Questions and Answers

Honda Civic Real Time 4WD Q. Good day, I own a 1988 Honda Civic Wagon, 4-wheel drive, standard shift. It was in good driving condition, but the tags were expired and I didn't want to drive it. So I hire a tow truck to tow the car from my deceased son's home to my home, about five miles away.

The tow truck driver called me and said, "I had to unhook your car and leave it on the street because the wheels locked up and I can't tow it any where, it just drag if I try. I didn't know it was a 4-wheel drive."

MY QUESTION IS: What damages are cause when the above described actions take place? And what costs are involved in getting it back in good operable condition? What labor is involved? I would like to get an answer at your earliest convenience.

Thank you...

A. First of all, the tow truck driver was negligent in the fact he did not determine what kind of car he was towing. How can he tow a car properly if he doesn't know what he is towing? I know, he ASSUMED it was a regular car. This car should have been put on a flat bed truck.

Anyway, it is likely the Real Time 4WD transfer case sensed that something was not right and shifted into 4WD. Once it did that it fought a losing battle to transfer power until it broke something and locked up.

Since there is no way to engage or disengage the Real Time 4WD from inside the car, it must be done from undeath the car on the transfer case.

I also want to say I am sorry for your loss. I too know what it's like to lose a son.