Can 2014 Chevy Sonic LT with Automatic Transmission Be Flat Towed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I reviewed the online edition of the manual for your 2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT with automatic transmission and on pages 10-78/79 the manual notes that the RS version cannot be flat towed but that other versions like your LT with automatic transmission can be flat towed once you follow the specific steps that are outlined. Your vehicle owner's manual is the best place to confirm the car's capabilities, including whether or not versions of it can be safely flat-towed without issue.

You need to run the car at the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel stop for about five minutes. This will ensure proper lubrication of transmission components. You also cannot exceed 65-mph towing speed without risk of transmission damage.

Here are the preparation steps required:

To dinghy tow the vehicle from the front with all four wheels on the ground:

1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it to the towing vehicle.
2. Shift the automatic transmission to P (Park) or a manual transmission into 1 (First) gear
and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, remove the following fuse from the instrument panel fuse block: (DLIS). See Instrument Panel Fuse Block on page 10-38
for more information.
5. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
6. Shift the automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or a manual transmission to Neutral.
7. Release the parking brake.
8. Remember to reinstall the DLIS fuse once the destination has been reached.

Safe and legal flat towing requires a number of components including a tow bar, safety cables, a high/low hitch adapter, a wiring or lighting kit of some kind as well as base plates and a braking system on the towed car. We can help you with any/all of these items you need; please feel free to tell me if you'd like recommendations for any. You can also refer to the linked help articles for more information.

expert reply by: Adam R

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