sabresfan

I have to get my 2000 A6-tiptronic to the mechanic this week. He is about 20 miles away. The only way I can get it there is by towing it. Is it ok to pull it in neutral? All 4 wheels down, obviously.

jcman

Don't most tow trucks pull with two rear wheels down.

sabresfan

Using a tow strap.....

jcman

Can you idle the engine?

jcman

I'm sure you're thinking WTF! and why are you asking me this about idling the engine?

I don't know the status of your problem so I should of asked that too

nm3210

Well if it's AWD they'll use the dollies (AWD vehicles are not rare and tow truck drivers are usually not THAT dumb).

To OP: if you REALLY REALLY REALLY have to just pull it [like a redneck] then keeping the engine idling will at least keep fluids moving in the transmission (which is why I am assuming jcman is recommending it). If you go slow (SLOW!!) I don't imagine it would wreck anything too badly (if you kept the engine on). But we don't know if you have a problem with the engine in the first place which might make all this a moot point and you should probably get a real tow truck.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

I would say yes if you can idle the engine in neutral.

What is the mech doing to the trans? Just service?

sabresfan

I should have been more specific. It is a quattro and I cannot let it idle. The crank seal went (I think). If I started the engine, I would be out of oil in 2 minutes.

Huskerbob

How do you plan on steering without power?

Call the rollback!

You'll be in the ditch before you can say "oh shucks"

sabresfan

muscle I hope. Can't be much harder than towing my 70 Nova w/o power steering