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Jack_Ashore's avatar
Jack_Ashore
Explorer
Oct 19, 2015

97 Geo Tracker 4x4 Auto trans flat tow: Tranny in park? Why?

I have a 1997 Geo Tracker 4x4 with an automatic transmission and manually locking hubs. All of my research has said that to flat tow this vehicle you put the transmission in Park, the 4x4 transfer case in netural, the key to the ACC position, make sure parking brake is off and away you go.

Putting the tranny in park didn't make any sense to me, but I'm not an automotive engineer so I went with it. I pulled forward a couple of feet and the back wheels were dragging! I shifted the tranny to neutral and it towed just find on my short test run.

BUT: I'm worried about screwing up the Geo transmission by flat towing it wrong. Can anyone shed any light on the proper transmission position, and if it is supposed to be Park, why do you think mine dragged?
Thanks,
Jack

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  • tapcep's avatar
    tapcep
    Explorer
    Oct 19, 2015
    We own a 1996 Tracker and have towed it since it was brand new. You got it right...you put the transmission in Park, the 4x4 transfer case in neutral, the key in the ACC position, and make sure the parking brake is off.

    Key to not hurting transmission is to make sure NOT to tow it further than 200 miles, our manual has this underlined. Stop around the 200 miles, put the transfer case back into gear, run through the gears in the transmission, we let it run for about 3 minutes. Turn it off, reset back to "tow mode" and you are good for another 200 miles of towing. Easy.

    Enjoy!
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Oct 19, 2015
    Automatic transmission in "park" keeps the transmission output shaft from turning. If it spins bearing and bushing damage will happen. Automatic transmission hydraulic fluid pump is on the input shaft to lubricate the complete transmission.
    Manual transmission is 2nd per manual does the same thing. Keeps output shaft from turning.

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