Can I safely tow an auto that won't go

[bearman68]

OK, 1996 (I think) V12 Jag. Won't start, and in a friends garage, with no room and no tools. I want to tow it to my place where there is lot's of room and lot's of tools and a bit of help.
So the question is, can a tow an auto, if it's in Neutral. Don't want to jump (Bump) start it.

BTW why not if the answer is NO, and why are you not meant to jump (sorry, bump) start autos??

Many Thanks for any advice.

Edited by bearman68 on Saturday 27th July 20:32

[jas xjr]

don't know why but I think you have to disconnect the propshaft

[TheEnd]

Jump starts are fine, I think it might be "bump starts" that would be the problem.
The handbook usually tells you towing instructions, usually slow speeds and short distances and it should be fine.

[SV8Predator]

bearman68 said:

and why are you not meant to jump start autos??

A stated above, that is not true.

Towing OK (maybe) for a very short distance but if more than a few hundred yards, disconnect the propshaft. If the engine is not running the auto box pumps are not working. Towing means that the internals of the box are being turned without adequate lubrication.

[GreigM]

If you can lift the drive wheels you can tow it fine. Some autos turn the engine even in neutral when the wheels turn, so if the engine isn't on you've no oil pressure so can do damage to engine and gearbox.

[BlueMR2]

Most are limited to low speed and short distances.

The gearbox fluid is unable to cool itself when not running.

Different cars will have different answers though.

[Nigel Worc's]

Don't tow a torque converter auto, which the Jag is most likely to be, at any speed, or for more than a few hundred yards, the reasons have already been given by other posters.

Other types of auto are fine, centrifugal clutch types for example.

Always consult the handbook.

[bearman68]

Thanks for that.
It's about a 4 mile tow. Takes about an hour to get it on my trailer (The trailer is high, and the manual winch is slow and hard work, and occasionally lets go ) - you can see why the towing option is a good one.
How slow is 'not too fast' - 4 miles at 20 mph sound too much?

Appreciate the advice

[bearman68]

OH dear, just a little late with the last post. Trailer it is then.......

[Nigel Worc's]

bearman68 said:

Thanks for that.
It's about a 4 mile tow. Takes about an hour to get it on my trailer (The trailer is high, and the manual winch is slow and hard work, and occasionally lets go ) - you can see why the towing option is a good one.
How slow is 'not too fast' - 4 miles at 20 mph sound too much?

Appreciate the advice

I wouldn't but your call !

Have you checked the handbook ?

[Hugo a Gogo]

find someone with 'any car' breakdown cover

like me with my ADAC cover :smug: (except not me, cos I'm not there!)

[fangio]

The handbook for a Saab I had gave 50 miles at 25 or less. I towed it 38 miles with no problems. RTM!

Edited by fangio on Monday 29th July 15:57

[eliot]

As stated above, there's no lubrication to the box when the engine isnt running. I think you could just about get away with 4 miles slowy. Ideally jack the car up and remove the prop or trailer it.

[tercelgold]

You can tow it in Neutral for 0.5 miles under 30mph according to the workshop manual.

XJ6-XJ12

Jacking Lifting and Vehicle Recovery

Edited by tercelgold on Saturday 27th July 22:14