2013 TOYOTA RAV4 towing

RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
3935-4. Using the storage features
5
Interior features
■Stowing the rear cargo net (vehicles with the rear cargo net
holders)Open the rear deck board
and remove the deck side
covers.
Insert the right end of the
rear cargo net into the
recess, then compress the
left end of the rear cargo net
and insert it into the recess.
1
2

394
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
5-4. Using the storage features
CAUTION
■When installing/stowing the rear cargo net
Make sure that the rear cargo net is securely installed/stowed. Failure to do
so may result in serious injury in the event of sudden braking or a collision.
■ Caution for the rear cargo net
●To prevent cargo and luggage from sliding forward during braking, do not
place anything on the net higher than the rear seatbacks. Otherwise, such
items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle during
sudden braking or an accident.
● Do not allow children to climb on the cargo net. Climbing on the cargo net
could result in damage to the cargo net, possibly causing death or serious
injury to the child.
NOTICE
■Rear cargo net weight capacity
Do not place anything heavier than 22.1 lb. (10 kg) on the cargo net.

432
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Adding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as that
already in the engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed
before adding oil.Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
■ Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following
situations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be
refilled in between oil maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or
after replacing the engine
● If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
● When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, when towing, or
when driving while accelerating or decelerating frequently
● When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
Engine oil selection P. 555
Oil quantity
(Low  Full) 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp.qt.)
Items
Clean funnel
1
2
3

495
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
7
When trouble arises
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer before towing.
●The engine is operating but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
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 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.
If towing is necessary, we re commend having your vehicle
towed by your Toyota dealer or a commercial towing service,
using a lift-type truc k or flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/
provincial and local laws.
2WD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck
from the front, the vehicle’s rear wheels and axles must be in
good conditions. ( P. 497, 500)
If they are damaged, use a to wing dolly or flat bed truck.
AWD models: If towing your vehicl e with a wheel-lift type truck,
use a towing dolly. ( P. 497, 500)
Before towing
Emergency towing

4967-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
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.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by
hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
Installing towing eyelet
1
2
3

4977-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
7
When trouble arises
Do not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.
Towing with a sling-type truck
Towing with a wheel-lift type truck
From the front (2WD models)From the front (AWD models)
Release the parking brake. Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From the rear
Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels.

4997-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
7
When trouble arises
■Before emergency towing
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Vehicles without a smart key system: Turn the engine switch to the “ACC”
(engine off) or the “ON” (engine running) position.
Vehicles with a smart key system: Turn the engine switch to ACCESSORY
(engine off) or IGNITION ON (engine running) mode.
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■ 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.
■ Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing.
1
2
3

5007-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RAV4_OM_OM42809U_(U)
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and Dynamic
Torque Control AWD system (AWD models) when towing using a
wheel-lift type truck
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck
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 body damage when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
■ Recreational towing (beh ind motor home, etc.)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to prevent causing serious damage to the
Dynamic Torque Control AWD system (AWD models) and transmission.
( P. 196)
■ To prevent causing serious damage to the transfer (AWD models) and
transmission in emergency towing
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to the transfer (AWD models) and transmission.
2WD models: Never tow this vehicle from
the rear with the front wheels on the
ground. This may cause serious damage
to the transmission. If towing from the
rear, use a towing dolly.
AWD models: Never tow this vehicle with
any of the wheels on the ground. This
may cause serious damage to the trans-
mission and Dynamic Torque Control
AWD system. Use a towing dolly.