Towing Information: Service and Repair
TowingIf the vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional towing service. Never tow the vehicle behind another vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous.
Emergency Towing
There are three popular methods of towing a vehicle, two of which are recommended and one that is not.
Flat-bed Equipment - The operator loads the vehicle on the back of a truck. This is the best way of transporting the vehicle.
To accommodate flat-bed equipment, the vehicle is equipped with a rear towing hook (A) and rear tie down hook slots (B).
The rear towing hook can be used with a winch to pull the vehicle onto the truck, and the tie down hook slots can be used to secure the vehicle to the truck.
NOTE: The rear tie down hook slots use rubber plugs to cover the openings.
Front Towing Hook Installation
Use the front tow hook for very short distances such as freeing the car, use the detachable towing hook that mounts on the anchor in the front bumper.
NOTE:
- To avoid damage to the vehicle use the towing hook for straight flat ground towing only. Do not tow as an angle.
- The tow hook should not be used to tow the vehicle onto a flat bed. Do not use it as a tie down.
1. Remove the cover (A) from the front bumper.
2. Remove the towing hook, hook extension, and wheel wrench from the tool case in the spare tire.
3. Using the wheel wrench, fasten the extension into the bolt hole in the anchor.
4. Screw the towing hook into the extension, and tighten it securely by hand.
Wheel Lift Equipment - The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the tires (front or rear) and lifts them off ground. The other two wheels remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way of towing the vehicle.
Sling-type Equipment - The tow truck uses metal cables with hooks on the ends. These hooks go around parts of the frame or suspension and the cables lift that end of the vehicle off the ground. The vehicle's suspension and body can be seriously damaged if this method of towing is attempted.
Do not use this method of towing.
If the vehicle cannot be transported by flat-bed, it should be towed with the front wheels off the ground. If due to damage, the vehicle must be towed with the front wheels on the ground, do the following..
Manual Transmission
- Release the parking brake.
- Shift the transmission to neutral.
Automatic Transmission
- Release the parking brake.
- Start the engine.
- Shift to the D position, then to the N position.
- Turn off the engine.
It is best to tow the vehicle no farther than 80 km (50 miles), and keep the speed below 55 km/h (35 mph).
NOTE:
- Improper towing preparations will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shift the transmission or start the engine (automatic transmission), the vehicle must be transported on a flat-bed.
- Trying to lift or tow the vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle's weight.