2006 Honda Ridgeline Owner's Manual - Page 285

Emergency Towing Emergency Towing If your vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional towing service or organization. Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous. The only way you can safely tow your vehicle is with flat-bed equipment. The operator will load your vehicle on the back of a truck. Any other method of towing will damage the drive system. When you contact the towing agency, inform them a flat-bed is required. If, due to damage, your vehicle must be towed with all four wheels on the ground, do the following: Release the parking brake. Start the engine. Shift to D for several seconds, then to N. Turn off the engine. With all four wheels on the ground, it is best to tow the vehicle no farther than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the speed below 35 mph (55 km/h). The steering system can be damaged if the steering wheel is locked. Leave the ignition switch in Accessory (I), and make sure the steering wheel turns f reely bef ore you begin towing. Towing your vehicle with two tires on the ground will damage parts of the 4WD system. It should be transported on a f lat-bed truck or trailer. Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shif t the transmission or start the engine, your vehicle must be transported with the all four wheels of f the ground. Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle's weight. 286