Problems towing a Ford Focus

[donniesmash]

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!!

[carringb]

The DCTs have had problems burning up when flat-towing because the ignitions are getting shut off prior to the transmission finishing going all the way into Neutral. Ford has a TSB that will re-program the computer, and provide a dashboard message letting you know it has completed shifting and can safely be shut-off for towing.

[rav]

when we decided to flat tow our Escape, I had the dealer we bought it from confirm it could be towed four down. I would contact the dealer and confirm your ok - also take the manual to them and ask what it is you are doing wrong- your towing per their manual, maybe they changed something? JMHO

[donniesmash]

When I flat tow, it ruined the transmission twice. I put it in neutral, shut the key off, disconnect the battery, reconnect after towing and start the car within the 15 minutes. I seem to be doing all that is recommended but I'm worried to ruin the transmission again.

[kjburns]

donniesmash wrote:
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!!

What kind of trouble are you having? How are you setting it up for towing? It's impossible to say what you're doing wrong if you don't post what you're doing.

[Dune_Hauler]

What trouble are you having, I tow a 2014 Focus and my daughter tows a 2012 Fiesta 4 down all with no problems. Just make sure you disconnect the negative battery cable. Both cars make great TOADS.


Battery disconnect on top of fuse pannel

[Branson_in_Tucs]

I have a 2012 Ford Focus and been towing 4 down for over two years now with no problems.
Just follow instruction in Manuel.
Great car for towing.

[damntough]

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.

[sch911]

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...

[fredbon]

"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

[donniesmash]

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??

[rav]

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)

[wolfe10]

2005 and 2012 are totally different mechanically.

[sundancer268]

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.

[rav]

how are you doing it now?

[Racine96]

Sorry, it should say etrailer.com