mlh wrote:

I just received an email response from Ford.....interesting.....I replied asking for clarification since it directly contradicts the supplement and what the person on the phone at Ford told me.

Thank you for contacting the Ford Customer Relationship Center.

My name is ******* and I had the opportunity to read your email inquiring about the Front-wheel drive towing on your 2012 Ford Escape. First, congratulations on your recent purchase and I am very pleased to welcome you to the Ford family. I appreciate you taking the time to write to us and consider our assistance in regard to this matter.

To assist you, I have personally checked your Owner's Manual on page 205 under the Tires, Wheel and Loading.

Your Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles can be towed with all four wheels on the ground or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment provider. If you are towing with all four wheels on the ground, refer to the towing instructions below.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles can be towed with all four wheels on the ground or with all four wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer. Do not tow your 4WD vehicle with the front wheels off the ground (by using a tow dolly) and the rear wheels on the ground; this will cause damage to your 4WD system. If you are using a vehicle transport trailer, follow the instruction specified by the equipment provider. If you are towing with all four wheels on the ground, refer to the towing instructions below.
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground:

• For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, have your transmission fluid level checked by an authorized dealer. For the correct transmission fluid level when flat towing (all four wheels on the ground)

• Tow only in the forward direction.
• Release the parking brake.
• Place the transmission shift lever in N (Neutral).
• Place the ignition to the accessory position • Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) if the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission or 70 mph (113 km/h) if equipped with a manual transmission.
• If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning of each day and every six hours thereafter. With the engine running and your foot on the brake, shift into D (Drive) and then into R (Reverse) before shifting back into N (Neutral).

If you need further clarification and assistance, I suggest you speak with Service Manager ******** of ********** Ford at (***) ***-****. He will further assist in facilitating your service needs. Our dealerships have factory trained technicians, comprehensive service information and specialized equipment to resolve any concerns on your vehicle. They serve as our technical experts and can recommend the necessary service for your vehicle.

I hope this experience will not affect your relationship with Ford Motor Company. Our intentions are not to inconvenience you in any way, our goal is to work with you to ensure that your concern will be properly addressed through the assistance of our dealership.

Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company.

Sincerely,


*****