Agero Vehicle Training - 5 Steps to Unlocking a 2014 Ford Fusion

Click here for a quick and helpful 5 step guide to unlock a 2013-2014 Ford Fusion published in the August 2014 issue of Tow Times Magazine. 

Agero Vehicle Training - Best Practices from Jaguar/Land Rover

Dear Service Providers,

Agero values the hard work and service of our towing and roadside partners. Providing you with the latest vehicle information is a commitment we have proudly made.  The latest Jaguar and Land Rover Towing and Roadside Assistance Best Practice video has just been uploaded to the AgeroTicket Service Provider Resource Library. This video reviews the Emergency Park Release, Tow Eye, Key FOB and Battery Jump procedure for the 2013 Range Rover, 2013 Jaguar XF, XJ, XK and 2012 XJ and prior models.  

Thank you,

The Agero Team

Agero Vehicle Training - Cadillac ATS Towing Procedure

Towing/Transport Recommendations for the 2013 Cadillac ATS to Avoid Vehicle Damage


Go to the Service Provider Resource Library to download the Tip Sheet.

Condition/Concern

When recovering or transporting a Cadillac ATS, the under vehicle components may be damaged if the recommended towing and securing steps are not followed. This damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. 

Important: DO NOT hook, pull or secure the vehicle using any of the under body or suspension components. Ensure this information is provided to the towing person(s) or sublet towing company to prevent damage to the vehicle.

Recommendation/Instructions – Recovery or Transport

1. Recover/transport the vehicle only on a flatbed car carrier. A wheel lift tow truck could damage the vehicle

2. Once the vehicle is on the flatbed, secure the vehicle to the bed using a nylon strap type harness over all four tires.  These harnesses must be secured as shown

3. If it is necessary to use the flat bed mounted winch to recover the vehicle, use the following steps to attach the vehicle to the recovery winch.

 3.1 Locate the recovery eye, secured in the rear compartment storage area.

Note: If the vehicle has not been through the Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI), the hook may be in the plastic bag in the rear compartment.

3.2 Carefully open the cover in the front or rear fascia by using the small notch that conceals the tow eye socket.  Use care to not damage the paint.

3.3 Install the tow eye into the socket by turning it clockwise until it stops.

3.4 Attach the recovery cable to the installed tow eye and load the vehicle on to the flatbed.

3.5 Remove the recovery cable and the tow eye and resecure the tow eye in the rear compartment floor storage area.

3.6 When the tow eye is removed, reinstall the cover with the notch in the original position.

4. If the vehicle needs to be flat towed at low (parking lot) speeds, use the tow eye as described above.  Use caution and very low speed to prevent

  

Agero Vehicle Training - 2013 Range Rover Emergency Park Release Procedure

Dear Service Providers,

Agero values the hard work and service of our towing and roadside partners. As such, we are comitted to providing you with the latest vehicle information.  We have just uploaded the latest Emergency Park Release Procedure for the 2013 Range Rover in the Service Provider Resource Library.

Thank you,

The Agero Team

Agero Vehicle Training - Towing the 2013 Cadillac ATS

Cadillac is very proud to introduce the new 2013 Cadillac ATS, a technologically advanced compact luxury sport sedan. The ATS is the lightest and smallest member of the Cadillac family in almost 30 years.

The ATS has two very important and unique requirements from a towing perspective:

The ATS must be winched onto a flatbed using the tow eye that is found in the trunk under the security cover where a spare tire would normally be located. The tow eye screws into a socket in the bumper much like European imports.

Check out some pictures from the show below: 

1

To avoid damage that will not be covered by GM, the ATS must be secured to the flatbed using a nylon strap type harness over the tires. NEVER secure the car using any chassis or suspension point as an anchor!

2.

Nylon strap type harness recommended

Agero Vehicle Training - Cadillac XTS Procedures

The Cadillac XTS is a full-size luxury car from the Cadillac brand of General. The XTS is available with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Sales of the XTS started in June here is an update on best practices for towing this vehicle.

This vehicle must be wheel lifted from the rear. Due to the low trim height of the vehicle, the front axle must not be on the ground. Thus the front axle must be towed with a tow dolly cradling the axle.

XTS Unlock Process when car had lost power and we have the key fob

In the rare event where the customer has lost power and the battery is dead, the service provider can pull a key from the base of the fob, pull the door handle, and remove the plastic end cap that covers the lock cylinder.

