Ford Fusion Manuals

Ford Fusion: Towing / Essential Towing Checks

Ford Fusion 2013–2020 Owners Manual / Towing / Essential Towing Checks

Follow these guidelines for safe towing:

  • Do not tow a trailer until you drive your vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
  • Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
  • See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper installation and adjustment specifications.
  • Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See your scheduled maintenance information.
  • If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency gives you.

You can find information on load specification terms found on the tire label and Safety Compliance label as well as instructions on calculating your vehicle's load in the Load Carrying chapter.

Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of your vehicle load when calculating the total vehicle weight.

Hitches

Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto the bumper or attaches to the axle.

Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the total trailer weight is on the tongue.

Safety Chains

Note: Never attach safety chains to the bumper.

Always connect the safety chains to the hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.

To connect the safety chains, cross them under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

WARNING: Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.

Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you install them properly and adjust them to the manufacturer's specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and federal regulations.

The rating for the tow vehicle's braking system operation is at the gross vehicle weight rating, not the gross combined weight rating.

Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1500 lb (680 kg) when load.

Trailer Lamps

WARNING: Never connect any trailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this may damage the electrical system resulting in fire. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible for assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be required.

Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake lights, turn

Before Towing a Trailer

Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.

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 connections and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
  • When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place the transmission in park (P) to aid engine and transmission cooling and to help A/C performance.
  • Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The speed control may turn off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
  • Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective.
  • If your transmission is equipped with a Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use this feature when towing. This provides engine braking and helps eliminate excessive transmission shifting for optimum fuel economy and transmission cooling.
  • Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
  • Avoid parking on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade:
    1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
    2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
    3. Place the transmission in park (P).
    4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels. Chocks are not included with your vehicle.

Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the water.

Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after removing the trailer from the water.

When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:

  • Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of the rear bumper.
  • Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 in (15 cm) above the bottom edge of the rear bumper.

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:

  • Causing internal damage to the components.
  • Affecting driveability, emissions, and reliability.

Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime you submerge the rear axle in water. Water may contaminate the rear axle lubricant, which is not a normal maintenance inspection item unless there is a possibility of a leak or other axle repair is required.

    Recommended Towing Weights

    Note: Do not exceed the trailer weight for your vehicle configuration listed in the chart below. Note: Make sure to take into consideration trailer frontal area...

    Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels

    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. If your vehicle becomes inoperable (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 and transmission configuration) under the followi..

    Other information:

    Ford Fusion 2013–2020 Owners Manual: Electromagnetic Compatibility


    WARNING: Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the airbag cover, on the side of the seatbacks (of the front seats), or in front seat areas that may come into contact with a deploying airbag. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash. WARNING: Do not fasten antenna cables to original vehicle wiring, fuel pipes and bra..

    Ford Fusion 2013–2020 Service Manual: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor. Removal and Installation


    Removal   WARNING: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may release hazardous chemicals if exposed to extreme mechanical damage. If these chemicals contact the skin or eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention. If any part of the battery is swallowed, contact a physician immediately. When disposing of Ti..

    Categories

    Child Safety Locks

    When these locks are set, the rear doors cannot be opened from the inside.

    Ford Fusion. Child Safety Locks

    read more

    Copyright © 2024 www.fofusion2.com