TOWING
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• Proper lifting and towing are necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Particularly when towing a 4WD vehicle, where all the wheels are connected to the drive train, proper transporting of the vehicle is absolutely essential to avoid damaging the drive system. Government and local laws must be followed.
• A towed 4WD vehicle must have all its wheels off the ground.
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Caution
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• Do not tow the vehicle pointed backward with driving wheels on the ground. This may cause internal damage to the transaxle.
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Caution
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• Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This could damage vehicle. Use wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.
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Warning
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• Always tow a 4WD vehicle with all four wheels off the ground:
Towing a 4WD vehicle with either the front or rear wheels on the ground is dangerous as the drive train could be damaged, or the vehicle could trail away from the tow truck and cause an accident. If the drive train has been damaged, transport the vehicle on a flat bed truck.
• If towing service is not available in an emergency, the vehicle may be towed with all four wheels on the ground using the towing eyelet at the front of the vehicle.
Only tow the vehicle on paved surfaces for short distances at low speeds.
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Caution
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• Follow these instructions when towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
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1. Shift to neutral.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position.
3. Release the parking brake.
• Remember that power assist for the brakes and steering will not be available when the engine is not running.
Towing Hooks
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Caution
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• The towing eyelet should be used only in an emergency (to get the vehicle out of a ditch or a snow bank, for example).
• When using the towing eyelet, always pull the cable or chain in a straight direction with respect to the eyelet. Apply no sideways force.
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Note
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• When towing with chain or lead, wrap the chain or lead with a soft cloth near the bumper to prevent damage to the bumper.
Vehicles with cap not behind number plate
1. Wrap a flathead screwdriver or similar tool with a soft cloth to prevent damage to a painted bumper, and open the cap located on the front or rear bumper.
Remove the front bumper cap by pulling it from the position shown in the figure.
Front
Rear
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Caution
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• Do not use excessive force as it may damage the cap or scratch the painted bumper surface.
• The rear bumper cover cannot be removed completely. Attempting to forcefully remove the rear bumper cover could result in it being damaged.
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Note
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• Remove the front bumper cover completely and store it so as not to lose it.
2. Securely install the towing eyelet using the wheel brace.
Front
Rear
3. Hook the towing rope to the towing eyelet.
Front
Rear
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Caution
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• If the towing eyelet is not securely tightened, it may loosen or disengage from the bumper when towing the vehicle. Make sure that the towing eyelet is securely tightened to the bumper.
Vehicles with cap behind number plate
1. Remove the bolts, then remove the number plate.
2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver or similar tool with a soft cloth to prevent damage to a painted bumper, and open the cap located on the front or rear bumper.
Remove the front bumper cap by pulling it from the position shown in the figure.
Front
Rear
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Caution
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• Do not use excessive force as it may damage the cap or scratch the painted bumper surface.
• The rear bumper cover cannot be removed completely. Attempting to forcefully remove the rear bumper cover could result in it being damaged.
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Note
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• Remove the front bumper cover completely and store it so as not to lose it.
3. Securely install the towing eyelet using the wheel brace.
Front
Rear
4. Hook the towing rope to the towing eyelet.
Front
Rear
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Caution
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• If the towing eyelet is not securely tightened, it may loosen or disengage from the bumper when towing the vehicle. Make sure that the towing eyelet is securely tightened to the bumper.
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Note
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• Spread a towel on top of the passenger side instrument panel and put the removed number plate on top of it.
