Escape 2WD L4-2.5L Hybrid (2010)
Towing Information: Technical Service Bulletins
A/T - Vehicle Flat Towing Guidelines
TSB 09-20-13
10/19/09
6F35 TRANSMISSION - RECREATIONAL TOWING -
VEHICLE WITH ALL 4 WHEELS ON THE GROUND -
EXPANDED GUIDELINES TO PREVENT
TRANSMISSION DAMAGE
FORD:
2010 Fusion
2009-2010 Escape
MERCURY:
2010 Milan
2009-2010 Mariner
ISSUE
Some 2009-2010 Escape, Mariner, 2010 Fusion and Milan vehicles equipped with a 6F35 automatic transmission, may experience transmission shift
concerns after towing the vehicle with all 4 wheels on the ground (Flat tow) such as behind a motor home or a truck. The transmission shift concern may
be caused by heat build up in the transmission due to the transmission fluid level being too high, towing speeds above 65 MPH (105 Km/h) and/or not
stopping to run the engine at idle for 5 minutes every six hours or less, to cool the transmission.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
There are specific instructions listed in the Owner Guide that must be followed to recreational tow/flat tow/tow a vehicle with all 4 tires on the ground.
Advise customers of the following expanded recreational towing guidelines.
1. Transmission fluid level must be checked at operating temperature of 185 °F - 200 °F (85 °C - 93 °C), per Workshop Manual (WSM), Section
307-01. At this temperature, adjust fluid level between minimum line and the minimum hole at the bottom of the hash marks on dipstick. This level is
within the safe operating fluid level and does not require the customer to have the fluid level readjusted after flat tow operation. (Figure 1)
2. Maximum towing speed is 65 MPH (105 Km/h).
3. Do not flat tow the vehicle for greater than 6 hours at a time.
4. Start and run the engine for:
a. 5 minutes before towing each day
b. 5 minutes every 6 hours or less.
c. While running the engine at idle for 5 minutes, with foot on the brake, shift through all gears.
