctly. Clean the part of the windshield in front of the camera.
LTA Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4 has a Lane Tracking Assist (LTA) function that while driving on a road with clearly visible lane lines, the LTA system warns the driver if the vehicle may deviate from the current lane by use of audible or warning lights signals and also can slightly operate the steering wheel to help avoid deviation from the lane.
LTA warning lights illuminate in white, indicating that LTA system is operating, green to indicate steering wheel assistance of the steering assist function or lane centering and function is operating and flashing in orange to indicate the lane departure alert function is operating. As with he Pre-Collision System (PCS), LTA uses the same camera sensor mounted at the top-centre of the windshield and requires the area to be clean.
Engine Stop Start Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4 engine start stop system stops and starts the engine according to brake pedal or shift lever operation when the vehicle is stopped. A green symbol illuminates on the dashboard when engine stop has been initiated. The engine start stop system can be disabled, but is reinitiated upon each manual ignition cycle of the engine.
There are several conditions that must be met in order for the Toyota RAV4 engine stop start system to work. If one of these conditions are not met, you may see the stop start unavailable warning light 
along with a message. For further information, see Toyota RAV4 stop start not working.
Intuitive Parking Assist Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4 Intuitive Parking Assist system helps the driver with parking by measuring the distance, front and rear of the vehicle and communicates this bother visually and via an audible alert.
If a buzzer sounds along with the Intuitive Parking Assist off warning light, it indicates a malfunction in the Intuitive parking assist function. If the Intuitive Parking Assist off warning light illuminates but a buzzer does not sound, it indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possibly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc.
Intuitive Parking Assist Sensors
There are a total of 8 Intuitive Parking Assist sensors. Always ensure that the areas in and around the sensor location is clean and clear of mud, ice etc. There are four on the rear and four on the front of the Toyota RAV4 located in the following areas:
Parking Support Brake Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4 PKSB (Parking Support Brake) system can detect a vehicle approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle and the system determines that the possibility of a collision is high, the PKSB system will perform brake control to reduce the likelihood of an impact with the approaching vehicle.
The Toyota RAV4 PKSB system uses two radar sensors, one located on each rear corner of the vehicle. If a buzzer sounds along with the PKSB off warning light, it indicates a malfunction in the PKSB function. If the PKSB off warning light illuminates but a buzzer does not sound, it indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possibly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc.
BSM Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4 BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring) system uses radar sensors to detect the following vehicles traveling in adjacent
lanes and advises the driver of the presence of such vehicles via the warning light 
on the outside rear view mirrors. If the BSM system is not working properly, check to ensure that the areas around the sensors are clear from dirt, snow mud etc. It’s also possible that the sensors may not operate correctly in very hot or cold temperatures.
RCTA Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4 RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) system alerts the driver if it detects approaching vehicles from left or right rear. To alert the driver, a warning light will flash in the outside mirror and an audible alert sounds.
The Toyota RAV4 RCTA system uses two radar sensors, one located on each rear corner of the vehicle as illustrated in the Parking Support Brake diagram. If a buzzer sounds along with the RCTA off warning light, it indicates a malfunction in the RCTA function. If the RCTA off warning light illuminates but a buzzer does not sound, it indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possibly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc. Ensure the radar sensor areas are clean for optimal use.
Driving Modes
The Toyota RAV4 has 5 driving modes; sport mode, snow mode, mud and sand mode, rock and dirt mode and ECO mode. When one of the modes is selected, a symbol displays on the dashboard. The following applies to each of the 5 driving modes:
- Sport Mode alters the steering and engine to create a more responsive feel that is suitable for sporty driving.
- Snow Mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving on slippery road surfaces, such as on snow or ice.
- Mud and Sand Mode can be selected for driving on roads with increased driving resistance such as sandy roads, muddy roads, etc.
- Rock and Dirt Mode can be selected for driving in bumpy road conditions, such as on unpaved forest roads.
- ECO Mode improves fuel economy by more smoothly generating torque in response to accelerator pedal operations and restraining air conditioning system operations (heating/cooling).
Slip Indicator Warning Light
This symbol is part of the Toyota RAV4’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) program and helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on slippery road surfaces. The VSC warning light flashes when the system is in use and remains constantly lit when a fault is detected. A constantly lit VSC warning may indicate a fault with:
- The Multi-terrain Select brake control
- The VSC/Trailer Sway Control system
- The TRAC system
- The hill-start assist control system
- The downhill assist control system
A common cause for a VCS fault is either the VCS module or a faulty wheel speed sensors. Many of these system depend on wheel speed sensors which are prone to failure.
