Forum Discussion

fvidania's avatar
fvidania
Explorer
Jun 09, 2014

How to Tow a 2002 Chevy Tracker (Suzuki Grand Vitara)

Hello,
I have a 2002 Chevy Tracker 4x4 manual transmission, same car than Suzuki Grand Vitara.

I have a blue ox base plate on it, a blue ox tow bar, safety cables, wiring..everything.

My problem is that I'm not sure how to set up the car before towing.
According to the owners manual:

"Follow these steps:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Shift your automatic transmission into PARK (P),
or your manual transmission to SECOND (2).
3. With the ignition key in the ON position, move the
transfer case to NEUTRAL and make sure the
4WD light on the instrument panel cluster is off.
See “Four-Wheel Drive” in the Index.
4. Turn the ignition key to ACC to unlock the
steering wheel.
5. Release the parking brake."

Questions:

Manual transmission to Second?! how is that possible? wouldn't that stall the car?

Do I have to do this with the engine running or just with the key in on?

When I turn the key to ACC, do I release the clutch pedal before or after turning the key?


Give me answers, please and thank you!

Moved to Dinghy Towing forum from Towing.

  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2014
    I towed a '91 Suzuki Sidekick many thousands of miles with no problem. I had manual hubs however so was sure that 4wd was not engaged. I would recommend going here for more reliable information on towing 4 down.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Jun 09, 2014
    The towbar not locked as noted above.

    Or perhaps the Transfer Case is not getting into Neutral.

    Maybe practice on a quiet downhill slope. Stop, hold with parking brake while you do the ritual in the Owner's Manual. The release the brake. With your manual transmission shifter in Second and Transfer Case in Neutral, it had better ROLL. If it doesn't roll, the Transmission is holding it because the Transfer Case did NOT get to Neutral. While it's rolling, try to steer. The steering wheel should not be locked since your key is in ACC. Wheel should turn and vehicle should steer while rolling.
    I don't know these Zuki/Chev vehicles all that well, but I think some had Locking Hubs. Does yours? If so, does your Owner's Manual say anything about doing something with them getting ready to tow?
  • anconn's avatar
    anconn
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2014
    make sure your tow bar is locked in the extended position. If mine isn't when I start moving I move slow till I feel both bars lock in place. Sometimes one is extended fully and not the other if the car isn't quite straight behind the M/H
  • fvidania's avatar
    fvidania
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2014
    Thanks to both of you.

    Yes I have a Blue ox Patriot brake system.

    My biggest concern is that I tried to tow it following the chevy owners manual and I could feel some shocks while being towed. and I only tow it a couple meters.

    I will try again this week. Thanks
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Jun 09, 2014
    Putting the transfer case in neutral prevents the wheels from turning the transmission. Still, there can be enough friction in the transfer case that its input shaft will rotate. Putting the transmission in Park or Second keeps the transfer case, even though it's in Neutral, from doing that.
    Have you got supplemental braking for the Tracker?
  • rv2go's avatar
    rv2go
    Explorer II
    Jun 09, 2014
    snip.."Do I have to do this with the engine running or just with the key in on?"

    No...The engine has to be off. Then follow the directions.

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