Procedure To Follow Before Flat Towing 2013 Honda CR-V Behind A Motorhome

Updated 06/13/2019 | Published 06/12/2019

Question:

Does the engine have to be running when you shift in all the gears and then shift to drive before towing?

asked by: Judy S

Expert Reply:

Yes, according to the owner's manual for the 2013 Honda CR-V you start the engine before shifting through the gears. I have attached the procedure below to follow carefully to avoid transmission damage. If you shift from reverse to neutral and then tow the Honda CR-V it can cause damage to the transmission.

Perform the following procedure before towing your vehicle.
1. Check the transmission fluid level. Make sure the fluid level is between the upper and lower marks.
2. Start the engine.
3. Depress the brake pedal. Move the shift lever through all its positions.
4. Shift to drive and hold for five seconds, then to neutral, let the engine run for three
minutes, then turn it off.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Leave the ignition switch in accessory. Make sure the steering wheel does not lock.
7. Turn off all the electric devices. Do not use any accessory power sockets. This can prevent the battery from running down.

You also want to pull the 7.5 A accessory radio fuse to avoid draining the battery. I recommend to use Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass part # RM76511 so you don't have to pull the fuse each time.