Any Focus toads out there?

[raoulwv]

I just bought a new Ford Focus w/auto for a toad. The owners manual says to disconnect the neg. battery cable when towing. Before I contact Ford, and go through a bureaucratic nightmare, does anyone know why? Is it just to keep the battery from discharging or is there potential for damage to other components, e.g. transmission.

[RugRat]

Found this on another site, with a suggestion on how to make it easier:

The transmission is electric and if not detached per instructions it can cause a shift. I tow a 2012 Focus and I've mentioned this before, carry a 10mm socket on a 1/4" drive ratchet in a leather glove stuffed into your battery box. When it's time to go take the front and back cover off the battery box and loosen the cable, stuff the cable and the wrench back in the glove to keep it from making any contact with the positive cable and your off. It only takes a minute to follow the instructions. Before I realized there was a back cover on the battery I was loosening the battery itself to move it forward so I could get my hand on the negative cable, with the back cover removed, it's simple, quick, and to the book.

[Newellri]

I have to unhook the battery on my jeep. I put a switch in and just throw the switch when I tow, works good and is quick and easy.

[Preadus]

I was about to buy a focus to tow. After research I found out that many people had their transmissions blow out who did not disconnect the battery. Apparently it can accidentally shift into gear while driving if you don't. Doesn't happen every time, but it can happen. I opted for a different vehicle though. No because I was worried about the Focus, but my wife fell in love with the Juke.

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by Newellri

I have to unhook the battery on my jeep. I put a switch in and just throw the switch when I tow, works good and is quick and easy.

This is how it should be done, no lost or needed tools.
If you wish get one with a removable disconnect key.

https://www.google.com/#q=removable+disconnect+key

[Newellri]

I had one with a removable key and it failed after a couple of years and caused a lot of problems. Went with a knife type.

[Newellri]

I towed a ford focus, it was a stick. After we went to Branson I wanted rid of the focus! It worked good otherwise, very light.

[Mike001]

I towed my Focus w/ a tow dolly. I didn't have any extra brakes on it or the dolly. Only time I realized it was back there was accelerating out of toll booths, or changing lanes. I have a sunseeker 3010 Ford with the V10 450.

[BillMFl]

I tow my Focus with a tow dolly and of course since the rear wheels are not connected to the transmission there are no special requirements. The tow dolly has surge brakes and tows easily.

[raoulwv]

I found the solution I'm going to use on another forum. It basically entails disconnecting the neg battery cable, and then inserting another cable, switch and battery terminal in between.

Thanks

[awwall]

I have been towing a Focus for 2 years now with all 4 down. I installed a switch to disconnect the negative battery lead as others have done. Sure makes it easy!! Have had zero problems towing the Focus. Have a Brake Buddy for braking.