Toyota RAV4 Owner's Manual page 555

554
8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
WARNING
■ While towing
●
When towing using cables or
chains, avoid sudden starts, etc.
which place excessive stress on the
towing eyelets, cables or chains.
The towing eyelets, cables or
chains may become damaged, bro-
ken debris may hit people, and
cause serious damage.
● Do not turn the engine switch to
OFF.
There is a possibility that the steer-
ing wheel is locked and cannot be
operated.
■ 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.
NOTICE
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle
when towing using a wheel-lift
type truck
● Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the engine switch is in OFF or
the key is removed (vehicles with-
out smart entry & start system). The
steering lock mechanism is not
strong enough to hold the front
wheels straight.
● When raising the vehicle, ensure
adequate ground clearance for tow-
ing at the opposite end of the raised
vehicle. Without adequate clear-
ance, the vehicle could be dam-
aged while being towed.
■
To prevent damage to the vehicle
when towing with a sling-type
truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck,
either from the front or rear.
■
To prevent damage to the vehicle
during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the
suspension components.
■ When towing a vehicle equipped
with Stop & Start system (if
equipped)
If it is necessary to tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground,
perform the following procedure
before towing the vehicle, in order to
protect the system.
Turn the engine switch to OFF and
then start the engine or turn the
engine switch to ON.
Situations when it is neces-
sary to contact dealers
before towing
The following may indicate a prob-
lem with your transmission. Contact
your Toyota dealer or commercial
towing service before towing.
 The engine is running but the
vehicle does not move.
 The vehicle makes an abnormal
sound.
Towing with a sling-type
truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck to
prevent body damage.