Section 1 (General Information): Towing

If the vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional towing service. Never tow the vehicle behind another vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous.

Emergency Towing 

There are three popular methods of towing a vehicle.

Flat-bed Equipment  - The operator loads the vehicle on the back of a truck. This is the best way of transporting the vehicle. 

To accommodate flat-bed equipment, the vehicle is equipped with front tie down hook slots (A), rear towing hook (B), and rear tie down hook slots (C).

Front: 

Fig 1: Identifying Front Towing Hook (A)

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Fig 2: Identifying Front Hook Slots (B)

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Rear: 

Fig 3: Identifying Rear Hook Slots

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

The towing hooks can be used with a winch to pull the vehicle onto the flat bed tow truck, and the tie down hook slots can be used to secure the vehicle to the flat bed tow truck.

Front Towing Hook Installation 

The detachable towing hook is for towing very short distance, such as freeing the car. The hook attaches to the anchor under the front bumper.

1. Remove the cover (A) from the splash shield.
   Fig 4: Identifying Cover & Splash Shield

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
2. Remove the detachable towing hook from the tool kit in the cargo floor box.
3. Screw the detachable towing hook (B), and tighten it securely by hand.

Wheel Lift Equipment  - The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the tires (front or rear) and lifts them off the ground. The other two wheels remain on the ground. Never tow the vehicle with wheel lift equipment. 

Sling-type Equipment  - The tow truck uses metal cables with hooks on the ends. These hooks go around parts of the frame or suspension, and the cables lift that end of the vehicle off the ground. The vehicle's suspension and body can be seriously damaged if this method of towing is attempted. This method of towing the vehicle is unacceptable. 

The only recommended way of towing the vehicle is on a flat-bed truck.

Towing the 4WD Pilot with only two wheels on the ground will damage part of the VTM-4 system.

The 2WD Pilot may also be towed with the front wheels off the ground, or with all four wheels on the ground.

If the 2WD Pilot cannot be transported by a flat-bed, it should be towed with the front wheels off the ground. If due to damage, the vehicle must be towed with the front wheels on the ground, or if the vehicle is towed with all four wheels on the ground, do this:

• Release the parking brake.
• Start the engine.
• Shift to D, then to N.
• Turn off the engine.
• Leave the ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I) position so the steering wheel does not lock.
• Make sure all accessories are turned off to minimize battery current draw.

It is best to tow the vehicle no father than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the vehicle speed below 35 mph (55 km/h).