2013 Ford Escape Warranty Supplement Printing 1 - Page 192

Towing TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles can be towed from the front if proper wheel lift equipment is used to raise the front wheels off the ground. The rear wheels can be left on the ground when towed in this fashion. FWD vehicles can also be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment; however, it is required that the front wheels be placed on a dolly to prevent damage to the transmission. Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles must be towed with a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment, with all the wheels off the ground, to prevent damage to the transmission, 4WD system or vehicle. If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle damage may occur. TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR WHEELS Emergency Towing E143886 If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your roadside assistance service provider. It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not approved a slingbelt towing procedure. 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. In the event your vehicle becomes disabled (without access to wheel dollies, car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheels on the ground, regardless of the powertrain/transmission configuration) under the following conditions: • The vehicle is facing forward so that it is towed in a forward direction. • The transmission gear shift lever is placed in position N. If The transmission is gear shift lever cannot be moved to position N, it may need to be overridden. See Transmission (page 147). • Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h). • Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers). 192