Adding fuel using a portable gas can

If the vehicle runs out of fuel and must be filled from a portable gas can:

1. Locate the cap less funnel adapter from under the carpet in the trunk adjacent to the spare tire or the TIK.
2. Insert and latch the funnel into the cap less fuel system
1. Note: Attempting to refuel from a gas can without using the funnel adapter may cause fuel spillage and damage the cap less fuel system.
3. Remove and clean the funnel adapter and return to the storage location in the trunk adjacent to the spare tire or TIK.

Agero Vehicle Training - Changing a Flat Tire on a Toyota Sienna Minivan

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Agero Vehicle Training - Mitsubishi Emergency Response Guide, iMiEV

Lithium Ion Battery Electric Vehicle

This manual provides safety instructions that need to be

followed when rescuing the passengers from the vehicle

after an accident and describes how to handle the

damaged vehicle.

Failure to follow these instructions and especially the

warnings and cautions may result in serious injury such

as electrical shock due to the high voltage battery

installed on i-MiEV.

Please read and understand this manual carefully.

Throughout this manual the words WARNING, CAUTION and NOTE appear.These serve as reminders to be especially careful. Failure to follow instructions could result in personal injury or damage to your vehicle.

WARNING；

Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury or death if instructions are not followed.

CAUTION;
Means hazards or unsafe practices that could cause minor personal injury or damage to your vehicle.

NOTE: gives helpful information.

*: indicates optional equipment.

It may differ according to the sales classification; refer to the sales catalogue.

Mitsubishi Motors reserves the right to make changes in design and specification and/or to make additions to or improvements in this product without obligation to install them on products previously manufactured.

● Please note that the contents of this manual may not fit completely with actual vehicle due to changes in vehicle specification.

Transporting a damaged vehicle
(1) If the vehicle can be driven
You can drive the damaged vehicle for transportation purpose if there is no significant
damage to the vehicle. Do not drive if any of the following conditions are evident:

High voltage components and/or wiring cables are damaged.
● Electric motor (electric motor unit), transmission, brakes, suspension, and/or tires are damaged.
● Oil and/or cooling water are leaking.
● “READY” indicator lamp does not illuminate in the instrument panel after turning on the electric motor  switch, with the selector lever in the “P (Parking)” position and with the foot brake applied.

If the “READY” indicator lamp turns off and/or EV related warning lamps turn on in the
instrument panel, or if you find an abnormal noise, smell and/or strong vibration from the
vehicle during driving, the following procedures should be carried out:

① Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a safe location.
② Set the selector lever to “P (Parking)” position and apply the parking brake.
③ Turn the electric motor switch to the “LOCK” position.
④ Wait at least 1 minute, then disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal. Then wait 5 minutes.
⑤ Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, unplug the service plug. Refer to page 9 for details.
⑥ Transport the vehicle using a tow truck.

(2) If the vehicle cannot be driven

WARNING
● Always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when removing the service plug.
● If the service plug is removed without following the procedures described in this
   section, a short circuit can occur and melted metal debris may fly from the service plug
   terminal, resulting in injury to rescuers and/or vehicle occupants.

① Shut off the high voltage circuits by turning the electric motor switch to the LOCK position, or by  removing the #7 fuse from the fuse box before towing (see page 8).
② Remove the service plug as follows:
a. Move the front left seat to its rearmost position and roll up the carpet under the seat.Detach the service lid by removing two wing nuts.
b. Pull up the service plug lever and then remove the service plug by pulling upward on the lever.

WARNING

Wait at least 5 minutes after removing the service plug before proceeding to the next step.

    c. Towing instructions are described below.

(3) Towing the vehicle

    Transport the vehicle on a flatbed truck or tow the vehicle with all wheels off the ground

WARNING:

Never tow the vehicle with the rear wheels (drive wheels) on the ground. It could

cause damage to the electric motors. Also this may cause a fire if wiring in the

electric motor unit room becomes damaged

● When loading the vehicle on the truck, handle carefully to prevent further damage.

(4) Towing by tow rope (for emergency situations only)

WARNING

Towing the vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground may cause vehicle fire due to short

circuit by the electricity generated from the electric motor (electric motor unit). If there is no other alternative, and you must tow the vehicle using a tow rope, the vehicle speed must not exceed 18 mph (30 km/h) and the towing distance must be minimized. While towing, set the selector lever to “N (Neutral)” position.

1. Set the tow rope on the towing hook (A) of the body.

2. Turn the electric motor switch to the ACC position

3. Set the selector lever to “N” (Neutral) position.

4. Turn on the hazard lamps to provide warning to other vehicles.

CAUTION

When the electric motor unit is stopped, braking efficiency is reduced and steering effort increases. If the electric motor switch is in the “LOCK” position, it is impossible to use steering due to steering lock function and it could cause an accident. Ensure there is proper tension in the tow rope at all times during towing to avoid breakage of the tow rope or the towing hook and to avoid injury to bystanders or vehicle damage.

