2009 Ford Focus Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 162

Tires, Wheels and Loading RECREATIONAL TOWING Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing. An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not damaged. Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to the Climate controls chapter for more information. Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles with manual transmissions: If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, shifting the transmission into neutral (N) permits "flat-towing" (all wheels on the ground) for pulling behind a motorhome. Before you tow your vehicle: • Release the parking brake. • Move the gearshift to the neutral position. • Turn the key in the ignition to the off position. • The maximum recommended speed is 70 mph (113 km/h). • The maximum recommended distance is unlimited. • The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no damage is done to the internal transmission components. In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions provided by the aftermarket manufacturer of the towing equipment, if provided. In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, see Wrecker towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles with automatic transmissions: Do not tow the vehicle with the front drive wheels on the ground. It is recommended to tow your vehicle with the front drive wheels on a dolly or with all four (4) wheels off the ground on a car-hauling trailer. In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, see Wrecker towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. 162 2009 Focus (foc) Owners Guide, 2nd Printing USA (fus)