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donniesmash's avatar
donniesmash
Explorer
Mar 18, 2015

Problems towing a Ford Focus

Is anyone having trouble towing a 2012 Ford Focus with 6 speed transmission? Manufacture date: 04/11. If not, what am I doing wrong? Any help greatly appreciated!!
  • I flat tow a 2013 Ford Focus. I am pretty certain that you do not have an automatic transmission. I believe you have a dual clutch manual. It is designed to shift automatically.

    Please make sure to follow the instructions in the owners manual to the letter. Also, if you have auxiliary brake lights installed, they can't be configured to supply 12 volt power to the vehicle. In other words, the lamps need to be isolated from the cars electrical system.

    I would be happy to talk with you on the phone if you prefer.
  • donniesmash wrote:
    I'm doing a flat tow, all four wheels down. Suggestions are greatly appreciated. I would love to hear from someone who has towed a 2012 Focus all wheels down. Anyone??


    But! What is the issue that you're having?? Please tell us so we can help...
  • "On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, remove the negative (black) cable from the battery before towing. When finished towing,start the engine within 15 minutes of reconnecting the battery cable."

    This information came from the 2012 FMCA Towing Guide.

    Fred
  • I'm doing a flat tow, all four wheels down. Suggestions are greatly appreciated. I would love to hear from someone who has towed a 2012 Focus all wheels down. Anyone??
  • I found this- I would double check with your manual

    Note: The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no
    damage is done to the internal transmission components. In addition, it is
    recommended that you follow the instructions provided by the
    aftermarket manufacturer of the towing equipment, if provided.
    Vehicles with an automatic transmission but no push button start
    system:
    1. Release the parking brake.
    2. Turn the ignition to the on (II) position.
    3. Press the brake pedal, then move the gearshift to the N (Neutral)
    position. There must be battery power to properly move the
    transmission’s internal components to N (Neutral). Also, moving the
    gearshift to the N (Neutral) without first turning the ignition to the on
    (II) position limits the towing capability to 35 mph (56 km/h) and
    50 miles (80 km).
    4. Turn the ignition key to the off (0) position.
    5. Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery. (The anti-theft
    system is disabled until the battery cable is reconnected.) Refer to
    Battery in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter when
    disconnecting and reconnecting the battery cable.
    6. The maximum towing speed is 70 mph (113 km/h).
    7. There is no limitation on towing distance.
    8. When done towing, start the engine within 15 minutes of reconnecting
    the battery cable. When reconnecting that cable, tighten it until it’s snug
    against the terminal; be careful not to overtighten.
    Note: The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no
    damage is done to the internal transmission components. In addition, it is
    recommended that you follow the instructions provided by the
    aftermarket manufacturer of the towing equipment, if provided.
    Tires, Wheels and Loading
    257
    2012 Focus (foc)
    Owners Guide, 5th Printing
    USA (fus)
  • What is the problem? I tow a 2005 Focus with the Automatic all the time with no problems over the last 6 years. With the Manual you should only have to put it in Neutral and go. Check your owners manual for more specific instructions. I have to leave my engine running while towing to keep the automatic lubricated. I do get well over 100 MPG in this mode so it doesn't hurt as much as having to replace a transmission.
  • Check on strainer.com I think they list Focus as one you cannot do 4 down. My 2 cents.

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