2012 WRECKER TOWING MANUAL
NOTICE: Always consult the tow equipment
manufacturer, for specific instructions, on how to
operate their equipment.
ABOUT THIS WRECKER TOWING MANUAL
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.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, it is the tow
equipment operator’s responsibility to evaluate and
adjust to the specific towing conditions.
If a vehicle has been modified, consult the
equipment modifier or supplier for the specific
towing instruction.
This manual contains the latest towing procedures for
2012 Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Ford Motor Company
has created easy-to-follow instructions with illustrations
showing the correct hook-up for damage-free towing.
NOTE: When towing a vehicle, the steering wheel
should be left unlocked.
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.
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 impact will cause an air
bag to deploy.
New body effects and aerodynamic styling require new
methods of towing; this is to eliminate the possibility of
damage while in-tow. 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 the OFF position
will not disable the Ford air bag system; the air bag
deployment system operates independently of the
ignition switch position.
If the air bags are not deployed and as a precaution the
air bag system needs to be disabled, disconnect the
battery in a safe manner.
GENERAL TOWING INFORMATION
NOTE, NOTICE AND WARNING
When towing a vehicle, release the parking brake and
place the 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.
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, to yourself or others, that could result in severe
injury or death.
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 A VEHICLE. THE FASCIA/BUMPER COULD
BE DAMAGED AND/OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Do not use the vehicle’s steering column lock, when
towing from either the front or rear, to lock the wheels in
a straight-ahead position. If the steering wheel is not
able to be unlocked, place a dolly underneath the drive
wheels of the vehicle and tow with the non-drive wheels
raised.
NOTICE: Incorrect towing of a vehicle may result in
damage to the transmission/transaxle, transfer case,
front or rear fascia, steering/suspension, exhaust,
etc. Always follow the outlined towing procedures. It
is recommended that only an unloaded vehicle be
towed.
Brake-Shift Interlock
All Ford and Lincoln vehicles incorporate a brake-shift interlock
feature that will prevents the gearshift lever from being moved
from PARK when the ignition switch is in the ON position,
however, when the brake pedal is depressed, the gearshift
lever is unlocked and can then be moved. 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/transaxle section in the driving section of the
Owner’s Literature Guide.
FCS-12141-12
1
December, 2010
WARNINGS, NOTICES AND NOTES
(See page 5 for specific vehicle application)
WARNING: DO NOT TOW A VEHICLE BACKWARD
WHEN THE VEHICLE BEING TOWED HAS ALL 4
WHEELS ON THE GROUND.
NOTICE: When loading a vehicle on a flatbed,
crossbeam/spacer blocks must be used to keep the
cable from coming in contact with the chin spoiler.
The crossbeam/spacer block can be held in place on
the frame by using bungee cords.
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.
J
NOTICE: If the vehicle is to be towed from the front
B
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
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: 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: To prevent damage to the bottom of the
front or rear fascia/bumper covers, it is
recommended that the vehicle be loaded onto a
flatbed tow truck with the tow hook attached to a
canvas strap. If the cable, chain or strap comes in
contact with the fascia, wrap the tow cable, chain or
strap with a shop towel.
L
The clearance height is the difference between the
bottom of the tire lifted and the bottom of the dollied
wheel. (See Illustration numbers 3 and/or 5.)
M
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 (4x2,
D
NOTICE: When using a flatbed, it is recommended to
use mini J-hooks to tie down the front of the vehicle.
Larger J-hooks may cause damage to the
undercarriage.
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.
N
NOTE: For Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) vehicles, it may
be necessary to remove the outer rear wheel when
using wheel lift equipment.
O
P
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: 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
equipment with all the wheels off the ground.
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.
NOTE: On a 4WD vehicle with Manual Shift on Stop
(MSOS) and the lever operated transfer case
positioned 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. 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 the
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
Reinstall the driveshaft as instructed the workshop
manual.
NOTICE: When wheel lifting from the rear, the front
tires must be put on a dolly. Lift the rear wheels and
secure with a safety strap. Pull the front tires onto
4x4 blocks using the stinger. Position the dollies to
the smallest size opening. Secure the dollies with
safety straps. Refer to Illustration 25.
