Volkswagen Passat 1997 Official Factory Repair Manual page 19

General Information
temperature must not be tow started over a long
distance, otherwise unburned fuel reaches catalytic
converter and can be burned there. This may cause
catalytic converter to overheat.
When towing a vehicle with automatic transmission
following additional points must be observed:
Selector lever in "N" position.
n
Do not tow vehicle faster than 30 mph (50 km/h).
n
Do not tow further than 30 miles (50 km).
n
If towing over greater distances, vehicle must be
n
suspended at front.
Reason: When engine is not running transmission oil pump
is not working and transmission is not adequately lubricated
for high speeds or long distances.
Using a breakdown vehicle, vehicle may only be towed
suspended at front.
Reason: If given a rear suspended tow, drive shafts turn
backward. planetary gears in automatic transmission then
turn at such high speeds that transmission will be severely
damaged in a short time.
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12/7/2004