Aspen 4WD V8-5.7L Hybrid (2009)
Towing Information: Service and Repair
Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, etc.)
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) OF 4X4 VEHICLES
HEV Vehicles
CAUTION: Recreational towing of hybrid models is not allowed. Towing the vehicle with the transmission in neutral can cause severe
transmission damage. Removal of the driveshaft for towing is not recommended since this allows transmission fluid to leak out.
Non-HEV Vehicles
WARNING: You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the Neutral (N) position without first
fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the
powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move despite the transmission position. The parking brake should always be applied when
the driver is not in the vehicle. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.
CAUTION: Internal damage to the transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational towing.
NOTE: Because of the design of the transfer cases, only use vehicles equipped with a NV 244 Generation II transfer case should be used for
recreational towing.
NOTE: The NV 244 Generation II transfer case must be shifted into Neutral (N) for recreational towing. The Neutral (N) selection button is
located on the lower left hand corner of the 4WD control switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case Neutral (N) can take place with
the selector switch in any mode position.
NOTE: If the vehicle is to be towed for multiple days or one day for an eight hour or above duration, disconnect and isolate the battery to
prevent discharge due to the illumination of the odometer and PRNDL light. Reset the radio, clock and stations after the negative
battery cable is reinstalled.
Shifting into Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing:
CAUTION: It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in Neutral (N) before recreational towing to prevent
damage to internal parts.
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Bring vehicle to a complete stop.
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Turn the engine OFF.
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Place the ignition key in the ON position.
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Press the brake pedal.
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Shift the automatic transmission to Neutral (N) or press the clutch on manual transmission.
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Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, press the recessed transfer case Neutral (N) button for four seconds.
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After shift is completed and the Neutral (N) light comes on release Neutral (N) button.
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Start the engine.
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Shift the automatic transmission into Reverse (R).
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Release the brake pedal for five seconds and make sure that there is no vehicle movement.
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Repeat steps 9 and 10 with the transmission in Drive (D).
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Turn the engine off and place the ignition key to the unlocked OFF position.
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Shift the automatic transmission into Park (P).
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Attach the vehicle to tow vehicle with a tow bar.
NOTE: Items 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the Neutral (N) selection button, and must continue to be met
until the four seconds elapses and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements (with the exception of 3 - Key on) are not
met prior to pressing the Neutral (N) button or are no longer met during the four second timer, then the Neutral (N) indicator light
flashes continuously until all requirements are met or until the Neutral (N) button is released.
NOTE: The ignition key must be on for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the key is not on, the shift
will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE: Flashing neutral (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
CAUTION: Damage to the transmission may occur if the transmission is shifted into Park (P) with the transfer case in Neutral (N) and the
engine running. With the transfer case in Neutral (N), make sure the engine is off prior to shifting the transmission into Park (P).
