Community Forums

yasbush · 03-19-2025, 04:08 PM

When preparing the vehicle to tow, once the transmission reads ready to tow, do you turn the key off immediately or wait for the blue line on the bottom to complete. After the Blue line on the bottom completes it then changes to put in park. Do I wait until this point to turn off? This part isn't clear. Haven't towed yet and don't want to mess up. Tia.

theroc · 03-22-2025, 04:21 PM

Everything I've read about the procedure on flat towing a Focus says that you should immediately turn the ignition off after seeing the "transmission ready" message.

edited to add: I just glanced at the owner's manual and there's nothing that says you should wait until a "put in park" message appears. My interpretation of the manual implies you should immediately turn the ignition off after seeing the "ready" message.

If you've misplaced your manual, I've attached a screenshot of the page giving the procedure (page 184). I've outlined in yellow the procedure if you have an ignition key --if you have a push button start, the procedure is similar and giving on the other side of the page. And if you need the full PDF version of the manual, you can go here:

2018 Ford Focus Owner's Manual

The only other thing that I remember reading about the Focus is that it is important to disconnect the battery to make sure transmission problems do not occur.

I've never owned a Focus, so again, I'm just going by what I remember others reporting. But let's see if any Focus owners respond to your inquiry.

.

yasbush · 03-23-2025, 03:03 AM

I have the manual. I read it the same as you. I was just wondering if the blue line completing has any significance. After completing the message changes to put in park. Does that mean it's in neutral? Thanks for looking into it. Hope someone actually towing a 2018 focus can verify either way. Getting ready to tow for the first time next week. Gonna go with turning off as soon as transmission ready message comes on. Thanks again.

yasbush · 03-25-2025, 04:21 AM

I just came back from the local Ford dealer. Service boss said let the line complete. I tested it both ways and upon completion they both say put into park when before starting when done. Assuming both ways puts it in neutral.

yasbush · 03-25-2025, 07:30 PM

Got my answer from the local Ford dealer service manager. Wait for the line to complete. Turn key off. Disconnect battery. Key will turn to completely off, next position and can be removed. Towed today for the first time. All went perfect. 12V line for my brake buddy drew very little power, pleasantly surprised.