2002 TOYOTA RAV4 towing

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
1962002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
9. Install the flat tire and spare tirecover on the back door.
CAUTION
Make sure flat tire and spare tire cov-
er are securely in place in their stor-
age location to reduce the possibility
of personal injury during a collision
or sudden braking.
Install the full spare tire cover by the
following procedure:
Guides
1. Insert the hooks under the guides tothe upper slots and lower the cover.
—Stowing flat tire

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
1982002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck——From front
—From rear
(b) Using flat bed truck
Twowheel drive models(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck— —From front
—From rear
(b) Using flat bed truck
Fourwheel 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 towing
service from a Toyota dealer or com-
mercial tow truck service, tow your ve-
hicle carefully in accordance with the
instructions given in “—Emergency tow-
ing” on page 200 in this section.
Proper equipment will help ensure that
your vehicle is not damaged while being
towed. Commercial operators are generally
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 pre-
cautions are observed. If necessary, show
this page to the tow truck driver.
If your vehicle needs to be
towed—

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
1992002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing,
and abide by the state/provincial and local
laws. The wheels and axle on the ground
must be in good condition. If they are
damaged, use a towing dolly.
Twowheel drive models—
(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck
From front—Release the parking brake.
NOTICE
When lifting wheels, take care to en-
sure adequate ground clearance for
towing at the opposite end of the
raised vehicle. Otherwise, the bumper
and/or underbody of the towed vehicle
will be damaged during towing.
From rear—
Manual transmission:
We recommend using a towing dolly
under the front wheels. If you do not
use a towing dolly, place the ignition
key in the “ACC” position and put the
transmission in neutral.
NOTICE
Do not tow with the key removed or
in the “LOCK” position when towing
from the rear without a towing dolly.
The steering lock mechanism is not
strong enough to hold the front
wheels straight.
Automatic transmission:
Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic
transmission from the rear with the
front wheels on the ground, as this
may cause serious damage to the
transmission.
(b) Using flat bed truck
Fourwheel drive models—
(a) Towing with wheel lift type truck
Use a towing dolly under the wheels not
lifted by the truck.
(b) Using flat bed truck
(c) Towing with sling type
truck
All models—
(c) Towing with sling type truck
NOTICE
Do not tow with sling type truck, ei-
ther from the front or rear. This may
cause body damage.

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2002002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
Front
Rear (fourwheel drive models with manu-
al transmission and twowheel drive mod-
els)
Rear (fourwheel drive models with auto-
matic transmission)
If 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 tempo-
rarily towed by a cable or chain se-
cured to the emergency towing eyelets
under the front of the vehicle or the
left emergency towing eyelet under the
rear of the vehicle. Use extreme caution
when towing vehicle.
NOTICE
Only use specified towing eyelet;
otherwise your vehicle may be dam-
aged.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer
it and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only
on hardsurfaced 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 ve-
hicles. Avoid sudden starts or erratic
driving maneuvers which would place
excessive stress on the emergency
towing eyelet and towing cable or
chain. The eyelet and towing cable or
chain may break and cause serious
injury or damage.
—Emergency towing

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2012002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically
intended for use in towing vehicles.
Securely fasten the cable or chain to
the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake
and put the transmission in neutral (manu-
al) or “N” (automatic). The key must be
in “ACC” (engine off) or “ON” (engine run-
ning).
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the pow-
er assist for the brakes and steering
will not work so steering and braking
will be much harder than usual.
Before emergency towing, check that
the eyelet is not broken or damaged
and that the installation bolts are not
loose.
Fasten the towing cable or 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 oth-
er condition from which the vehicle
cannot be driven out under its own
power, make sure to observe the pre-
cautions 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 your Toyota dealer
or a commercial tow truck service
for assistance.
Tow the vehicle as straight ahead
as possible.
Keep away from the vehicle during
towing.
—Emergency towing eyelet
precautions