S
NOTICE: When a vehicle is towed over 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-12141-12
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December, 2010
CONTINUED: WARNINGS, NOTICES AND NOTES
(See page 5 for specific vehicle application)
NOTICE: For vehicles with side exhaust. For flatbed
T
towing, secure the rear of the vehicle by using axle
straps or lasso straps around the rear axle. One
strap is required on each side of the differential.
Using the standard T-slot attachment can damage
the side exiting exhaust. Refer to Illustration 26.
FCS-12141-12
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December, 2010
TOWING SPECIFICATION AND ILLUSTRATION TABLE
Flatbed
Front and Rear Wheel Lift
Vehicle
CARS
Fiesta
A,B,C,I,M,S
A,B,C,H,I
1
1
24
12
3
3
5
5
15 in
18 in
15 in
18 in
W/Dolly
See 25
Unltd
Unltd
W/Dolly
See 25
Unltd
Unltd
Focus (FWD)
W/Dolly
See 25
W/Dolly
See 25
Fusion/MKZ (AWD)
A,B,C,D,E,I
1
1
22
22
3
2
5
5
19 in
19 in
19 in
19 in
W/Dolly
W/O
Unltd
Unltd
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
Unltd
Unltd
Fusion/MKZ Hybrid (AWD)
Fusion/MKZ (FWD)
A,B,C,E,I
Fusion/MKZ Hybrid (FWD)
Fusion Sport (FWD)
A,B,C,E,I,M
1,6,8
22
23
23
13
13
2
3
2
3
3
5
5
19 in
12 in
12 in
16 in
16 in
19 in
12 in
12 in
14 in
14 in
W/O
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
N/A
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
N/A
Taurus/MKS (AWD)
A,B,C,D,E,H,I,M
A,B,C,E,H,I,M
A,B,C,D,I,K,L
1
W/Dolly
W/O
Taurus/MKS (FWD)
1
1
5
Mustang (RWD) V6 and V8
Mustang Shelby GT 500 (RWD)
5
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
A,B,C,D,I,K,L,M,N
A,B,C,D,I,K,L,M,N
1,7,8,9
N/A
Mustang Boss With Side
Exhaust (RWD)
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
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
A,B,C,D,E,H,I
A,B,C,D,E,H,I
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
Edge/MKX (FWD)
Escape/Escape Hybrid, (4WD)
Escape/Escape Hybrid, (FWD)
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
Expedition/Navigator (4WD)
Expedition/Navigator (RWD)
Explorer (AWD)
A,B,C,D,G,I,Q,R
A,B,D,G,I,R
1
1
18
18
21
21
18
18
16
16
21
21
18
11
3
3
5
4
12 in
12 in
15 in
15 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
15 in
15 in
N/A
12 in
12 in
15 in
15 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
12 in
15 in
15 in
N/A
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/O
Unltd
* Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
* Unltd
Unltd
* Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
N/A
W/Dolly
W/O
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
Unltd
N/A
A,B,C,D,E,H,I,M
A,B,C,E,H,I,M
A,B,C,D,G,I,Q,R
A,B,D,G,I,R
1
3
5
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/O
Explorer (FWD)
1
2
5
F-150 (4WD)
1
3
5
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
W/O
F-150 (RWD)
1
3
4
F-250/350/450/550 (4WD)
F-250/350/450/550 (RWD)
Flex/MKT (AWD)
Flex/MKT (FWD)
A,B,I,J,O,P,Q,R
A,B,J,I,O,R
1,10
1,10
1
3
5
** W/O
** W/O
W/Dolly
W/Dolly
N/A
3
4
A,B,C,D,E,H,I,M
A,B,C,E,H,I,M
A,G,I,R
3
5
1
2
5
Raptor
1
N/A
2
N/A
5
N/A
Transit Connect
A,B,C,H,I
1
12 in
12 in
W/O
Unltd
W/Dolly
Unltd
* 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-12141-12
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December, 2010
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-12141-12
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December, 2010
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
FW
T&FT
T&FT
FRONT
FW
T&FT
T&FT
T&FT
FW
FW
T
T
FW
FW
W
FT
FT
W
T&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
W
W
FW
FW
18
FT
T&FW
T&FW
T&FT
T&FT
FT
Loop safety chain through the subframe hole
and then connect hook.
FT
FCS-12141-12
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December, 2010
24
25
26
FCS-12141-12
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December, 2010
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