RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a
truck).
Note:
Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to the
Climate
Controls
chapter for more information.
In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towing
in the
Roadside Emergencies
chapter.
These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles:
Tow your FWD vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with the
front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment provider.
Note:
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow
these instructions:
•
For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, have
your transmission fluid level checked by an authorized dealer.
For the correct transmission fluid level when flat towing (all four
wheels on the ground), refer to
Transmission fluid
in the
Maintenance and Specifications
chapter.
•
Tow only in the forward direction.
•
Release the parking brake.
•
Place the transmission shift lever in N (Neutral).
•
Place the ignition to the accessory position (refer to
Starting
in the
Driving
chapter).
•
Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) if the vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transmission or 70 mph (113 km/h) if equipped with a
manual transmission.
•
For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, start the engine
and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning of each day and
every six hours thereafter. With the engine running and your foot on
the brake, shift into D (Drive) and then into R (Reverse) before
shifting back into N (Neutral).
Tires, Wheels and Loading
184
2011 Tribute
(j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA
(fus)