Poorly 996 - Towing tips?

My pride & joy won't start! 2 unrelated events since it lasted ran - daughter washed car before I pushed it back into the garage ( query over enthusiastic spraying with hose - although strongly denied!) - electric door fitted with radio control (an AA guy said that several Toyota's immobiliser's pack up when parked in Alexandra Palace because of the transmitter there) Engine turns over with reasonable battery but doesn't fire at all. So firstly, could either of the above explain the problem? Secondly any tips on towing a 2001 996 with GT3 kit (other than wearing a disguise). I've got a spring dampened tow bar but have never used it. Rob

First things - is the car covered by any warranty? If so, they will collect and recover the car to an OPC if so - or if you are a member of the AA and have home start or relay - they should take the car for you to an OPC. If you have to tow her - under the luggage compartment should either be a toolkit or a tool space in foam - in there should be the towing eye with a large screw thread on. You'll notice there is a small circular cover on the front bumper by the number plate - use a soft implement (comb?) to pop this out and screw the towing eye in. If the car is Tip - DO NOT TOW it. Towing on a rope is something that takes experience if you've never done it before - make sure the person towing you knows that you are their brakes - the object should be to keep the tow rope under tension at all times (easier said than done!) - so get them to first take up the strain with you holdinng your car on the brakes (remember without the engine running you've no servo so about 10% of the braking performance you'd normally have!!! You will cook your brakes doing this so take extra care or it'll cost you more money than hiring a tow truck!). Get them to pull forward slowly - as the car moves off - release your brakes - going up hill is easy as you're a dead weight on them - going down hill and coming to a stop - you should be their brakes so brake much earlier than you would normally - they should feel you braking and begin to back off the throttle and start their own braking - KEEP THE ROPE TENSIONED - otherwise as they pull off, the rope will tug and you'll kangeroo forward until the tension returns. THE LAW: - you must not tow on a motorway AT ALL. - ensure the 996 has a sign visible from the back saying 'on tow' - put the hazards on on BOTH vehicles - the tow rope should have a coloured (red) strip or piece of material between the cars - use a proper tow rope for the job - not just some piece of scrap you have lying around! If you're not sure about any of the above - pay a garage £50 to recover you - it's a lot less hassle [ ] Otherwise - take care - stop after the first 500 yds and check the rope is still attached at both ends - then check it roughly every mile or two - better safe than sorry. Drive as if you expect the tow rope to snap - then there'll be no surprises. The biggest danger is prats on roundabouts not realising you're under tow - and trying to get in between you and the tow car - I've had it happen to me a dozen times. Take extra, extra caution on roundabouts or where you're turning into traffic flow. HTH Philip

Just a thought - have you tried locking the car and leaving it - then trying after 10 / 20 minutes? The imobiliser should sync when the key is inserted but sometimes needs to 'cycle' which is only done after locking then unlocking (with the ignition key removed of course [ ]) Philip

Thanks for towing tips - anything different using the 'spring dampened tow bar' which is still in it's case! Rob

It actually makes life quite a bit easier for both the tower & towee. The tower needs to know that they are braking for 2 & the towee needs to only steer & not brake. Have you tried the emergency unlock proceedure? Lock & unlock on the door lock 3 times in quick succession & then try to start immediately.

I've not heard of the emergency door lock/unlock before - I'll try when I get home. Is that with just the key or using the button on the keyfob? Rob

Key in driver door lock - you've got 10 secs to start the car before the alarm goes off!

Fantastic - she's running again So I can leave my tow bar unopened. Thanks guys Rob

I never knew that [ ] Thanks - I'll lodge that one in my memory bank! [ ] Philip

Glad to be of help - it is a good one to remember if all else fails.