FCS-12141-14
August, 2014 Ver.2
1
2014 WRECKER TOWING MANUAL
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 help assist with safe and
efficient towing.
This manual contains the latest towing procedures for
2014 Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Ford Motor Company has
created easy-to-follow instructions with illustrations
showing the correct hook-up to help prevent damage
when towing.
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.
New body effects and aerodynamic styling require new
methods of towing; this is to reduce the possibility of
damage while in-tow. Wheel lifts or flatbed equipment are
required to tow Ford Motor Company vehicles. Refer to
the instructions given for the specific vehicle to be towed.
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.
NOTE:
When towing a vehicle, the steering wheel
should be left unlocked.
NOTE:
Disabling the airbag system when towing an
undamaged vehicle as instructed in this manual is not
necessary. If the ignition is OFF, the bags will not
deploy regardless of any impact during towing. 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. However,
when working with a vehicle that has been damaged,
always proceed with caution around un-deployed
airbags.
NOTE:
When towing the vehicle, turn the ignition to the
off position to deactivate the airbag system. Reference
the Owner Guide “Starting and Stopping the Engine”
chapter for Keyless Ignition System.
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
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.
Preparatory Steps
NOTICE:
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.
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.
NOTICE:
Always consult the tow equipment
manufacturer, for specific instructions, on how to operate
their equipment.
Vehicle Towing
When towing a vehicle, release the parking brake and
place the transmission/transaxle in NEUTRAL. For
vehicles equipped with an electric parking brake, the
ignition must be turned on to release the parking brake. If
the battery is dead, the battery must be jumped to supply
power to release the parking brake. If the parking brake
cannot be released, tow dollies must be used or the
electronic brake released manually by:
•
Chock the front wheels.
•
Disconnect electrical connect at the
rear brake caliper.
•
Remove two 5mm hex screws retaining the
EPB module.
•
Slightly twisting pull EPB module off from
the brake caliper.
•
Rotate the exposed ball screw drive shaft
Clockwise 120º.
•
Repeat on other side.
NOTICE:
If the vehicle is raised, proper jacking safety
equipment must be used.
