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Old 03-06-2013, 10:42 AM   #1
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Can we tow a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid FLAT?

I have read some posts that seem to state that the FORD FUSION HYBRID with a CVT transmission is NOT FLAT TOWABLE. I am confused since everthing I can get my hands on states the contrary. I just received the 2013 Guide to DINGHY TOWING from MotorHome.com
It states that the FORD FUSION HYBRID is flat towable to 70 MPH. Additonally it states " Run engine at beginning of each day and every 6 hours therafter. Select "Neutral Tow" mode - refer to owners manual.
The 2013 FORD Wrecker towing manual states nothing to the contrary on the FORD FUSION HYBRID.
Does anyone out there know for sure?
This post was found on GREEN HYBRID

The [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]Fusion [COLOR=blue !important]Hybrid[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR], Escape Hybrid and Lincoln Hybrid all have the same drivetrain and the eCVT is flat towable with no mods. Check the motor home and RV websites for more information and details on hook-ups, brakes and lights. You need an unprogrammed key to shift out of Park into Neutral so no one can steal the vehicle.



I just sold our Chevy Tracker and was planning on installing a Blue-Ox base plate for the fusion hybrid and towing it.
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Old 03-06-2013, 11:53 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WH347 View Post
I have read some posts that seem to state that the FORD FUSION HYBRID with a CVT transmission is NOT FLAT TOWABLE. I am confused since everthing I can get my hands on states the contrary. I just received the 2013 Guide to DINGHY TOWING from MotorHome.com
It states that the FORD FUSION HYBRID is flat towable to 70 MPH. Additonally it states " Run engine at beginning of each day and every 6 hours therafter. Select "Neutral Tow" mode - refer to owners manual.
The 2013 FORD Wrecker towing manual states nothing to the contrary on the FORD FUSION HYBRID.
Does anyone out there know for sure?
This post was found on GREEN HYBRID

The [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]Fusion [COLOR=blue !important]Hybrid[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR], Escape Hybrid and Lincoln Hybrid all have the same drivetrain and the eCVT is flat towable with no mods. Check the motor home and RV websites for more information and details on hook-ups, brakes and lights. You need an unprogrammed key to shift out of Park into Neutral so no one can steal the vehicle.



I just sold our Chevy Tracker and was planning on installing a Blue-Ox base plate for the fusion hybrid and towing it.
The owners manual on my 2011 Fusion Hybrid (almost the same vehicle as 2010) has specific instructions on how to flat tow up to 75MPH:
~AC on recirculate to avoid exhaust into the car,
~Key in the ignition,
~Transmission lever in Neutral,
~Engine off,
~Parking brake disengaged.
...and Go!

Did you check your manual?...page 211 in my book.

Personally, I agree with the ~start the engine - transmission in Neutral each day or after 6 hours ~ stated above, just to force the fluid to run around in the CVT, but it's not mandatory according to the Mfgt.

Also, please note that there is NO alternator in a Ford Hybrid...the 12VDC battery is charged by the High Voltage Battery Pack through an inverter - BUT only while the drive system is operating. And if you let the 12VDC battery get too low, you have to jump start it, EVEN if the High Voltage battery is fully charged (never quite made sense to me). So, a quick start-up to charge the battery does not work...it requires a few minutes of operation (engine running or not) to top-off the 12VDC battery.

Best of luck and safe travels
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Old 03-06-2013, 01:38 PM   #3
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Go to this site and enter your vehicle information.

Store : Remco

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Old 03-06-2013, 01:46 PM   #4
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Here is Ford's 2010 Towing Guide.
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Old 03-06-2013, 08:46 PM   #5
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From the 2010 Fusion Hybrid manual second printing.

RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motor home.
Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to the Climate
Controls chapter for more information.
Note: If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow
these instructions after it is hooked-up to the RV or tow dolly:
• Tow only in the forward direction.
• Release the parking brake.
• Place the transmission shift lever in N (Neutral).
• Place the ignition in the accessory position (refer to Starting in the
Driving chapter).
• Your vehicle may be towed up to a speed of 75 mph (120 km/h), but
you should always obey local speed limits.
You also have the option of trailering the vehicle with its front wheels on
a dolly, or trailering with all four wheels off the ground.
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Old 03-08-2013, 03:35 PM   #6
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Yes it can be towed... I have been towing my wife's 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid since we purchased it new with NO problems.
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Old 03-09-2013, 07:59 AM   #7
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Thank you. Just the reassurance needed before buying the base plate.
How do you shut off your display screens?
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Old 03-09-2013, 08:57 AM   #8
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Haven't towed it since last fall and my wife usually takes care of that part, so we had to visit the garage and see how it works again.
Here's what we do,
Turn key all the way to Run position, put trans. in "N" (parking brake on if not level) than turn key all the way back (you will not be able to remove key because the trans is not in "P", the dash display will go off when you open the door.
Make sure everything else is off by pushing center of the knobs.
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Old 07-25-2013, 12:59 PM   #9
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Fusion/Escape

Believe me folks, these vehicles are NOT towable 4 down. Yes you can tow it around the corner but if you tow any distances the transmission will overheat and burn up. I followed all the rules (available at the time) and burned up a transmission. Trying to get answers from FORD is impossible. No body knows anything or is willing to admit to anything (then they would have to pay for it). The safest thing is not to tow them at all unless you put them on a dolly.
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Old 07-25-2013, 10:25 PM   #10
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Lots of people towing Ford Hybrids. Non Hybrid Fords are a different story.

I pulled my Cmax Hybrid (same drivetrain as the Focus) 3300 miles this winter with no problems.
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Old 07-26-2013, 06:27 AM   #11
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Thank you for your post on towing your hybrid! The post previously kept me awake last night! After numerous posts by folks who do tow hybrids flat and after verifying tow ability by Ford towing guide , Remco towing information , 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid owners manual, 2013 Motor home towing guide , Testimonials like yours , I spent the $$ to get a blue ox base plate and diode wiring kit and tested it out last week ( no problem) I begin a 3,300 mile trip next Thursday and I really appreciate you standing tall and making your post.
It is important that you pointed out that Hybrids use a CVT transmission and that is what makes them towable.
Non hybrids are another story!





Thank you Bill
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Old 07-26-2013, 06:39 PM   #12
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We have a Honda Insight hybrid with a CVT and our manual says to absolutely not flat tow. I've also seen discussions that CVTs should not be towed. I think I'd want a definitive answer from Ford.
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Old 07-27-2013, 07:28 AM   #13
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Not only does the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid owners manual indicate flat towing is ok, the 2010 Ford RV and towing guide, on page 14 states that as well. In my mind, that is definitive. Below is the link to that towing guide. Note: there is a published guide for each model year.

http://www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/27839012
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Old 08-09-2013, 07:46 AM   #14
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Good news for the folks wanting to know About towing FORD Fusion Hybrid or Lincoln MKX. We have successfully towed the hybrid now for over 2,000 miles. The only problem we had was in he first two days where whatever I did, the car battery would die. This is because the owners manual towing information states that the key must be I the "accessory" position. This is NOT true. The key actually goes to the OFF position and the key remains ignition with the key in neutral. No problem with the car, since we have driven it separately nearly 1,000 miles unhooked from the RV. I have encountered a lot of people asking about it on the road and many folks are looking for a small comfortable toad with good gas mileage. In our opinion, this is it.
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