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Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Yahoo Message Number: 89906
What size charge did you put in? Are all accessories in the Lincoln turned off? AC, radio, etc, etc

Mikee

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89909
Is accessories the correct position when towing? On my Ford Flex, the manual also says accessory but it an error. Need only to turn key to ON position.

George

'04 Inspire 51061 (for sale)

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89910
I had the same problem when towing my 2012 Ford Explorer with my 2005 Inspire when I towed it in the accessory position.
After investigating, with Ford & others, I was told I didn't have to tow in the accessory position because my vehicle does not have a steering column lock. I now tow with the ignition off and the transmission in neutral. I haven't had any battery drain issues since.
RJ

2005 Inspire
#51264

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89912
RJ,

I was always understood you could not Tow a 2WD Ford in neutral 4 wheels down. Has that now changed with the newer models ? If true they must have changed how the trans fluid is pumped, must be on the rear shaft. That is good news ! No more disconnects, I did not know that.
Thanks and take care, Chris

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89914
Chris, Yes, Ford changed it on their Explorer in 2011 I think. The key is to make sure it's printed in your owners manual that you can tow with four wheels down. If Ford, or another auto manufacturer, puts it in writing in their owners manual they are committed to stand behind the claim. So far we have towed our explorer for over 10,000 miles with no problems.
RJ

2005 Inspire
#51264

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89919
Thanks RJ, That is great news. Just for others information, Ford offers an Electric Disconnect Switch for about $40.00 that allow you to Tow any 4WD Ford, 4 wheels down with the ignition in the on position (steering unlocked). No need for Driveshaft disconnects or pumps. Now it is even better ! Thanks again.

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89922
The trick is to make sure your dealer does any adjusting of the transmission fluid level called for in the owner's manual under "Recreational Towing" before towing the car. I took my '11 Escape to two dealers, and neither had heard that the level adjustment needs to be done (though one of them put into the Ford maintenance records that he had adjusted the level). Fortunately, the dealer that replaced the melted transmission had heard of this, and made the appropriate adjustment for the new one. Almost 20,000 miles of towing later, I'm still a happy camper.

TimG

2002 Magna #6081
2011 Ford Escape

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89936
After reading the many suggestions, and not being mechanically inclined, I will call Joel 877-257-4655 The manufacturer of the charging unit, as suggested by Mary-Ann. If not resolved, I think I will go to the dealership and see if they can solve the problem. One suggestion was to have installed a 40 dollar disconnect switch. The other suggestion was to find the accessory fuse and remove the fuse. I would hesitate to do this, because if I have some kind of problem I might be accused of violating the warranty.

Thank you, I appreciate everyones input.

Stan

2005 Inspire

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89982
You mean I can tow my 2005 Ford Excursion 4WD without a driveshaft disconnect?!!

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89990
Can you disengage all four drive wheels or is it full time four wheel drive? RJ

2005 Inspire
#51264

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 90008
I tow, four wheels down, a 2010 Lincoln MKX,----- all wheel drive. With the engine running I have to put into neutral and turn off A/C system and turn off radio, then simply punch the button to turn off the engine. It is in the accessory position (I believe). This is the procedure described in the Owners Manual. YOU MUST READ THE OWNERS MANUAL FOR THE SPECIFIC CAR YOU WANT TO TOW. DO NOT LISTEN TO ANYONE ELSE'S DIRECTIONS. Cars differ from year to year and model to model.
AND don't believe the salesman, READ THE MANUAL!
With that said, many Ford products can be towed.......Also read the January issue of FMCA, as they cover the "towables" each year.

Good luck.

Denny Zarnt 2001 42' Affinity # 5972

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 90013
We have a 2012 MKX AWD and tow all wheels down. We start it and let it run 5 minutes put it in neutral and because it has keyless start, push the start button until the accessories activated screen comes on. That is it, I put the roadmaster brake on the peddle and we are done. The car does go dead after 8 hours of towing so we put a charging cable from the coach to the Lincoln and we have no problems. We leave the electric ice chest plugged in and it runs and stays cold since the accessory switch is on. The Lincoln is a great tow vehicle.

Monty and Carol Kershner
2007 Tribute 260 No. 81044
2012 Lincoln MKX

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 90063
Ron,

Its not full time. It is regular old 4WD same as an F-250 or F-350. I have a Remco driveshaft disconnect. I do not see how else it can be done electronically.

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 90066
Hi Everyone,

You will have to contact a Ford Dealer regarding your 4WD Car or Truck and a Technical Manual. I am only saying: don't just let the Dealer blow you off and say it can't be done until they take the time to look into it, for you, the customer !
Ford basically says all 4WD Later Models from 2012 can be towed 4 wheels down in there Consumer Notices. However, again check yours out, but I did not see one Model excluded in what I read. Do not confuse "four wheel drive" and "all wheel wheel drive on demand" which is an ongoing adjustment based on wheel speed telemetry.

From Ford Towing and RV Guide, Published 2013: Neutral Tow Kit used for towing 4WD Fords with 4 Wheels Down. Dealer installation required. Not for use on AWD. Ford Motor Company P/N 7H332., about $90.00 now.
On my 2004 and 2006 I removed that PO* Remco Driveshaft Disconnect and had the Neutral Tow Switch installed. Simple to use and never a problem. If your told NO it maybe unique to your Truck but have them check in detail first.
Have them call Seve White, Service Manager at Worthington Ford in Long Beach, CA. He has done a total of 3 for me. They may learn something or maybe not. Just passing on what I learned the difficult way.

Good Luck and be safe.

Chris - '03 Magna, 42 Resort

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 90073
I've heard about the $40 kit but, never been able to find one. Some Ford dealers say they have been discontinued, most have never heard of it. It allows you to shift the transfer case to neutral if you have electronic transfer case shifting. From what I could tell the kit is actually just an led and a wiring harness. Supposedly, the ECU already has a command to shift the transfer case to neutral and a wire is already in place from the ECU to the steering column to attach the kit to. The led lets you know if it is engaged or disengaged. You have to re-program the ECU to enable this function and that is what I've never been able to find anyone to do. After it's reprogrammed, you select neutral by putting the transfer case in 2WD and the transmission in neutral, turning the ignition off, pressing and holding the brake for 5 seconds. I have a copy of the instructions that come with the kit. I'd love to be able to tow my '99 F150 w/out disconnecting the drive shaft.

Greg Jones

'03 Intrigue 11561
 

Re: Tow Car Batrtery Always Dead by end of day ( Towin...

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 90074
Greg,

Yes, I had it on my 98 Explorer. A local Ford dealer said that I would have to get a driveline disconnect but when I called REMCO about the disconnect they told me I shouldn't need one "just have Ford install the Chip". So, in Junction City the Ford dealer had it and installed for about $25 (in 07). Check with the people that know about towing with a motorhome. I'm sure Premier or Guaranty in Junction City would know. I towed that Explorer to Alaska and back and most of the Western States.

John

08 Intrigue #12235
10 Ford Escape