towing TOYOTA tC 2012 (in English) User Guide

354 5-1. Essential information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Emergency towingIf 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.
For vehicles with an automatic
transmission, only the front tow-
ing eyelet may be used.

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355
5-1. Essential information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Installing towing eyelets
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.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

356 5-1. Essential information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Towing with a sling-type truckDo not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.

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357
5-1. Essential information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Towing with a wheel-lift type truck
From the front Release the parking brake.
From the rear Vehicles with an automatic trans-
mission: Use a towing dolly
under the front wheels.
Vehicles with a manual transmis-
sion: We recommend using a
towing dolly under the front
wheels.
Vehicles without a smart key sys-
tem: When not using a towing
dolly, turn the engine switch to the
“ACC” position and shift the shift
lever to N.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
When not using a towing dolly,
turn the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch to ACCESSORY mode
and shift the shift lever to N.

358 5-1. Essential information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Using a flatbed truckIf 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.
■ 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 “ON” (engine running) position. 
Vehicles with a smart key system: Turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch to ACCESSORY (engine off) or IGNITION ON
(engine running) mode.
■ Emergency towing eyelet location
 P. 380
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

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5-1. Essential information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
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.
● Vehicles without a smart key system: 
Do not turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position or remove the\
key. 
Vehicles with a smart key system: 
Do not turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch off. 
Doing so will lock the steering wheel and prevent operation, possibly caus-
ing an accident and resulting in death or serious injury.
● 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. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.

360 5-1. Essential information
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission when towing
using a wheel-lift type truck (vehic les with an automatic transmission)
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
■ To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck (vehicles with a manual transmission)
● Vehicles without a smart key 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 wheel\
s
straight.
● Vehicles with a smart key system: Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is off. The steering lock mecha-
nism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight.
● 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.
■ 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.

380
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare tire provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
●Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Shift the shift lever to P (automatic transmission) or R (manual
transmission).
● Stop the engine.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Jack handle
Jack
Wheel nut

wrench
Spa r e tire
Towing eyelet

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387
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
Stowing the flat tire
Before stowing the flat tire,
remove the center wheel orna-
ment by pushing from the
reverse side.
Put the flat tire on the center of
the luggage mat with the outer
side of the wheel facing up. Hook
the end of the belt to either rear
cargo hook.
Pass the belts from between the
wheel spokes through the cen-
ter hole of the wheel.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Scion_tC_U_(OM21041U)
CAUTION
■After using the tools and jack
Before driving, make sure all the tools and jack are securely in place in
their storage location to reduce the po
ssibility of personal injury during a
collision or sudden braking.
■When stowing the flat tire
●Make sure the rear seats are in their original position.
●Secure it using a tire tie-down belt. Otherwise, the flat tire may fly out
in case of the sudden braking or an accident, resulting in death or seri-
ous injury.