2010 WRECKER TOWING MANUAL
ABOUT THIS WRECKER TOWING MANUAL
NOTICE: Always consult the tow equipment
manufacture for specific instructions on how to
operate their equipment.
Ford Motor Company salutes and applauds the towing
industry for many fine years of service to the automotive
industry. We will continue to work to provide our
customers with guidelines.
It is the tow equipment operator’s responsibility to
evaluate and adjust to the specific towing conditions
to prevent damage to the vehicle.
This manual contains the latest towing procedures for
2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. Ford Motor
Company has created easy-to-follow instructions with
illustrations showing the correct hook-up for damage-
free towing.
If a vehicle has been modified, consult the
equipment modifier/supplier for the specific towing
equipment.
NOTE: When towing the vehicle, the steering wheel
As an additional safety measure, be sure to use safety
chains on every tow, including wheel lift and flatbed
hook-ups. This procedure will prevent losing the vehicle
in the event of equipment failure or vehicle breakage at
the chain attachment.
should be left unlocked.
NOTE: Disabling the air bag system is not necessary in
most cases. An air bag is highly unlikely to deploy during
towing. Standard towing or recovery procedures on an
air bag equipped vehicle should not cause air bag
deployment. Only a significant frontal impact that closes
2 crash sensors will deploy an air bag.
New materials and aerodynamic styling require new
methods of towing to eliminate the possibility of damage
to vehicles when towing. Wheel lifts or flatbed equipment
is required to tow Ford Motor Company vehicles. Refer
to the instructions given for the specific vehicle to be
towed.
NOTE: Turning the ignition switch to OFF will not disable
the Ford air bag system. The air bag deployment system
operates independently of the ignition position.
If the air bags are not deployed, and as a precaution the
air bag system would need to be disabled, disconnect
the battery in a safe manner.
GENERAL TOWING INFORMATION
NOTE, NOTICE AND WARNING
Release the parking brake and place the
As you read through this manual, you may come across a
NOTE, NOTICE or WARNING. Each one is there for a
specific purpose. A NOTE calls attention to unique,
additional or essential information related to the subject
procedure. A NOTICE identifies a hazard that could
damage the vehicle or property. A WARNING identifies a
hazard that could result in severe personal injury or death
to yourself or others.
transmission/transaxle in NEUTRAL. As a general rule,
vehicles should be towed with the drive wheels off the
ground. If the vehicle is to be towed on its drive wheels,
place the drive wheels on a dolly.
When a vehicle is towed on its front wheels, the steering
wheel must be clamped in the straight-ahead position
with a steering wheel clamping device designed for
towing service use, such as those provided by towing
system manufacturers.
Preparatory Steps
WARNING: NEVER USE A TOW BAR THAT
ATTACHES TO THE FASCIA/BUMPER WHEN
TOWING THE VEHICLE. THE FASCIA/BUMPER
COULD BE DAMAGED AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Do not use the vehicle steering column lock to lock the
wheels in a straight-ahead position when towed from the
front or rear. If equipped with an ignition key and the
ignition key is not available, place a dolly underneath the
driving wheels of the vehicle and tow with the non-drive
wheels raised.
NOTICE: Incorrect towing of the vehicle may result
in damage to the transmission/transaxle, transfer
case, front or rear fascia, steering/suspension or
exhaust. Always follow the outlined towing
procedures. It is recommended that only an
unloaded vehicle be towed.
Brake-Shift Interlock
All Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles incorporate a brake-shift
interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being
moved from PARK when the ignition is in the ON position,
unless the brake pedal is depressed. If you cannot move the
gearshift lever out of PARK with the ignition in the ON position
and the brake pedal depressed, refer to the automatic
transmission or transaxle section in the driving section of the
applicable Owner’s Literature.
FCS-12141-10
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July, 2009
NOTES, NOTICES AND WARNINGS
WARNING: DO NOT TOW VEHICLE BACKWARD
WHEN TOWING THE VEHICLE WITH ALL 4 WHEELS
ON THE GROUND.
I
NOTICE: Ford Motor Company has not approved a
A
slingbelt towing procedure. It is recommended that
the vehicle be towed with a flatbed or wheel lift
equipment. If the vehicle is towed by any other
means or incorrectly, damage to the vehicle may
occur.
NOTICE: Crossbeam/spacer blocks must be used to
keep the cable from coming in contact with the chin
spoiler when loading on a flatbed. The
crossbeam/spacer block can be held in place on the
frame using bungee cords.
J
NOTICE: If the vehicle is to be towed from the front
B
or rear using wheel lift equipment, the lifted tire
must be raised to a clearance height ABOVE the
dollied tire to prevent damage to the vehicle
undercarriage.
