RTS 2002 Towing Manual
Ford Motor Company salutes the towing industry and applauds you for your many fine years of service to the automotive industry. We will continue to work with you to provide our customers and yours with damage-free towing. This manual contains the latest towing procedures for 2002 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury passenger cars and light trucks. As you turn the pages of this book, you will find the instructions easy to follow with clear illustrations showing the correct hook-up for damage-free towing.
As an additional safety measure, be sure you use safety chains on every tow, including wheel lift and flat bed hook-ups. This will prevent you from losing the vehicle in the event of equipment failure or vehicle breakage at the tow chain attachment.
New materials and aerodynamic styling require new methods of towing to eliminate the possibility of vehicle towing damage. Wheel lifts and flatbed equipment are required to tow many vehicles. Refer to the instructions given for the specific vehicle you are towing.
Preparatory Steps
Release the parking brake, and place transmission/transaxle in NEUTRAL. As a general rule, vehicles should be towed with the drive wheels off the ground. If the vehicle is to be towed on its drive wheels, the transmission/transaxle and differential must be operable. If the transmission/transaxle is not operable, place the rear wheels on a dolly or disconnect the rear driveshaft on rear wheel drive vehicles. DO NOT disconnect the driveshaft on Lincoln LS, Thunderbird or Mustang; refer to the caution in Lincoln LS, Thunderbird or Mustang portion of this manual. If the differential is not operable, place the rear wheels on a dolly. When a vehicle is towed on its front wheels, the steering wheel must be clamped in the straight ahead position with a steering wheel clamping device designed for towing service use, such as those provided by towing system manufacturers. Do not use the vehicle’s steering column lock to lock the wheels in a straight ahead position when towed from the front or rear. If the ignition key is not available, place a dolly underneath the driving wheels of the vehicle and tow with the non-drive wheels raised.
Flat Beds
When using a flatbed to transport a vehicle, always use T-hooks inserted in the appropriate tie down slot. Never fasten J-hooks to any suspension or driveline component because J-hooks will damage driveline and suspension components. When using winches, take care to avoid damaging the bumper system, lower body panels, or air dams. On vehicles equipped with an air suspension system, be sure the air suspension service switch is turned off prior to vehicle tie down. Refer to Owner Guide for switch location.
CAUTION: Improperly tying down a disabled vehicle may damage the vehicle’s suspension, driveline or body parts.
Towing Slings
To avoid possible damage to bumper system, lower body panels, or air dams, a belt sling should be used to lift and tow all vehicles. When attaching towing slings, take care to avoid damage to license plate and frame, or fog lamps, if equipped.
Towing Speeds
See specific model instructions for vehicle towing speed and distance limitations.
UNLTD = Unlimited speed or mileage.
On rough pavement, the maximum towing speed is 35 mph (55 km/h). Maximum towing speed of 35 mph (55 km/h) should be used whenever the tow truck operator is not sure of road surface condition.
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