Ford Focus (2017 year). Manual — part 45

You can tow your vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground or with the front
wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly.
If you are using a tow dolly, follow the
instructions specified by the equipment
provider. If you tow your vehicle with all
wheels on the ground, follow these
instructions:

1.

Tow only with your vehicle in the
forward direction. Release the parking
brake.

2. Place the transmission in neutral.

Note: The maximum towing speed is
70 mph (112 km/h).

TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS - 1.0L
ECOBOOST™, AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION

Emergency Towing

WARNING

If your vehicle has a steering wheel
lock make sure the ignition is in the
accessory or on position when being

towed.

You can flat-tow (all wheels on the
ground, regardless of the powertrain and
transmission configuration) your disabled
vehicle (without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle) under the following conditions:
•

Your vehicle is facing forward so you
tow it in a forward direction.

•

You place the transmission in neutral
(N). If you cannot place the
transmission in neutral (N), you may
need to override it. See Transmission
(page 138).

•

Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).

•

Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).

Recreational Towing

WARNING

Your vehicle is not approved for
recreational towing with all four
wheels on the ground.

Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle.

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.

Your vehicle can be towed with the front
wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly.
If you are using a tow dolly follow the
instructions specified by the equipment
provider.

TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS - 2.0L,
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Emergency Towing

WARNING

If your vehicle has a steering wheel
lock make sure the ignition is in the
accessory or on position when being

towed.

You can flat-tow (all wheels on the
ground, regardless of the powertrain and
transmission configuration) your disabled
vehicle (without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle) under the following conditions:
•

Your vehicle is facing forward so you
tow it in a forward direction.

•

You place the transmission in neutral
(N). If you cannot place the
transmission in neutral (N), you may
need to override it. See Transmission
(page 138).

•

Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).

•

Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).

Recreational Towing

Vehicles with an Ignition Key

Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle. See
Climate Control (page 103).

Note: There must be battery power to move
the transmission's internal components to
neutral (N) properly in Step 3. In addition,
moving the gearshift to the neutral (N)
position without first switching the ignition
to the on position limits the towing
capability to 35 mph (56 km/h) and 50 mi
(80 km).

1.

Release the parking brake.

2. Switch the ignition to the on position.

3. Press the brake pedal, and then move

the gearshift to the neutral (N)
position.

4. Wait for a message in the information

and entertainment display indicating
that the transmission is ready, and then
switch off the ignition and release the
brake pedal.

5. Disconnect the negative (black) cable

from the battery. See Changing the
12V Battery (page 223).

Note: The anti-theft system does not work
until you reconnect the battery cable.

Note: The maximum towing speed is
70 mph (112 km/h).

Note: There is no limit on towing distance.

After towing, start the engine within 15
minutes of reconnecting the battery cable.
See Changing the 12V Battery (page 223).

Vehicles with Keyless Start

Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle. See
Climate Control (page 103).

Note: There must be battery power to move
the transmission's internal components to
neutral (N) properly in Step 3. In addition,
moving the gearshift to the neutral (N)
position without first switching the ignition
to the on position limits the towing
capability to 35 mph (56 km/h) and 50 mi
(80 km).

1.

Release the parking brake.

2. Switch on the ignition by pressing the

keyless start button, but do not apply
the brake pedal.

3. Press the brake pedal, and then move

the gearshift to the neutral (N)
position. Release the brake pedal.

4. Wait for a message indicating that the

transmission is ready in the information
and entertainment display, and then
switch off the ignition by pressing the
keyless start button.

5. Disconnect the negative (black) cable

from the battery. You need the door
key to lock and unlock doors when the
battery cable is disconnected. See
Changing the 12V Battery (page 223).

Note: The anti-theft system does not work
until you reconnect the battery cable.

Note: The maximum towing speed is
70 mph (112 km/h).

Note: There is no limit on towing distance.

After towing, start the engine within 15
minutes of reconnecting the battery cable.
See Changing the 12V Battery (page 223).

BREAKING-IN

You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 mi (480 km). During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics.

Avoid driving too fast during the first
1,000 mi (1,600 km). Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.

Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi
(1,600 km).

ECONOMICAL DRIVING

Fuel economy is affected by several things
such as how you drive, the conditions you
drive under and how you maintain your
vehicle.

There are some things to keep in mind that
may improve your fuel economy:
•

Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.

•

Drive at steady speeds.

•

Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.

•

Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving (When running
errands, go to the furthest destination
first and then work your way back
home).

•

Close the windows for high-speed
driving.

•

Drive at reasonable speeds.

•

Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.

•

Use the recommended engine oil.

•

Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.

There are also some things you may want
to avoid doing because they reduce your
fuel economy:
•

Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.

•

Avoid revving the engine before turning
off the car.

•

Avoid long idle periods.

•

Do not warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.

•

Reduce the use of air conditioning and
heat.

•

Avoid using speed control in hilly
terrain.

•

Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.

•

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.

•

Avoid adding particular accessories to
your vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski
racks).

•

Avoid driving with the wheels out of
alignment.

COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS

The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below -13°F (-25°C).

DRIVING THROUGH WATER

WARNING

Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.

Note: Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.

Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.