Looks Like A Towing Problem.

[Bodgit-fixit-run]

On my way back from holiday on Sunday i was approached in a service station by a chap who wanted to know if my Rav had a habit of going into safe mode when towing?

I've been battling with this for quite a while now and have done loads to the car with no effect. Including rebuilding the turbo. The error code is p5121 (I think) which is a turbo overboost. He has exactly the same symptoms.

Car is fine in 4th gear when towing and as long as speed is above 55 generally ok in 5th. Hoever if you then try to accellerate, particularly going up hill, even a slight one, the engine fault comes up and into safe mode she goes. Clearly it doesn't like 5th and towing. So if you have this problem then don't forget to change down in plenty of time.

I have a fault reader which when connected to his car came up with a connection error whilst on moine it's fine. i suggested he gets that checked but later thought his is an 02 model mines a 54 did they change the reader types from one year to the next?

[shcm]

I have a fault reader which when connected to his car came up with a connection error whilst on moine it's fine. i suggested he gets that checked but later thought his is an 02 model mines a 54 did they change the reader types from one year to the next?

You probably have an EOBD reader (almost open standard). This wasn't mandatory on diesel vehicles in Europe until about 2003. Yours will talk EOBD. His won't.

[CharlieFarlie]

Might help if You said which Year / Model / Engine ect ????/

[Bodgit-fixit-run]

Good point well made Charlie

I have already stated the year his is an 02 mine is a 54 (2002 and 2004) They are 2 litre, D4Ds. It was reasuring to discover it wasn't just my car.

Thanks SHCM that makes sense.

[dognobbler]

I have repaired this fault by replacing scv valves AND freeing up sticking vanes in turbo. HTH