Towing question AWD 530 wagon

[lyonsfin]

If I place it in Neutral and turn off ignition, can I tow it behind my motorhome on a tow dolly? Most sources seem to say it is OK, but.....

[Reefin Dude]

only if the battery is good. if the battery dies from powering the car while in tow, it will bugger things up. it seems the computer needs to be controlling the transfer case and the diffs properly in order to keep them from wearing out.

from what i have read, i would not do this unless i had to and only for a few miles. leaving the car in ON will quickly deplete the battery.

G~

[builtinbetter]

Is it an automatic or a manual transmission? Autos can not have their drive wheels on the ground while in tow. The motor is what turn the trans oil pump and if the motor is not on then the pump won't be lubricating.
I may be wrong but that is my knowledge of towing automatics.

[lyonsfin]

It is an automatic. I had planned to turn on, put in neutral, then turn power off. The car will do this. I know with my mini, which is an auto also, it cannot be towed with the drive wheels on the ground under any circumstances. Some Jeep models can....

[Norskie]

Is it an automatic or a manual transmission? Autos can not have their drive wheels on the ground while in tow. The motor is what turn the trans oil pump and if the motor is not on then the pump won't be lubricating.
I may be wrong but that is my knowledge of towing automatics.

No AWD vehicles should be towed with wheels on the ground. You need a flatbed. Doesn't matter if it's auto or manual.

It is an automatic. I had planned to turn on, put in neutral, then turn power off. The car will do this. I know with my mini, which is an auto also, it cannot be towed with the drive wheels on the ground under any circumstances. Some Jeep models can....

Jeep models which are 4x4 manuals where the front axles can be disconnected should be OK to tow.

If you try this on your 530, you'll likely wreck your transfer case and transmission.

[lyonsfin]

Thanks. I have ruled out this option.