Transportation on a tow truck platform
It is most reasonable to transport an emergency car on a tow truck.
For loading an emergency vehicle onto the tow truck platform, regular towing eyes can be used (see below), - do not forget to switch to neutral positions («N») AT and transfer box.
Attention! In order to avoid damage to the running gear, the vehicle must be fixed on the platform only by the wheel disks and in no case by the suspension elements!
Emergency vehicle towing
Attention! When towing with the front axle raised and when checking the parking brake on the roller test bench, the engine must be switched off - otherwise, due to the active braking action of the electronic anti-skid (ESP) damage to the rear axle brake system can occur!
If towing cannot be avoided, it is best to do it on a rigid hitch (the emergency vehicle's ignition key must be turned to position 2).
Warning! It should be remembered that when disconnecting or in the event of a complete discharge of the battery, disabling the steering lock is not possible, as well as removing the AT selector lever from the position «R»! The procedure for emergency disabling the selector lock is described in Section Getting Started and Shifting the Automatic Transmission.
towing element (rope/rod) must only be hooked to the special towing eye, and never to the bumper or suspension elements.
When towing with a flexible hitch, use only a tow rope specifically designed for this purpose. The use of modern synthetic materials made it possible to establish the production of towing cables of an elastic design, minimizing the risk of breaks as a result of the sling falling under the wheels of a towed vehicle.
The front towing eye is located on the left under the bumper, the rear is also under the bumper, on the left in the direction of travel.
Location of the front towing eye (1) | Location of the rear towing eye (2) |
In case of AT failure or failure of electrical equipment, the emergency vehicle must be towed with the vehicle in position «N» selector lever.
If the transfer case is damaged, the cardan shafts must be dismantled before towing.
Towing a car with a damaged front axle must be carried out with the wheels of the latter off the ground and with the rear propeller shaft disconnected.
Attention! Self-locking nuts of cardan shafts must be replaced without fail!
In case of damage to the rear axle, towing is also carried out with the wheels off the ground with the front wheels driven onto a special trolley.
The driver of the towing vehicle should try to move as evenly as possible, releasing the clutch smoothly when changing gears and especially when pulling away.
Do not forget to turn the key in the ignition of the towed vehicle to position 2, otherwise the steering column will inevitably lock. In addition, when the ignition is switched on, the direction indicators and brake lights are also activated.
Note. Activation of direction indicators when the alarm is on leads to a temporary shutdown of the latter.
When driving a towed vehicle, make sure that during the movement the cable remains constantly taut - when manipulating the foot brake, try to avoid sudden jerks and collisions with a loose cable.
Remember that when the engine is off, the braking efficiency of the car is noticeably reduced due to the fact that the vacuum brake booster ceases to function, while depressing the foot brake pedal with a noticeably greater force than usual. When maneuvering, more effort will also have to be applied to the steering wheel - the steering pump will also not function.
Before driving, the drivers of both vehicles (towing and towed) the itinerary must be agreed upon.
Movement should be carried out only at moderate speeds, along the shortest route and in compliance with traffic rules. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration and maneuvering. Be aware that when towing your vehicle on the edge of a dirt road, there is always a risk of drifting to the side of the road.
Features of towing emergency vehicles equipped with AT
Warning! When disconnected or in the event of a complete discharge of the battery, removing the AT selector lever from the position «R» in the usual way is not possible! The procedure for emergency disabling the selector lock is described in Section Getting Started and Shifting the Automatic Transmission.
Cars equipped with AT can be towed forward on all four wheels at a speed not exceeding 50 km/h and for a distance of not more than 50 km.
Attention! Failure to comply with the maximum speed limits and maximum towing distance may result in damage to the transmission.
Check the transmission fluid level before towing (see chapter Onboard electrical equipment), - if the ATF level is insufficient, the necessary adjustment should be made, or the car should be towed only with the driving wheels off the ground.
Attention! Towing a car equipped with AT over long distances, as well as with a failed transmission, should be carried out only with the drive wheels off the ground, or with the cardan shafts disconnected, - ideally - on the tow truck platform!
Carry out the following preparatory procedures:
- Release the parking brake;
- Start the engine;
- Move the selector lever to position «D», then to neutral («N»);
- Stop the engine;
- Turn the ignition key to position 2 (never leave it in position 0);
- Function «Automatic door locking while driving» can be turned off.
Towing to start the engine
It is not possible to start the engine of vehicles equipped with AT by towing or pushing - if necessary, use an auxiliary power source.