Get Towing Guide for Ford Focus 4 Door 2023

Towing

TOWING A TRAILER - 4-DOOR

WARNING: The anti-lock brake

system does not control the trailer

brakes.

WARNING: Your vehicle is not

approved for trailer towing. Never tow a

trailer with your vehicle.

When towing a trailer:

•

Obey country specific regulations for

towing a trailer.

TOWINGATRAILER-5-DOOR/

WAGON

•

Do not exceed 100 km/h (60 mph)

even if a country allows higher speeds

under certain conditions.

•

Place loads as low as possible and

central to the axle of your trailer. If you

are towing with an unloaded vehicle,

you should place the load in your trailer

toward the front, within the maximum

vertical load, as this gives the best

stability.

WARNING: Do not exceed

100 km/h (60 mph). Failure to follow

this instruction could result in the loss of

control of your vehicle, personal injury or

death.

WARNING: The rear tire pressures

must be increased by 0.2 bar (3 psi)

above specification. Do not exceed the

maximum pressure stated on the tire

sidewall. This could cause serious

personal injury.

•

The trailer vertical weight on the tow

ball is essential for the driving stability

of your vehicle and trailer.

The vertical weight on the tow ball

should be at least 4% of the trailer

weight and not exceed the maximum

permissible weight.

WARNING: Do not exceed the

maximum gross vehicle weight stated

on the vehicle identification plate. Failure

to follow this instruction could result in

personal injury.

•

Reduce speed immediately if the trailer

shows any sign of swaying. See Trailer

Sway Control (page 379).

Use a low gear when descending a

steep slope.

WARNING: Towing trailers beyond

the maximum recommended gross

trailer weight exceeds the limit of your

vehicle and could result in engine

damage, transmission damage,

structural damage, loss of vehicle

control, vehicle rollover and personal

injury.

Note: We recommend that you use a trailer

safety cable. Read and follow the

manufacturer's instructions when you use

a trailer safety cable.

Note: The maximum permissible trailer

vertical weight on the trailer identification

plate is the trailer manufacturer’s testing

value. The vehicle maximum permissible

trailer vertical weight may be lower.

WARNING: Do not exceed the

maximum vertical load on the tow ball.

Failure to follow this instruction could

result in the loss of control of your

vehicle, personal injury or death.

The stability of your vehicle-to-trailer

combination depends on the quality of the

trailer.

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Towing

Towing a trailer changes the handling

characteristics of your vehicle and

increases stopping distances. Adapt your

speed and driving behaviour to the load of

the trailer.

Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to

do so. Check the vertical weight on the tow

ball and trailer load distribution. See

Capacities and Specifications (page

471). See Load Carrying (page 370).

The gross train weight stated on the

vehicle identification plate applies for road

gradients up to 12% and altitudes up to

1,000 m (3,281 ft) when towing a trailer. In

mountainous regions the engine

Note: This feature does not prevent trailer

sway, but reduces it once it begins.

Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers

from swaying.

Note: In some cases, if your vehicle speed

is too high, the system may turn on multiple

times, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.

performance decreases due to lower air

density with increasing altitude. In high

altitude regions above 1,000 m (3,281 ft),

you should reduce the stipulated

maximum permitted gross train weight by

TOW BALL - VEHICLES WITH:

DETACHABLE TOW BALL

10% for every additional 1,000 m (3,281 ft).

Note: Not all vehicles are suitable or

approved to have a tow bar fitted. Ask an

authorized dealer for more information.

WARNING: Do not exceed the

lowest rating capacity for your vehicle or

trailer hitch. Overloading your vehicle or

trailer hitch can impair your vehicle

stability and handling. Failure to follow

this instruction could result in the loss of

control of your vehicle, personal injury or

death.

TRAILER SWAY CONTROL

If the trailer begins to sway the stability

control warning lamp flashes in the

information display. The system applies

the brakes to the individual wheels and

reduces engine torque to aid vehicle

stability.

