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Towing Procedures Dodge Caravan II

Wheel Alignment 3 illustrations ~694 words

GENERAL TOWING INFORMATION

Note. Some American vehicle manufacturers use an anti-theft steering column locks. The system locks steering, shift mechanisms and ignition systems together. Special provisions are necessary when switch is in the "LOCK" position and key is not available.

  1. Remove loose or protruding parts of damaged vehicle such as hoods, doors, fenders, trim, etc. Remove exhaust tips and any other optional equipment that may interfere with towing sling.
  2. Operator should refrain from going under vehicle while it is lifted by towing equipment. Support vehicle with safety stands if it is necessary to go underneath vehicle.
  3. Padding should be placed between tow sling and any painted surfaces. When using tow hooks on rear suspension, position hooks so as not to damage brake lines. Do not allow towing equipment to rest on fuel tank.
  4. Do not hook vehicle by front or rear shock absorber or coil springs (if used). Do not lift or tow the vehicle by attaching to or securing to the bumper energy absorber units (if used).
  5. Raise vehicle 4-6" from ground. Ensure that there is adequate clearance at opposite end of vehicle. Remove wheels from end being lifted and carry lifted end closer to ground (if necessary). An 8" clearance must be maintained between drums (rotors) and ground.
  6. A safety chain completely independent of the primary towing attachment must be used. Never allow passengers to ride in towed vehicle. Follow state and local rules and regulations when towing vehicle.
CAUTIONTo prevent drive train damage, shift the transmission and transfer case (if equipped) into the positions outlined under specific towing instructions.

TOWING PRECAUTIONS

  1. All FWD vehicles may be towed on their rear wheels for extended distances if parking brake is released. Vehicles should be towed using "J" hooks and with front wheels off the ground whenever possible.
  2. All FWD vehicles may be towed on front wheels at speeds not to exceed 25 MPH for a distance not greater than 15 miles. The steering wheel must be clamped in the straight-ahead position.
  3. On FWD manual transaxle equipped vehicles, the transaxle must be in Neutral and the drive axles must not be damaged. If any of these limits cannot be met, the front wheels must be placed on a dolly.
  4. Automatic transaxle equipped vehicles may not be towed with all 4 wheels on ground. Manual transaxle vehicles may be towed with no distance restrictions provided the transaxle is in Neutral and the parking brake is released.

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TOWING (WITH IGNITION KEY)

  1. All RWD vehicles may be towed if the selector lever is in Neutral. Do not tow further than 15 miles or tow faster than 30 MPH.
  2. If transmission is inoperative or if the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles, disconnect drive shaft or tow vehicle with rear wheels raised.
  3. On 4WD models with manual locking hubs, place both transmission and transfer case in Neutral. Place manual locking hubs in "FREE" position. Turn ignition key to the "OFF" position.
  4. On 4WD models with vacuum operated locking hubs, place transmission in Neutral and transfer case in the "2H" position. Remove drive shaft from end of vehicle that remains on ground or place wheels on towing dolly. Turn ignition key to the "OFF" position.

TOWING (WITHOUT IGNITION KEY)

  1. All FWD vehicles may be lifted and towed from the front, provided the parking brake is released. If parking brake is not released, the rear wheels should be placed on a tow dolly.
  2. All RWD vehicles may be towed with the front wheels off the ground provided the parking brake is released. The drive shaft must be removed or the rear wheels placed on a tow dolly. See «TOWING (WITH IGNITION KEY)»(/dodge/caravan/ii-1990-1995/remont/wheel-alignment/#towing-procedures__towing-with-ignition-key) for vehicles using a floor mounted gear selector or 4WD.

TOWING (RECREATIONAL)

  1. All FWD vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle may be towed with all wheels on the ground at legal highway speeds and for any distance. Automatic transaxle equipped vehicles may be towed at 25 MPH and for a distance not to exceed 15 miles.
  2. 4WD vehicles may be towed with all wheels on the ground at highway speeds and for any distance. Place transmission and transfer case in Neutral. Turn ignition key to the "OFF" position. Remove drive shafts.

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