Volvo Owners Club Forum - View Single Post - Had by 850 auto towed

Hallsy · May 1st, 2009, 16:37

I must admit that this only being my second automatic car, that I was a little naive about auto transmissions.

When my auto T5 broke down last weekend, I got my brother-in-law to tow me home. We did wonder about being an auto making any difference, but once neutral was selected and the car rolled easilly we thought little more of it.

The car was towed 7 miles at speeds of between 20-40 mph.

I have since been told that towing an auto is not a good idea, and reading around it seems that manufacturer recommendations vary from don't tow at all, to up to 60 miles at 50mph.

I've read my handbook and it says no more than 10mph and 20 miles

Does this mean I have likely caused some serious damage to the auto box?

I have engaged gears since last weekend but haven't driven the car, so can't comment on any knocks/problems.

I assumed that in neutral the drive was fully disconnected, but I now gather than the torque converter doesn't disengage fully and so is running, without having the ATF fluid pumped around. Is that right?

So damage to the torque converter could be caused? How would I diagnose this?

May 1st, 2009, 16:37	#1
Hallsy Member Last Online: Apr 16th, 2024 22:34 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sudbury, Suffolk	Had by 850 auto towed - likely to be damaged? I must admit that this only being my second automatic car, that I was a little naive about auto transmissions. When my auto T5 broke down last weekend, I got my brother-in-law to tow me home. We did wonder about being an auto making any difference, but once neutral was selected and the car rolled easilly we thought little more of it. The car was towed 7 miles at speeds of between 20-40 mph. I have since been told that towing an auto is not a good idea, and reading around it seems that manufacturer recommendations vary from don't tow at all, to up to 60 miles at 50mph. I've read my handbook and it says no more than 10mph and 20 miles Does this mean I have likely caused some serious damage to the auto box? I have engaged gears since last weekend but haven't driven the car, so can't comment on any knocks/problems. I assumed that in neutral the drive was fully disconnected, but I now gather than the torque converter doesn't disengage fully and so is running, without having the ATF fluid pumped around. Is that right? So damage to the torque converter could be caused? How would I diagnose this?