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6.7 Towing

Some restrictions apply to towing the cars covered by this manual. 1985-1990 models can be towed either flat, on all four wheels, or by a tow truck using typical sling-type towing equipment. 1991 and later models must be towed with wheel lift towing equipment.

WARNING-


Never allow passengers to ride in a towed vehicle.


When towing with the rear wheels lifted, always secure front wheels with an external steering wheel that is designed for towing service.


Never use the ignition/steering lock to secure front wheels.

CAUTION-


Tow by lifting the front (drive) wheels whenever possible.


Automatic transmission cars must never be towed with the front (drive) wheels on the ground.

If flat-towing the car, use the towing eyes at the front of the car under the bumper (Fig. 6-3). Set the transmission in neutral.

Fig. 6-3. Front towing eyes (arrows) used when flat-towing cars.

If using sling-type towing equipment, attach grab hooks to the towing eyes under the bumper, position a four-foot-long piece of 4 x 4 against the eyes and under the bumper, and raise the car four inches off the ground as shown in Fig. 6-4. Attach safety chains at the front to the lower control arms, and at the rear to the rear axle. Set the transmission in neutral.

Fig. 6-4. Correct installation of sling-type towing equipment at front of car. Rear hook-up is similar.

CAUTION-


GTI models should not be towed from the rear using sling-type towing equipment. Damage to the exhaust pipe or lower body panel may result.


1991 and later models cannot be towed using conventional sling-type towing equipment or dollies. Bumper and body panel damage will result.

If using wheel lift towing equipment, attach wheel lift equipment to wheels, attach safety straps to wheels, and attach safety chains to lower control arms. Maintain a towing clearance of 6-12 inches between tires and ground.

Cars with manual transmission should not be towed faster than 50 mph or further than a distance of 50 miles (80 km/h, 80 km) if the front wheels are on the ground. Damage to the transmission could result. If exceeding the limits, use wheel dollies, or remove the drive axles and support the front wheel bearings as described in SUSPENSION AND STEERING.

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