File in Section:
Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

17-NA-348
January, 2018

INFORMATION
Subject:

Information on Dinghy and/or Flat Tow Procedure

Attention: This Bulletin applies only to 4 cylinder vehicles due to the use of electric power
steering system.

Brand:

Model:

Chevrolet

Equinox

GMC

Terrain

Model Year:

VIN:

from

to

2010

2017

from

Engine:

Transmission:

to
LAF, LEA

Involved Region or Country

North America and N.A. Export Regions

Condition

Some customers may notice instability when dinghy towing a vehicle during certain
towing conditions.

Cause

This condition may be caused by fuse 32 being removed from the instrument panel fuse
block as outlined in the owner manual.
This Dinghy towing procedure affects the steering system stability.
Note: Alternate procedure for Dinghy towing (preferred method).

Information

Leave fuse 32 installed in the instrument panel fuse block. Instead remove the ABS
module fuse from the engine compartment fuse block:
• Fuse 15 (2010 model year vehicles)
• Fuse 16 (2011-2017 model year vehicles).
An auxiliary battery charger will need to be installed and the charging leads connected to
the battery of the vehicle to be towed. This will prevent discharging the battery on the
dinghy tow vehicle.

⇒ Example Product: https://rvibrake.com/products/towed-battery-charger?
variant=8804388741

Additional Information
Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles may be
dinghy towed from the front. These vehicles can also
be towed by placing them on a platform trailer with all
four wheels off of the ground.
For vehicles being dinghy towed, the vehicle should be
run at the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel
stop for about five minutes. This will ensure proper
lubrication of transmission components.

Towing Procedure
To tow the vehicle from the front with all four wheels on
the ground:
Important: If the vehicle is towed without performing
each of the steps listed under “Dinghy Towing,” the
automatic transmission could be damaged. Be sure to
follow all steps of the dinghy towing procedure prior to
and after towing the vehicle.
Copyright 2018 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Important: If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded while
towing the vehicle, it could be damaged. Never exceed
105 km/h (65 mph) while towing the vehicle.
Note: It is no longer required to remove fuse 32.
1. Position the vehicle to be towed and secure it to
the towing vehicle.
2. Remove the Antilock Brake System Module fuse,
from the engine compartment fuse block and store
it in a safe location.
3. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN, and shift the
transmission to D (Drive). Note: disregard “Service
Power Steering” message on IP cluster display.
4. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
5. Turn the ignition key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
6. Turn all accessories off.
To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is
being towed, connect vehicle battery to auxiliary power.

Page 2

January, 2018

Bulletin No.: 17-NA-348

Destination Procedure
Once the destination is reached:
Important: Do not tow a vehicle with the front drive
wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is a
compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire sizes
on the front of the vehicle can cause severe damage to
the transmission.
Important: Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and cause damage to
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only use one that
attaches to the towing vehicle.
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Install the Antilock Brake System Module fuse.
5. Start the engine and let it idle for more than three
minutes before driving the vehicle.

Parts Information
No GM parts are required for this repair. An auxiliary
battery charging device is required (refer to information
section above).

Version

2

Modified

Released November 20, 2017
Jan. 05, 2018 - Update Information section.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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