Foot on Brake Warning Light
The foot on brake warning light illuminates to indicate that the Toyota RAV4’s Brake Override System is operating. If the foot on brake warning light illuminates along with an audible alert, it indicates:
- Brake Override System is malfunctioning
- Drive-Start Control is operating
- Drive-Start Control is malfunctioning
- Parking Support Brake function (for static objects) (if equipped) is operating
Brake Hold Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4’s brake hold system keeps the brake applied when the gear shift lever is in D, S or N without having to constantly keep the brake pedal applied. The system automatically releases the brake when the accelerator pedal is depressed. The brake hold indicator symbol 
illuminates in green indicating that the brake hold function is active. While system is holding the brake, the ‘HOLD’ warning light illuminates in yellow. If the HOLD warning light flashes, it means there’s a fault with the brake hold system.
Park Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4’s park warning light illuminates when the parking brake is applied. If the red park warning light flashes, it’s possible that the parking brake is not fully engaged or released. Operate the parking brake switch again.
Tire Pressure Warning Light
The Toyota RAV4’s tire pressure warning light illuminates due to one or more vehicle tires becoming underinflated. If the tire pressure light flashes, then remains lit, it means there’s a fault with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). A audible alert and message will signal.
Faults with the TPMS often occur due to a wheel or tire change where pressure sensors have not been installed or have been damaged. They TPMS may also not function correctly if tires of different specification or model are fitted. After checking and altering tire pressures, it’s normal for for the tire pressure warning light to illuminate for a short time. The warning light should turn off shortly.
ECO Indicator Light
During Eco-friendly acceleration of the vehicle (Eco driving), the ECO driving indicator light will illuminate. When the acceleration exceeds the zone of ECO driving, or when the vehicle is stopped, the light turns off.
Smart Key Indicator Light
The smart key indicator light illuminates when the system has detected the smart key. This means the vehicle can be started provided that the parking brake is set, the shift lever is in Park and your foot is firmly pressing the footbrake.
Security Indicator Light
The car and lock symbol is the Toyota RAV4’s security indicator warning light. The vehicle’s keys have built-in transponder chips that prevent the engine from starting if a key has not been previously registered in the vehicle’s on-board computer. The security car and lock symbol flashes when the key has been removed from the ignition or when the engine has been switched off for vehicle with smart key start.
Conditions that may prevent the engine from starting is if the grip part of the key is in contact with a metallic object or if the key is in close proximity or touching another key that contains a transponder.
Low Temperature Light
The snowflake symbol is the Toyota RAV4’s low temperature warning light. When the outside temperature is approximately 37°F (3°C) or lower, the low temperature warning light will flash for approximately 10 seconds, then stay on. The snowflake warning light illuminates to warn that roads may be icy and slippery and to drive with care.
Downhill Assist Light
The downhill facing car symbol is the Toyota RAV4 downhill assist control system (DAC) warning light. The downhill assist system helps to prevent excessive speed build up on steep downhill slopes. When facing a steep downhill gradient, if equipped, press the DAC button on the dashboard. The system will operate in reducing speed build up when the vehicle is traveling under 15 mph with the accelerator and brake pedals released.
What does an orange “O/D” mean? – on a Rav4
Hello Barbara,
The O/D stands for overdrive and it is designed to help with fuel economy. Having the Fav4 in overdrive doesn’t off much power, for say overtaking another vehicle, so if you need a little extra power, temporarily press the button on the gear shifter to switch it off.
The maintenance required indicator light on the dash is on
what does that mean
Hi Judy,
It means that your Rav4’s scheduled maintenance is required, so you’ll need to have the vehicle serviced, engine oil, oil filter etc. Once maintenance has been completed, you or the engineers will need to reset the service reminder. To reset the Toyota Rav4 maintenance required message:
1. Press
or 
of the directional arrows on the steering wheel and select 
.
or 
on the steering wheel directional control arrows, then select ‘Vehicle Settings’ and then press ‘OK’.
or 
of the directional arrows on the steering wheel and select ‘Scheduled Maintenance’, then press ‘OK’.
2. Press
3. Press
4. Then select ‘Yes’ and then press ‘OK’. The maintenance required reminder should now be reset and will remind you again when scheduled maintenance is required next time.
what is the SET dashboard warning?
Hello Donna,
The SET information light is the cruise control indicator. In dynamic cruise control, versions of the RAV4 that have this function will automatically accelerate, decelerate and brake to a stop the match the speed of the vehicle in front. You can activate this function via the controls on the steering wheel – the circular controls on the right-side of the steering wheel.
What does a warning light that shows the chasis with a blue indicator at the back and by the two back tires?
I would like to know the following:-
a) how many kilometers is require to change timing belt of tayota rav4 of1999 of 3S engine??
b) does rav4 of 1999 have warning light of timing belt and were are they on the dashboard?
c) if warning light are there, how many kilometers run after warning light before timing belt is broken??
What does a red stop sign mean on the left top of the dash mean?
When we park our car and get out of the car, we see this “Security Indicator Light” flash on the panel where they show seat belt warning signs.
I read the explanation below but could not understand what it says…
Is it a normal thing that the warning light flashes while it is parked?
Will it not drain the vehicle battery?
