Wheels Lock Up On 2020 Lincoln Nautilus With Battery Disconnected

Updated 01/21/2021 | Published 01/20/2021

Question:

We are using Blue Ox tow bar and base plate along with Roadmaster diode wiring kit which you recommended. As with all our RV needs, all were purchased from our longtime supplier etrailer, after watching Daves video. Tow set up was professionally installed. The problem is that as soon as we engage the battery disconnect switch, the Nautilus wheels wont turn not good for towing! We have successfully towed about 3,000 miles without disconnecting, but when battery gets low, rear wheels lock up not good. It seems you are our last best hope. Your expert advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for being there when weve needed you!

asked by: Larry L

Expert Reply:

I did some research on the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and I believe what you need to do to keep the vehicle in neutral with the battery disconnected is go through the "ACTIVATING THE MANUAL PARK RELEASE CABLE" procedure in the manual which I have also attached for you below.

ACTIVATING THE MANUAL PARK RELEASE CABLE
Apply the parking brake
Note: If vehicle battery is dead, for example, no electrical power available, an external power may be required to apply the parking brake.
Locate the manual park release cable access cover under the dash, below the steering wheel.
Using a tool, carefully remove the screw from the access cover and open.
Note: Do not pull the tether until you are in the driver seat.
Switch the ignition on, but do not start your vehicle.
Once in driver seat, fully apply the brake pedal and hold. Do not release. Pull the orange tether outward towards the driver, move the tether to the lower right-hand corner to seat the metal bead in the pocket, locking it in the override position. If done correctly, a message on the instrument cluster displays "Park Not Available, Transmission Not In Park or Shift System Fault".
Note: Your vehicle is now out of the park (P) position and is free to roll.
With your foot still fully applied on the brake pedal, disengage the parking brake.
Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) for emergency towing purposes.
Switch off the ignition.
Once safe to do so, and there is no risk that your vehicle will roll, disconnect the negative (black) battery cable from the battery.