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2022002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
The following methods are effective to get
out when your vehicle is struck in mud,
sand or other condition from which the
vehicle 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.
If you cannot shift the selector lever
out of “P” position to other positions
even though the brake pedal is de-
pressed, use the shift lock override but-
ton as follows:1. Turn the ignition key to “LOCK” position. Make sure the parking
brake is applied.
2. Pry up the cover with a flatbladed screwdriver or equivalent.3. Insert your finger into the hole topush down the shift lock override
button. You can shift out of “P”
position only while pushing the but-
ton.
4. Shift into “N” position.
5. Insert the cover.
6. Start the engine. For your safety, keep the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by
your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
—Tips for towing a stuck
vehicle If you cannot shift automatic
transmission selector lever

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2662002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
A
Adding washer fluid243
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment
Front seats 29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belt 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air cleaner 230
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioning system 128
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbags 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 237
. . . . . . . . . .
Antiglare inside rear view mirror 76 . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system warning light 90 . . . .
Antitheft steering column lock 98
. . . . . . . . .
Appearance care
Cleaning the interior 209
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protecting your Toyota from corrosion 206
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 207
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission
Driving with an automatic transmission 99
. . . . . . . . .
Shift lock override button 202
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift pattern 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speed 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning light 90
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary boxes 141
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auxiliary catch, Engine hood 22
. . . . . . . . . . .
B
Back door 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back door lock 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battery
Checking battery condition 240
. . . . . . . . . .
Gas caution 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handling safety 240
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recharging precautions 241
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 164 . . . . . . . .
Brake system 161
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 90
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes
Fluid level 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad wear limit indicators 164
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 104
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakin tips 155
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness control 82
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Car audio system 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon monoxide caution 159
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette player 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing fuses 242
. . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 229
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the engine oil level 226
. . . . . . . . . .
Checking the radiator and condenser 228
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint
Child restraint system 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation with ISOFIX rigid anchor 72
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Types of child restraint system 59
. . . . . . . .
Using a top strap 69
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter and ashtrays 136
. . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 209
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 136
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cold weather
Operation 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc auto changer controller 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc player 110
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Condenser
Checking the condenser 228
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, Instrument panel 2,4
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system
Coolant level 227
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 227
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 188
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion prevention 206
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 105
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder
Front 143
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 143
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D
Defogger
Out side rear view mirror 85 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window 85
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Differential, Limited slip 165
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 80
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy towing 174,175
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 80
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

’02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
2672002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
Discharge warning light90
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doityourself maintenance
Parts and tools 221
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service precautions 219
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 215 . . . . .
Doors
Side doors 12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder buzzer 90 . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder light 90
. . . . . . . . .
Driving
Automatic transmission 99
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 103
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
Driving tips in various conditions 171 . . . . .
Driving with a manual transmission 103
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with an automatic transmission 99
. . . . . . . . .
Economical driving 181
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 99,103
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 173
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During
Breakin 155
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Economical driving
Saving money on both fuel and repairs 181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric moon roof 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrical system
Battery 240,241 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 219 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 242 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency, In case of
Blown fuse 242 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 81 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 189 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever 202 . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you lose your wireless remote control transmitter 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your engine stalls while driving 188 . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 198 . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 184 . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 185 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 188 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 198 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs 216 . . . . . . . . .
Engine
Air cleaner 230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 170 . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the coolant level 227 . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control device 158 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment 218 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 159 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 159 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level 226 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 188 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Starting procedure 170
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Threeway catalytic converter 158 . . . . . . .
Engine coolant
Temperature gauge 88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 88 . . . . . .
Engine immobiliser system 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil
Winter driving tips 173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 159 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F
Facts about engine oil consumption 159 . . . .
Flasher, Headlight 80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire
After changing wheels 197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing tire 194 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 189 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack point 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking precautions 189 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering vehicle 195 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing flat tire 196 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel block 192 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel nuts 195 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 151 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level
Brake 229 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 229 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 243 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light switch, Front 82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries, Operation in 157 . . . . . . . .