Towing Information: Service and Repair
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOWINGWARNING:
- Do NOT tow vehicle with front wheels on the ground. The transaxle can be damaged.
- Secure loose and protruding parts from a disabled vehicle.
- Always use a safety chain system that is independent of the lifting and towing equipment.
- Do not allow any of the towing equipment to contact the fuel tank of the vehicle being towed.
- Do not go under the vehicle while it is lifted by the towing equipment.
- Do not allow passengers to ride in a vehicle being towed.
- Always observe all state and local laws pertaining to warning signals, night illumination, speed, etc.
- Do not attempt a towing operation that could jeopardize the operator, bystanders or other motorists.
- Do not exceed a towing speed of 48 kph (30 mph).
- Avoid towing distances of more than 24 km (15 miles), whenever possible.
- Never attach tow chains or a tow sling to the bumper, steering linkage, or constant velocity joints.
Fig. 8 Recommended Towing Devices:
RECOMMENDED TOWING EQUIPMENT
To avoid damage to bumper fascia and air dams use of a wheel lift or flat bed towing device (Fig. 8) is recommended. When using a wheel lift towing device, be sure the rear end of disabled vehicle has at least 100 mm (4 inches) ground clearance. If minimum ground clearance cannot be reached, use a towing dolly. If a flat bed device is used, the approach angle should not exceed
- 13 degrees for Intrepid
- 12 degrees for Concorde and 300M
- Additional ramping may be required.
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed, install lug nuts to retain brake drums or rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be sure there is adequate ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle, especially when towing over rough terrain or steep rises in the road. If necessary, remove the wheels from the lifted end of the vehicle and lower the vehicle closer to the ground, to increase the ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching studs to retain braking discs.
TIE DOWN LOCATIONS FOR FLAT BED TOWING
There are two reinforced elongated holes on each side of the vehicle designed to serve as hold down locations. These locations can safely hold the vehicle to the towing device using T or R hooks.
- Bottom of the forward torque box between the front frame rail and the rocker panel.
- Bottom of the rearward torque box forward of the rear wheel.
FRONT TOWING PROCEDURES
CAUTION: Do Not tow vehicle from the front with sling type towing device. Damage to bumper fascia will result.
Fig. 9 Towing:
Always tow vehicle with front wheels off the ground as shown (Fig. 9).
Use a flat bed towing device when wheel lift towing device is not available.
REAR TOWING PROCEDURES
CAUTION: Do not tow vehicle with the rear end lifted.
If damage to the vehicle prevents front towing, use a flat bed towing device.
CAUTION: Do not push the vehicle with another vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and transaxle can result.
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed, install lug nuts to retain brake drums or rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until lifted wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in) from the ground. Be sure there is adequate ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle, especially when towing over rough terrain or steep rises in the road. If necessary remove the wheels from the lifted end of the vehicle and lower the vehicle closer to the ground, to increase the ground clearance at the opposite end of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching studs to retain braking discs.
TIE DOWN LOCATIONS FOR FLAT BED TOWING
There are two reinforced elongated holes on each side of the vehicle designed to serve as hold down locations. These locations can safely hold the vehicle to the towing device using T or R hooks.
- Bottom of the forward torque box between the front frame rail and the rocker panel.
- Bottom of the rearward torque box forward of the rear wheel.