Towing for your Ford Focus 2018-2025
Towing
TOWING A TRAILER - 4-DOOR
WARNING: The anti-lock brake
system does not control the trailer
brakes.
WARNING: Your vehicle is not
approved for trailer towing. Never tow a
trailer with your vehicle.
When towing a trailer:
•
Obey country specific regulations for
towing a trailer.
TOWINGATRAILER-5-DOOR/
WAGON
•
Do not exceed 100 km/h (60 mph)
even if a country allows higher speeds
under certain conditions.
•
Place loads as low as possible and
central to the axle of your trailer. If you
are towing with an unloaded vehicle,
you should place the load in your trailer
toward the front, within the maximum
vertical load, as this gives the best
stability.
WARNING: Do not exceed
100 km/h (60 mph). Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death.
WARNING: The rear tire pressures
must be increased by 0.2 bar (3 psi)
above specification. Do not exceed the
maximum pressure stated on the tire
sidewall. This could cause serious
personal injury.
•
•
The trailer vertical weight on the tow
ball is essential for the driving stability
of your vehicle and trailer.
The vertical weight on the tow ball
should be at least 4% of the trailer
weight and not exceed the maximum
permissible weight.
WARNING: Do not exceed the
maximum gross vehicle weight stated
on the vehicle identification plate. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
personal injury.
•
•
Reduce speed immediately if the trailer
shows any sign of swaying. See Trailer
Sway Control (page 379).
Use a low gear when descending a
WARNING: Towing trailers beyond
the maximum recommended gross
trailer weight exceeds the limit of your
vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal
injury.
Note: We recommend that you use a trailer
safety cable. Read and follow the
manufacturer's instructions when you use
a trailer safety cable.
Note: The maximum permissible trailer
vertical weight on the trailer identification
plate is the trailer manufacturer’s testing
value. The vehicle maximum permissible
trailer vertical weight may be lower.
WARNING: Do not exceed the
maximum vertical load on the tow ball.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
The stability of your vehicle-to-trailer
combination depends on the quality of the
trailer.
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Focus (CGE) Vehicles Built From: 15-03-2021, CG3784en enGBR, Edition date: 202012, First-Printing
Towing
Towing a trailer changes the handling
characteristics of your vehicle and
increases stopping distances. Adapt your
speed and driving behaviour to the load of
the trailer.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so. Check the vertical weight on the tow
ball and trailer load distribution. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
471). See Load Carrying (page 370).
The gross train weight stated on the
vehicle identification plate applies for road
gradients up to 12% and altitudes up to
1,000 m (3,281 ft) when towing a trailer. In
mountainous regions the engine
Note: This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note: In some cases, if your vehicle speed
is too high, the system may turn on multiple
times, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.
performance decreases due to lower air
density with increasing altitude. In high
altitude regions above 1,000 m (3,281 ft),
you should reduce the stipulated
maximum permitted gross train weight by
TOW BALL - VEHICLES WITH:
DETACHABLE TOW BALL
10% for every additional 1,000 m (3,281 ft).
Note: Not all vehicles are suitable or
approved to have a tow bar fitted. Ask an
authorized dealer for more information.
WARNING: Do not exceed the
lowest rating capacity for your vehicle or
trailer hitch. Overloading your vehicle or
trailer hitch can impair your vehicle
stability and handling. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
If the trailer begins to sway the stability
control warning lamp flashes in the
information display. The system applies
the brakes to the individual wheels and
reduces engine torque to aid vehicle
stability.
WARNING: Do not cut, drill, weld
or modify the trailer hitch. Modifying the
trailer hitch could reduce the hitch rating.
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Focus (CGE) Vehicles Built From: 15-03-2021, CG3784en enGBR, Edition date: 202012, First-Printing
Towing
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B
C
D
F
E
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B
C
D
E
F
Trailer safety cable attachment point.
Tow ball arm in tow position.
Handwheel.
Key.
Protective cap.
Trailer wiring connection socket.
Never unlock or detach the tow ball arm
with a trailer attached.
Do not disassemble or repair the tow ball
arm.
Do not use any tools to detach the tow ball
Detaching the Tow Ball Arm
arm.
WARNING: Always place the tow
ball arm in a secure location in your
vehicle so it does not become a projectile
in a crash. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death.
You must detach the tow ball arm when
not in use. Securely stow the tow ball arm
in the luggage compartment.
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Focus (CGE) Vehicles Built From: 15-03-2021, CG3784en enGBR, Edition date: 202012, First-Printing
Towing
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1. Remove the protective cap.
7. Insert the blanking plug.
2. Insert the key and turn it clockwise to
Attaching the Tow Ball Arm
unlock the handwheel.