WARNING: Do not cut, drill, weld

or modify the trailer hitch. Modifying the

trailer hitch could reduce the hitch rating.

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Towing

A

B

C

D

F

E

E269049

A

B

C

D

E

F

Trailer safety cable attachment point.

Tow ball arm in tow position.

Handwheel.

Key.

Protective cap.

Trailer wiring connection socket.

Never unlock or detach the tow ball arm

with a trailer attached.

Do not disassemble or repair the tow ball

arm.

Do not use any tools to detach the tow ball

Detaching the Tow Ball Arm

arm.

WARNING: Always place the tow

ball arm in a secure location in your

vehicle so it does not become a projectile

in a crash. Failure to follow this

instruction could result in personal injury

or death.

You must detach the tow ball arm when

not in use. Securely stow the tow ball arm

in the luggage compartment.

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Towing

2

1

3

E269050

E265433

1. Remove the protective cap.

7. Insert the blanking plug.

2. Insert the key and turn it clockwise to

Attaching the Tow Ball Arm

unlock the handwheel.

Do not use any tools to attach the tow ball

3. Hold the tow ball arm. Pull the

handwheel outward and turn it fully

clockwise until it clicks.

arm.

Note: You can only attach the tow ball arm

if it is unlocked.

Note: The red mark on the handwheel must

be within the green line on the tow ball arm.

4. Release the handwheel.

5. Pull the tow ball arm downward to

remove it.

6. Turn the trailer wiring connection

socket upward through 90 degrees

until it engages in the end position.

E265433

1. Remove the blanking plug.

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Towing

2

3

2

1

E269051

E269052

2. Fully insert the tow ball arm until it

engages. Do not hold the handwheel.

Note: The green mark on the handwheel

must be within the green line on the tow ball

arm.

3. Insert the key and turn it

counterclockwise to lock the

handwheel.

1. The green mark on the handwheel is

within the green line on the tow ball

arm.

2. You have locked the handwheel.

3. You have removed the key.

Do not use the tow ball arm if any of these

cannot be met. Have your vehicle checked

as soon as possible.

4. Fit the protective cap. Fully push it back

Tow Ball Arm Guidelines

over the lock.

5. Turn the trailer wiring connection

socket downward through 90 degrees

until it engages in the end position.

•

Replacement keys are available. We

recommend that you record the key

number on the lock cylinder.

•

Keep the system clean. Periodically

lubricate bearings, sliding surfaces and

locking balls with resin-free grease or

oil. Lubricate the lock with graphite.

Tow Ball Arm Safety Checks

After you attach the tow ball arm, check

the following:

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Towing

•

Remove the trailer wiring plug from the

TOW BALL - VEHICLES WITH:

RETRACTABLE TOW BALL

trailer wiring connection socket when

not in use. Failure to do so may result

in corrosion of the trailer wiring

connection socket. Regularly clean the

trailer wiring connection socket and

make sure the socket cover is fully

closed.

WARNING: Do not exceed the

lowest rating capacity for your vehicle or

trailer hitch. Overloading your vehicle or

trailer hitch can impair your vehicle

stability and handling. Failure to follow

this instruction could result in the loss of

control of your vehicle, personal injury or

death.

If you use a high pressure water jet to

clean your vehicle, disconnect the

trailer wiring plug. Do not aim the water

jet directly at the trailer wiring

connection socket. We recommend

that you detach the tow ball arm

before washing your vehicle.

WARNING: Do not cut, drill, weld

or modify the trailer hitch. Modifying the

trailer hitch could reduce the hitch rating.

A

B

C

D

E265649

A

B

C

D

Trailer safety cable attachment point.

Trailer wiring connection socket.

Tow ball arm in tow position.

Tow ball arm in stowed position.

Do not touch the tow ball arm when it is

deploying to the released position.

Do not use the tow ball arm if no tones

sound when deploying the tow ball arm or

when you lock it into position. Have your

vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Do not disassemble or repair the tow ball

arm or mechanism.