• If you find an abnormal noise, smell and/or strong vibration from the vehicle while towing, stop towing and carry out the following procedures:

① Stop the vehicle as soon as possible in a safe location.

② Set the selector lever to “P” (Park) position and apply the parking brake.

③ Turn the electric motor switch to the “LOCK” position.

④ Wait at least one minute, then disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal.

Then wait 5 minutes.

⑤ Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, unplug the service plug. 

Refer to page 9 for details.

⑥ Transport the vehicle using a tow truck.

Agero Vehicle Training - Cadillac XTS Towing Procedures

 The Cadillac XTS is a full-size luxury car from the Cadillac brand of General. The XTS is available with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. With sales of the XTS starting in June here is an update on best practices for towing this vehicle

This vehicle must be wheel lifted from the rear. Due to the low trim height of the XTS, the front axle must not be on the ground. The front axle must be towed with a tow dolly cradling the axle.

Agero Vehicle Training - Chevy Volt

The Volt is a unique vehicle because it has two sources of energy: the electric battery that allows drivers to go gas free, and also the gas generator which supplements the battery. These, among other features, make for a very distinctive driving experience for motorists – as well as a very new experience for Service Providers working with these vehicles. Please keep the best practices below in mind when servicing the Chevy Volt.

Please adhere to the following safety guidelines when servicing the Chevy Volt:

• Do not allow customers to ride in the disabled vehicle while in transit
• Do not allow customer to assist in any servicing of the vehicle
• Do not leave the customer stranded
• Make sure to bring the proper equipment to perform the service

Under the Hood

Under the hood, Volt looks a little different. There is an engine, but it doesn’t drive the wheels. It serves as a range-extending generator. Volt propulsion is driven by electricity 100 percent of the time. On the driver’s side, there is a power electronics module and orange high voltage cables you don’t see on traditional cars.

Volt has two batteries, a high-voltage Lithium Ion battery for propulsion and a 12V battery for various other vehicle systems. The T-shaped propulsion battery runs lengthwise within the center tunnel of the Volt with the T-shape under the rear seats.

The 12V battery is located under the load floor in the hatch area, but it is equipped with remote terminals located under the hood. They provide easy access when you need to jumpstart the vehicle.

Jump Starting

To jump-start the Volt, open the hood to locate the POSITIVE (+) and NEGATIVE (−) terminals. Open the access cover for the remote POSITIVE (+) terminal. The remote NEGATIVE terminal for the Volt is a stud marked GND (−) on the driver side of the engine compartment.

IMPORTANT: Only use a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a negative ground for jump-starting. If the other vehicle does not have a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.

After the jumper cables are connected…

Push the POWER button to start and wake up the electronics on the Volt. After the instrument cluster initializes, the Volt will use power from the high voltage battery to charge the 12-volt battery. The jumper cables can then be disconnected.

Towing Best Practices

The Chevy Volt sits about 2" lower to the ground than many other vehicles, requiring a special approach to correctly towing.

Loading the Volt of a Flatbed Carrier:  

1.  Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface. If the vehicle is not on a flat surface, use the front torque box openings to pull the vehicle onto a flat surface. Do not use the torque box openings to pull the vehicle out of a ditch.

2.  The front tires must be properly inflated. If a front tire is low, inflate to the recommended pressure. If a front tire is damaged, replace with a rear tire.

3.  Place the tow chain hooks into one of the reinforced front torque box openings located just behind the front wheels.

4.  Place a 4" x 4" wood beam under the front cradle crossmember and on top of both tow chains to ensure the tow chains do not come in contact with the front fascia.

IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to tow a Volt using sling or wheel lift tow equipment. These types of equipment can damage the vehicle’s body panels and/or drive unit.

5.  Ramps are required for the front fascia to clear the flatbed. Ramp height should be approximately 4".

6.  When the front fascia has enough clearance to clear the flatbed, lower the flatbed and finish pulling the vehicle onto the flatbed.

7.  Secure the vehicle using nonabrasive straps through all four wheel openings and secure the straps to the flatbed.

Recovery from Off-Shoulder

• Front – Attach chains to the front torque box 
• Rear – Wrap a tow strap through one or both rear trailing arms, between the bushing on the torque tube, and pull the vehicle onto a flat surface. DO NOT wrap the tow strap around the rear torque tube.

