When Towing Full-Time 4WD Vehicles

2004 Toyota Celica GT, StandardSECTION When Towing Full-Time 4WD Vehicles
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Toyota Highlander. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
  • Towing with either condition of the front wheels only or the rear wheels only held up might cause the drive train to burn out or the wheels flying off the dolly.
  • Do not use any towing method other than a correct towing method. See Fig 1.
  1. Tow the vehicles with the 4 wheels touching the ground or the 4 wheels held up. In case that an abnormality exists in the chassis and drive train, tow the vehicle with the 4 wheels held up.
  2. Never tow the vehicle with either condition of the front wheels only or the rear only held up. See Fig 2.
  3. Towing the vehicle should be done by one of the towing methods shown. See Fig 1.
  4. If the vehicle has a problem in the chassis or drive train, use the wheel type truck.
Towing Vehicle

Towing Method Parking Brake Shift Lever Position
Flat Bed Truck Applied Any Position
Wheel Lift Truck Applied Any Position
Fig 1: Identifying Correct Towing Methods
G00397518Courtesy of Β© TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.