2003 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 166

-Tips for towing a stuck vehicle CAUTION If the emergency towing eyelet is used to get out when your vehicle becomes struck in mud, sand or other condition from which the vehicle cannot be driven out under its own power, make sure to observe the precautions mentioned below. Otherwise, excessive stress will be put on the eyelet and the towing cable or chain may break, causing serious injury or damage. 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. If you cannot shift running mode selector lever D Remove the soil and sand in the front and the back of the tires. D Place a stone or wood under the tires. D If the towing vehicle can hardly move, do not forcibly continue the towing. Contact your EV service station or a commercial tow truck service for assistance. If you cannot shift the selector lever out of "P" position to other positions even though the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button as follows: 1. Turn the motor key to "LOCK" position. Make sure the parking brake is applied. 2. Pry up the cover with a flat-bladed screwdriver or equivalent. D Tow the vehicle as straight ahead as possible. D Keep away from the vehicle during towing. 157