wolfe10 wrote: Though I don't see it in your write-up I assume this is a manual transmission Focus???
Ford does not offer a traditional automatic for the 2012 Focus in the U.S. The "automatic" is a double-clutch manual shifted by a computer instead of by hand.
the Motorhome magazine latest Dinghy Roundup says that "the Ford FOCUS two thousand twelve (both manual and automatic) can be towed four down> automatic transmission must be in NEUTRAL during four down towing (ignition must be "on" before shifting into NEUTRAL)> See owners guide for more details"
The smart car that I tow has a 5-speed manual transmission, but because it has no clutch pedal on the floor it is referred to as an "automated manual" transmission. It's still a manual transmission but the computer controls the shifting and the clutch - hence the manual transmission that is automated.
2005 Cruise America 28R (Four Winds 28R) on a 2004 Ford E450 SD 6.8L V10 4R100
2009 smart fortwo Passion with Roadmaster "Falcon 2" towbar & tail light kit - pictures
gotsmart wrote: The smart car that I tow has a 5-speed manual transmission, but because it has no clutch pedal on the floor it is referred to as an "automated manual" transmission. It's still a manual transmission but the computer controls the shifting and the clutch - hence the manual transmission that is automated.
That is correct. Smart cars are only available with standard transmissions. They have no clutch pedal and the computer looks after removing throttle, applying the clutch, changing gears and reapplying the throttle. That is why some feel the smart tranmission is jerky. Of course it is, it is a standard tranmission. DOT made mercedes change the gear shifter to read "D R N" for US models so it would "look" like an automatic transmission and a "creep" feature was added for US models to make it creep like an automatic transmission...(essentially it rides the clutch)
There are five drivetrain configurations of drive train available for the smart, the US version only has the one gas non turbo engine available but this may change in 2014. There are no plans to bring the diesel to the US market. The diesel is not approved for 4 down towing.
2003 Revolution 40C Class A. 2002 Vanguard 22 foot Class C. Diesel smart car Toad or pulling a 2009 Timeout Tent Trailer.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but rather by the moments that take our breath away.
I see plenty of statements to the effect: "Believe the owners manual". I get a chuckle every time I read that.
Manuals and consumer documentation are NOT assigned the importance they once warranted. Documentation departments are cost centers that many manufacturers now try to minimize. As a result: There are more errors than in the past when documentation was properly funded. And don't forget: Manufacturing isn't the only thing being outsourced nowadays.
The owners manual for my 2010 Fusion says the key MUST be in the ignition and turned on while being towed. The manual then explicitly says this restriction is for automatic AND manual transmissions.
It is in the manual, so it must be right! Wrong.
The requirement for a key in the ignition is a carryover from the previous year when Fusions had mechanical steering column locks. In 2010, the steering lock was removed after the Fusion was upgraded with an electronic anti-theft device. Starting in 2010, the manual transmission model does NOT need the key in the ignition. (FWIW: The automatic model still needs a key in the ignition since it has a mechanical transmission level lock that prevents you from selecting neutral). My Ford dealer said the owners manual was correct. The person answering the Ford 800 help number said the manual was correct. Finally, after a couple of months of emails, the documentation manager at Ford replied and told me I was indeed correct.
Given the low priority that product documentation gets these days, I would think twice before believing everything I read. If something doesn't make sense to you, keep digging. You could very well be right.
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Happy Ford F-53 Class A Owner (2008 Gulf Stream)
2010 Ford Fusion Toad (with 6 speed manual transmission - the only way to tow)
Brake Buddy Vantage, Blue Ox Aladdin Tow Bar,
TST RV 507 TPMS, Power Master Voltage Controller
ClassAGeek wrote: I see plenty of statements to the effect: "Believe the owners manual". I get a chuckle every time I read that.
Manuals and consumer documentation are NOT assigned the importance they once warranted. Documentation departments are cost centers that many manufacturers now try to minimize. As a result: There are more errors than in the past when documentation was properly funded. And don't forget: Manufacturing isn't the only thing being outsourced nowadays.
The owners manual for my 2010 Fusion says the key MUST be in the ignition and turned on while being towed. The manual then explicitly says this restriction is for automatic AND manual transmissions.
It is in the manual, so it must be right! Wrong.
The requirement for a key in the ignition is a carryover from the previous year when Fusions had mechanical steering column locks. In 2010, the steering lock was removed after the Fusion was upgraded with an electronic anti-theft device. Starting in 2010, the manual transmission model does NOT need the key in the ignition. (FWIW: The automatic model still needs a key in the ignition since it has a mechanical transmission level lock that prevents you from selecting neutral). My Ford dealer said the owners manual was correct. The person answering the Ford 800 help number said the manual was correct. Finally, after a couple of months of emails, the documentation manager at Ford replied and told me I was indeed correct.
Given the low priority that product documentation gets these days, I would think twice before believing everything I read. If something doesn't make sense to you, keep digging. You could very well be right.
Would have thought that we all learned that from the GM Chevy Cruze owners manual boondoggle.
sjn7708 wrote: demco makes a baseplate, they just recommended a pump as well,.
the 2012 ford focus that i have is auto
the 2012 is an all new focus, so the 2010 info may not apply.
motorhome hagazine and ford say 2011 has restrictons but 2012 does not have any four down towing restrictions besides speed limit of 70 mph.
IF affordable and would not void the warranty, I would consider adding the pump and be done with it. One can go on with this he said, she said stuff for a long time.
sjn7708 wrote: demco makes a baseplate, they just recommended a pump as well,.
the 2012 ford focus that i have is auto
the 2012 is an all new focus, so the 2010 info may not apply.
motorhome hagazine and ford say 2011 has restrictons but 2012 does not have any four down towing restrictions besides speed limit of 70 mph.
IF affordable and would not void the warranty, I would consider adding the pump and be done with it. One can go on with this he said, she said stuff for a long time.
You gotta be kidding - - spending money for a lube pump that you don't need. In any case, what is a lube pump going to do in an automated manual transmission that doesn't have a torque converter and doesn't use automatic transmission fluid???
Doug
2006 Jayco Greyhawk Model 27DS
Towing 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid with Brake Buddy
... spending money for a lube pump that you don't need. In any case, what is a lube pump going to do in an automated manual transmission that doesn't have a torque converter and doesn't use automatic transmission fluid???
I must agree. Pumping transmission oil isn't going to accomplish much in this instance since the gearbox will be 100% stationary. The manufacturer is just covering their backside by suggesting such a drivetrain can't be towed 4 down.
... spending money for a lube pump that you don't need. In any case, what is a lube pump going to do in an automated manual transmission that doesn't have a torque converter and doesn't use automatic transmission fluid???
I must agree. Pumping transmission oil isn't going to accomplish much in this instance since the gearbox will be 100% stationary. The manufacturer is just covering their backside by suggesting such a drivetrain can't be towed 4 down.
The manufacturer (Ford) is not suggesting that the 2012 Focus cannot be towed 4 down. Quite the opposite! Ford says that it CAN be towed 4 down. The problem is that Demco apparently doesn't think so and suggests adding a lube pump. Perhaps they don't understand the major changes made in the automatic transmission from the 2011 to the 2012 model year. The 2011 Focus did need a lube pump but the 2012 model does NOT.
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. The manufacturer is just covering their backside by suggesting such a drivetrain can't be towed 4 down. 
