Flat Towing a 2013 Ford Fiesta with Automatic Transmission

Updated 06/08/2022 | Published 06/07/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

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Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

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$1499.95

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

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$850.00

Roadmaster Accessory Kit for Falcon Tow Bars - Tail Light Wiring - Safety Cables - Lock Set

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$317.68

Question:

Flat towing a 2013 automatic transmission ford fiesta. Just disconnect battery?

asked by: Daniel L

Expert Reply:

To flat tow your 2013 Ford Fiesta, you will need a Roadmaster Base Plate Kit, # 524425-1. The Roadmaster # RM-520 Falcon Tow Bar, and the towing kit # RM-9243-1 which includes parts for lighting, safety cables, locks and covers. Along with the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR braking system.

I recommend that you refer to your vehicle specific Owners Manual under "Recreational Towing" for further guidelines on setting up to flat tow. The copy I found online, has this section beginning on page 171 and states as follows:

Vehicles with an Automatic Transmission but No Push Button Start System

Note: There must be battery power to properly move the transmission’s internal components to position N in Step 3. In addition, moving the gearshift to position N 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. Turn the ignition to the on (II) position.
3. Press the brake pedal, then move the gearshift to position N.
4. Wait for TRANSMISSION READY to appear in the multi-function display, then turn the ignition to the off (0) position and release the brake pedal.
5. Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery. (The anti-theft system does not function until the battery cable is reconnected.) See Changing the vehicle battery in the Maintenance chapter when disconnecting and reconnecting the battery cable.
• The maximum towing speed is 70 mph (113 km/h).
• There is no limitation on towing distance.
When done towing, start the engine within 15 minutes of reconnecting the battery cable. When reconnecting that cable, tighten it until it is snug against the terminal. Be careful not to over-tighten.