Deploying the Tow Ball Arm

Do not use your foot or any tools to deploy

the tow ball arm.

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Towing

The tow ball arm does not deploy if any of

the following occur:

3. Manually move the tow ball arm into

the tow position. Make sure the tow

ball arm locks into position.

Note: The LED on the button stops flashing

and a double tone sounds when the tow

ball arm locks into position.

Note: A warning tone sounds for up to 30

seconds if the tow ball arm remains in an

unlocked position.

•

Your vehicle is moving.

The trailer wiring connection socket

has a trailer wiring plug attached to it.

•

The vehicle battery is not fully charged.

If the deploy process is interrupted, for

example tow ball arm movement is

obstructed or the power supply is lost, the

system must be reset. To reset the system

fully repeat the process.

2x

Check the following:

•

Make sure the tow ball arm is fully

locked. It must not move if jerked or

when you attach a trailer.

E237201

•

The LED is not flashing and no warning

1. Press the button. It is on the right hand

side of the luggage compartment.

tones sound.

Note: If these cannot be met, do not use

the tow ball arm. Have your vehicle checked

as soon as possible.

Note: The LED on the button illuminates

and a double tone sounds.

Retracting the Tow Ball Arm

You must retract the tow ball arm when

not in use.

Do not use your foot or any tools to retract

the tow ball arm.

Do not touch the tow ball arm when it is

E265650

retracting to the released position.

2. Press the button again within four

seconds to deploy the tow ball arm to

the released position.

Note: The LED on the button flashes and a

series of tones sound when the tow ball arm

deploys and reaches the released position.

Note: If you do not press the button again

within four seconds, the system signals

completion without deploying the tow ball

arm. If the LED rapidly flashes and a high

pitch tone sounds, repeat the process.

Never retract the tow ball arm with a trailer

attached. This can cause damage not

covered by the vehicle Warranty.

The tow ball arm does not retract if any of

the following occur:

•

Your vehicle is moving.

The trailer wiring connection socket

has a trailer wiring plug attached to it.

•

The vehicle battery is not fully charged.

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Towing

1. Disconnect the trailer wiring plug and

Note: The LED on the button stops flashing

and a double tone sounds when the tow

ball arm locks into position.

unhitch the trailer or load carrier.

Note: A warning tone sounds for up to 30

seconds if the tow ball arm remains in an

unlocked position.

Tow Ball Arm Guidelines

•

The tow ball arm mechanism is

maintenance free. Do not grease or oil

the mechanism.

2x

•

Remove the trailer wiring plug from the

trailer wiring connection socket when

not in use. Failure to do so may result

in corrosion of the trailer wiring

connection socket. Clean the trailer

wiring connection socket regularly and

make sure the socket cover is fully

closed.

E237201

2. Press the button. It is on the right hand

side of the luggage compartment.

Note: The LED on the button illuminates

and a double tone sounds.

•

If you use a high pressure water jet to

clean your vehicle, disconnect the

trailer wiring plug. Do not aim the water

jet directly at the trailer wiring

connection socket. We recommend

that you retract the tow ball arm before

washing your vehicle.

E265650

TOWING THE VEHICLE ON

FOUR WHEELS - 6-SPEED

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

3. Press the button again within four

seconds to retract the tow ball arm to

the released position.

Note: The LED on the button flashes and a

series of tones sound when the tow ball arm

retracts and reaches the released position.

Note: If you do not press the button again

within four seconds, the system signals

completion without retracting the tow ball

arm. If the LED rapidly flashes and a high

pitch tone sounds, repeat the process.

4. Manually move the tow ball arm into

the stowed position. Make sure the tow

ball arm locks into position.

WARNING: You must switch the

ignition on when your vehicle is being

towed. Failure to follow this warning

could seriously increase the risk of injury

or death.

WARNING: You must make sure

the transmission selector lever is placed

in position N. Failure to follow this

warning could damage the transmission

and may lead to a crash or injury.

