2012 TOYOTA GT86 Owners Manual

5
353
5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
FT86_EE
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional before towing.
The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
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. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced roads
for short distances at low speeds.
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.
For vehicles with an automatic transmission, only the front towing
eyelet may be used.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional or a commercial towing service, using a
lift-type truck or a flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing from the rear, the vehicle's front wheels and axles must be
in good condition. (P. 357)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

354 5-1. Essential information
FT86_EETowing eyelet
Before emergency towing
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Vehicles without a smart entry & start system: Turn the engine
switch to the “ACC” (engine off) or “ON” (engine running) position.
Vehicles with a smart entry & start system: Turn the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch to ACCESSORY (engine off) or IGNITION
ON (engine running) mode.
If towing a vehicle
Do not tow another vehicle. If towing a vehicle that has broken down is
unavoidable, avoid towing a vehicle that is heavier than your vehicle. Also,
do not pull out a vehicle that has fallen into a ditch.
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 eyelets and the cables or chains. Always
be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

5
355 5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
FT86_EE
Installing towing eyelet
Remove the eyelet cover using a flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body, as shown in the illustration.
Front
Rear
NOTICE
To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission in emergency
towing (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to the transmission.
STEP 1

356 5-1. Essential information
FT86_EEInsert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
STEP 2
STEP 3
Location of the emergency towing eyelet
P. 371, 380
CAUTION
Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.
After towing
Always remove the towing eyelet. Failure to do so can cause the SRS air-
bags to not operate correctly in the event of a frontal collision.

5
357 5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
FT86_EE
Towing with a sling-type truck
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck
From the front
Vehicles with an automatic trans-
mission: Use a towing dolly
under the rear wheels.
Vehicles with a manual transmis-
sion: We recommend using a
towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
When not using a towing dolly,
release the parking brake and
shift the shift lever to N.
NOTICE
To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

358 5-1. Essential information
FT86_EEFrom the rear
Vehicles without a smart entry &
start system: Turn the engine
switch to the “ACC” position so
that the steering wheel is
unlocked.
Vehicles with a smart entry &
start system: Turn the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch to
ACCESSORY mode so that the
steering wheel is unlocked.
NOTICE
To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission when towing
using a wheel-lift type truck (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.
To prevent damaging the vehicle
Vehicles without a smart entry & start system: Do not tow the vehicle from
the rear when the engine switch is in the “LOCK” position or the key is
removed. The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the
front wheels straight.
Vehicles with a smart entry & start system: Do not tow the vehicle from the
rear when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is off. The steering lock
mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight.
When raising the vehicle from the rear, 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 from the rear.

5
359 5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
FT86_EE
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.

360
5-1. Essential information
FT86_EE
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal
Audible symptoms
Changes in exhaust sound
Excessive tire squeal when cornering
Strange noises related to the suspension system
Pinging or other noises related to the engine
Operational symptoms
Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
Appreciable loss of power
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor