Ford Fiesta S question

[ctpres]

We have 2014 five speed manual and have almost 7,000 miles of flat towing with no problem. Had occasion to reread owners manual the other day and discovered we should have been putting key switch in ACC position all this time. Does anyone know why the key is supposed to be on?

[Solask]

Can't imagine why that is needed unless your steering wheel is locked when key is OFF. Does your steering wheel lock when key is off? For flat towing, you want the wheel unlocked..

[ctpres]

Originally Posted by Rkh

Can't imagine why that is needed unless your steering wheel is locked when key is OFF. Does your steering wheel lock when key is off? For flat towing, you want the wheel unlocked..

No steering wheel lock.

[lllkrob]

That's not all that unusual to have a technical point such as this wrong in the manual. Owner's manuals are not completely re-written each year. When a minor technical point such as this changes it can be several years before the manual is updated. The manuals are not written by the engineers, they are written by the marketing and legal departments in consultation with engineering, so things do get missed. I know, I spent 30 years working in engineering with a major automotive manufacturer.

[BFlinn181]

Does your odometer register miles towed with key off? Perhaps with key in ACC the odometer registers miles towed. If you've had no issues in 7,000 miles, keep the key in your pocket!