Problems towing a Ford Focus

We have towed our 2012 for over 22,000 miles without a problem. Just follow the operator's manual--that is the bible. To simplify the batter disconnect issue, I had a solenoid installed which connects/disconnects the battery with the push of a button.

What carringsb said! The first year of that trans, you have to get a firmware update because Ford made a mistake. I think Ford should cover the transmission rebuilds if they didn't already.

I have a 2013 Focus,same as 2012 tows great.Follow instruction in manual towed it to Florida twice no problems. leaving motor running is not going to work, it has a six speed transmission with automatic shifting. It is not hydraulic.

Don't discredit everyone..the cruze when it first came out was flat towable and then the fiasco happened with burning up transmissions..they then came out with a TSB saying no more towing..I have no idea at how many people got burnt by that...I believe some were purchased back by GM (heresay)....when I purchased the Sonic as my daily driver..I made sure flat towable with specific engine/trans ..this way if anything happened to the VUE , I have another toad...Ford had an issue as well with some Escapes and people had to drain tranny fluid on it (that was the fix back then)...but just remember, read CURRENT owners manual before you buy that toad..and not all manuals can be flat towed either (like VW)

Moved from class A forum

all these post make me glad i got a manual transmission on my focus. . put it in neutral and go

donniesmash wrote:
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.

RAV previously posted the procedures to follow to prep for flat towing. Here's a LINK to the manual for the complete instructions (see pages 256 through 258. If you are following these procedures to the letter, then you shouldn't be having any problems ruining your transmission.

I would suggest taking these instructions to your Ford dealer and review them with the service manager to make sure you're following them correctly.

The only thing about leaving the car running is that the miles will add up.

I think I would only pick a tow vehicle that could actually be towed four down without any risk of damage.

MM.

sundancer268 wrote:

wolfe10 wrote:
2005 and 2012 are totally different mechanically.

I they are different. The point being that Ford does not recommend towing either one four down period. I get away with it by the engine at idle to keep the transmission lubricated. Transmission LUBRICATION is the issue when towing and some transmissions can safely be towed as they will self lubricate or running the engine at a stop will supply sufficient lubrication and will be allowed to be towed by their manufacturers. For the Transmission installed in a vehicle not recommended for four down towing running the engine will also allow that vehicle to be towed without any damage. This has been a fact of life for Automatic Transmissions since the manufacturers started removing the rear transmission oil pump in the late 50's & early 60's. My 57 Ford could be push started because it had a rear pump. My 65 could not as the rear pump had been removed and towing restrictions were put in the owners manual pointing out that the transmission would be damaged if the drive shaft was not disconnected while towing with a wrecker to a repair shop.

X2
Virtually all transmissions are lubricated by the input shaft which means by the engine running. Standard and automatics the same.
Any things like-stopping and running the engine every 100 miles or so-are just work around fun and games that get by hopefully.

wolfe10 wrote:
2005 and 2012 are totally different mechanically.

I they are different. The point being that Ford does not recommend towing either one four down period. I get away with it by the engine at idle to keep the transmission lubricated. Transmission LUBRICATION is the issue when towing and some transmissions can safely be towed as they will self lubricate or running the engine at a stop will supply sufficient lubrication and will be allowed to be towed by their manufacturers. For the Transmission installed in a vehicle not recommended for four down towing running the engine will also allow that vehicle to be towed without any damage. This has been a fact of life for Automatic Transmissions since the manufacturers started removing the rear transmission oil pump in the late 50's & early 60's. My 57 Ford could be push started because it had a rear pump. My 65 could not as the rear pump had been removed and towing restrictions were put in the owners manual pointing out that the transmission would be damaged if the drive shaft was not disconnected while towing with a wrecker to a repair shop.