How To Turn On Rear Air In Your Rav4 2022 – Everything You Need To Know

The Toyota RAV4 has long been a family-hauling favorite, and the 2022 model takes rear seat comfort up a notch with its dual-zone automatic climate control system. This allows rear passengers to adjust temperature, fan speed and vent direction independently from the front cabin.

Getting the backseat climate control fired up is easy once you know where to look and what the various modes do. Here is a comprehensive guide to turning on the rear air conditioning, heating and customizing the backseat environment in the latest Toyota RAV4.

Key Takeaways:

• The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has a dual-zone automatic climate control system for rear passengers
• The rear control panel is located at the back of the center console
• Rear climate modes include air conditioning, heating, fan speed and vent positioning
• Temperature, fan speed and vent direction can be adjusted independently for the rear cabin
• The rear climate system can be locked from the front to prevent unwanted changes
• Following some simple tips will help keep rear passengers comfortable

Locating the Rear Control Panel

The rear climate control panel is conveniently located at the back of the center console, within easy reach of rear seat passengers. It has a simple, straightforward layout with buttons for:

• Air conditioning
• Fan speed
• Temperature
• Airflow vent positioning

There is also a display showing the current rear zone temperature setting.

Knowing the location and basic functions of the various buttons and modes will help you master the RAV4’s rear climate system quickly.

Understanding the Rear Climate Modes

Let’s take a closer look at what each of the modes and functions on the rear control panel do:

Air Conditioning Button – Turns on the rear air conditioning. The A/C light will illuminate when activated. Press again to turn off.

Fan Speed Button – Cycles through 7 fan speeds from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Fan speed is displayed on the control panel.

Temperature Buttons – Increase or decrease rear zone temperature setting in increments of 1 degree Fahrenheit. Temperature range is 61-85°F.

Airflow Buttons – Change where air flows from the rear vents. Modes are:

• Upper vents
• Upper and lower vents
• Lower vents
• Lower and floor vents

Directing Airflow with the Upper Vents

The 2022 RAV4 has vents located in the back of the center console to direct cooled or heated air to the rear seats. There are two main vent configurations:

Upper Vents Only – Air flows from the upper console vents. Good for cooling the upper body on hot days.

Upper and Lower Vents – Makes use of both upper console vents and lower vents near the floor. Provides air circulation to the entire rear cabin.

Adjusting the Rear Fan Speed

The fan speed button allows rear passengers to control the intensity of airflow from 1-7. Here are some recommended settings:

• 1-3 – For mild days or when ambient airflow is preferred
• 4-5 – For average cooling/heating needs
• 6-7 – For maximum air circulation in very hot or cold weather

In auto mode, fan speed is adjusted automatically based on the temperature setting.

Setting the Rear Temperature

The rear zone temperature can be adjusted between 61-85°F independently of the front cabin setting. Some tips:

• 65-75°F – Comfort zone for most people
• 61-63°F – Chilly setting for hot summer days
• 83-85°F – Warmer setting for cold winter months

Press the red arrow buttons to adjust the temperature up or down by 1°F increments.

Locking the Rear Climate Controls

Front seat passengers have the option to lock the rear control panel to prevent unauthorized changes being made. To lock, press the LOCK button near the front climate controls. The LOCK indicator will light up.

Locking the rear panel disables all functions except the display, which will still show the current settings. To unlock the rear controls, press LOCK again and the indicator light will turn off.

Activating the Rear A/C

To turn on the rear air conditioning:

1. Press the A/C button on the rear control panel. The A/C indicator will illuminate.
2. Set the desired temperature using the red arrow buttons. Recommended between 61-70°F for cooling.
3. Adjust the fan speed as needed. Higher fan settings provide more intense cooling.
4. Make sure air is directed through the upper console vents for maximum cooling.
5. The rear temperature will now be brought down to the set level by the air conditioning system.

Using Automatic Mode

For the simplest operation, the rear climate control can be set to automatic mode. To do this:

1. Turn rear A/C on.
2. Adjust temperature as desired.
3. Press AUTO on the front climate control panel.

In automatic mode, the rear fan speed and air distribution are controlled automatically to maintain the set temperature. The rear passengers then only need to adjust the temperature as needed.

Troubleshooting Rear Climate Issues

If the rear A/C fails to provide adequate cooling, check these items:

• Make sure rear A/C is activated (A/C light on)
• Try setting temperature lower, down to 61°F
• Set fan speed higher, 5-7
• Direct vents to upper setting
• Make sure LOCK is not illuminated
• See if front A/C is on

If problems persist, consult your RAV4 owner’s manual or dealer for assistance.

Pro Tips for Keeping the Backseat Cool

• Tint rear windows to reflect sunlight
• Park in the shade whenever possible
• Crack windows for cross-ventilation when parked
• Run A/C on max 5-10 minutes before passengers get in
• Provide rear seat sun shades or blankets
• Keep climate control ON even when unoccupied
• Schedule regular cabin air filter changes

With the 2022 RAV4’s user-friendly rear climate controls, you’ll be chilling in no time. Stay cool out there!