Towing question, 2002 OBW AT

[1197sts]

I have a question regarding towing, I know it is strongly recommended to not tow a Subaru with an automatic transmission.  My question is if it was towed a short distance, say 5 miles, will it do damage to the transmission? 

[idosubaru]

5 miles is so short - just pull it with a tow strap/another car.  I've done it a zillion times.  Do it during really low traffic times - super early or late at night. 

Do you know that you can just remove  the 4 12mm driveshaft bolts and then tow it all day long with no issues?

If you must tow it with two rear wheels down - start the engine and put the FWD fuse in and tow it while the engine is idling and in FWD.  I've never heard anyone else talk about that or suggest it so I don't know the full repercussions of that move, but I've done it without issues for up to 100 miles. 

As to your original question - towing, presumably with two wheels down without mitigating anything - it will probably wear the MPT components but whether it's enough to damage it is probably anyone's guess.  it'll survive that short of a tow in the short term, but would manifest issues "later", whatever that might mean.  

[montana tom]

Less than 30 miles at less than 25 mph.    All four tires on the ground, engine off.   It should be in the owners manual.   I've done this numerous times with no damage.  

[idosubaru]

11 minutes ago, montana tom said:

All four tires on the ground, engine off.   

+1 this is what i'd do and have done lots of times.   might as well do it the easiest way possible, not load it on a trailer, and pull it