Toyota bZ4X Owner's Manual: If Your Vehicle Needs to be Towed

When towing becomes necessary, we recommend that you have your vehicle towed by a professional-either through your Toyota dealer or a certified commercial towing service-using a wheel-lift or flatbed truck. Always utilize a safety chain system during towing and strictly follow all applicable state, provincial, and local towing regulations.

Situations When Towing with Another Vehicle is Not Feasible

In some cases, it is not advisable to tow your vehicle with cables or chains. For instance, if the front wheels are locked because of an engaged parking lock, towing in this manner becomes impractical. Under these circumstances, contact your Toyota dealer or a professional towing service immediately.

• If there is a malfunction in the shift control system.
• If the immobilizer system is not functioning properly.
• If the smart key system experiences issues.
• If the 12-volt battery is discharged.

Situations When It Is Necessary to Contact a Dealer Before Towing

Certain issues may indicate a serious problem with your vehicle’s transmission or other crucial systems. If:

• The multi-information display shows an EV system warning and the vehicle refuses to move.
• You hear abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle.

In these cases, you should contact your Toyota dealer or a qualified commercial towing service before proceeding with any towing to ensure proper handling.

Proper towing procedures are essential to safeguard your vehicle and prevent further damage. For owners of the Toyota bZ4X, using professional towing services when needed not only helps protect advanced vehicle systems such as the EV and smart key controls but also preserves the overall integrity of your investment. Adhering to these guidelines and consulting your owner's manual can make all the difference in maintaining a safe and reliable towing process.

Towing with a wheel-lift type truck

• From the front (2WD models)

Release the parking brake.

Turn automatic mode off.

• From the front (AWD models)

Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.

• From the rear

Use a towing dolly under the front wheels.

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

When towing the vehicle

• 2WD models

Be sure to transport the vehicle with the front wheels raised or with all four wheels raised off the ground. If the vehicle is towed with the front wheels contacting the ground, the drivetrain and related parts may be damaged or electricity generated by the operation of the motor may cause a fire to occur depending on the nature of the damage or malfunction.

WARNING

• AWD models

Be sure to transport the vehicle with all four wheels raised off the ground. If the vehicle is towed with the tires contacting the ground, the drivetrain or related parts may be damaged, the vehicle may fly off the truck, or electricity generated by the operation of the motor may cause a fire to occur depending on the nature of the damage or malfunction.

NOTICE

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.

Towing with a sling-type truck

Do not tow with a sling-type truck to prevent body damage.

Using a Flatbed Truck

When transporting your vehicle on a flatbed truck, always secure it with tire strapping belts. For proper application, consult the flatbed truck’s owner's manual for the recommended tire strapping method.

To minimize movement during transit, be sure to engage the parking brake and turn off the power switch before the vehicle is loaded.

Emergency Towing

In an emergency where a tow truck is unavailable, your vehicle may be temporarily towed using cables or chains attached to the designated emergency towing eyelets. This method should only be attempted on hard, level road surfaces, for short distances, and at speeds no greater than 18 mph (30 km/h).

A driver must remain in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes during the tow. Additionally, ensure that the vehicle’s wheels, drivetrain, axles, steering, and brakes are all in good condition before proceeding.

Emergency towing procedure

To have your vehicle towed by another vehicle, the towing eyelet must be installed to your vehicle. Install the towing eyelet using the following procedure.

1. Take out the wheel bolt wrench* and towing eyelet.

*: Wheel bolt wrench can be purchased at your Toyota dealer.

2. 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.

3. Insert the towing eyelet into the hole and tighten partially by hand.

4. Tighten down the towing eyelet securely using a wheel bolt wrench* or hard metal bar.

*: Wheel bolt wrench can be purchased at your Toyota dealer.

5. Securely attach cables or chains to the towing eyelet.

Take care not to damage the vehicle body.

6. Enter the vehicle being towed and start the EV system.

If the EV system does not start, turn the power switch to ON.

7. Shift the shift position to N and release the parking brake.

Turn automatic mode off.

While Towing

If the EV system is turned off while towing, the power assist for both the brakes and steering will be unavailable, which makes steering and braking considerably more challenging.

Wheel Bolt Wrench

A wheel bolt wrench required for proper maintenance and tire replacement can be purchased at your Toyota dealer.

WARNING

Battery Precautions

Please observe the following towing precautions: Failure to adhere to these may result in severe injury or even death.

• When towing using cables or chains, avoid sudden starts or abrupt movements that can place undue stress on the towing eyelets as well as on the cables or chains. Excessive stress could damage these components, potentially sending fragments flying and causing major injury.
• Avoid any actions that might trigger the parking lock mechanism-such as unfastening the driver's seat belt or opening the driver's door-and turning off the power switch, since this could lock the front wheels and create a hazardous situation.

• Unfasten the driver's seat belt and open the driver's door.
• Turn off the power switch.

Installing Towing Eyelets

Ensure that the towing eyelets are firmly and securely installed. Loose eyelets may come undone during towing, posing a safety risk.

NOTICE

To Prevent Damage During Emergency Towing

Do not attach cables or chains to the suspension components, as this can result in costly damage to the vehicle.

If a Warning Light Turns On or a Warning Buzzer Sounds

If you experience any of the following symptoms, your vehicle likely needs adjustment or repair. In such cases, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

Visible Symptoms

• Fluid leaks beneath the vehicle (note: water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal).
• Tires that appear flat or show signs of uneven wear.

Audible Symptoms

• Excessive tire squealing while cornering.
• Unusual noises emanating from the suspension system.
• Other abnormal sounds associated with the EV system.

Operational Symptoms

• The vehicle runs roughly or stumbles during operation.
• An appreciable loss of power during acceleration.
• The vehicle pulls markedly to one side when braking.
• Uneven pulling during steady driving on a level road.
• Loss of brake effectiveness, evidenced by a spongy feel or the pedal almost touching the floor.

Ensuring proper towing procedures and addressing any warning signals immediately is crucial for vehicle safety and performance. For owners of the Toyota bZ4X, promptly resolving any abnormal visible, audible, or operational symptoms not only preserves the vehicle’s advanced systems but also prevents costly repairs and potential hazards. Regular maintenance and adherence to these towing precautions will help keep your vehicle operating reliably and safely.