Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...
The essentials
Driving style
T
o
w
ing requires some experience, especially
when using a tow rope. Both drivers should
realise how difficult it is to tow a vehicle. In-
experienced drivers should not attempt to
tow.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle
and take care to avoid jerking the tow rope.
When towing on an unpaved road, there is al-
ways a risk of overloading and damaging the
anchorage points.
Switch on the ignition so that the turn sig-
nals, windscreen wipers and windscreen
washer can work. Ensure that the steering
wheel is unlocked and moves freely.
Place the gear lever in neutral on vehicles
with a manual gearbox. With an automatic
gearbox, place the lever in N.
To brake, press the brake pedal firmly. The
brake servo does not work when the engine
is switched off.
The power steering only works when the igni-
tion is switched on and the vehicle is moving,
provided that the battery is sufficiently charg-
ed. Otherwise, it will need more force.
Ensure that the tow rope remains taut at all
times.
››› in Instructions for tow-starting on
page 76
››› page 75
Tow-starting
In general, the vehicle should not be started
by t
owing. Jump-starting is much more pref-
erable ››› page 43.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles
can not be tow started:
●
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
●
If the vehicle battery is flat, it is possible
that the en
gine control unit does not operate
correctly.
However, if your vehicle must absolutely be
tow-started (manual gearbox):
●
Put it into second or third gear.
●
Keep the clutch pressed down.
●
Switch on the ignition and the hazard warn-
ing lights.
●
Release the clutch when both vehicles are
moving.
●
As soon as the engine starts, press the
clutch and move the gear lever into neutral.
This helps to prevent a collision with the tow-
ing vehicle.
How to jump start
Jump leads
If the engine fails to start because of a dis-
char
ged battery, the battery of another vehi-
cle can be used to start the engine. Before
starting, check the magic eye on the battery
›››
page 196.
For starting assistance, jump lead cables con-
forming to the standard DIN 72553 are re-
quired (see the cable manufacturer instruc-
tions). The cable section in vehicles with pet-
rol engine must be at least 25 mm
2
.
WARNING
Incorrect use of jump leads and incorrectly
jump star
ting could cause the battery to ex-
plode resulting in serious injury. Please ob-
serve the following rules to minimise the risk
of a battery explosion:
●
The battery providing current must have
the same voltage (12V) and approximately
the same capacity (see markings on battery)
as the flat battery.
●
Never charge a frozen or recently thawed
battery. A flat battery can also freeze at tem-
peratures close to 0 °C (+32 °F).
●
If a battery is frozen and/or has been frozen
then it must be replaced.
●
A highly explosive mixture of gases is re-
leased when the battery is being charged. Al-
ways keep lit cigarettes, flames, sparks and
»
43
Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...