Tow car auto (1 Viewer)

[musson]

Hi i am thinking of getting a towcar in couple of months I have seen one on ebay a C3 automatic I was always told you cannot tow a auto, bit confused.Does anyone else tow one ?

 

[Shovelheadrob]

Very few automatics are suitable for towing due to requiring the engine running to provide lubrication around the transmission. Some older cars had suitable trans but I'm fairly certain nothing made within the last 30 or 40 years.

 

[Trikeman]

Hi, ours is an 'automatic' Peugeot 107.
Ok not an automatic in the sense of the word (with torque converter et al), but an automatic all the same. Put in E go forward and into R, go backwards and we take it just about everywhere on our 'A' tow bar - seen loads of them. Ensure this type of automatic is in N, steering lock off and away to go.

Regards,

Trikeman.

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[Bilbat]

Hi. I had a C3 diesel auto that I wanted to tow behind my motorhome. I was advised by Citroen technicians not to do this as the ignition has to be turned in order to disconnect the steering lock and when you do this it wakes up the ECU which apparently can do funny things on its own. I changed the car not really for this reason but the fact the way the auto works, I felt, was dangerous. Nothing like putting your foot down entering an island and nothing happening. If you're looking at a similar C3, please test drive it first and make sure it suits your style of driving.
Regards
Bilbat

 

[pappajohn]

Torque converter (true auto)....not towable
automated clutch......towable.

Torque converter is a fuid filled 'clutch' and an automatedclutch is a mechanical clutch and gearbox which is electrically operated.

 

[musson]

Hi thanks for your replies think I will leave it and stick with manual transmission.

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[tonyidle]

Most 'small car' autos are robotic manual. The descriptions given by manufacturers are confusing and what we all knew and understood as an automatic gearbox now comes in two common (and a third less so) versions:

Robotic manual - not a good description but it comprises a normal clutch and manual gearbox that is converted to operate electrically and is controlled by an ECU. There's no clutch pedal and gear selection can be fully automatic or individual gears can be selected manually. Flappy paddles on the steering wheel are often included or optional. It's used on many smaller cars that would lose too much power through a 'conventional' automatic. Can be towed safely. Smart car (I have one!) is one example.

Conventional automatic - comprising a torque convertor that replaces the clutch and a hydraulically-operated but electronically controlled gearbox. Can include manual gear selection. Can have flappy paddles. It's what, up to a few years ago, was the only type of automatic available. Cannot be towed far or fast - recovery tow only.

CVT - continually variable transmission. In its simplest form used in early DAF ("belt-drive") cars. Still used in updated form. Doubtful you'll come across it and probably can't be towed.

 

[DanielFord]

CVT - continually variable transmission. In its simplest form used in early DAF ("belt-drive") cars. Still used in updated form. Doubtful you'll come across it and probably can't be towed.

I beg to differ, this is the transmission used in a large number of smaller vehicles (larger ones too), the Honda Jazz leaps to mind, also the Audi A4, Toyota Prius and Honda Insight all use a CVT box. They are now dual cone transmission to give the variable ratio's but I would imagine you still can't tow them with the drive wheels on the road.

 

[tonyidle]

I beg to differ, this is the transmission used in a large number of smaller vehicles (larger ones too), the Honda Jazz leaps to mind, also the Audi A4, Toyota Prius and Honda Insight all use a CVT box. They are now dual cone transmission to give the variable ratio's but I would imagine you still can't tow them with the drive wheels on the road.

I'm happy to be corrected. Most of my experience is with older cars (or 'classics' as I prefer to call them) but my main interest in cars of any sort is in the engineering employed. So whilst I understand how they work I'm not over-familiar with individual makes/models. I'm pretty sure you're correct about not being able to tow modern CVT-equipped cars.

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[musson]

Thanks
A friend of mine has a 508 and i think it is a manual with a change kit (factory fitted) as above, it keeps the emission down on company car tax.

 

[PeteH]

There are some cars which can be towed. We towed a Smart behind the R-V. So long as you Don`t forget to make SURE it`s in NEUTRAL!!!!. They are a dream. There where several in Spain, (before the Plod got ratty about it!!!!) I am told that the Citroen C1 can be towed. The smallest Peugeot (107) too. There are versions of the Corsa which can be towed as well. I have in my possession a letter from Toyota UK ref; the Yaris, which says it can be towed (no technical reason why not) although they, as manufacturers, don't recommend it, and the Aygo also.

Many Auto 4WD vehicles can be towed, so long as they drive through a Transfer box which can be manually place into neutral. Which is why you will see so many Jeeps, Pick-up Trucks Etc. behind R-V`s on US Roads. We towed a Chevy (Auto) Behind the Winnebago (above) but sold it last year before we left. IF I get back, For one more "fling" Health insurance Permitting!!!! I am on the lookout for a 4WD Suzuki Samurai or Vitara. So I can do a little "off-roading" in the dessert.!!!

Pete