IMPORTANT: When using tow straps to move the vehicle, damage may occur if the tow straps contact the rear fascia. Do not let the tow straps contact the rear fascia.

REMEMBER: Failure to comply with the above towing requirements may result in non-payment.

Volt Shift Interlock Override
When working with a Volt with a discharged or disconnected 12-volt battery (the vehicle will not start), the shifter cannot be placed into neutral without first bypassing the shift interlock. Here’s how:

1. Remove the right trim panel from the lower portion of the center console (see figure 1 below). The panel is held on with spring clips. Grip from the bottom, and pull out to release the lower portion of the panel, then carefully work your way around.

2. With the panel removed, locate the release lever just below the center stack, above and slightly behind two wiring harness connectors (see circled area in Figure 2 below).

3. Place your figure in front of the lever and push to your left, toward the rear of the vehicle (see arrow in Figure 3 below). The lever will move about a quarter of an inch. Hold the lever in this position.

4. Press the button on the front of the shift lever and move the shift lever to the neutral position. Vehicle will now roll freely, and can safely be loaded on to a flatbed platform. 

Volt Transmission

Removing the shifter linkage of the Chevrolet volt.

• Remove the Manual Service Disconnect in the console
• Disconnect the 12 V battery
• Always remember to block the wheels so the vehicle does not roll once in neutral.
• Open the hood
• Looking at the engine compartment the transmission is on the right side of the vehicle, the linkage is on the top of the transmission as shown.
• Once the linkage is located put constant pressure on the cable connection to the transmission. No tools are needed to pry. This piece is a plastic ball and socket type connection so take caution.
• Now that you have the two pieces apart you can now move the transmission into neutral. Move the metal bar on the top of the transmission counterclockwise (push back towards the fire wall) two (2) "clicks" the vehicle is now in neutral.
• Repeat the steps above backwards of to place the vehicle in park and re-connect the cable to the transmission.

We appreciate your concern on the procedures for the Chevy Volt taken to not cause damage to the vehicle. This will ensure that we give every volt owner the best of service and the White Glove treatment they expect.

Access additional information on servicing the Chevy Volt in the Resource Library at AgeroTicket.com. 

Download the New Vehicle Inspection Form from AgeroTicket.com

The Vehicle Inspection Form can be used by our Service Providers to capture all necessary details of your dispatch.  By incorporating the completion of this form on every dispatch and saving them within your own record keeping system, all relevant information will already be gathered and will ensure proper determination of liability should a damage allegation arise.  In this event, Agero will contact you and request a statement from you relative to the incident in question and request a copy of the pre-filled out form. 

To download, go to www.ageroticket.com and click on  Resource and Tutorial Library.  You can find this form under the Towing and Roadside Best Practices.  When using this form, we strongly recommend:

·         Service Providers keep copies of the Vehicle Inspection Forms on file for at least one year.

·         Service Providers instruct their employees and/or contractors to:

-          Inspect the condition of a vehicle prior to servicing; any pre-existing markings or damage should be identified to the customer and noted on the Vehicle Inspection Form

-          If the customer is not present to sign the form, please contact the dispatch center @ 1-800-541-2261, press Option #1 and request that your findings be documented in the call history at the time of service

-          Upon arrival at the destination site, they have the dealership or service facility inspect the vehicle and sign an acknowledgement of receipt.

Please contact your Performance Manager with any questions.  As always, thank you for being our valued partner. 

The Agero Network Team

Agero Vehicle Training - Range Rover Sport Autobiography and GT Limited Edition Shipping Instructions

Please be advised that all Range Rover Sport Autobiography and GT Limited Edition vehicles (units with body style kits) must be transported in the forward-facing position on any transport conveyance. Transporting the vehicle at speeds greater than 10mph (16kph) in the rearward-facing position may lead to damage to the rear spoiler on these units.

Please also note that all such Range Rover Sport Autobiography and GT Limited Edition vehicles departing U.S. Ports of Entry after Frida, 9 March 2012, will have a Supplement added to their Literature Packs (please see LSC 18 02 54 121; copy attached), the purpose of which is to provide a warning regarding the need to follow the above procedure when transporting the vehicles. Therefore, Literature Packs for these vehicles, containing this important information, MUST remain with these vehicles and not be transferred into any other Range

Please ensure that this transportation requirement is cascaded to any vehicle carriers that you may use in the future for moving the above referenced vehicles.

Trouble viewing? Click Here

Owner's Handbook Supplement : Information in this supplement replaces that in the Owner's Handbook, publication part number LRL 18 02 54 121.

