I have a 2001 Honda CRV equipped with a baseplate for towing behind my RV. On more than one occassion, even after going through the procedure for towing outlined in my manual, the transmission has overheated. It now leaks fluid and I notice that an electronic plug has melted. The melted plug is on the surface facing the front of the vehicle near the center of the transmission.

I would appreciate any advice re what this electric plug is, why the vehicle isn't towing and anything else deemed helpful. Thanks

 

If it got hot enough to melt a sensor,it is pretty much junk

 

Bill, Thanks for the reply. The transmission seems to run fine but leaks. I guess the heat led to expansion that has broken seals etc.

 

i am not completely sure i just happend to look here out of curiousity... i took the liberty of checking on a few websites and it says here that honda crv fwd/awd have no restrictions on towing.

i am not sure what you may have done wrong.

how long was the tow. did you leave it in neutral? is this a manual trans?

take a look here :
http://4wheeldrive.about.com/c...3.htm

goodluck.
btw some pictures of where the sensor is would help in identifying it.

 

i have also discovered that honda reccommends that you install a towing package: or most importantly a transmission cooler.

also on a 4wd vehicle all 4 wheels must be on the ground.

it also says that you must run a specific procedure prior to towing on a automatic trans.

When preparing to tow you CR-V, make sure the transmission is full of fluid.

Maintaining the correct level is very important. DO NOT OVERFILL.


Do the following every day immediately before you begin towing. Follow the

procedure exactly. Otherwise, severe automatic transmission damage will occur.

Start the engine.

Press on the brake pedal. Shift the lever through all the positions (P,R,N,D,2,1).

Shift to D, then to N. Let the engine run for at least three minutes, then turn off

the engine.

Release the parking brake.

Leave the ignition switch in ACCESSORY (1) so the steering wheel does not lock.

Make sure the radio and any items plugged into the accessory power sockets

are turned off so you do not run down the battery.


here is the direct link:
http://www.kellerrv.net/box219.htm

CAUTION:

SEVERE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DAMAGE WILL OCCUR IF THE CAR IS

SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO NEUTRAL AND THEN TOWED WITH THE DRIVE

WHEELS ON THE GROUND.

If you tow a CR-V with automatic transmission, the transmission fluid must be

changed every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.


American Honda does not assume responsibility for any vehicle damage or liabilities

incurred due to the towing device, towing vehicle, lighting hookup, or other towing

equipment or towing procedures: any responsibility for these items is assumed by the

owner/operator.

 

if the car is FWD, then just lift the front wheels off the ground, and make the sure parking brake is off, if its AWD, just put it in neutral, or if you really wanted to get serious, remove the driveshaft going from the center diff to the rear end.