2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID towing

482
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is operating, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Toyota dealer or a commerci al towing service, using a lift-type
truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all to wing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehic le's rear wheels and axles must be
in good condition. (P. 486)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

5
When trouble arises
483
5-1. Essential information
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet(s). This should only be attempted on hard surfaced
roads for short distances at a speed below 18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
Towing eyelet
■Emergency towin g procedure
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY mode (hybrid system
off) or ON mode (hybrid system operating).
CAUTION
■ Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelet and the cables or chains.
● If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will
not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

484 5-1. Essential information
Installing towing eyeletRemove the eyelet cover while
pushing it.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious dama ge to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
485
5-1. Essential information
■
Location of the emer gency towing eyelet
P. 501
CAUTION
■ Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.

486 5-1. Essential information
Towing with a sling-type truck
Towing with a wheel lift-type truckFrom front Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

5
When trouble arises
487
5-1. Essential information
From rear
Use a towing dolly under the
front wheels.
Using a flat bed truck
If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.
NOTICE
■ To prevent causing serious da mage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
■ To prevent damaging the vehicle
●Do not tow the vehicle with the “POWER” switch in OFF.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels
straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed.
■ To prevent causing serious da mage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.

5
When trouble arises
501
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
●Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Shift the shift lever to P.
● Stop the hybrid system.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Jack handle
Adapter
socket Towing eyelet
Jack handle
Wrench
Spare tire
Jack

508 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Firmly tighten each nut two or
three times in the order shown in
the illustration.
Tightening torque:
76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)
Stowing the flat tire, jack and all toolsRemove the center wheel ornament by pushing from the
reverse side. Put the flat tire on the ground
with the outer side facing up and
install the holding bracket.
Be careful not to lose the wheel
ornament.
Turn the spare tire clamp bolt clockwise with a jack handle
and adapter socket until you hear a click.
Stow the jack and all tools.
STEP4
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4