Agero Vehicle Training - Kia Motors Roadside Assistance Procedures

General Towing

Towing a Hybrid can be performed like any other FWD vehicle. Order of preference is A, C & B. Refer to page 6-26 of the Kia Owner’s Manual for additional information.

What If the Vehicle Shuts Off

If the high voltage battery or 12V battery become discharged, or the vehicle runs out of gas, the vehicle may not operate.

Before trying to jump-start the vehicle, ensure there is gas in the tank. If the vehicle is out of gas, do not drive the vehicle. The high voltage battery could be permanently damaged. Refer to page H13 of the Kia Owner’s Manual for additional information.

To Jump Start the Car

DANGER: Electrocution Risk

Do not attempt to jump start the hybrid 270V high voltage battery.

Attach jumper cables or starting device to the 12V battery in the trunk as you would with any 12V battery (see photo). Refer to page 6-4 of the Kia Owner’s Manual for additional

information.

Connect jumper cables in numerical order and disconnect in reverse order. 

Additional 12V Battery Information 

• The 12V battery is used for the ignition, accessories, and all control modules.
• The 12V battery is not used to crank the engine.
• If the 12V battery is discharged, the control modules will not work.
• Jump-starting the 12V battery should allow the control modules to power up once the Start/Stop Button is pressed.

Towing – In The Event Of An Accident

The high voltage system must be disabled. The service plug must be removed from the high voltage battery according to the procedures below.

a. Turn ignition switch OFF. While wearing rubber insulating gloves, disconnect the   

auxiliary 12V battery negative cable. The 12V battery is located in trunk on right side.

b. Locate the safety plug in trunk and remove safety plug service cover (photo 1).

c. Lift the locking hook (1 & photo 2), rotate the lever down in the direction of arrow 

(photos 1 & 3), then pull the safety plug out (photos 1 & 4).

Important: Wait 5 minutes after removing the plug before working on the vehicle to ensure the remaining voltage in the system has dissipated.

In the event of a dead battery, use the Emergency Trunk Lid Release Cable, located behind the rear passenger headrest, to open the trunk.

To access the Emergency Trunk Lid Release Cable:

1. Remove the cover by using a key (or other tool) to pry it open on the left side.

2. Pull the cable to release the trunk.

DANGER: Electrocution Risk

The hybrid system uses a 270V battery. This battery can be extremely dangerous. High

voltage components are color coded orange. Never touch the wires, cables, or connectors if possible. Severe injury, electrocution, or death may occur!

• Do not disassemble any high voltage components
• The hybrid system should only be inspected and or serviced by an authorized Kia dealer
• If battery electrolyte comes in contact with skin or eyes, flush with water and seek medical attention as soon as possible
• If a fire occurs, never use water to extinguish. Use an extinguisher made for electricalfires that has the proper chemicals

Refer to pages H2-H13 of the Kia Owner’s Manual for additional HEV information.

Agero Vehicle Training - Fisker Karma Vehicle Recovery Eyes

We continue our series on the Fisker Karma with some insight on removing and replacing the vehicle’s “recovery eyes” - located on the front bumper of the vehicle.

PLEASE NOTE: Under no circumstances should the vehicle be towed using the vehicle recovery eye. Doing so can cause significant damage to the vehicle.

A vehicle recovery eye can be used to allow the vehicle to be pulled onto a transporter in situations when the vehicle can roll freely.

1. The suggested tool to remove the recovery eye attachment cover is a plastic vehicle eye remover “bone” tool or a flat bladed screw driver with a clean piece of cloth over the edge (in order to avoid damage to the body). This screw driver should be a thin bladed screw driver with a blade width of approximately 3/8” or 10mm.

2. The end of the bone tool or screwdriver blade needs to be inserted at the 12 O’clock position to align with the retaining tab of the recovery eye attachment cover. While placing a finger between the tool shaft and the bumper fascia, simultaneously press inward and pry out the cover. Please take care to not damage the fascia or the cover.

3. The recovery eye attachment cover has a retaining tab located at the 12 O’clock position and a tongue located at the 6 O’clock position, as well as a tether attaching it to the fascia. Ensure the cover is properly aligned before reinstallation.

 Retaining Tab to be located at 12 O’ clock 

Note: As a reminder, for the Fisker Karma the vehicle recovery eye can be used only to allow the vehicle to be pulled onto a transporter in situations when the vehicle can roll freely. Never tow the vehicle using the vehicle recovery eye.

For more tips on servicing the Fisker Karma, see our previous blog post here or visit the Resource and Tutorial Library at www.CrossCountrySupport.com.