Recreational/Disabled Towing Procedures (TS 7-03 05071)

Publication date: 1991-05-01
Reference number: TS 7-03 05071

RECREATIONAL/DISABLED TOWING PROCEDURES

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): TS 7-03 05071, Date of Issue: May, 1991

APPLICATION

1989-91 Swift

SUBJECT

Towing Procedures

REFERENCE

Suzuki of America Corp., Technical Bulletin, No. 7-03 05071, May, 1991

SERVICE INFORMATION

To help avoid damage to your vehicle during towing, it is essential to use proper towing equipment and procedure.

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE

If your vehicle is disabled and you need to have it towed, contact a professional tow truck service. The following is a description of appropriate towing methods for your vehicle.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Automatic transmission vehicles may be towed using either of the following methods.

From the front, with the front wheels lifted. Before towing, make sure that the parking brake is released.
From the rear, with the rear wheels lifted and a dolly under the front wheels.

CAUTION: Towing your vehicle with the front wheels on the ground can result in damage to the automatic transmission.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Manual transmission vehicles may be towed using either of the following methods.

From the front, with the front wheels lifted and the front wheels on the ground, provided the steering and drivetrain are in operational condition. Before towing, ensure the transmission is in neutral, the steering wheel is unlocked (the ignition key should be in the "ACC" position), and the steering wheel is secured with a clamping device designed for towing service.

CAUTION: The steering column lock is not strong enough to withstand shocks transmitted from the front wheels during towing. Always unlock the steering wheel before towing.

RECREATIONAL TOWING

Your vehicle may be towed behind another vehicle, provided you use proper towing equipment designed for recreational towing. Ensure the towing speed does not exceed 55 MPH (90 km/h). Following is a description of appropriate towing methods for your vehicle.

WARNING: Always use a safety chain when towing your vehicle and be sure to observe federal, state, and local requirements for trailer hitches, tow bars, lights, etc.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Automatic transmission vehicles should only be towed from the front, with the front wheels secured to a towing dolly. Before towing, ensure the parking brake is released.

CAUTION: Towing your vehicle with the front wheels on the ground can result in damage to the automatic transmission.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Manual transmission vehicles may be towed using either of the following methods.

From the front, with the front wheels secured to a towing dolly. Before towing, make sure that the parking brake is released.
From the front, with all four wheels on the ground. Before towing, make sure that the steering wheel is unlocked ( the ignition key should be in the "ACC" position), the parking brake is released, and the transmission is in neutral.

CAUTION: The steering column lock is not strong enough to withstand shocks transmitted from the front wheels during towing. Always unlock the steering wheel before towing.