Towing Information: Service and Repair
Towing
If the vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional towing service. Never tow the vehicle behind another vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous.
Emergency Towing
There are three popular methods of towing a vehicle.
Flat-bed Tow Truck Equipment - The operator loads the vehicle on the back of a flat-bed tow truck. This is the best way of transporting the vehicle.
To accommodate the flat-bed tow truck equipment, the vehicle is equipped with a detachable front towing hook (A), front tie down hook slots (B), a rear towing hook (C), and rear tie down hook slots (D).
The towing hooks can be used with a winch to pull the vehicle onto the flat-bed tow truck, and the tie down hook slots can be used to secure the vehicle to the flat-bed tow truck.
Front:
Rear:
Front Towing Hook Installation
The detachable front towing hook is for towing very short distances, such as freeing the car. The hook attaches to the anchor in the front bumper.
NOTICE
- To avoid damage to the vehicle, use the towing hook for straight flat ground towing only. Do not tow on an angle.
- Do not use the detachable tow hook as a tie down for the vehicle on the flat-bed tow truck. Use the tie down hook slots provided.
1. Remove the cover (A) from the front bumper.
2. Remove the detachable towing hook from the tool kit in the trunk.
3. Screw in the detachable towing hook (B), and tighten it securely by hand.
SH-AWD models
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. Never tow the vehicle with wheel lift equipment.
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.
The only recommended way of towing the vehicle is on a flat-bed tow truck.
NOTICE
- Towing the vehicle with only two wheels on the ground will damage parts of the SH-AWD system. If the vehicle is damaged, it should be towed on a flat-bed tow truck or trailer.
- 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.
Except SH-AWD models
Wheel Lift Equipment - The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lifts them off the ground. The rear 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.
NOTICE
- If the battery is discharged, the ACC mode cannot be selected by pushing the engine start/stop button. Charge or replace the battery to unlock the steering wheel before towing.
- If the ACC mode cannot be selected because of in an electrical problem other than a discharged battery, the vehicle must be transported on a flat-bed tow truck.
- Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly.
- 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.