Towing Information: Service and Repair

STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOWING

Warnings And Cautions

WARNING:
- DO NOT ALLOW TOWING ATTACHMENT DEVICES TO CONTACT THE FUEL TANK OR LINES, FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT.
- DO NOT LIFT OR TOW VEHICLE BY FRONT OR REAR BUMPER.
- DO NOT GO 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.

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 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.

Fig.7 Recommended Towing:

Recommended Towing Equipment
To avoid damage to bumper fascia and air dams use:
- FWD vehicles, use of a flat bed towing device or a wheel lift is recommended (Fig. 7).
- AWD vehicles, a flat bed towing device or a wheel lift and towing dolly is recommended (Fig. 7).

When using a wheel lift towing device, be sure the 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.

Ground Clearance

CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed, install lug nuts to retain brake drums or rotors.

A towed vehicle should be raised until the lifted wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in.) from the ground. Be sure there is at least 100 mm (4 in.) clearance between the tail pipe and the ground. If necessary, remove the wheels from the front end of the vehicle and lower the front end closer to the ground, to increase the ground clearance at the rear of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching studs to retain brake drums or rotors.

Locked Vehicle Towing
When a locked vehicle must be towed with the front wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly or flat bed hauler.

Flat Towing With Tow Bar
- Three speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be flat towed at speeds not to exceed 40 kph (25 mph) for not more than 25 km (15 miles). The steering column must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.
- Four speed electronic automatic transaxle vehicles can be flat towed at speeds not to exceed 72 kph (44 mph) for not more than 160 km (100 miles). The steering column must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.
- AWD models should not be flat towed. For additional information, refer to RECOMMENDED TOWING EQUIPMENT in this section.

Flat Bed Towing Tie Downs

CAUTION: Do not tie vehicle down by attaching chains or cables to suspension components or engine mounts, damage to vehicle can result.

The vehicle can be tied to a flat bed device using the two pair of front slots on the bottom surface of the rails, behind the front wheels. The two pair of rear slots on the bottom of the rail between the bumper extension bolts and on the bottom of the rail just rearward of the jounce bumper. Vehicles equipped with a rear sway bar have brackets at this location.

Towing - Front Wheel Lift
If the vehicle is being towed from the front, whenever possible ensure at least 10 inches road clearance to the tires.

Towing - Rear Wheel Lift
If a vehicle cannot be towed with the front wheels lifted, the rear wheels can be lifted provided the following guide lines are observed.

CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.

- On AWD vehicles, all four wheels must be free to rotate. Use towing dollies at unlifted end of vehicle.
- Unlock steering column and secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
- Three speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be flat towed at speeds not to exceed 40 kph (25 mph) for not more than 25 km (15 miles). The steering column must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.
- Four speed electronic automatic transaxle vehicles can be flat towed at speeds not to exceed 72 kph (44 mph) for not more than 160 km (100 miles). The steering column must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.