Confusing Towing Instructions

[Evringham]

OK Ford .... When towing a FFH with four wheels down ... Is the ignition supposed to be in Accessory or Off? Your instructions on page 214 of the owners manual are very confusing. And while you are at it ... Why do you require the ICE to be run for 1 minute prior to towing?

[jeffo65]

Per page 208 of 2013 FFH owners Manual it is to be in Accessory position.

 

 

TOWING THE VEHICLE ON

FOUR WHEELS

 

Emergency Towing

If your vehicle becomes inoperable

(without access to wheel dollies,

car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport

vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheels

on the ground, regardless of the powertrain

and transmission configuration) under the

following conditions:

 

• Tow only in the forward direction.

• The transmission in position N. If you

cannot move the transmission into N,

you may need to override it. See

Automatic Transmission (page 162).

• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).

• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80

kilometers).

 

Recreational Towing

Note: Put your climate control system in

recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust

fumes from entering the vehicle. See

Climate Control (page ?).

 

Follow these guidelines if you have a need

for recreational (RV) towing. An example

of recreational towing would be towing

your vehicle behind a motorhome. We

designed these guidelines to prevent

damage to your transmission

You can tow your vehicle with all four

wheels on the ground or with the front

wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly.

If you are using a tow dolly, follow the

instructions specified by the equipment

provider.

 

If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels

on the ground:

 

• Tow only in the forward direction.

• Release the parking brake.

• Place the transmission in position N.

• Place the ignition in the accessory

position. See Starting and Stopping

the Engine (page 132).

• Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).

• Place the transmission in position P,

start the vehicle and allow it to run for

one minute at the beginning of each

day (you may need to press the

accelerator pedal in order to start the

vehicle). After allowing the vehicle to

run, place the transmission back into

position N and the ignition in the

accessory position.

[Evringham]

The 2014 manual is almost word for word the 2013 manual except in the highlighted area it says "place the ignition in the off position" instead of "place the ignition in the accessory position." The last bullet does say to place in "accessory" after the 1 minute run. Is this an error in the 2014 manual? Or is "off" OK?

 

Only Ford knows for sure!

[GrySql]

The 2014 manual is almost word for word the 2013 manual except in the highlighted area it says "place the ignition in the off position" instead of "place the ignition in the accessory position." The last bullet does say to place in "accessory" after the 1 minute run. Is this an error in the 2014 manual? Or is "off" OK?

 

Only Ford knows for sure!

There is a discussion about that here, post #6.

[Evringham]

Yes, I saw that discussion .. But thanks. I really wouldn't trust a dealership opinion on this ... Since it will be a very expensive warranty issue if something bad happens I wish Corporate Ford would clear it up.

[GrySql]

Try asking Crystal, our Forum Ford Rep.

Click on her name and send her a PM about this subject.