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WH347 · 08-28-2013, 09:14 AM

Final report for towing 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. We finished our trip, 8 states,27 days, 3,807 miles. After discovering the "magic" trick with the ignition key (which must be on the OFF position with the key in the ignition), we had no battery drain problems whatsoever. Car performed beautifully and we logged over 2,500 miles on the hybrid while unhooked from the RV. A great TOAD. We found we could run 6-8 hours before even doing anything with the car. Also have to say a good word about the Blue Ox Aventa tow bar and Blue Ox Baseplate which made hookups easy and painless. TheBlue Ox diode light controller took care of the taillights perfectly.
For those of you wanting to tow the Fusion hybrid or Lincoln MKX, go for it.

Some very relieved and happy Toad towers !

Wayne M · 08-28-2013, 09:42 AM

WH347,
I'm interested in your statement about the Lincoln MKX. I have a 2013 that I had the Blue Ox base plate installed. I have not towed it yet but as soon as we get back from this "car" trip we will be taking it on the road. I have the Intelligent Access system with the push button start - no key. Push once and it is in accessories mode. Put foot on brake and push and it starts. When running and the button is pushed it shuts off and remains in accessories until the door is open, then it is off.

The manual states to put it in accessories mode. The manual also states that after 10 minutes it will shut off automatically.

I'm going to follow the manual unless someone comes up with first hand experience ideas.

Thanks for the post and follow up.

jamesrxx951 · 08-28-2013, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winadventure

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.

The hybrid uses a ECVT transmission. This is basicly an electric motor with generator and a set of gears that are lubed independently. This is in no way similar to the standard hydraulic transmission (6F35) in the standard fusion/Escapes.

WH347 · 08-28-2013, 11:17 AM

Wayne

I believe since your MKX has no ignition key, that you will require a charge line to your car. From my experiences, two hours or less in accessory position drained the car battery. Once I turned the key off..no more problems. With the push button, you will have the battery drain problem unless you do. As far as neutral tow, is concerned with the cvt transmission, absolutely no problem and I 'exercised' the gears every four hours or so anyway. No smoke and no funny noises when driving the car 2,500 miles on its own at Glacier, Yellowstone, Teton, Badlands etc.

Good luck.
Bill