Community Forums

frog2 · 12-15-2014, 07:38 AM

Hi, I'm looking to flat tow a 2014 Ford Focus (manual) and owner's manual says to disconnect negative battery cable. Can anyone tell me WHY? Thank you

wingnut60 · 12-15-2014, 08:20 AM

Don't tow a car, but I think you have to have the ignition in 'on' so the steering wheel remains unlocked. Having the ignition on will keep several gadgets on also, and they recommend disconnecting the battery in order for it not to be dead when you want to use the car.

On a new car, if the battery won't last for several days, with AC and other items off, there is a separate problem. Also have to remember to have the headlights off "auto" if so equipped.

Again, since I don't tow a car, I may be wrong on all this.

Joe

f14av8r · 12-17-2014, 02:32 PM

The battery has to be disconnected to remove all power from the transmission. Otherwise the transmission may engage and cause serious damage. It is VERY important to follow the owners manual instructions precisely before towing a Focus.

frog2 · 12-18-2014, 05:49 AM

Thank you f14av8r, I understand about the battery disconnect for an automatic transmission. Would that also be the case for a manual one?

pcurt23 · 12-18-2014, 07:10 AM

The battery will run down. Ask me how I know. I now carry a battery charger with me. Follow your owners manual for towing and you will not void the warranty.

You could always put a cutoff switch under the hood.
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Syste...cut+off+switch

f14av8r · 12-19-2014, 04:44 AM

Hi Frog,
You won't have any problems with the transmission if it is a standard manual unit.

I looked at the 2014 Ford Focus Owners Manual which covers all versions of the vehicle. For a manual transmission it says:
Vehicles with a Manual Transmission
1. Release the parking brake.
2. Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
• The maximum towing speed is 70 mph (113 km/h).
• There is no limitation on towing distance.

And that's all. It does not say to disconnect the battery cable for the manual transmission. Just put the shifter in neutral and go! Because the steering wheel doesn't lock, you can leave the car completely off and not worry about the battery running down. Now, if you use a supplemental braking system that plugs into the cigarette lighter port you would need to get power from somewhere or the battery would run down eventually. You could supply charge power (google - Toad Charge) to keep the battery powered / charging using the coach power.

Hope that helps!

frog2 · 12-20-2014, 06:03 AM

Thank you to all for the help on the battery disconnect issue. We've gotten conflicting information but now believe we have it straight. thank you ALL for the help and in closing. NO battery disconnect for a 2014 Focus w/manual transmission. Yea!!!!!