Ford Escape 2011 Owner's Manual page 204

Tires, Wheels and Loading
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.
These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle after it
is hooked-up to the RV or tow dolly.
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), refer to Transmission fluid in the Maintenance and
Specifications chapter.
• 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 (refer to Starting in the
Driving chapter).
• 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).
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2011 Escape (204)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)