Flat towing a 2013 FFH - procedure to reduce battery drain

[GrySql]

Flat towing change:

Some 2010-2013 Fusion Hybrid, 2010-2011 Milan Hybrid & 2011-2012 MKZ Hybrid vehicles may have a battery drain while being flat towed when following the 2013 FFH Owner’s Manual instructions that specify the key remain in the accessory position.

This information was changed in the 2014 model year Fusion Hybrid owner’s manual to indicate the ignition can be shut off and does not have to be left in the accessory position once placed in Neutral.

Edited May 27, 2015 by GrySql

[tmaxx]

I have a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid which I want to flat tow behind my Class C RV. Does the same apply to model year 2010? Should I put in nuetral and turn off the key?

Edited May 27, 2015 by tmaxx

[GrySql]

Hi, welcome to the Forum!

 

Yes - Special Service Message (SSM) 45113 pertains to the 2010-2013 Fusion Hybrid, 2010-2011 Milan Hybrid & 2011-2012 MKZ Hybrid.

[tmaxx]

Hi, welcome to the Forum!I

 

Yes - Special Service Message (SSM) 45113 pertains to the 2010-2013 Fusion Hybrid, 2010-2011 Milan Hybrid & 2011-2012 MKZ Hybrid.

 

I am preparing to tow my 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid for the first time tomorrow. I tried turning on the key, putting the vehicle in nuetral and then I turned the key counter-clockwise as far as it would go. It would not come out, so I assume I leave it in the ignition while towing. The interior bell rang for awhile then stopped. Does all this sound like the right procedure?

 

Thanks.

[GrySql]

These are the actual RV Towing instructions from the 2014 FFH Owner's Manual:

 

Recreational Towing

Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. See Climate Control (page 112).

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 off position. See Starting and Stopping the Engine (page 135).

• 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.

[tmaxx]

 

These are the actual RV Towing instructions from the 2014 FFH Owner's Manual:

 

Recreational Towing

Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. See Climate Control (page 112).

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 off position. See Starting and Stopping the Engine (page 135).

• 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.

 

Yes, I have these instructions. It's just not clear to me when the key is in the "off" position. I assume once I put the car in nuetral and turn the key counterclockwise as far as it will go, then this is the "off" key position. That's all I as looking to clarify. Thanks.

[DeeCee]

Procedure is kind of confusing. One step says to put the ignition in off position and then later it says to place it in the accessory position?

[GrySql]

Procedure is kind of confusing. One step says to put the ignition in off position and then later it says to place it in the accessory position?

Yes, I just looked at the 2016 Owner's Manual and it is a bit different but the OP has a 2010 FFH so some of this does not apply.

--

 

Recreational Towing

Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. See Climate Control (page 121).

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.

  Vehicles with Push Button Start

1. Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button until the vehicle starts.

2. Press the brake pedal and shift the transmission into position N.

3. Turn the vehicle off by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button once. (Trip Summary appears in the left instrument cluster screen when the vehicle is off.)

Note: You can remove the key fob from the vehicle while towing.

Vehicles with Ignition Key

1. Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then turning the ignition key until the vehicle starts.

2. Press the brake pedal and shift the transmission into position N.

3. Turn the vehicle off by turning the ignition key past the accessory position. The key position is between the accessory and off positions. See Ignition Switch (page 143). (Trip Summary appears in the left instrument cluster screen when the vehicle is off.)

Note: If your vehicle is equipped with an ignition key, you cannot remove the key from the ignition cylinder when the transmission is in position N and the vehicle is off.

All Vehicles

• Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).

• Place the transmission in position P, start the vehicle, and allow the engine to run for one minute at the beginning of each day (you may need to press the accelerator pedal in order to start the engine). After allowing the vehicle to run, place the transmission back into position N and the ignition in the off position.

  Note: A SHIFT TO PARK or TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK message may appear in the information display when the transmission is in position N and the ignition is in the off position.

Edited June 13, 2015 by GrySql

[RTimothy]

 

Yes, I just looked at the 2016 Owner's Manual and it is a bit different but the OP has a 2010 FFH so some of this does not apply.

--

 

Recreational Towing

Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. See Climate Control (page 121).

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.

  Vehicles with Push Button Start

1. Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button until the vehicle starts.

2. Press the brake pedal and shift the transmission into position N.

3. Turn the vehicle off by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button once. (Trip Summary appears in the left instrument cluster screen when the vehicle is off.)

Note: You can remove the key fob from the vehicle while towing.

Vehicles with Ignition Key

1. Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then turning the ignition key until the vehicle starts.

2. Press the brake pedal and shift the transmission into position N.

3. Turn the vehicle off by turning the ignition key past the accessory position. The key position is between the accessory and off positions. See Ignition Switch (page 143). (Trip Summary appears in the left instrument cluster screen when the vehicle is off.)

Note: If your vehicle is equipped with an ignition key, you cannot remove the key from the ignition cylinder when the transmission is in position N and the vehicle is off.

All Vehicles

• Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).

• Place the transmission in position P, start the vehicle, and allow the engine to run for one minute at the beginning of each day (you may need to press the accelerator pedal in order to start the engine). After allowing the vehicle to run, place the transmission back into position N and the ignition in the off position.

  Note: A SHIFT TO PARK or TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK message may appear in the information display when the transmission is in position N and the ignition is in the off position.

 

 

I'm in the process of setting up the RVi2 aux brake system. Had the blue ox base plate installed. The installer tech recommended a charge wire from the RV battery to the fusion battery. It was one of the wires already in the plug coming out of the RV. Maybe that will help.

I have a 2013 FFH. Even with this great site, I am still not sure about the correct key position for towing. Even, the revised bulletin contained conflicting position.

So, where does one go from here? I'm going to call Ford. :woohoo:

I'll also ask about reports that the hybrids "go to sleep" after being towed for more than 20 minutes and that there is no power to the 12v power outlet. I'm simulating a test right now.

[murphy]

The power outlet in my 2013 FFE turns off after 70 minutes. If you want to supply power to the towed car connect it to the battery terminals under the hood. Look on the driver's side for a bright red soft cover. Directly behind that is a bolt sticking up out of the shock tower. That is the negative connection point.

[RTimothy]

 

I'm in the process of setting up the RVi2 aux brake system. Had the blue ox base plate installed. The installer tech recommended a charge wire from the RV battery to the fusion battery. It was one of the wires already in the plug coming out of the RV. Maybe that will help.

I have a 2013 FFH. Even with this great site, I am still not sure about the correct key position for towing. Even, the revised bulletin contained conflicting position.

So, where does one go from here? I'm going to call Ford. :woohoo:

I'll also ask about reports that the hybrids "go to sleep" after being towed for more than 20 minutes and that there is no power to the 12v power outlet. I'm simulating a test right now.

 

Sure enough the outlet under the arm rest went off. The outlet in front of the shift went off with the key in OFF position when I opened the door.

After a discussion with Ford 800-392-3673 it was determined that with my FFH I should provide an after market direct connect from the battery to the aux brake device. They didn't say braking device they referred to q device that the manufacturer required a constant 12v.

hope this helps

 

[RTimothy]

The power outlet in my 2013 FFE turns off after 70 minutes. If you want to supply power to the towed car connect it to the battery terminals under the hood. Look on the driver's side for a bright red soft cover. Directly behind that is a bolt sticking up out of the shock tower. That is the negative connection point.

murphy, thank u very much. Now I'm hoping I can find a pass through the firewall to put that battery wire and the breakaway wire..

thanks again