1997 TOYOTA RAV4 emergency towing

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Two-wheel drive modelsFour-wheel drive modelsIf towing is necessary, we recommend
you to have it done by your Toyota
dealer or a commercial tow truck ser-
vice. In consultation with them, have
your vehicle towed using either (a) or(b).
Only when you cannot receive a tow-
ing service from a Toyota dealer or
commercial tow truck service, tow
your vehicle carefully in accordance
with the instructions given in
ÐEmergency towingº in this part. Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not damaged while being
towed. Commercial operators are gener-
ally
aware of the state/provincial and local
laws pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed
incorrectly. Although most operators know the correct procedure, it is possible
to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure the following few
precautions are observed. If necessary,
show this page to the tow truck driver.
If your vehicle needs to be towedÐ

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Front
RearIf towing is necessary, we recommend
you to have it done by your Toyota
dealer or a commercial tow truck ser-vice.
If towing service is not available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed by a cable or chain se-
cured to either emergency towing eye-
let under the vehicle. Use extreme
caution when towing vehicle. A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only
on hard-surfaced roads for a short dis-
tance and at low speeds. Also, the
wheels, axles, drive train, steering and brakes must all be in good condition.
CAUTION!
Use extreme caution when towing
vehicles. Avoid sudden starts or er- ratic driving maneuvers which
would place excessive stress on the
emergency towing eyelet and tow-ing cable or chain. The eyelet and
towing cable or chain may break
and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifical- ly intended for use in towing ve-
hicles. Securely fasten the cable orchain to the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake
and put the transmission in neutral
(manual) or Nº (automatic). The key must
be in ACCº (engine off) or ONº (engine running).
CAUTION!
If the engine is not running, the
power assist for the brakes and
steering will not work so steering
and braking will be much harder
than usual.
ÐEmergency towing

146
Before emergency towing, check that the eyelet is not broken or damaged
and that the installation bolts are notloose.
Fasten the towing cable and chain se-curely to the eyelet.
Do not jerk the eyelet. Apply steady
and even force.
To avoid damaging the eyelet, do not
pull from the side or at a vertical angle.
Always pull straight ahead.
CAUTION!
If the emergency towing eyelet is
used to get out when your vehicle
becomes struck in mud, sand or
other condition from which the
vehicle cannot be driven out under
its own power, make sure to observe
the precautions mentioned below.
Otherwise, excessive stress will be
put on the eyelet and the towing
cable or chain may break, causing
serious injury or damage. If the towing vehicle can hardly
move, do not forcibly continue the
towing. Contact you T oyota dealer
or a commercial tow truck service for assistance.
Tow the vehicle as straight ahead
as possible.
Keep away from the vehicle during
towing. The following methods are ef
fective to get
out when your vehicle is struck in mud,
sand or other condition from which the ve-
hicle cannot be driven out under its own
power. Use extreme caution when towing
vehicles. In addition, keep away from the
vehicles and towing cable or chain when towing. Remove the soil and sand in the front and the back of the tires.
Place a stone or wood under the tires.
ÐEmergency towing eyelet precautions
ÐTips for towing a stuck vehicle