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 a rope or chain. It is very dangerous.
Emergency Towing
There are three popular methods of towing a vehicle.
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 front tie down hook slots (A), rear towing hook (B), and rear tie down hook slots (C).
The 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.
Front Towing Hook Installation
The detachable front towing hook is only for towing a very short distance, such as freeing the car. The hook mounts to 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 on 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 (B) from the tool kit.
3. Screw the towing hook into the bolt hole (C) in the bumper 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 the 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. This method of towing the vehicle is unacceptable.
If the vehicle cannot be transported by a flat-bed, it should be towed with the front wheels off the ground. If the vehicle is damaged, and must be towed with the front wheels on the ground, or with all four wheels on the ground, do this:
Manual Transmission
- Release the parking brake.
- Shift the transmission to neutral.
- Leave the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) position so the steering wheel does not lock.
Automatic Transmission
- Release the parking brake.
- Start the engine.
- Shift to the D position, then to the N position.
- Turn off the engine.
- Leave the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) position so the steering wheel does not lock.
It is best to tow the vehicle no farther than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the speed below 35 mph (55 km/h).
NOTE:
- Improper towing preparation 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.