Towing

[seasideBill]

Been looking at the current Fiat Ducato Manual and noted this statement on page 188.

“VERSIONS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Vehicles with AT9 automatic transmission cannot be towed”.

I understand it’s ok to tow a comfort-matic in N, but be interested to know the experience of 9 speed auto owners?

 

[Gromett]

Not sure if this is relevant to vehicles over this side of the pond, but it did make me think we should ALL look at our manuals before towing.

Interesting. His parting information is good.

 

[seasideBill]

Just found some info on here including tales of disaster!

I’m really only concerned about towing off a muddy field as worst case scenario. I certainly wouldn’t let anybody tow me any distance without front wheels off the road.
The most sensible advice seems to be “ A short tow such as off a pitch isn’t a problem. Extended tows, at speed will be as a full automatic needs the gearbox to be lubricated. The engine would need to be running, with the box in neutral.” However, Fiat approve of that for the comfortmatic but there is no specific mention of the 9 speed auto other than it ‘cannot’ be towed. I’m non the wiser or confident’.

 

[gus-lopez]

A full auto cannot be towed any distance nor have you ever been able to. A short tow off a muddy field isn't a problem & why would you not have the engine running whilst doing it? You wouldn't be able to steer without the engine on, nor would you have much in the way of braking?. Box can either be in neutral or drive or reverse if going backwards.

 

[Daffy64]

It’s all down to oil, most Auto’s and some Manual gearboxes have an oil pump of some description thats driven from the input shaft to the gearbox so as long as the engine is running you’d be ok, saying that I wouldn’t want to tow my van across town but off a muddy field or out of harms way you’ll be fine with the engine running.