Honda Odyssey Service Manual: 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 Tow Truck Equipment -The operator loads the vehicle on the back of a flat-bed tow truck. This is the best way of transporting the vehicle.

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

The towing hook 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 secure the vehicle to the flat-bed tow truck.

NOTE: The rear tie down hook slots has rubber plugs (D) over the openings. Be sure to reinstall the plugs after use.

notice

The Odyssey is not equipped with a rear tow hook. Attaching any towing device to the rear bumper will cause serious damage. The rear bumper is not designed to support the vehicle's weight.

Front:

Rear:

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. This is an acceptable way of towing the vehicle.

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.

If the vehicle cannot be transported by a flat-bed tow truck, it should be towed with the front wheels off the ground. If the vehicle is damaged, and must be towed with the front wheels on the ground, or 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) 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 farther than 50 miles (80 km),   and keep the vehicle speed below 35 mph (55 km/h).

notice

Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shift the transmission or start the engine, the vehicle must be transported on a flat-bed tow truck. Trying to lift or tow the vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle's weight.