Ford 2024 Wrecker Towing Manual User Guide

2024 MY 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 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.
New body effects and aerodynamic styling require new methods of towing 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.

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.

GENERAL TOWING INFORMATION

WARNING: When working with a vehicle that has been damaged or in an accident, always proceed with caution around undeployed airbags. As a precaution the airbag system should be disabled by disconnecting the battery in a safe  manner.
NOTICE: Incorrect towing of a vehicle may result in damage to components such as the electric motors, high voltage battery, transmission/transaxle, transfer case, front or rear fascia, steering/ suspension and exhaust. Always follow the  specified towing procedures. It is recommended that only an unloaded vehicle be towed.
NOTICE: Prior to transporting a battery electric or hybrid electric vehicle that has experienced physical damage to the body, underbody or powertrain, refer to the Towing, Recovery and Storage of Damaged Ford Motor Company Electric  and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles section of this guide.
NOTICE: Ford Motor Company does not recommend the use of slingbelts or tow bars, which may cause damage to the fascia, lower body panels, air dams and/or other components.
NOTICE: Always consult the tow equipment manufacturer for specific instructions on how to operate their equipment. If a vehicle has been modified, consult the equipment modifier or supplier for the specific towing instructions.
NOTICE: When a vehicle is towed over rough pitching roads, such as a crowned road at a railroad crossing, reduce the towing speed to avoid damaging the vehicle undercarriage.
NOTICE: Never hook a J-hook to any suspension, wheel or driveline component. Securing a vehicle using this method may cause damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE: On rough pavement or whenever the tow truck operator is not sure of road surface conditions, the maximum towing speed is 55 km/h (35 mph). To prevent damage to the vehicle, it is the tow equipment operator’s responsibility to evaluate and adjust to the specific towing conditions.

NOTE: When towing the vehicle, turn the ignition to the OFF position to deactivate the airbag system.
NOTE: Disabling the airbag system when towing an undamaged vehicle as instructed in this manual is not necessary. Standard towing or recovery procedures will not cause airbag deployment.

• As a general rule tow the vehicle with the drive wheels off the ground. If the vehicle is towed on its drive wheels use tow dollies as indicated by the Model-Specific Transport Guidelines in this manual.
• When a vehicle is being towed with the front wheels on the ground, lock the steering wheel into place using an approved locking device.
• Do not use the steering column ignition lock to secure the wheels.
• When a vehicle is being towed with the rear wheels on the ground, the steering wheel must not be locked and must be free to rotate.

PREPARATORY STEPS

1. Make sure the ignition is in the OFF position.
   • Refer to Starting And Stopping the Engine section in the Owner’s Guide for details on the keyless ignition system.
   NOTE: The ignition must be in the OFF position to prevent accidental airbag deployment when transporting the vehicle.
   NOTE: Overriding Post Impact Braking – You can override post impact braking by pressing the brake or accelerator pedal.

2. Release the parking brake.
   • For vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake, the ignition must be turned on to release the parking brake.
   • If the battery is dead, jump start to supply power.
   – If the parking brake cannot be released, use tow dollies or manually release the electronic parking brake as follows:
   WARNING: Never get under a vehicle that is supported only by a jack. The jack could unintentionally lower. Always support the vehicle with floor stands. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
   WARNING: Identify the correct jacking points by locating the triangle stamped into the uni-body sheet metal or vehicle frame. Raising a vehicle in any other location may result in vehicle shifting or falling. Failure to follow this  instruction may result in serious personal injury.
   WARNING: Only raise the vehicle when positioned on a hard, level surface. Attempting to raise the vehicle on an uneven or soft surface may result in the vehicle slipping or falling from the jack or jackstand. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.
   WARNING: When jacking or lifting the vehicle, block all wheels remaining on the ground. Set the parking brake if the rear wheels will remain on the ground. These actions help prevent unintended vehicle movement. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
   NOTICE: The jack provided with the vehicle is intended to be used in an emergency for changing a deflated tire. To avoid damage to the vehicle, never use the jack to hoist the vehicle for any other purpose.
   NOTICE: Do not attempt to use jack pressure on either the front bumper or the rear bumper on any vehicle. Damage to bumper covers will occur.
   a. Block the front wheels.
   b. Disconnect the electrical connector at the rear brake caliper.
   c. Remove the two 5 mm hex screws retaining the parking brake actuator motor.
   d. Twist the parking brake actuator motor to remove it from the rear brake caliper.
   e. Rotate the exposed ball screw driveshaft clockwise 120°.
   f. Repeat on other side.

3. Place the transmission/transaxle in N (Neutral).
   • All Ford and Lincoln vehicles incorporate a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents shifting from P (PARK) unless the ignition is in the ON/ACC position and the brake pedal is pressed.
   • Set the parking brake or block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.

