Transportation of a damaged vehicle (Mercedes-Benz G-Class W463)

Contents: Transportation on a tow truck…↡ Towing a damaged vehicle ↡ Features of towing emergency…↡ Towing for the purpose of starting…↡

Transportation on a tow truck platform

The most reasonable way to transport a damaged vehicle is on a tow truck.

To load a damaged vehicle onto the tow truck platform, the standard towing eyes (see below) can be used - do not forget to switch the automatic transmission and transfer case to neutral positions ("N").

Attention! To avoid damage to the chassis, the vehicle must be secured to the platform only by the wheel rims and under no circumstances by the suspension elements!

Towing a damaged vehicle

Caution! When towing with the front axle raised, as well as when checking the parking brake on a roller test stand, the engine must be switched off, otherwise the active braking effect of the electronic skid control (ESP) may cause damage to the rear axle brake system!

If towing cannot be avoided, it is best to do it with a rigid hitch (the ignition key of the emergency vehicle must be turned to position 2).

Warning! It should be remembered that if the battery is disconnected or completely discharged, it is not possible to turn off the steering wheel lock, as well as to move the AT selector lever from the "P" position! The procedure for emergency disabling of the selector lock is described in Section Starting the movement and switching the automatic transmission.

Towing element (cable/rod) must be attached only to the special towing eye, and never to the bumper or suspension elements.

When towing with a flexible coupling, use only a towing rope specially designed for this purpose. The use of modern synthetic materials has made it possible to establish the production of towing ropes of an elastic design, which minimizes the risk of breakage as a result of the strap getting under the wheels of the towed vehicle.

The front towing eye is located on the left under the bumper, the rear one is also under the bumper, on the left in the direction of travel.

Front Towing Eye Location (1)

Rear Towing Eye Location (2)

In the event of a failure of the automatic transmission or electrical equipment, towing of the emergency vehicle must be carried out with the selector lever moved to the "N" position.

If the transfer case is damaged, the cardan shafts must be removed before towing.

Towing a vehicle with a damaged front axle must be done with the wheels of the latter off the ground and with the rear propeller shaft disconnected.

Attention! Self-locking nuts for fastening cardan shafts must be replaced without fail!

If the rear axle is damaged, towing is also carried out with the wheels off the ground and the front wheels placed on a special trolley.

The driver of the towing vehicle should try to move as smoothly as possible, smoothly releasing the clutch when changing gears and, especially, when starting off.

Do not forget to turn the ignition key of the towed vehicle to position 2, otherwise the steering column will inevitably lock. In addition, when the ignition is on, the turn signals and brake lights are also activated.

Note: Activating the direction indicators while the hazard warning lights are on will temporarily disable the hazard warning lights.

When driving a towed vehicle, make sure that the cable remains taut at all times while driving - when operating the foot brake, try to avoid sudden jerks and running over a loose cable.

Remember that when the engine is off, the car's braking efficiency is significantly reduced due to the fact that the brake booster stops working, and you should press the foot brake pedal with significantly more force than usual. When maneuvering, you will also have to apply more force to the steering wheel - the steering pump will also not function.

Before starting to move, drivers of both vehicles (towing and towed) the route should be agreed upon among themselves.

Movement should be carried out only at moderate speeds, along the shortest route and in compliance with traffic regulations. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration and maneuvering. Remember that when towing a car along the edge of a dirt road, there is always a risk of skidding to the side of the road.

Features of towing emergency vehicles equipped with AT

Warning! If the battery is disconnected or completely discharged, it is not possible to move the AT selector lever from the "P" position in the usual way! The procedure for emergency disabling of the selector lock is described in Section Starting the movement and switching the automatic transmission.

Vehicles 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.

Caution! Failure to comply with the requirements for limiting the maximum driving speed and maximum towing distance may result in damage to the transmission.

Before towing, check the transmission fluid level (see Chapter On-board electrical equipment), - if the ATF level is insufficient, the necessary adjustments should be made, or the vehicle should be towed only with the drive wheels off the ground.

Attention! Towing a vehicle equipped with an AT over long distances, as well as with a failed transmission, should only be done with the drive wheels off the ground, or with the cardan shafts disconnected - ideally - on a tow truck platform!

Perform the following preparatory procedures:

Release the parking brake;
Start the engine;
Move the selector lever to position "D", then to neutral ("N");
Turn off the engine;
Turn the ignition key to position 2 (do not leave it in position 0 under any circumstances);
The "Automatic door locking while driving" function can be switched off.