towing FORD ECOSPORT 2020 User Guide

This feature applies your vehicle brakes atindividual wheels and if necessary, reducesengine power. If the trailer begins to sway,the traction control warning lamp flashesand a message will appear in theinformation display. Slow your vehicledown, pull safely to the side of the roadand check for correct load distribution.See Load Carrying (page 174).
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailerweight for your vehicleconfiguration listed in the chartbelow.
Note:For high altitude operation,reduce the gross combined weightby 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)starting at the 1000 foot (300
meter) elevation point.
Note:Certain states requireelectric trailer brakes for trailersover a specified weight. Be sure tocheck state regulations for thisspecified weight. The maximumtrailer weights listed may be limitedto this specified weight, as thevehicle’s electrical system may notinclude the wiring connectorneeded to activate electric trailerbrakes.
Your vehicle may tow a trailerprovided the maximum trailerweight is less than or equal to themaximum trailer weight listed foryour vehicle configuration on thefollowing chart.
Maximum
tongue weight1Maximum
trailer weight1MaximumGCWRPowertrain
143 lb (65 kg)1,400 lb(635 kg)4,960 lb(2,250 kg)1.0 L Ecoboost
198 lb (90 kg)2,000 lb(907 kg)5,754 lb(2,610 kg)2.0 L 4WD
1Calculated with SAE J2807 method.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle'sload in the Load Carrying chapter. SeeLoad Limit (page 176).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector (If Equipped)
When attaching the trailer wiring connectorto your vehicle, only use a proper fittingconnector that works with the vehicle andtrailer functions.
Note:Install the water proof protection capback onto the trailer towing connectorwhenever it is not in use. This helps toprevent water damage and trailer towingconnector malfunction.
Note:You cannot use a seven-pin trailerwiring connector for your vehicle and thetrailer lighting equipment.
FunctionColor
Left direction indicatorand stop lampYellow
Ground (-)White
Right direction indicatorand stop lampGreen
Running lightsBrown
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to thehook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, crossthem under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
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Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) to aid engineand transmission cooling and to helpA/C performance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
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2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inpark (P).
4.Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. Chocks are notincluded with your vehicle.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING POINTS
Front Towing Point
1.Push the cover.
2.Release the cover.
3.Install the recovery hook.
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Rear Towing Point (If Equipped)
1.Push the cover.
2.Release the cover.
3.Install the recovery hook.
The recovery hook may be in the followinglocations:
•Inside temporary mobility kit.
•Inside Jack and tools storage tray.
Note:The recovery hook is available at theauthorized dealer.
Note:The recovery hook has a left-handthread. Turn it counterclockwise to install itand make sure that it is fully tightened.Failure to do so could result in the recoveryhook becoming loose.
Note:If your vehicle has a tow bar, use thisto tow other vehicles.
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to have your vehicle towed,contact a professional towing service or,if you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, your roadsideassistance service provider.
We recommend towing your vehicle witha wheel lift and dollies or flatbedequipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt.Ford Motor Company has not approved aslingbelt towing procedure.
It is acceptable to tow a front-wheel drivevehicle from the front if using proper wheellift equipment to raise the front wheels offthe ground. When towing in this manner,the rear wheels can remain on the ground.
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Front-wheel drive vehicles must have thefront wheels placed on a two-wheel towdolly when towing your vehicle from therear using wheel lift equipment. Thisprevents damage to the transmission.
Towing a four-wheel drive vehicle requiresthat all wheels be off the ground, such asusing a wheel lift and dollies or flatbedequipment. This prevents damage to thetransmission, four-wheel drive system andvehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable(without access to wheel dollies,car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transportvehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheelson the ground, regardless of the powertrainand transmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in position N. Ifyou cannot move the transmission intoN, you may need to override it. SeeTransmission (page 149).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure theignition is in the accessory or on positionwhen being towed.
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 106).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An exampleof recreational towing would be towingyour vehicle behind a motorhome. Wedesigned these guidelines to preventdamage to your transmission.
Front-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.You must place the front wheels on atwo-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a towdolly, follow the instructions specified bythe equipment provider.
Four-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground), asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.It is recommended to tow your vehicle withall four (4) wheels off the ground such aswhen using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise,you cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Companyoffers a complimentary roadsideassistance program. This program isseparate from the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty.
The service is available:
•24 hours a day, seven days a week.
•For the coverage period listed in theQuick Reference Guide included in yourOwner's Manual portfolio.
Roadside Assistance covers:
•A flat tire change with a good spare(except vehicles supplied with a tireinflation kit).
•Battery jump start.
•Lock-out assistance (key replacementcost is the customer's responsibility).
•Fuel delivery — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall deliver upto 2 gal (8 L) of gasoline or 5 gal (20 L)of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle.Roadside Assistance limits fuel deliveryservice to two no-charge occurrenceswithin a 12-month period.
•Winch out — available within 100 ft(30 m) of a paved or countymaintained road, no recoveries.
•Towing — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall tow Fordeligible vehicles to an authorized dealerwithin 35 mi (56 km) of thedisablement location or to the nearestauthorized dealer. If a memberrequests a tow to an authorized dealerthat is more than 35 mi (56 km) fromthe disablement location, the membershall be responsible for any mileagecosts in excess of 35 mi (56 km).
