We bought a 2009 Ford Escape front wheel drive to tow behind our motorhome on May 4, 2009. First time we towed, it was only 60 miles, no problems. The next time we left home on cross country trip, nothing but problems. First day, towed 425 miles according to directions in owners manual. Ran for 5 minutes prior to leaving home, put into neutral, put key in accessory and stopped 3 times during the 425 miles to run the engine for 5 minutes, even though instructions state to do that when you stop to refuel. Also, never exceeded 65 mph as instructed in owners manual. When we arrived at our destination, transmission was totally burned up. Ford replaced transmission, we continued on our trip, went 126 miles after going through the process again listed in owners manual. Car on interstate pulled beside us and told us car being towed was smoking. We stopped, transmission fluid all over back window, and smoke coming from under hood. We called Ford dealer, were told new special service bulletin came out from Ford that morning with new directions for towing flat. Run for 5 minutes, check transmission fluid at operating temperature of 185-200 degrees, adjust fluid level between minimum line and bottom of hash marks on dipstick. If fluid level is higher than this, it can cause overheating, also run transmission through gears before towing, put transmission in neutral, ignition in accessory, do not exceed 65 mph. We became so paranoid that after that episode, we stopped and checked fluid level and ran engine for 5 minutes at least every 2 hours, even though new service message said you should check at 6 hours or less. Still having the same problem. Today, we towed for 3 1/2 hours, stopping to check fluid level after 2 hours, everything fine. Arrived at destination, transmission not working, no reverse, neutral is drive. Very frustrated, but Ford had it towed to Ford dealer and we will find out tomorrow what is going on. This particular 2009 Ford Escape
is not towable unless Ford comes up with some new directions. We love the car, but we are over 2000 miles from home and cannot tow it. What do we do?
June
