Proper way to Tow your AWD
01-31-2004, 08:16 PM
#1
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Join Date: Apr 2003
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Proper way to Tow your AWD
What is the proper way to Tow my WRX, or any AWD for that matter? I know the dealer said theres a fuse that when taken out turns it into a FWD vehicle, would that allow it to be towed in a normal manner?
01-31-2004, 09:26 PM
#3
Do you best to find a flatbed. Anything else can potentially damage your differentials.
Next best option would be to have it towed by the front wheels with these dolly thingies on the back wheels so that the back wheels aren't turning as the car is towed. Personally, I'd rather be an bastard to the tow truck dispatcher and demand a flat bed.
The last option, which only works on automatics, is to find the FWD fuse. It is under the hood and on my car (Legacy, don't know about other Subarus) is close to the passenger side, close to the cabin). Pull it and tow with the front wheels up in the air.
But, in all cases it is better for your car to tell the tow truck dispatcher you have an AWD car and you *need* a flatbed. The other two options can still hurt your rear differential (although the probability is rather low).
Next best option would be to have it towed by the front wheels with these dolly thingies on the back wheels so that the back wheels aren't turning as the car is towed. Personally, I'd rather be an bastard to the tow truck dispatcher and demand a flat bed.
The last option, which only works on automatics, is to find the FWD fuse. It is under the hood and on my car (Legacy, don't know about other Subarus) is close to the passenger side, close to the cabin). Pull it and tow with the front wheels up in the air.
But, in all cases it is better for your car to tell the tow truck dispatcher you have an AWD car and you *need* a flatbed. The other two options can still hurt your rear differential (although the probability is rather low).
02-01-2004, 02:53 AM
#4
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Car Info: 02 Impreza WRX sedan
That's one reason why Subaru offers that free towing service for three years after purchase. They can probably only tow it to the nearest Subaru dealership but at least I know they'll send a flatbed out.
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02-01-2004, 07:31 AM
#6
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First, you INSTALL a fuse (use the spare 15 or 20 - check the manual) to force the AT into FWD. BUT I still don't think that means you can tow it with the rear wheels on the ground (anyone?).
Second, a flat bed tow should not cost more than a stinger or other type - you may just have to wait longer if the flat bed is busy or far away.
Second, a flat bed tow should not cost more than a stinger or other type - you may just have to wait longer if the flat bed is busy or far away.
02-01-2004, 03:54 PM
#7
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Location: orange county
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Car Info: 04 wrb wrx
what year is that hummer? my friend used to have a 96 bright blue four door hard top with the turbo diesel, i loved that thing as much as he did. hated to change the tires though, damn near 200 pounds a wheel!
02-03-2004, 05:34 AM
#10
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IF you have the 4EAT, there is an empty slot in the fuse box under the hood (that's where it is on my OBW) that requires a 15(maybe 20amp?) fuse placed in it to force the duty solenoid 'C' into FWD only condition.
check your manual under temporary spare use. It's required if you ever use the 'donut' spare.
check your manual under temporary spare use. It's required if you ever use the 'donut' spare.
02-03-2004, 07:09 AM
#11
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Car Info: 2004 WRBlue WRX sedan
I'm about to move across country, and will be towing my WRX on a flatbed behind the moving truck. I read on the Uhaul site that they won't allow me to tow the WRX on their flatbed for some reason. Anybody know what this is all about? Or anybody have any experience putting a WRX onto a flatbed? Only thing i can think of that might be bad is accidentally scraping the exhaust tip or something.
02-03-2004, 01:15 PM
#12
Originally posted by SuboobaruWRSEX
1998 Open top, Turbo. Got some 17" alluminum w/ beadlock. Weigh like half of stock. Its for sale, getting either a 2003 or 2004.
Nick
1998 Open top, Turbo. Got some 17" alluminum w/ beadlock. Weigh like half of stock. Its for sale, getting either a 2003 or 2004.
Nick
02-03-2004, 04:01 PM
#15
Check out the Subaru.com FAQ,
http://www.subaru.com/home/faqs/faq_middle19.jsp#3
http://www.subaru.com/home/faqs/faq_middle19.jsp#3
3. Can I tow a Subaru behind my motorhome?
AWD Subaru vehicles with manual transmission can be towed with all four wheels on the ground and the transmission in neutral. AWD Subaru vehicles with automatic transmission can only be towed with all four wheels OFF of the ground. Therefore, if you are interested in towing a Subaru behind your motorhome, we would suggest purchasing a manual transmission Subaru.
AWD Subaru vehicles with manual transmission can be towed with all four wheels on the ground and the transmission in neutral. AWD Subaru vehicles with automatic transmission can only be towed with all four wheels OFF of the ground. Therefore, if you are interested in towing a Subaru behind your motorhome, we would suggest purchasing a manual transmission Subaru.