2014 FORD FUSION (AMERICAS) trailer

RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailerweight for your vehicleconfiguration listed in the chartbelow.
Note:Make sure to take intoconsideration trailer frontal area.Do not exceed 20 feet2 (1.86
meters2).
Note:For high altitude operation,reduce the gross combined weightby 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)starting at the 1000 foot (300meter) elevation point.
Note:Certain states requireelectric trailer brakes for trailersover a specified weight. Be sure tocheck state regulations for thisspecified weight. The maximumtrailer weights listed may be limitedto this specified weight, as thevehicle’s electrical system may notinclude the wiring connectorneeded to activate electric trailerbrakes.
Your vehicle may tow a Class Itrailer provided the maximumtrailer weight is less than or equalto the maximum trailer weightlisted for your vehicleconfiguration on the followingchart.
Maximum trailer weight*Powertrain
1000 lb (454 kg)1.5L GTDI
1000 lb (454 kg)1.6L GTDI
2000 lb (907 kg)2.0L GTDI
1000 lb (454 kg)2.5L TiVCT
*Calculated with SAE J2807 method.
208Fusion (CC7) , enUSATowing

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines to ensure safetowing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1000 miles (1600kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle'sload in the Load Carrying chapter. SeeLoad Limit (page 199).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the trailer’s safety chainsto the hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, crossthem under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehiclemay not have enough braking power andyour chances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiringto the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; thismay damage the electrical systemresulting in a fire. Contact an authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistancein proper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
209Fusion (CC7) , enUSATowing

Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing-upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113km/h) during the first 500 miles (800kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 miles (80kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in position P (automatictransmission) or neutral (manualtransmission) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inposition P or manual transmission in alow gear.
4.Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 inches (15 centimeters) abovethe bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting drivability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
210Fusion (CC7) , enUSATowing

TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to have your vehicle towed,contact a professional towing service or,if you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, your roadsideassistance service provider.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift anddollies or flatbed equipment to tow yourvehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. FordMotor Company has not approved aslingbelt towing procedure. Vehicledamage may occur if towed incorrectly, orby any other means.
Ford Motor Company produces a towingmanual for all authorized tow truckoperators. Have your tow truck operatorrefer to this manual for proper hook-upand towing procedures for your vehicle.
It is acceptable to have your front-wheeldrive vehicle towed from the front if usingproper wheel lift equipment to raise thefront wheels off the ground. When towingin this manner, the rear wheels can remainon the ground.
Front-wheel drive vehicles must have thefront wheels placed on a tow dolly whentowing your vehicle from the rear usingwheel lift equipment. This preventsdamage to the transmission.
Towing an all-wheel drive vehicle requiresthat all wheels be off the ground, such asusing a wheel lift and dollies or flatbedequipment. This prevents damage to thetransmission, all-wheel drive system andvehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable(without access to wheel dollies,car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transportvehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheelson the ground, regardless of the powertrainand transmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in position N. Ifyou cannot move the transmission intoN, you may need to override it. SeeTransmission (page 153).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80kilometers).
211Fusion (CC7) , enUSATowingE143886

Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 110).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An exampleof recreational towing would be towingyour vehicle behind a motorhome. Wedesigned these guidelines to preventdamage to your transmission.
Front-wheel Drive Vehicles
Front-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.It is recommended to tow your vehicle withthe front wheels off the ground by using atow dolly. If you are using a tow dolly,follow the instructions specified by theequipment provider.
All-wheel Drive Vehicles
All-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.It is recommended to tow your vehicle withall four (4) wheels off the ground such aswhen using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise,you cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
212Fusion (CC7) , enUSATowing