NOTICE: Do not disconnect the driveshaft since the
system is aligned and balanced. Connecting the
driveshaft in the wrong position may cause vibration
or damage to the driveline.
K
L
The clearance height is the difference between the
bottom of the wheel lifted tire and the bottom of the
vehicle’s dollied tire. (See Illustration numbers 3
and/or 5.)
NOTICE: Manual transmission vehicles MUST have
the parking brake fully engaged when the rear
wheels are on the dolly. Failure to apply the parking
brake may cause damage to the driveline.
NOTICE: It is recommended that the vehicle (4WD,
C
AWD, FWD and some RWD) be towed from the rear
using wheel lift equipment. It is required that the
front wheels be placed on a dolly to prevent damage
to the vehicle fascia/bumper and/or the FWD, 4WD
and AWD system.
NOTICE: It is recommended that the vehicle be
loaded onto a flatbed tow truck with the tow hook
attached to a canvas strap, to prevent damage to the
bottom of the front or rear fascia/bumper covers. If
the cable, chain or strap comes in contact with the
fascia, wrap the tow cable, chain or strap with a
shop towel.
M
NOTICE: It is recommended that the vehicle (4x2,
D
4WD, AWD, RWD and some FWD) be towed from the
front using wheel lift equipment. It is required that
the rear wheels be placed on a dolly to prevent
damage to the vehicle fascia/bumper and/or the
driveline system.
NOTICE: It is recommended when using a flatbed,
use mini J-hooks to tie down the front of the vehicle.
Larger J-hooks may cause damage to the
undercarriage.
N
NOTICE: On a vehicle equipped with fog lamps or a
E
sport package, care must be taken not to damage
the components while loading and towing with a
wheel lift or flatbed. For flatbed towing, wrap
loading cable with a shop towel to protect
fascia/bumper from damage.
NOTE: For Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) vehicles, it may
be necessary to remove the outer rear wheel when
using wheel lift equipment.
O
P
NOTE: On a 4WD vehicle with Electronic Shift on the
Fly (ESOF), it is recommended that the vehicle be
towed with a wheel lift and dolly or flatbed
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE
F
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM, COMPLETE ALL
PRE-TOWING, UNDER-VEHICLE ACTIVITY
(SECURING VEHICLE, CHAINS, STRAPS, ETC.)
BEFORE TURNING THE KEY TO THE RUN
POSITION. THE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM IS
ACTIVE WHENEVER THE KEY IS IN THE RUN
POSITION AND WILL DEPLOY IF THE MANUAL
ACTIVATION BUTTON IS DEPRESSED.
equipment with all the wheels off the ground.
NOTE: On a 4WD vehicle with Manual Shift on Stop
(MSOS) with the lever operated transfer case in
NEUTRAL, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with
the rear wheels on the ground.
Q
R
NOTE: For towing or operating conditions other
than what is prescribed in this manual, the
driveshaft must be removed to prevent driveline
damage. Always mark the location of the driveshaft
to the attaching flange before removal so the shaft
can be correctly indexed upon installation.
Driveshaft attachment bolts should be replaced with
new OEM bolts or have threadlocking compound
added to the original bolts.
NOTICE: On a vehicle equipped with an air
G
suspension system, the system switch must be
turned to the off position before the vehicle can be
towed. Refer to the Owner’s Literature for procedure
and switch location. If the rear air bags are deflated,
load the vehicle on a flatbed and use a 4x4 board
under the bed to lift the rear of the vehicle so that
the rear bumper will not drag on the road surface.
Reinstall the driveshaft per the workshop manual.
NOTICE: When a vehicle is towed over very rough,
H
pitching roads such as a crowned road intersection
at a railroad crossing, towing speed should be
greatly reduced to avoid damaging the vehicle
undercarriage.
