Ford Fiesta questions

I am towing a 2011 Ford Fiesta that has had the computer updated according to the aforementioned service bulletin. Now, after the shift lever is moved to neutral, the console reads “transmission ready” when the transmission is properly set for towing. Sometimes it takes a few seconds for the message to appear after the shift lever is placed in neutral. Most likely, those who have had transmission problems were turning the key to the off position before the transmission was fully engaged in neutral.

In my experience, the Fiesta has performed flawlessly after some 3,500 miles of towing. My wife and I just returned from an 800-mile round trip to Mount Rainier National Park. Not only did the Fiesta tow without any problems (as they say, you don't even know its back there), it also easily negotiated the sometimes rather challenging roads on the south side of the park. It got us to “Paradise” and back!

bzptc0 wrote:
We pulled our 2011 Fiesta with Auto transmission for over 7000 miles with no problems until last week. The procedure to tow is easy.... turn the car off, push the start button without touching brake, press brake, put car in neutral, release brake, turn car off and disconnect battery. Yes -- it is a one time per tow event.

But... last week when we left a campground the car gave a little 'tug' as we pulled out of the campsite. When we arrived at our nxt camp the car would only go in reverse, when the tow truck arrived, it went forward and reverse, but the service transmission msg came on. When the dealer got the car, it would not shift at all. Diagnosis: Transmission control module. Repaired under warranty....

Yuck!!!

Wait though, wasn't 2011 the year where you might have to get a computer software update so the trans doesn't blow up while towing? It was a service bulletin, I think. Do you know if yours had the update before the breakdown? If it did, I believe it would display a message after you complete the prep sequence. Something like "Ready To Tow".

EDIT: I found the info in another thread here.

TSB
11-9-14 RECREATIONAL TOWING - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 7/15/2011

Publication Date: September 23, 2011

FORD: 2011 Fiesta
2012 Focus


ISSUE:
Some 2011 Fiesta and 2012 Focus vehicles built on or before 7/15/2011 and equipped with an automatic transmission may experience transmission concerns if the vehicle is towed with all four (4) wheels on the ground or flat towing.

ACTION:
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

A new procedure and calibration is available that enables the transmission to enter a neutral mode and provides a visual indicator display on the front control / display interface module (FCDIM).

Reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration level using IDS release 74.06 and higher or 75.02 and higher. This new calibration is not included in the VCM 2011.9 DVD. Calibration files may also be obtained at Buy Motorcraft Parts Online | Official Motorcraft Auto Parts Site | FordParts.com.
NOTE: THE PCM AND TCM ARE A MATCHED SET. REPROGRAMMING THE PCM WILL AUTOMATICALLY UPDATE THE TCM.



Using IDS, select Powertrain, Transmission, Clutch system test, complete procedure.
Using IDS select Powertrain, Transmission, Transmission Adaptive Learning and perform each of the following:
Transmission Range (TR) Sensor Adaptive Learning
Shift Drum Adaptive Learning
Clutch Adaptive Learning
Exit
Perform Adaptive Drive Cycle
Fiesta - Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-11.
Focus - Refer to WSM, Section 307-01.
NOTE: FAILURE TO PERFORM ALL STEPS OF THE ADAPTIVE LEARN ROUTINES AND THE DRIVE CYCLE MAY RESULT IN ERRATIC SHIFTS AND DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS.



Print vehicle specific instructions attached at the end of this article and give the appropriate copy to the customer. Ensure the customer is aware of the indicator on the instrument cluster when the vehicle is ready for towing.
Fiesta (Figure 1)
Focus (Figure 2)

WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.

We pulled our 2011 Fiesta with Auto transmission for over 7000 miles with no problems until last week. The procedure to tow is easy.... turn the car off, push the start button without touching brake, press brake, put car in neutral, release brake, turn car off and disconnect battery. Yes -- it is a one time per tow event.

But... last week when we left a campground the car gave a little 'tug' as we pulled out of the campsite. When we arrived at our nxt camp the car would only go in reverse, when the tow truck arrived, it went forward and reverse, but the service transmission msg came on. When the dealer got the car, it would not shift at all. Diagnosis: Transmission control module. Repaired under warranty. But took 2 weeks because first part came in defective.

The service guy told us Ford has pulled towing support from the other models, and he has seen problems with the fiestas... so we are looking for a Jeep. Positive lock out to Neutral... we lose gas mileage, but people have been pulling Jeeps for years.

We have watched people deal with trailers and dollies... not something we can physically do.

We received a new to us 2001 American Coach Tradition and currently tow our 2013 Ford Fiesta (Standard shift). It has worked wonderfully for us. I installed a Roadmaster base plate (not that hard, but time) and it attaches to the roadmaster setup already on the rv. For tow lights, went with separate wires and bulbs to existing taillights. Plenty of room, no worries of electrical issues, and one time set-up and that is that. For our Fiesta, no lock on steering wheel, so place gear shift into neutral, close the vents, and lock the doors is all there is to it. To be honest, can't feel the Fiesta behind us, and thankful for the rear camera! Presently not using any additional braking on the Fiesta and no issues uphill or downhill and I drive it like a motorhome 60-63 mph and don't tailgate (I know some will say you have to have additional braking system, but the law says no and with a rig like ours pulling 2500 pounds is effortless. Good luck with your selection! We used to pull stakes everytime we left campground...but the benefits of having the little car are enormous and well worth any/all effort.