I was towing my 03 Yukon behind my motorhome. Followed the manual, put it in neutral (freewheeling) after hooking it up, 700 miles later, I unhooked the Yukon and it wouldn't go into gear or into our out of towing mode. Had it taken to a local dealer and they said the transmission was shot. Need a new transmission and transfer case. Still have thousands of miles to go and don't want this to happen again. Dealer can't seem to tell why. Car was serviced a month ago, everything checked and checked out. Yukons are supposed to be easy to tow four down. Any thoughts? No one seems to know what might have happened and I sure don't want it to happen again.
transmission gone while towing
- Thread starter ontheroad
- Start date
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Did you put the transmission, or transfer case in neutral? The transfer case must be put in neutral to tow... leave the trans in park.
The transmission can not circulate oil without the engine (and therefore, pump) running. This is why you can't tow 2WDs unless you disconnect the driveshaft. The transfer case has it's own oiling system that is connected to the output shaft, so it's getting lube as long as the driveshaft is turning.
In any case it's highly unlikely, if not impossible, that both the transfer case AND transmission would go at the same time. This sounds very fishy... take it to another shop.
The transmission can not circulate oil without the engine (and therefore, pump) running. This is why you can't tow 2WDs unless you disconnect the driveshaft. The transfer case has it's own oiling system that is connected to the output shaft, so it's getting lube as long as the driveshaft is turning.
In any case it's highly unlikely, if not impossible, that both the transfer case AND transmission would go at the same time. This sounds very fishy... take it to another shop.
+1000000
If you did it right sounds fishy
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case into NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission
is in PARK (P), for an automatic transmission.
You or others could be injured. Make sure the
parking brake is firmly set before you shift the
transfer case into NEUTRAL.
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle:
1. Firmly set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to PARK (P).
3. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the
tow vehicle.
4. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL (N).
See “Four-Wheel Drive” in the Index for
the proper procedure to select the NEUTRAL
position for your vehicle.
5. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is firmly attached to the towing vehicle.
6. Turn the ignition to OFF. The OFF position unlocks
the steering column and reduces battery drain as long
as the IGN 0 fuse is removed. Unlocking the steering
column will allow the proper movement of the front
wheels and tires during towing.
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Two-wheel-drive vehicles, should not be towed
with all four wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive
transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication
while being towed. To properly tow these vehicles,
they should be placed on a platform trailer with all
four wheels off the ground.
In rare cases when it’s unavoidable that a two-wheel-drive
vehicle is to be towed with all four wheels on the ground,
the propeller shaft to axle yoke orientation should be
marked and the propeller shaft removed following the
applicable service manual removal/installation procedure.
Dust or dirt can enter the back of the transmission
through the opening created by removing the propeller
shaft if proper protection is not provided. Also, check
the transmission fluid level before driving the truck.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case into NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission
is in PARK (P), for an automatic transmission.
You or others could be injured. Make sure the
parking brake is firmly set before you shift the
transfer case into NEUTRAL.
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle:
1. Firmly set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to PARK (P).
3. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the
tow vehicle.
4. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL (N).
See “Four-Wheel Drive” in the Index for
the proper procedure to select the NEUTRAL
position for your vehicle.
5. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is firmly attached to the towing vehicle.
6. Turn the ignition to OFF. The OFF position unlocks
the steering column and reduces battery drain as long
as the IGN 0 fuse is removed. Unlocking the steering
column will allow the proper movement of the front
wheels and tires during towing.
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Two-wheel-drive vehicles, should not be towed
with all four wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive
transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication
while being towed. To properly tow these vehicles,
they should be placed on a platform trailer with all
four wheels off the ground.
In rare cases when it’s unavoidable that a two-wheel-drive
vehicle is to be towed with all four wheels on the ground,
the propeller shaft to axle yoke orientation should be
marked and the propeller shaft removed following the
applicable service manual removal/installation procedure.
Dust or dirt can enter the back of the transmission
through the opening created by removing the propeller
shaft if proper protection is not provided. Also, check
the transmission fluid level before driving the truck.
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