Towing Information: Service and Repair
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOWING, VEHICLE
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not allow towing attachment devices to contact the fuel tank or lines, fuel leakage can result. Do not lift or tow vehicle by front or rear bumper, or bumper energy absorber units. Do not venture under a lifted vehicle if not supported properly on safety stands. Do not allow passengers to ride in a towed vehicle. Use a safety chain that is independent from the towing attachment device. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury or death.
CAUTION: Do not damage brake lines, exhaust system, shock absorbers, sway bars, or any other under vehicle components when attaching towing device to vehicle. Do not attach towing device to front or rear suspension components. Do not secure vehicle to towing device by the use of front or rear suspension or steering components. Remove or secure loose or protruding objects from a damaged vehicle before towing. Refer to state and local rules and regulations before towing a vehicle. Do not allow weight of towed vehicle to bear on lower fascia, air dams, or spoilers.
RECOMMENDED TOWING EQUIPMENT
Figure 1 - Recommended Towing Equipment
To avoid damage to bumper fascia and air dams use of a flat bed towing device or wheel lift is recommended. When using a wheel lift towing device, be sure the unlifted end of disabled vehicle has at least 100 mm (4 in.) ground clearance. If minimum ground clearance cannot be reached, use a towing dolly. If a flat bed device is used, the approach angle should not exceed 15 degrees.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
WITHOUT THE IGNITION KEY
Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed with the ignition in the LOCK position. Flat bed towing is the preferred towing method. However, if a flat bed towing vehicle is not available, a wheel lift towing vehicle may be used. Furthermore, rear towing is not recommended with the front wheels on the ground, as transaxle damage can result. If rear towing is the only alternative, a front end dolly must be used. Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
The vehicle must be transported on a flat bed truck.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat Towing With The Key In The Ignition And All Four Wheels On The Ground)
CAUTION:
- If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the ignition switch must be in the ON position, not in the LOCK or ACC position.
- Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the front fascia will result.
- Do not push or tow this vehicle with another vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and transaxle may result.
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the key must be in the ON position, not the ACC position. Make certain the transaxle remains in NEUTRAL.
Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
The vehicle may be towed under the following conditions: The shift lever must be in NEUTRAL, the distance to be traveled must not exceed 15 mi (25 km), and the towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). Exceeding these towing limits may cause a transaxle failure. If the transaxle is not operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 mi (25 km), the vehicle must be transported either with a flat bed truck or with the front wheels off the ground.
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
The vehicle may be towed under the following conditions: The shift lever must be in NEUTRAL, the distance to be traveled must not exceed 15 mi (25 km), the towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h), and both front and rear wheels must be on the ground. Exceeding these towing limits may cause a transaxle failure. If the transaxle is not operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 mi (25 km), the vehicle must be transported on a flat bed truck.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle With A Tow Dolly
Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
Rear towing is not recommended with the front wheels on the ground, as transaxle damage can result. If rear towing is the only alternative, a front end dolly must be used. Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
CAUTION: The manufacturer does not recommend towing an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on a tow dolly. Vehicle damage may occur.