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Towing

Note: If you need to exceed a speed of

50 km/h (30 mph) and a distance of 80 km

(50 mi) while towing, you must lift the drive

wheels clear of the ground.

WARNING: The brake and steering

assistance will not operate unless the

engine is running. Press the brake pedal

harder and allow for increased stopping

distances and heavier steering. Failure

to take care may lead to a crash or

personal injury.

Note: We recommend you do not tow with

the drive wheels on the ground. However, if

it is required to move the vehicle from a

dangerous location, do not tow your vehicle

faster than 50 km/h (30 mph) or farther

than 80 km (50 mi).

WARNING: If your vehicle has a

steering wheel lock, make sure the

ignition is in the accessory or on position

before you tow.

WARNING: In the event of a

mechanical failure of the transmission,

do not use individual axle carriers. All

wheels must be lifted clear of the ground

on a level platform.

WARNING: Too much tension on

a tow rope could cause damage to your

vehicle or the vehicle that is towing.

WARNING: Do not tow your vehicle

if the ambient temperature is below 0°C

(32°F).

Drive off slowly and smoothly without

jerking the vehicle that is being towed.

You must only use the towing eye that was

delivered with your vehicle. See Towing

Points (page 392).

Tow ropes or rigid towing bars must be

placed on the same side. For example; right

hand rear towing point to right hand front

towing point.

You must use a tow rope or rigid towing

bar that is of the correct strength for the

weight of the towing vehicle and the

vehicle that is being towed.

WARNING: Do not tow your vehicle

backward.

Emergency Towing

If your vehicle is disabled without access

to wheel dollies, a car-hauling trailer, or a

flatbed transport vehicle it can be

flat-towed with all wheels on the ground.

You may do this under the following

conditions:

Note: Using a rigid towing bar is the safest

•

Your vehicle is facing forward so that

way to tow a vehicle.

it is towed in a forward direction.

The weight of the vehicle that is being

towed must not exceed the weight of the

towing vehicle.

•

The transmission selector lever is

placed in position N. If the transmission

gear shift lever cannot be moved to

position N, it may need to be

overridden. See Automatic

Transmission (page 241).

•

Maximum speed is 50 km/h (30 mph).

Maximum distance is 80 km (50 mi).

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Towing

The weight of the vehicle that is being

TOWING THE VEHICLE ON

FOUR WHEELS - MANUAL

TRANSMISSION

towed must not exceed the weight of the

towing vehicle.

Do not exceed 50 km/h (31 mph).

TOWING THE VEHICLE ON

FOUR WHEELS - 7-SPEED

AUTOMATICTRANSMISSION/

8-SPEED AUTOMATIC

TRANSMISSION

If you need to tow your vehicle, contact a

professional towing service or, if you are a

member of a roadside assistance program,

your roadside assistance service provider.

WARNING: You must switch the

ignition on when your vehicle is being

towed. Failure to follow this warning

could seriously increase the risk of injury

or death.

WARNING: The brake and steering

assistance will not operate unless the

engine is running. Press the brake pedal

harder and be aware of increased

stopping distances and heavier steering.

WARNING: If your vehicle has a

steering wheel lock make sure the

ignition is in the accessory or on position

when being towed.

WARNING: Too much tension on

a tow rope could cause damage to your

vehicle or the vehicle that is towing.

WARNING: When towing your

vehicle you must select neutral. Failure

to follow this warning could damage the

transmission and may lead to a crash or

injury.

Drive off slowly and smoothly without

jerking the vehicle you are towing.

You must only use the towing eye that was

delivered with your vehicle. See Towing

Points (page 392).

Tow ropes or rigid towing bars must be

placed on the same side. For example; right

hand rear towing point to right hand front

towing point.

You must use a tow rope or rigid towing

bar that is of the correct strength for the

weight of the towing vehicle and the

vehicle that is being towed.

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Focus (CGE) Vehicles Built From: 15-03-2021, CG3784en enGBR, Edition date: 202012, First-Printing

Towing for Your Ford Focus 4 Door 2023

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