•Roadside Assistance includes up to$200 for a towed trailer if the disabledeligible vehicle requires service at thenearest authorized dealer. If the towingvehicle is operational but the trailer isnot, then the trailer does not qualify forany roadside services.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference. This card is inthe owner's information portfolio in theglove compartment.
United States vehicle customers whorequire Roadside Assistance, call1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistancefor yourself, Ford Motor Companyreimburses a reasonable amount fortowing to the nearest dealership within35 mi (56 km). To obtain reimbursementinformation, United States vehiclecustomers call 1-800-241-3673.Customers need to submit their originalreceipts.
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Ford Protect Extended ServicePlans (U.S. Only)
Ford Protect extended service plan meanspeace of mind. It’s the extended serviceplan backed by Ford Motor Company, andprovides more protection beyond the NewVehicle Limited Warranty coverage. Whenyou visit your Ford Dealer, Insist on FordProtect extended service plans!
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One trip to the Service Center could easilyexceed the price of your Ford Protectextended service plan. With Ford Protectextended service plan you minimize yourrisk for unexpected repair bills and risingrepair costs.
Up to 1,000+ Covered VehicleComponents
There are four mechanical Ford Protectextended service plans with different levelsof coverage. Ask your authorized dealer fordetails.
1.PremiumCARE - Our mostcomprehensive coverage. With over1,000 covered components, this planis so complete it’s probably easier tolist what’s not covered.
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4.PowertrainCARE - Covers 29 criticalcomponents.
Ford Protect extended service plans arehonored by all authorized Ford dealers inthe U.S., Canada and Mexico.
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Rental Car Reimbursement
1st day Rental Benefit
If you bring your car into your dealer forservice, we’ll give you a loaner to use forthe day.
Extended Rental Benefits
If your vehicle is kept overnight for coveredrepairs, you are eligible for rental carcoverage, including warranty repairs, andField Service Actions.
Roadside Assistance
Exclusive 24/7 roadside assistance,including:
•Towing, flat-tire change and batteryjump starts.
•Out of fuel and lock-out assistance.
•Travel expense reimbursement forlodging, meals and rental car.
•Assistance for taxi, shuttle, rental carcoverage or other transportation.
Transferable Coverage
If you sell your vehicle before your FordProtect extended service plan coverageexpires, you can transfer any remainingcoverage to the new owner. Which shouldgive you and your potential buyer a littlemore peace of mind.
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Less Cost to Properly Maintain YourVehicle
Ford Protect extended service plan alsooffers a Premium Maintenance Plan thatcovers all scheduled maintenance, andselected wear items. The coverage isprepaid, so you never have to worry aboutthe cost of your vehicle’s maintenance.
Covered maintenance includes:
•Windshield wiper blades.
•Spark plugs.
•The clutch disc (if equipped).
•Brake pads and linings.
•Shock absorbers.
•Struts.
•Engine Belts.
•Engine coolant hoses, clamps ando-rings.
•Diesel exhaust fluid replenishment (ifequipped).
•Cabin air filter replacement every20,000 mi (32,000 km) (electricvehicles only).
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Just a 10% down payment will provide youwith an affordable, no interest, no feepayment program allowing you all thesecurity and benefits Ford Protectextended service plan has to offer whilepaying over time. You are pre-approvedwith no credit check or hassles. To learnmore, call our Ford Protect extendedservice plan specialists at 800-367-3377.
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You can get more protection for yourvehicle by purchasing a Ford Protectextended service plan. Ford Protectextended service plan is the only servicecontract backed by Ford Motor Companyof Canada, Limited. Depending on the planyou purchase, Ford Protect extendedservice plan provides benefits such as:
•Rental reimbursement.
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•Protection against repair costs afteryour New Vehicle Limited WarrantyCoverage expires.
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There are several Ford Protect extendedservice plans available in various time,distance and deductible combinations.Each plan is tailored to fit your own drivingneeds, including reimbursement for towingand rental. When you purchase FordProtect extended service plan, you receiveadded peace-of-mind protectionthroughout Canada, the United States andMexico, provided by a network ofparticipating authorized Ford MotorCompany dealers.
Note:Repairs performed outside of Canadaand the United States are not eligible forFord Protect extended service plancoverage.
This information is subject to change. Formore information; visit your local Ford ofCanada dealer or www.ford.ca to find theFord Protect extended service plan that isright for you.
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The following table provides examples ofvehicle use and its impact on oil changeintervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oil
change intervals depend on several factorsand generally decrease with severity ofuse.
When to Expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Message
Vehicle Use and ExampleInterval
Normal
9,500–12,500 mi(15,000–20,000 km)
Normal commuting with highway drivingNo, or moderate, load or towingFlat to moderately hilly roadsNo extended idling
Severe
6,000–9,500 mi(10,000–15,000 km)
Moderate to heavy load or towingMountainous or off-road conditionsExtended idlingExtended hot or cold operation
Extreme3,500–6,000 mi(6,000–10,000 km)Maximum load or towingExtreme hot or cold operation
Normal Maintenance Intervals
At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display1
Change engine oil and filter.2
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection, recommended.
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Consult your dealer for requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the rear axle and U-joints - four-wheel drive only.
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
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