Hi Richard
Yes it’s normal. It flashes to indicate the the security system / immobilizer is armed. Dashboard lights use low wattage bulbs or for modern cars, LEDs that are extremely energy efficient. A small, intermittently blinking light will have almost zero impact on the state of the battery charge. The armed security system itself will be more of a drain on the battery charge.
I have a picture of 4 tires and drive chain. next to the tires are “bars”. What could this possible mean?
Hi Dawn,
I think what you’re referring to is the Toyota Rav4 Dynamic Torque Control AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system. The system automatically switches from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive depending on the road conditions. If you have a display of the system on your instrument display (depending on which mode the vehicle is in), it may look something similar to this:
A: Torque distribution display
Displays the drive status of each wheel in 6 steps from 0 to 5.
B: G-force display
Displays the size and direction of the G-force applied to the vehicle via changes to the position of the ball on the display.
C: Maximum G-force course
This item is linked with the G-force display and the course of the past movement of the ball is displayed.
D: Wheel spin display
When a tire is spinning, its icon on the display changes its color and flashes.
Got a green light on dash near the time clock on 213 rav4 what is this thanks
You mean in the centre panel display where the clock is?
In this section is the:
1. Intuitive parking assist that assists with reversing and distance from obstacles.
2. Clock hour and minute settings.
3. Security indicator. This light should flash when the key is removed from the vehicle to indicate that the immobiliser system is armed.
4. Airbag deactivated / activated.
There’s also an LDA button – Lane Departure Alert.
Hi,
Occasionally when I am driving I see a flash across the dash of my 2019 RAV4 but because I am driving I can never see the message just a brief glimpse. I have been to my Toyota dealership to have it checked out but I can’t give them any details because I am driving when it happens. Do you have suggestions on how to determine what it is?
Hi Paula,
You can check for stored warning messages. Flick through your options (triangle containing exclamation mark) to see if anything is stored.
Try to determine if there’s a specific situation when it occurs. For instance, driving assist systems can sometimes throw up alerts. The pre-collision system can sometimes be a little sensitive for example. Does the flash occur when driving round parked cars, when braking etc. You’ll have sensors on your vehicle’s bumpers, front grille (radar) and at the top-centre of your windscreen (camera). Ensure all these areas are kept clean. You can turn off, or in some instances adjust the sensitivity of these drive-assist and safety systems.
Is there a specific time that the flash occurs? If in the colder mornings, it might be a brief tyre pressure warning (can occur tyres are cold), but goes away when tyres warm up. Check tyre pressures. If it happens quite frequently, you could ask a passenger to video record the dashboard on their phone.
Doesn’t sound like it’s a fault, else it would likely be a more persistent warning light, but if you think it is, you can have your car scanned for fault codes.
I hit a peacock in my rav4 and put a dent in front passenger side bumper and I now have a flashing red light coming up on the dash aswell as a buzzing sound.
Hi Christine,
What does the warning symbol look like?
Hi, I have a 2018 Rav 4 with a Smart Key, how do i reset the Security Indicator light?
I’ve had a green gauge looking symbol come up twice on my instrument panel this week. It shows up in the middle of the instrument panel near where the Drive, Park, Reverse, etc… is shown. Is this an on going issue that may turn red or yellow down the road? The vehicle does not run any different if it is on. It usually comes on when the car has not been driven for awhile (overnight) and it is mostly garaged if I am at home.
Hi Valerie,
Not entirely sure which version of Rav4 you have, but it sounds like you may be inadvertently activating the cruise control / speed limiter system by operating the buttons on the right steering column lever. Regardless of what it is, a green symbol means that a system has been activated. So in terms of it turning yellow or red, you needn’t worry.
Consistent red flashing warning light above speedometer. The engine can be running or off.
I have a 2005 RAV4. All of the dash warning lights are on all of the time. Oil level light even when oil is fine. Same with tire pressure indicator, maintenance indicator etc. Mechanics all say computer is bad. What’s up
Hi Alan,
It’s often a symptom of a failing alternator. Did they test the alternator?
tengo una toyota rav4 2006 motor 2.4 la luz del motor ensiende y apaga le pusieron las bobinas los spared el troter body los injectores el cransensor y sigue con el mismo fallo
Hi Erick,
Did they pull any fault codes? Did they give an explanation of why they replaced those parts and why they think the engine warning light is still coming on?
I have a 2023 Rav 4. Some times the dash spedometer goes all red. I have no idea why. It is very concerning. I have it on analog screen.
Could you tell me why it would turn red?
What does white left and right arrow mean? They usually turn green when signally a lane change.
But for some reason, they are white and still on and then later goes away.
i have a 2016 rav 4. There is a very tiny white triangle light that comes on intermittently while i am driving, its on the dash near the top where the temp warning light is. Its so small i cannot make out whet it is| Its defo not the low temp light as i know that well. seems to flash on and off when i change gear. Is it a gear change indicator?