Towability of 2012 Honda Fit With Replacement 2013 Automatic Transmission

Updated 07/10/2017 | Published 07/06/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Tow Dolly with Electric Brakes - 4,250 lbs

(10)

$3525.00

Question:

I was driving along pulling my 2012 Honda fit which I have done for 4 yrs. I was pulling into a rest stop to take a break and noticed my front wheels locked up on the tow car had to have my car towed to a Honda dealer and I was told my transmission was bad and needed a new one. The dealer told me they had a 2013 transmission with only about 20,000 miles on it so they installed it. On my drive home a fault light came on and the D whenever I moved the gear shift the D would follow the shifter wherever it would go, I called them and informed them about my problem but there wasnt anyone in the office to take my call. I called them the Next morning they they said to take it to a Honda dealer and my town which I did and they had to order a transmission cable now everything is fine.They said with the 2013 transmission in my 2012 Honda I cannot flat tow my car anymore. What can I do to be able to tow it again this cost me $2700.00 for a transmission I cannot use.

asked by: Richard K

Expert Reply:

When a vehicle cannot be flat-towed with a tow bar and all 4-wheels-down sometimes a tow dolly provides a solution. Roadmaster offers the # RM-2050-1 which uses a coupler to connect to a hitch ball; and has electric brakes.

As for your 2012/2013 Honda Fit I'm afraid I cannot offer you any advice since a car being flat-towable or not depends on what the auto maker says. You will need to refer to a qualified authority, Honda, to address the modifications made to the transmission and for a determination about the car in its current state being towable or not. They can also advise on use of a tow dolly.

expert reply by: Adam R