FCS-12141-10
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July, 2009
TOWING SPECIFICATION AND ILLUSTRATION TABLE
Front and Rear Wheel Lift
Flatbed
Vehicle
CARS
1,6,
Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis,
A,B,F,G,I
14
3
4
12 in
12 in
W/Dolly
* Unltd
W/O
Unltd
7
Town Car (RWD)
Focus (FWD)
A,B,C,H,I
1
1
12
22
2
3
5
5
12 in
19 in
12 in
19 in
W/O
Unltd
Unltd
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
Unltd
Unltd
Fusion/Fusion Hybrid,
A,B,C,D,E,I
W/Dolly
Milan/Milan Hybrid, MKZ (AWD)
Fusion/Fusion Hybrid,
A,B,C,E,I
1
22
22
2
2
5
5
19 in
19 in
19 in
19 in
W/O
W/O
Unltd
Unltd
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
Unltd
Unltd
Milan/Milan Hybrid, MKZ (FWD)
1,6,
8
Fusion Sport (FWD)
A,B,C,E,I,M
Taurus/MKS (AWD)
A,B,C,D,E,I,M
A,B,C,E,I,M
1
1
1
1
23
23
13
13
3
2
3
3
5
5
5
5
12 in
12 in
18 in
16 in
12 in
12 in
14 in
14 in
W/Dolly
W/O
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Taurus/MKS (FWD)
Mustang (RWD) V6
A,B,C,D,I,K,L
A,B,C,D,I,K,L
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
Mustang (RWD) V8
Mustang Shelby GT 500 (RWD)
A,B,C,D,I,K,L,M,
N
1,7,
8,9
13
3
N/A
16 in
14 in
W/Dolly
Unltd
N/A
N/A
TRUCKS
E-Series, E-150/250/350/450
Edge/MKX (AWD)
A,B,E,I,O,R
A,B,C,D,E,I
A,B,C,D,E,I
1
1
1
14
20
20
3
3
2
4
5
5
12 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/O
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
W/O
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
Edge/MKX (FWD)
Escape/Escape Hybrid,
A,B,C,D,I
A,B,C,D,I
1
1
15
15
3
2
5
5
12 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
W/Dolly
W/O
Unltd
Unltd
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
Unltd
Unltd
Mariner/Mariner Hybrid (4WD)
Escape/Escape Hybrid,
Mariner/Mariner Hybrid (FWD)
Expedition/ Navigator (4WD)
A,B,C,D,G,I,Q,R
A,B,D,G,I,R
1
1
18
18
3
3
5
4
12 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
Unltd
W/Dolly
W/O
Unltd
Unltd
Expedition/ Navigator (RWD)
* Unltd
Explorer/Mountaineer/Sport Trac
A,B,C,D,I,R
A,B,C,D,I,R
1
1
19
19
3
3
5
4
12 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
Unltd
W/Dolly
W/O
Unltd
Unltd
(4WD)
Explorer/Mountaineer/Sport Trac
(RWD)
* Unltd
F-150 (4WD)
A,B,C,D,G,I,Q,R
A,B,D,G,I,R
A,B,I,J,O,P,Q,R
A,B,J,I,O,R
A,B,C,D,E,I,M
A,B,C,E,I,M
A,B,C,D,I,R
A,B,D,I,R
1
1
18
18
16
16
21
21
17
17
11
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
2
5
4
5
4
5
5
5
4
5
12 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
15 in
15 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
14 in
14 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/O
Unltd
* Unltd
Unltd
W/Dolly
W/O
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
F-150 (RWD)
F-250/350/450/550 (4WD)
F-250/350/450/550 (RWD)
Flex/MKT (AWD)
Flex/MKT (FWD)
Ranger (4WD)
1,10
1,10
1
** W/O
** W/O
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/O
* Unltd
Unltd
1
Unltd
1
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/O
Unltd
Ranger (RWD)
1
* Unltd
Unltd
Transit Connect
A,B,C,H,I
1
W/Dolly
* In case of an emergency, the vehicle can be towed with the drive wheels on the ground up to a speed of 35 mph (55 km/h) and up to a distance
of 50 mi (80 km).
** On a 4X2/4X4 vehicle in 2HI and the hubs in the AUTO/FREE position, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground
(without dollies) and the rear wheels off the ground.
FCS-12141-10
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July, 2009
ILLUSTRATIONS
1
9
2
3
4
Clearance Height
10
5
6
7
Clearance Height
T
FT
W
FW
11
T&FT
T&FT
FT
FT
FW
FW
W
W
8
Use FT tie-downs for
flatbed only.
Wrap rear axle for safety
chains on wheel lift.
FCS-12141-10
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July, 2009
12
19
T&FT
T&FT
T&FT
T&FT
T&FW
T&FW
T&FT
T&FT
FT
FT
FW
FW
13
14
15
16
17
20
21
22
T&FT
T&FT
FT
FT
T&FT
T&FT
T
T
FT
FT
FW
FW
T
T
FW
FW
T&FT
T&FT
T&FT
T&FT
T&FT
T&FT
T&FT
T&FT
FW
FW
FW
FW
T&FT
T&FT
FRONT
FW
T&FT
T&FT
FW
T&FT
T&FT
FW
FW
W
FT
T&FT
T&FT
T
T
FW
FW
W
FT
23
FRONT
FRONT
T&FT
1
T&FT
T&FT
2
FW
FW
T&FT
2
T&FT
1
T&FT
Note 1: Without class III trailer hitch
Note 2: With class III trailer hitch
T&FT
T&FT
FT
FT
W
W
FW
FW
18
T&FW
T&FW
T&FT
T&FT
FT
FT
Loop safety chain through the subframe hole
and then connect hook.
FCS-12141-10
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July, 2009
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