2009 Mercury Mariner Owner's Manual - Page 249

Roadside Emergencies If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment, it is required that the front wheels (drive wheels) be placed on a dolly to prevent damage to the transmission. On 4WD vehicles, it is required that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground to prevent damage to the automatic transmission, 4WD system or vehicle. Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle. If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle damage may occur. Emergency towing In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle) your vehicle (regardless of transmission powertrain configuration) can be flat towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following conditions: • Vehicle is facing forward so that it is being towed in a forward direction. • Place the transmission in N (Neutral). Refer to Brake shift interlock in the Driving chapter for specific instructions if you cannot move the gear shift lever into N (Neutral). • Maximum speed is not to exceed 35 mph (56 km/h). • Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km). 249 2009 Mariner (mrn) Owners Guide, 2nd Printing USA (fus)