Towing Information: Service and Repair
TOWING RECOMMENDATIONSA vehicle equipped with SAE approved wheel lift type towing equipment can be used to tow all vehicles. When towing a 4WD vehicle using a wheel-lift towing device, use tow dollies under the opposite end of the vehicle. A vehicle with flatbed device can also be used to transport a disabled vehicle.
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of the vehicle raised and the opposite end on a towing dolly.
Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the transmission in Neutral and the ignition key in the OFF position along with the front wheels raised and the rear wheels on the ground. The speed must not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h) and the distance must not exceed 15 miles (25 km).
If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km), it must be towed on a flatbed, or with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the ground, or with the front end raised and the rear wheels on a towing dolly.
NOTE: Towing the vehicle at more than 30 mph (50 km1h) or for more than 15 miles (25 km) can cause severe transmission damage.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION: The following safety precautions must be observed when towing a vehicle:
- Secure loose and protruding parts.
- Always use a safety chain system that is independent of the lifting and towing equipment.
- Do not allow towing equipment to contact the disabled vehicle's fuel tank.
- Do not allow anyone under the disabled vehicle while it is lifted by the towing device.
- Do not allow passengers to ride in a vehicle being towed.
- Always observe state and local laws regarding towing regulations.
- Do not tow a vehicle in a manner that could jeopardize the safety of the operator, pedestrians or other motorists.
- Do not attach tow chains, T-hooks, or J-hooks to a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts or a nonreinforced frame hole.
- Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Use a flat bed device to transport a loaded vehicle.
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 lifted wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 inch) from the ground. Be sure there is adequate ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle, especially when towing over rough terrain or steep rises in the road.
RAMP ANGLE
If a vehicle with flatbed towing equipment is used, the approach ramp angle should not exceed 15 degrees.
TOWING WHEN KEYS ARE NOT AVAILABLE
When the vehicle is locked and keys are not available, use a flat bed hauler. A wheel-lift device can be used on 4WD vehicles provided all the wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dollies.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWING
Mitsubishi Motors recommends that a vehicle be transported on a flat-bed device. A Wheel-lift device can be used provided all the wheels are lifted off the ground using tow dollies.
WARNING: When towing a disabled vehicle and the drive wheels are secured in a wheel lift or tow dollies, ensure the transmission is in the park position.
CAUTION: Many vehicles are equipped with air dams, spoilers, and/or ground effect panels. To avoid component damage, a wheel-lift towing vehicle or a flat-bed hauling vehicle is recommended.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWING - REAR END LIFTED
Ensure vehicle is on a level surface or the wheels are blocked to prevent vehicle from rolling.
1. Attach wheel lift device to front wheels.
2. Place the transmission in neutral.
3. Raise the front of the vehicle off the ground and install tow dollies under front wheels.
4. Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels and raise vehicle to towing position.
5. Attach safety chains to frame rails. Route chains so not to interfere with tail pipe when vehicle is lifted.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
7. Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
8. Place the transmission in park.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWING - FRONT END LIFTED
Ensure vehicle is on a level surface or the wheels are blocked to prevent vehicle from rolling.
1. Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels.
2. Place the transmission in neutral.
3. Raise the rear of the vehicle off the ground and install tow dollies under rear wheels.
4. Attach wheel lift device to front wheels and raise vehicle to towing position.
5. Attach the safety chains.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel.
7. Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
8. Place the transmission in park.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND) MOTORHOME, ETC. OF 4x4 VEHICLES
WARNING: You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move despite the transmission position. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION: Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational towing.
NOTE: Because of the design of the transfer cases only vehicles equipped with a N V 244 Generation II transfer case should be used for recreational towing.
NOTE: The N V 244 Generation II transfer case must be shifted into Neutral (N) for recreational towing. The Neutral (N) selection button is located on the lower left hand comer of the 4WD Control Switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case Neutral (N) can take place with the selector switch in any mode position.
NOTE: If the vehicle is to be towed for multiple days or one day for an eight hour or above duration, disconnect and isolate the battery to prevent discharge do to the illumination of the odometer and PRNDL light. After the battery negative cable is reinstalled the radio clock and stations will need to be reset. Shifting into Neutral (N) Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.
CAUTION: It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in Neutral (N) before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut engine OFF.
3. Place ignition key in the ON position.
4. Depress brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress clutch on manual transmission.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for 4 seconds.
7. After shift is completed and the Neutral (N) light comes on release Neutral (N) button.
8. Start engine.
9. Shift automatic transmission into Reverse .
10. Release brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in Drive (D).
12. Shut engine OFF and place ignition key to the unlocked OFF position.
13. Shift automatic transmission into Park (P).
14. Attach vehicle to tow vehicle with tow bar.
NOTE: Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) selection button, and must continue to be met until the 4 seconds elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements (with the exception of 3 - Key ON) are not met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met during the 4 second timer, then the Neutral (N) indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.
NOTE: The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key in not ON, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE: Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
CAUTION: Damage to the transmission may occur if the transmission is shifted into Park (P) with the transfer case in Neutral (N) and the engine RUNNING. With the transfer case in Neutral (N) ensure that the engine is OFF prior to shifting the transmission into Park (P).
Shifting OUT of Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage.
1. Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shut engine OFF.
3. Place ignition key in the ON position.
4. Depress brake pedal.
5. Shift automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or depress clutch on manual transmission.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, depress the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for 1 second.
7. After the Neutral (N) indicator light turns off release the Neutral (N) button.
8. After the Neutral (N) button has been released the transfer case will shift to the position identified by the selector switch.
9. Shift automatic transmission into Drive (D), release the clutch on manual transmission.
NOTE: Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) selection button, and must continue to be met until I second elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements (with the exception of 3 - key ON) are not met prior to depressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met during the I second time, then all of the mode position indicator lights will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.
NOTE: The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key is not ON, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE: Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
CAUTION:
- Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.
- Do not disconnect the rear driveshaft because fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage internal parts.