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Had a tow truck driver show up with a flatbed and proceed to ask me HOW he was expected to get my vehicle (07 4runner automatic) into neutral with a dead battery. Confused, I was like I'll just do it, which I did by moving the shifter into neutral...OBVIOUSLY!!!!
My question is...
Is this guy just completely ignorant about cars (I can't imagine ANYONE not knowing this...let alone someone who drives a tow truck) OR are there some newer vehicles being produced now that actually can't be put in neutral with a dead battery???
The whole thing just blew my mind!!!
***the battery wasn't the reason for the tow...vehicle has been sitting awhile due to another issue which is why it had drained.
That isn't the norm and of course if battery dead many require to remove cover to move the switch that allows it to be moved to neutral. with those electric trans. No different than where fuel shutoff switch is in case of a light rear end hit ;so car can be restarted rather than end up towed. But then I am sure dealers get a kcik from the calls abut what is easily learned in owners manual so many do not read or even consult.
That isn't the norm and of course if battery dead many require to remove cover to move the switch that allows it to be moved to neutral. with those electric trans. No different than where fuel shutoff switch is in case of a light rear end hit ;so car can be restarted rather than end up towed. Your mind is easily blown; sorry couldn't resist.
LOL no, seriously thanks because I asked because I really wanted to know!
I was thinking it was quite possible I was missing something!
Had a tow truck driver show up with a flatbed and proceed to ask me HOW he was expected to get my vehicle (07 4runner automatic) into neutral with a dead battery. Confused, I was like I'll just do it, which I did by moving the shifter into neutral...OBVIOUSLY!!!!
My question is...
Is this guy just completely ignorant about cars (I can't imagine ANYONE not knowing this...let alone someone who drives a tow truck) OR are there some newer vehicles being produced now that actually can't be put in neutral with a dead battery???
The whole thing just blew my mind!!!
***the battery wasn't the reason for the tow...vehicle has been sitting awhile due to another issue which is why it had drained.
Tow truck driver here, yes there are some vehicles that will not shift without battery power. It sounds like you got a rookie, but I'm disappointed that he didn't even try; on the other hand it's good that he asked before tearing something up.
As a side note, the majority of Toyota have a shift lock override.
Mine is only 414 pages too. Should have read three times by now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by texdav
That isn't the norm and of course if battery dead many require to remove cover to move the switch that allows it to be moved to neutral. with those electric trans. No different than where fuel shutoff switch is in case of a light rear end hit ;so car can be restarted rather than end up towed. But then I am sure dealers get a kcik from the calls abut what is easily learned in owners manual so many do not read or even consult.
I know on my car if you try and turn the key with a dead battery it locks the ignition, there is a little hole under the steering column so you can turn it back. Now that I think about it there is a little recessed button by the shifter, not sure if that's what it is for. I'd imagine there is lot of cars you can't shift without power for whatever reason.
That said if the guy is a tow truck driver and can't get it into neutral because of a dead battery he's a moron and needs to find another job.
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