NOTE: If the battery is dead, jump start the vehicle to supply power.
For vehicles with a key:
a. Press the brake pedal.
b. Turn the key to the ON (II) position.
c. Shift the transmission to the N position.
d. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.

For vehicles with push button start:
a. With the brake not pressed, press the start/stop button. This turns the ignition ON.
b. Press the brake pedal.
c. Shift the vehicle to N.
d. Release the brake pedal.
e. Press the start/stop button to turn the ignition OFF.

NOTE: If the gearshift lever cannot be moved out of P with the ignition in the ON/ACC position and the brake pedal pressed, refer to brake-shift interlock in the Transmission section of the Owner’s Guide.

FLATBED

1. When winching the vehicle onto the flatbed, care must be taken to avoid damaging the fascia, bumper, lower body panels and/or air dams.
   • Refer to the Model-Specific Transport Guidelines in this manual for winching locations.
   • Ramps or wooden blocks may be needed to gain enough clearance to winch the vehicle onto the flatbed.
   • It may be necessary to cover the cable or chain with a rag to prevent damage to the fascia.
   • Crossbeam/spacer blocks may be used to keep the cable from coming in contact with the air deflector.

2. To secure the vehicle:
   • Use a T-hook inserted in the appropriate tie-down slot as indicated in the Model-Specific Transport Guidelines in this manual.
   • 8-point basket or tire/wheel straps may also be used.
   o The rated capacity must equal or exceed the vehicle weight at each tire.
   o After installation always inspect the strap on the backside of the tire to make sure it is not contacting any brake, steering or suspension components.
   • Ford Motor Company does not recommend or approve securing a vehicle through the wheel or wheel spoke.
   • On vehicles equipped with an air suspension system, the air suspension service switch must be turned off prior to the vehicle being tied down. Refer to the Owner’s Guide for the switch location.

WHEEL LIFT

• When the vehicle is towed with the drive wheels on the ground, position dollies under the wheels if a distance of 80 km/h (50 mi) or a speed of 55 km/h (35 mph) is to be exceeded.
• Refer to the tow dolly manufacturer for equipment speed and weight limitations.
• Secure the vehicle to the wheel lift using safety chains equipped with T-hooks or safety hooks.

TOWING SPEEDS AND DISTANCE

• Refer to the Model-Specific Transport Guidelines towing speed and distance limitations in this manual.
• Refer to the tow dolly manufacturer for speed and weight limitations.
• Towing speed should not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph).
• On rough pavement, the maximum towing speed is 55 km/h (35 mph).

Model-Specific Transport Guidelines

TOWING, RECOVERY AND STORAGE OF DAMAGED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLES
IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, refer to the appropriate Emergency Response Guide (ERG), for additional vehicle handling and if needed high voltage (HV) battery depower instructions.
These guides can be found at: www.motorcraftservice.com, select quick guides, then select the appropriate vehicle emergency response guide.
In the event of damage or fire involving an Electric Vehicle (EV) or Hybrid- Electric Vehicle (HEV):

• Always assume the HV battery and associated components are energized and fully charged.

• Exposed electrical components, orange HV cables/wires and HV batteries present potential HV shock hazards.

• Venting/off-gassing of HV lithium ion battery vapors are potentially toxic and flammable.

• There is a potential for delayed fire or delayed release of toxic and/or flammable gases with lithium-ion batteries.
  Vehicle Shutdown and HV System Disabling

• Advise your dispatcher and all other responders that an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle is involved.

• Always approach the vehicle from the sides to stay out of potential travel path. It may be difficult to determine if the vehicle is running due to lack of engine noise.

• Place the vehicle into P (Park), set the parking brake, turn the vehicle off, activate hazard lights, and remove keys to a distance at least 16 ft (4.8 m) from the vehicle until loading the vehicle for transport.

• If you detect leaking fluids, sparks, smoke, flames, increased temperature, gurgling, popping or hissing noises from the HV battery compartment, ventilate the passenger area and call 911.
  Storing Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

• If the HV battery is confirmed or suspected of being physically damaged, notify an authorized Ford or Lincoln Dealer as soon as possible as there may be additional steps necessary to secure, discharge, handle, and/or store the HV  battery and vehicle.

• Do not store a severely damaged vehicle with a lithium-ion battery inside a structure or within 50 ft (15 m) of any structure or vehicle.

• Make sure that passenger and cargo compartments remain ventilated.

• Prior to placing and while located in storage area/tow lot, continue to inspect vehicle for leaking fluids, sparks, smoke, flames, gurgling or bubbling sounds from the HV battery and call 911 if any of these are detected.

• Maintain clear access to stored vehicles for monitoring and emergency response if needed.

For specific information and safety preparation regarding the HV system, refer to: www.motorcraftservice.com, select quick guides, then select the appropriate vehicle emergency response guide.

