sokopny

This may or may not help you. We have flat towed a '07 Escape 4 WD 5 spd manual for 5 years now and not one bit of trouble. What we did was run separate bulb and socket wiring from the bus, via a 6 pin plug and cable to the Escape and then ran a cable to the rear tail lights. Installed new sockets inside the tail lamp assembly. To tow, put trans in neutral, turn key to unlock steering wheel and turn key back to off, but leave the key in ignition lock. We had a blank key made, no chip so you can't start the vehicle. No miles are registered as we tow the Escape. Your right, the dealer and customer service were no help. They had NO clue. We figured this out by hooking the Escape up behind my F150 and then trial and error. I would think that with the 2011 push button start, there must be a disconnect somewhere. I'll do some looking at our end. **** (retired Ford engineer) 1999 U320 36' Foretravel with '07 Escape 4WD, 5 spd