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold In The U.S.: GettingRoadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Companyoffers a complimentary roadsideassistance program. This program isseparate from the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty. The service is available:
•24 hours, seven days a week.
•for the coverage period listed on theRoadside Assistance Card included inyour Owner's Manual portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare, ifprovided with the vehicle (exceptvehicles that have been supplied witha tire inflation kit).
•battery jump start.
•lock-out assistance (key replacementcost is the customer's responsibility).
•fuel delivery — Independent ServiceContractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall deliver upto 2.0 gallons (7.5 liters) of gasoline or5.0 gallons (18.9 liters) of diesel fuelto a disabled vehicle. Fuel deliveryservice is limited to two no-chargeoccurrences within a 12-month period.
•winch out — available within 100 feet(30.5 meters) of a paved or countymaintained road, no recoveries.
•towing — Ford and Lincoln eligiblevehicles towed to an authorized dealerwithin 35 miles (56.3 kilometers) of thedisablement location or to the nearestauthorized dealer. If a memberrequests to be towed to an authorizeddealer more than 35 miles (56.3kilometers) from the disablementlocation, the member shall beresponsible for any mileage costs inexcess of 35 miles (56.3 kilometers).
Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if thedisabled eligible vehicle requires service atthe nearest authorized dealer. If the traileris disabled, but the towing vehicle isoperational, the trailer does not qualify forany roadside services.
Vehicles Sold In The U.S. : UsingRoadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference. This card isfound in the owner's information portfolioin the glove compartment.
U.S. Ford vehicle customers who requireRoadside Assistance, call 1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistancefor yourself, Ford Motor Company willreimburse a reasonable amount for towingto the nearest dealership within 35 miles(56.3 kilometers). To obtainreimbursement information, U.S. Fordvehicle customers call 1-800-241-3673.Customers will be asked to submit theiroriginal receipts.
Vehicles Sold In Canada : GettingRoadside Assistance
Canadian customers who require roadsideassistance, call 1-800-665-2006.
Vehicles Sold In Canada : UsingRoadside Assistance
For your convenience, you may completethe roadside assistance identification cardfound in the centerfold of your warrantyguide and retain for future reference.
Canadian roadside coverage and benefitsmay differ from the U.S. coverage. If yourequire more information, please refer tothe coverage section of your warrantyguide, call us in Canada at1-800-665-2006, or visit our website atwww.ford.ca.
215Fusion (CC7) , enUSARoadside Emergencies

1.T-type mini-spare: This spare tirebegins with the letter T for tire size andmay have Temporary Use Only molded inthe sidewall.
2.Full-size dissimilar spare with labelon wheel: This spare tire has a label onthe wheel that states: THIS WHEEL ANDTIRE ASSEMBLY FOR TEMPORARY USEONLY.
When driving with one of the dissimilarspare tires listed above, do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
•Load the vehicle beyond maximumvehicle load rating listed on the SafetyCompliance Label.
•Tow a trailer.
•Use snow chains on the end of thevehicle with the dissimilar spare tire.
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tireat a time.
•Use commercial car washingequipment.
•Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire.
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tireslisted above at any one wheel location canlead to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and brakingperformance.
•Comfort and noise.
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
•Winter weather driving capability.
•Wet weather driving capability.
•All-wheel driving capability (ifapplicable).
3.Full-size dissimilar spare withoutlabel on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly, do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
•Use more than one dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly at a time.
•Use commercial car washingequipment.
•Use snow chains on the end of thevehicle with the dissimilar spare wheeland tire assembly.
The usage of a full-size dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly can lead toimpairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and brakingperformance.
•Comfort and noise.
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
•Winter weather driving capability.
•Wet weather driving capability.
•All-wheel driving capability
When driving with the full-size dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly additionalcaution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer.
•Driving vehicles equipped with acamper body.
•Driving vehicles with a load on thecargo rack.
Drive cautiously when using a full-sizedissimilar spare wheel and tire assemblyand seek service as soon as possible.
Tire Change Procedure
WARNINGS
When one of the front wheels is offthe ground, the transmission alonewill not prevent the vehicle frommoving or slipping off the jack, even if thetransmission selector lever is in position P.
To help prevent your vehicle frommoving when you change a tire, besure to place the transmissionselector lever in position P, set the parkingbrake and block (in both directions) thewheel that is diagonally opposite (otherside and end of the vehicle) to the tirebeing changed.
283Fusion (CC7) , enUSAWheels and Tires

SPECIAL OPERATING
CONDITIONS SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
If you operate your vehicle primarily in anyof the following conditions, you need toperform extra maintenance as indicated.If you operate your vehicle occasionallyunder any of these conditions, it is notnecessary to perform the extramaintenance. For specificrecommendations, see your dealershipservice advisor or technician.
Perform the services shown in thefollowing tables when specified or within3000 miles (4800 kilometers) of the OILCHANGE REQUIRED message appearingin the information display.
•Example 1: The OIL CHANGEREQUIRED message comes on at28751 miles (46270 kilometers).Perform the 30000 mile (48000kilometer) automatic transmissionfluid replacement.
•Example 2: The OIL CHANGEREQUIRED message has not comeon, but the odometer reads 30000miles (48000 kilometers) (forexample, the Intelligent Oil-LifeMonitor was reset at 25000 miles[40000 kilometers]). Perform theengine air filter replacement.
Towing a trailer or using a car-top carrier
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the informationdisplay and perform services listed in the Normal Sched-uled Maintenance chart.
As required
Inspect and lubricate U-joints.Inspect frequently, serviceas required
Change automatic transmission fluid.Every 30000 miles (48000km)
Change manual transmission fluid.Every 60000 miles (96000km)Replace spark plugs.
434Fusion (CC7) , enUSAScheduled Maintenance