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.
• When towing a 2WD vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground, release the parking brake.
• A towed 4WD vehicle must have all its wheels off the ground.

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  Caution
  • 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
  • Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This could damage vehicle. Use wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.

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  Warning
  • 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.

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• 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.

  Caution
  • Follow these instructions when towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
    1. Shift to the N position.
    2. Switch the ignition to ACC.
    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

  Caution
  • 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.

  Note
  • When towing with chain or cable, wrap the chain or cable with a soft cloth near the bumper to prevent damage to the bumper.

Vehicles with cap behind license plate

1. Remove the screws, then remove the license plate.

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2. Remove the screws, then remove the license plate holder.

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  Note
  • Remove the license plate and license plate holder completely and store it so as not to lose it.

3. Press the marking on the cap as shown in the figure to remove the cap. (Front)

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 bumper. (Rear)

Front

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Rear

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  Caution
  • Do not use excessive force as it may damage the cap or scratch the painted bumper surface.

  Note
  • Remove the cap completely and store it so as not to lose it.

4. Securely install the towing eyelet using the wheel brace.

Front

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Rear

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5. Hook the towing rope to the towing eyelet.

Front

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Rear

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  Caution
  • 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.
  • Be careful not to damage the towing eyelet, vehicle body, or transaxle system when towing under the following conditions:
    ― Do not tow a vehicle heavier than yours.
    ― Do not suddenly accelerate your vehicle as it will apply a severe shock to the towing eyelet or rope.
    ― Do not attach any rope other than to the towing eyelet.

Vehicles with cap not behind license plate

1. Press the marking on the cap as shown in the figure to remove the cap. (Front)

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 bumper. (Rear)

Front

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Rear

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  Caution
  • Do not use excessive force as it may damage the cap or scratch the painted bumper surface.

  Note
  • Remove the cap completely and store it so as not to lose it.

2. Securely install the towing eyelet using the wheel brace.

Front

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Rear

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3. Hook the towing rope to the towing eyelet.

Front

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Rear

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  Caution
  • 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.
  • Be careful not to damage the towing eyelet, vehicle body, or transaxle system when towing under the following conditions:
    ― Do not tow a vehicle heavier than yours.
    ― Do not suddenly accelerate your vehicle as it will apply a severe shock to the towing eyelet or rope.
    ― Do not attach any rope other than to the towing eyelet.