2008 TOYOTA RAV4 emergency towing

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2008 RAV4 from Feb. ’08 Prod. (OM42726U)
(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 375 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. 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—
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.

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(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 slingtype 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.
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
on the front of the vehicle. Use extreme
caution when towing vehicle.
To install the front towing eyelet, see
“—Installing front towing eyelet” described
below.
—Emergency towing

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NOTICE
Only use specified towing eyelet;
otherwise your vehicle may be dam-
aged.
 Never tow a vehicle from the rear
with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to
the transmission.
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 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.
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 “N”. The en-
gine switch must be in the “ACC” (engine
off) or the “ON” (engine running) position.
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.1. Remove the front towing eyelet cover on the front bumper, using a flathead
screwdriver which is wrapped with a
cloth.
—Installing front towing eyelet

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2. Use the front towing eyelet in the toolbag. Secure it to the hole on the
bumper by turning clockwise. (For the
tool bag location, see “—Required tools
and spare tire” on page 362 in this
Section.)3. Tighten the front towing eyelet securelyby a wheel nut wrench.
CAUTION
When installing the eyelet on the ve-
hicle, be sure to tighten the front
eyelet securely. If the eyelet is loose,
it may come off when being towed
and result in death or serious injury.
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.
—Emergency towing eyelet
precautions

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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.
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 engine switch to the “LOCK” position. Make sure the
parking brake is applied.
2. Pry up the cover with a flathead screwdriver or equivalent.
—Tips for towing a stuck
vehicle If you cannot shift automatic
transmission selector lever

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT (No.2)1. AMP 30 A: Audio system
2. AM2 30 A: Starting system
3. IG2 15 A: Starting system, multiport
fuel injection system/sequential multi-
port fuel injection system
4. HAZ 10 A: Emergency flashers
5. ETCS 10 A: Multiport fuel injection
system/se quential multiport fuel injec-
tion system
6. AM22 7.5 A: No circuit
7. EFI NO.1 10 A: Multiport fuel injection
system/se quential multiport fuel injec-
tion system
8. EFI NO.2 10 A: Multiport fuel injection
system/se quential multiport fuel injec-
tion system
9. EFI MAIN 20 A: Multiport fuel injection
system/se quential multiport fuel injec-
tion system, “EFI NO.1”, “EFI NO.2”
fuses
10. HORN 10 A: Horn
11. A/F 20 A (3.5 L V6 [2GRFE] engine only): A/F sensor
12. P/I 50 A: “EFI MAIN”, “HORN”, “A/F”
fuses 13. ABS2 30 A:
Anti−lock brake system,
traction control system, enhanced ve-
hicle stability control system, “AUTO
LSD” system, downhill assist control
system, hill− start assist control system
14. ABS1 50 A: Anti−lock brake system,
traction control system, enhanced ve-
hicle stability control system, “AUTO
LSD” system, downhill assist control
system, hill− start assist control system
15. EMPS 60 A: Electric power steering
system
16. MAIN 80 A: “HEAD MAIN”, “ECU −B2”,
“RSE” fuses
17. ALT 120 A (without towing package) or 140 A (with towing package):
“ABS 1”, “ABS 2”, “RDI”, “CDS”,
“FAN1”, “FAN2”, “AC INV”, “TOWING”,
“HTR”, “DEICER” fuses

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Console boxRear 293 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, Instrument panel 2,8 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, overhead console 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, steering switches 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system
Coolant level 406 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and reservoir 406 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator cap 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 346 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion prevention 382 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 168 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder
Front 294 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 294 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D
Defogger
Outside rear view mirror 122 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window 122
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimmer switch, Headlight 114
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy towing 347
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directional signals 114
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do −it−yourself maintenance
Parts and tools 400
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service precautions 399
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Does your vehicle need repairing? 393 . . . . .
Doors
Back door 26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side doors 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Downhill assist control system 158
. . . . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder buzzer 129 . . . . . .
Driver ’s seat belt reminder light 129 . . . . . . . . Driving
Automatic transmission 143,147
. . . . . . . . .
Driving tips 342
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in the rain 344
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
Driving in the rain 344
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips in various conditions 343 . . . . .
Driving with an automatic transmission 143,147
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economical driving 353
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 143,147
. . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 346
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During
Break −in 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DVD player 194
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Economical driving
Saving money on both fuel and repairs 353 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric moon roof 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric power steering system 320 . . . . . . . .
Electric power steering system warning light 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical system
Battery 418,420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 398 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 116 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency, In case of
Blown fuse 420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency flasher switch 116 . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 361 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If you cannot increase
engine speed 359 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever 378 . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys 379 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your engine stalls while driving 359 . . . . .
If your vehicle becomes stuck 373 . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 373 . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 356 . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 357 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 373 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) programs 394 . . . . . . . . .
Engine
Before starting the engine 342 . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the coolant level 406 . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control device 312 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment 396 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 313 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood release 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification number 322 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil consumption 314 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level 404 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting procedure 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three −way catalytic converters 312 . . . . . .
Engine coolant
Temperature gauge 126 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 346 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 126 . . . . .
Engine immobilizer system 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil
Winter driving tips 346 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Tilt steering wheel108
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressure warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressure warning system
Tire pressure warning light 163
. . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressure warning system 163 . . . . . . .
Tires
Changing 361
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing 410
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire 361
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glossary 329
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation pressure 408,433
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 415
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 412
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Size 326,433
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snow tires and chains 413
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare 362
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols 324
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Identification Number (TIN) 325 . . . . . .
Tools 362
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To w i n g
Capacity 335
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dinghy towing 347
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency towing 375
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency towing eyelet 376
. . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency towing eyelet precautions 377
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 373 . . . . .
Installing front towing eyelet 376
. . . . . . . . .
Tips for towing a stuck vehicle 378 . . . . . . .
Trailer 348
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system 152
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 348
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip meter 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signals 114
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 338
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U
Uniform tire quality grading 326,327 . . . . . . . .
Utility vehicle precautions 308 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
V
Vanity mirrors 111
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle identification number 321
. . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system 155,157 . . . .
Vehicle stability control system/traction control system
warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
W
Warning buzzer 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid
Adding washer fluid 422
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing and waxing 383
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels
Aluminum wheel 416
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 415
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer switch 120
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper de −icer 122
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 346
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wireless remote control 16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .