Do You Have To Disconnect the Battery to Flat Tow a 2015 Ford Fiesta?

Published 10/28/2016

Question:

Do you have to disconnect the battery to flat tow 2015 ford fiesta automatic ... owner manual says to turn key off after shifting into Neutral and seeing Transmission Ready on display. However, I cannot remove the key while in Neutral. Does the Key stay need to stay in but in the Off position. The connection between my RV and the Fiesta provides battery. So do I have to disconnect the battery?

asked by: John K

Expert Reply:

To Flat Tow your 2015 Ford Fiesta, you will need to disconnect the battery and your key will remain in your vehicle while in the off position. Complete instructions are found in your owners manual on page 152 under Recreational Towing.

"Note: There must be battery power to properly move the transmission’s internal components to neutral in step 3. Also, moving the gearshift to the neutral position without first turning the ignition to the on II position limits the towing capability to 35 mph (56 km/h) and 50 miles (80 kilometers).

1. Release the parking brake.
2. Switch the ignition to the on (II) position.
3. Press the brake pedal, then move the gearshift to the neutral position.
4. Wait for a message indicating that the transmission is ready in the information and entertainment display, then switch the ignition off and release the brake pedal.
5. Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery. The anti-theft system is disabled until the battery cable is reconnected. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 186). Note: The maximum towing speed is 70 mph (113 km/h). Note: There is no limit on towing distance. After towing, start the engine within 15 minutes of reconnecting the battery cable."

expert reply by: Jason S