Transport-Guideline Footnotes

 A| Remove the driveshaft for front wheel-lift towing without a rear dolly.
Always mark the location of the driveshaft to the attaching flange before removal so the driveshaft can be  correctly indexed upon installation.
Replace driveshaft attachment bolts with OEM bolts or bolts with threadlocking compound added to the original  bolts.
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  B| 4X4/AWD vehicles require wheel dolly and wheels cannot be on the ground for wheel lift towing.
 C| Rear wheel lift towing may require a medium duty wrecker to accommodate the width of the dual rear wheels.
D| Push Button Shift Procedure:
1.  Engage the parking brake or block wheels.
2.  Press and hold the override button in the center console using a tool.
3.  While holding, press any non-park gearshift button.
4.  Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
The electronic shifter requires 6.5 volts to operate.
If the electronic shifter is inoperative, disconnect the shift cable and manually shift to N. Reconnect the shift  cable and place in P (Park) upon arrival.
 E| 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 blocks can be held in place on the frame using bungee cords.
 F| Transit Connect:
For the Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles, towing with the front wheels on the ground is not approved.
 G|
 H|
 J|

Transport-Guideline Footnote “K”
Please refer to the owner’s manual for stay in neutral mode.
K
NOTE: Stay in neutral mode is a temporary vehicle state with the ignition off. Once in this mode, sufficient battery voltage must be maintained or your vehicle returns to park.
Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.

Transport-Guideline Footnote “L”
To transport your vehicle it may be necessary to put the transmission in the MANUAL PARK OVERRIDE position, using the release lever on the side of the transmission. IN MANUAL PARK OVERRIDE THE VEHICLE IS FREE TO  MOVE AND PARK CAN NOT BE ENGAGED. SECURE VEHICLE PRIOR TO MANUALLY OVERRIDING PARK.
L

1. Block wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
2. Remove bolt from manual override lever.
3. Move lever from Normal to Override position.
4. Re-install bolt and torque to 20 Nm (14.75 lb-ft) (bolt can be reused once).
5. Move vehicle as required.
6. Block wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
7. Remove bolt from manual park override lever.
8. Move lever from Override to Normal position.
9. Install new bolt and torque to 20 Nm (14.75 lb-ft) (lever must be secured with a fastener).

To assist in maneuvering the vehicle it may be possible to achieve Neutral Hold temporarily (without changing the transmission Manual Park Override position) with sufficient battery power. In this mode the vehicle is free to move.  Secure vehicle prior to entering this mode. To enter Stay in Neutral – No Start follow the steps below:
Stay in Neutral Mode – No Start

1. With the brake not pressed, press the start/stop button.
2. Step on brake pedal (keep brakes on through Step 6).
3. Press the accelerator pedal to the floor (hold through Step 6).
4. Rotate the gear selector to Neutral (N) and press the manual (M) button. For Lincoln vehicles with a push button gear select module press N twice.
5. Press then release the push to start button (transmission needs minimum of 2 seconds to exit park).
6. When N (neutral) is displayed the brake and accelerator pedals can be released.
7. To exit Stay in Neutral Mode – No Start, select a different gear.

Required: Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
NOTE: Stay in neutral mode is a temporary vehicle state with the ignition off. Once in this mode, sufficient battery voltage must be maintained or your vehicle returns to park. Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.

Transport-Guideline Footnote “M”
The preferred method of flatbed tie down is tire/wheel strap securement.

Transport-Guideline Footnote “N”
When winching vehicle onto a flatbed, only the winching holes in the front subframe of the vehicle may be used. These holes must be used whether the vehicle is being winched forward or in reverse. There are no other approved winching  locations.
NOTE: Do not use the battery protection rails for winching the vehicle. Doing so can damage the battery protection rails.

Transport-Guideline Footnote “O”
If the vehicle becomes inoperable and there is no access to wheel dollies or a vehicle transport trailer, the vehicle can be flat-towed with all wheels on the ground, regardless of the powertrain and transmission configuration, under the  following conditions:

• The vehicle is facing forward for towing in a forward direction.
• Emergency Tow is switched on.
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).

Switching Emergency Tow On

1. Properly secure the vehicle to the tow vehicle.
2. Switch the vehicle on to accessory mode.
3. Apple the parking brake.
4. Access the vehicle drawer on the touchscreen (Mach-E and Lightning with a 15 inch screen only).
5. Press Settings.
6. Press Vehicle.
7. Press and hold Emergency Tow until a confirmation message appears on the touchscreen.
8. Press and hold the brake pedal.
9. Shift vehicle into neutral (N).

NOTE: A confirmation message will appear in the instrument cluster.

10. Release the parking brake

11. Switch the vehicle off.

NOTE: Power is required for this procedure and requires the 12V battery to be charged.

Switching Emergency Tow On

1. Switch the vehicle on.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift into park (P). A message displays in the instrument cluster and park (P) displays in the instrument cluster and on the shifter.

CPR © 2023 FORD MOTOR COMPANY
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121
11/2023

2024 MY Wrecker Towing Manual
November, 2023 Ver.1

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