Honda 2004 Odyssey Service Manual page 29

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
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 a towing hook (A) and tie down hook
hooking slots (B).
The towing hook can be used with a winch to pull the
vehicle onto the truck, and the tie down hook hooking
slots can be used to secure the vehicle to the truck.
A
B
1-16
The operator loads the vehicle
B
Wheel Lift Equipment The tow truck uses two
pivoting arms that go under the tires (front or rear) and
lift them off the ground. The other two wheels remain
on the ground.
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.
If the vehicle cannot be transported by 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, do the following:
• Release the parking brake.
• Start the engine.
• Shift to D4 position or D position, then N position.
• Turn off the engine.
It is best to tow the vehicle no farther than 50 miles (80
km), and keep the speed below 35 mph (55 km/h).
• 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.
• 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.