Towing a disabled vehicle
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other types of towing.
CAUTION! Important! If towing the vehicle, please note the following: With the automatic central locking acti- vated and the key in the ignition switch turned to the ON/RUN position, the vehicle doors lock if the left front wheel and the right rear wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or more. To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking, deactivate the automatic central locking.
CAUTION! If the vehicle is towed with the front wheels raised, the engine must be shut off (key in the ignition switch turned to the OFF/LOCK or ACC positions). Other- wise, the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes. Switch OFF the tow-away alarm as well as the automatic central locking system.
Towing restrictions for vehicles with automatic transmis- sion: The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground and the transmission shift lever in the NEUTRAL position for distances up to 30 mi (48 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). The key must be turned to the ON/RUN position in the ignition. To be certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the transmission; how- ever, we recommend the drive shaft be disconnected at the rear axle drive flange for any towing beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
Always comply with applicable state or local towing ordinances.
CAUTION!
• Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling-type towing equipment. Damage to the front fascia will result.
• Always use wheel lift equipment when towing from the front. The only other approved method of towing is with a flatbed truck.
• Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to the rear sheet metal and fascia will occur.
• Do not push or tow this vehicle with another vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans- mission may result.
Towing Eyes
The vehicle is equipped with front and rear towing eyes to allow towing with the wheels on the ground or to allow the vehicle to be easily drawn up on a flatbed tow truck. The rear towing eye is located on the right side of the vehicle below the rear fascia. The front hook is located behind the lower grille in the fascia. For access, a snap-in grille must be removed using the multifunction tool from the glovebox.
Insert the tool (or similar sized screwdriver) into the slot in the grille as shown (the tool must be inserted far enough to engage the clip on the left side of the grille). Push the tool to the left to disengage the clip and detach the grille. The front towing eye is now accessible.
Tow-Away Alarm
Once the alarm system has been armed, the exterior vehicle lights will flash and an alarm will sound when anyone attempts to raise the vehicle for towing. The alarm will last approximately three minutes in the form of flashing exterior lights. At the same time, an alarm will sound for 30 seconds. The alarm will stay on even if the vehicle is immediately lowered. To cancel the alarm, insert the key in the ignition switch or press the TRANS- MIT button on the key fob.
To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm feature, press the tow-away alarm switch to turn off the tow-away alarm before towing the vehicle, or when parking on a surface subject to movement, such as a ferry or auto train.
To do so, turn the key in the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK or ACC positions, or remove key from the ignition switch. Press the upper half of the tow-away alarm switch. The indicator light will illuminate briefly. Then, exit the vehicle and lock with a key or the remote control. The tow-away alarm remains switched off until the vehicle is locked again with a key or the remote control, at which time it is automatically reactivated.
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