towing TOYOTA RAV4 2008 XA30 / 3.G Owner's Guide

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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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∗1: 215/70R16 tires∗2: 225/65R17 tires∗3: 235/55R18 tires∗4: With spare tire cover∗5: With over fender∗6: Unladen vehicle∗7: With third seat∗8: With roof rails∗9: 2.4 L 4 −cylinder (2AZ −FE) engine∗
10: 3.5 L V6 (2GR −FE) engine∗
11: Without towing package∗12: With towing package
Dimensions and weights
Overall length mm (in.)
Overall width mm (in.)
Overall height
∗ 6mm (in.)
Wheelbase mm (in.)
Front tread mm (in.)
Rear tread mm (in.)
Vehicle capacity weight
(occupants + luggage) kg (lb.) 1685 (66.3)
1690 (66.5)∗
7
1745 (68.7)∗8
1755 (69.1)∗7, 8
4570 (179.9)∗1
4575 (180.1)∗2
4580 (180.3)∗3
4600 (181.1)∗4
1815 (71.5)
1855 (73.0)∗5
2660 (104.7)
1560 (61.4)
1560 (61.4)
375 (825)
525 (1155)
∗7
Towing capacity
(trailer weight + cargo weight) kg (lb.) 680 (1500)∗
9
907 (2000)∗10, 11
1588 (3500)∗10, 12

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COOLING SYSTEMTotal capacity, L(qt., lmp. qt.):2.4 L 4 −cylinder (2AZ −FE) engine
6.8 (7.2, 6.0)
3.5 L V6 (2GR −FE) engine
Without towing package 8.9 (9.4, 7.8)
With towing package
9.3 (9.8, 8.2)
Coolant type:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is
used in your Toyota vehicle at factory
fill. In order to avoid technical problems,
only use “Toyota Super Long Life
Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene
glycol based non −silicate, non −amine,
non− nitrite, and non− borate coolant with
long− life hybrid organic acid technology.
(Coolant with long −life hybrid organic
acid technology consists of the combina-
tion of low phosphates and organic
acids.)
Do not use plain water alone.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for
further details. BATTERY
Open voltage
∗
at 20 C (68 F):
12.6—12.8 V Fully charged
12.2—12.4 V Half charged
11.8—12.0 V Discharged
∗: Voltage that is checked 20 minutes af-
ter the key is removed with all the lights
turned off
Charging rates: 5 A max.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
Fluid capacity (drain and refill), L (qt.,
Imp. qt.): Up to 3.5 (3.7, 3.1)
Fluid type: Toyota Genuine ATF WS
Change automatic transmission fluid only
as necessary.
Generally, it is necessary to change
automatic transmission fluid only if your
vehicle is driven under one of the Special
Operating Conditions listed in your
“Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner ’s Manual Supplement”. When
changing the automatic transmission fluid,
use only “Toyota Genuine ATF WS” (ATF
JWS3324 or NWS9638) to aid in assuring
optimum transaxle performance. Notice: Using automatic transmission
fluid other than “Toyota Genuine ATF
WS” may cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission
accompanied by vibration, and ultimate-
ly damage the automatic transmission
of your vehicle.
Please contact your Toyota dealer for fur-
ther details.
TRANSFER
(fourwheel drive models)
Oil capacity, L (qt., Imp. qt.):
0.45 (0.48 0.40)
Oil type: Hypoid gear oil API GL −5
Recommended oil viscosity: Above −18 C (0 F)
SAE 85W −90
Below −18 C (0 F)
SAE 80W −90

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ENGINE COMPARTMENT (No.1)1. SPARE 30 A: Spare fuse
2. SPARE 20 A: Spare fuse
3. SPARE 10 A: Spare fuse
4. ECUB2 7.5 A: Air conditioning sys-
tem, power windows
5. RSE 7.5 A: Rear seat entertainment
system
6. STR LOCK 20 A: No circuit
7. RAD NO.1 20 A: Audio system
8. ECUB 10 A: Wireless remote control
system, electric power steering system,
main body ECU, power door lock, front
passenger occupant classification sys-
tem, clock, audio system, meters and
gauges
9. DOME 10 A: Engine switch light, interi-
or light, vanity lights, luggage compart-
ment light, front personal lights, foot
lights
10. HEAD LH 10 A: Left−hand headlight
(high beam)
11. HEAD RH 10 A: Right−hand headlight
(high beam)
12. HEAD LL 10 A: Left−hand headlight
(low beam) 13. HEAD RL 10 A:
Right−hand headlight
(low beam)
14. AC INV 15 A: AC inverter
15. TOWING 30 A: No circuit
16. STV HTR 25 A: No circuit
17. DEICER 20 A: Windshield wiper de−
icer
18. HTR 50 A: Air conditioning system
19. PTC2 50 A: No circuit
20. PTC1 50 A: No circuit
21. HEAD MAIN 50 A: “HEAD LL”, “HEAD
RL”, “HEAD LH”, “HEAD RH” fuses
22. RDI 30 A (without towing package) or FAN2 50 A (with towing package):
Electric cooling fan
23. CDS 30 A (without towing package) or FAN1 50 A (with towing package):
Electric cooling fan
24. HLP CLN 30 A: No circuit
Fuses

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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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Engine oil replacement reminder light 129 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine switch 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas caution 313 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F
“4WD” warning light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facts about engine oil consumption 314 . . . .
Flasher, Headlight 114
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tire
After changing wheels 372
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing tire 367
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 361
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack point 366
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking precautions 361
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking up 366
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loosening wheel nuts 365
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowering vehicle 368
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reinstalling w heel ornament 371
. . . . . . . . .
Removing wheel ornament 364
. . . . . . . . . .
Stowing flat tire 369
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel block 364
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel nuts 367
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 304
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level
Brake 407
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washer fluid 422
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light switch, Front 117
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries, Operation in 311 . . . . . . . .
Four −wheel drive system 150
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front cup holder 294
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog light switch 117
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front passenger occupant
classification system 81
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger ’s seat belt
reminder buzzer 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger ’s seat belt
reminder light 129
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seat
Seatback flattening 38,39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seats 35,36,37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
Filler door opener 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy 353
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 311
. . . . . . . . . .
Gauge 126
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 311 . . . . . . .
Tank cap 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel information 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel pump shut off system 311
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse
Fuse box 420
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse locations 398
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature 126 . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 126 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove box 291 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Good driving practice 143,147 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grocery bag hooks 296 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
H
Hands−free phone system 239 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard switch 116 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraints 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight switch 114 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High speed operation
During break −in 309 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill −start assist control system 161 . . . . . . . .
Hood release, Engine 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine 342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I
I/M test 394
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification
Engine 322
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire 325
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle 321
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch 142
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated entry system 119
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing front towing eyelet 376
. . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel
Brightness control 116
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 288
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge 126
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator symbols 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip meter 127
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 116
. . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel overview 2,8
. . . . . . . . . . . .