Do not use any tools to attach the tow ball
3. Hold the tow ball arm. Pull the
handwheel outward and turn it fully
clockwise until it clicks.
arm.
Note: You can only attach the tow ball arm
if it is unlocked.
Note: The red mark on the handwheel must
be within the green line on the tow ball arm.
4. Release the handwheel.
5. Pull the tow ball arm downward to
remove it.
6. Turn the trailer wiring connection
socket upward through 90 degrees
until it engages in the end position.
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1. Remove the blanking plug.
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Focus (CGE) Vehicles Built From: 15-03-2021, CG3784en enGBR, Edition date: 202012, First-Printing
Towing
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2
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2. Fully insert the tow ball arm until it
engages. Do not hold the handwheel.
Note: The green mark on the handwheel
must be within the green line on the tow ball
arm.
3. Insert the key and turn it
counterclockwise to lock the
handwheel.
1. The green mark on the handwheel is
within the green line on the tow ball
arm.
2. You have locked the handwheel.
3. You have removed the key.
Do not use the tow ball arm if any of these
cannot be met. Have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
4. Fit the protective cap. Fully push it back
Tow Ball Arm Guidelines
over the lock.
5. Turn the trailer wiring connection
socket downward through 90 degrees
until it engages in the end position.
•
Replacement keys are available. We
recommend that you record the key
number on the lock cylinder.
•
Keep the system clean. Periodically
lubricate bearings, sliding surfaces and
locking balls with resin-free grease or
oil. Lubricate the lock with graphite.
Tow Ball Arm Safety Checks
After you attach the tow ball arm, check
the following:
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Focus (CGE) Vehicles Built From: 15-03-2021, CG3784en enGBR, Edition date: 202012, First-Printing
Towing
•
•
Remove the trailer wiring plug from the
TOW BALL - VEHICLES WITH:
RETRACTABLE TOW BALL
trailer wiring connection socket when
not in use. Failure to do so may result
in corrosion of the trailer wiring
connection socket. Regularly clean the
trailer wiring connection socket and
make sure the socket cover is fully
closed.
WARNING: Do not exceed the
lowest rating capacity for your vehicle or
trailer hitch. Overloading your vehicle or
trailer hitch can impair your vehicle
stability and handling. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death.
If you use a high pressure water jet to
clean your vehicle, disconnect the
trailer wiring plug. Do not aim the water
jet directly at the trailer wiring
connection socket. We recommend
that you detach the tow ball arm
before washing your vehicle.
WARNING: Do not cut, drill, weld
or modify the trailer hitch. Modifying the
trailer hitch could reduce the hitch rating.
A
B
C
D
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A
B
C
D
Trailer safety cable attachment point.
Trailer wiring connection socket.
Tow ball arm in tow position.
Tow ball arm in stowed position.
Do not touch the tow ball arm when it is
deploying to the released position.
Do not use the tow ball arm if no tones
sound when deploying the tow ball arm or
when you lock it into position. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Do not disassemble or repair the tow ball
arm or mechanism.
Deploying the Tow Ball Arm
Do not use your foot or any tools to deploy
the tow ball arm.
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Focus (CGE) Vehicles Built From: 15-03-2021, CG3784en enGBR, Edition date: 202012, First-Printing
Towing
The tow ball arm does not deploy if any of
the following occur:
3. Manually move the tow ball arm into
the tow position. Make sure the tow
ball arm locks into position.
Note: The LED on the button stops flashing
and a double tone sounds when the tow
ball arm locks into position.
Note: A warning tone sounds for up to 30
seconds if the tow ball arm remains in an
unlocked position.
•
•
Your vehicle is moving.
The trailer wiring connection socket
has a trailer wiring plug attached to it.
•
The vehicle battery is not fully charged.
If the deploy process is interrupted, for
example tow ball arm movement is
obstructed or the power supply is lost, the
system must be reset. To reset the system
fully repeat the process.
2x
Check the following:
•
Make sure the tow ball arm is fully
locked. It must not move if jerked or
when you attach a trailer.
E237201
•
The LED is not flashing and no warning
1. Press the button. It is on the right hand
side of the luggage compartment.
tones sound.
Note: If these cannot be met, do not use
the tow ball arm. Have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
Note: The LED on the button illuminates
and a double tone sounds.
Retracting the Tow Ball Arm
You must retract the tow ball arm when
not in use.
Do not use your foot or any tools to retract
the tow ball arm.
Do not touch the tow ball arm when it is
E265650
retracting to the released position.
2. Press the button again within four
seconds to deploy the tow ball arm to
the released position.
Note: The LED on the button flashes and a
series of tones sound when the tow ball arm
deploys and reaches the released position.
Note: If you do not press the button again
within four seconds, the system signals
completion without deploying the tow ball
arm. If the LED rapidly flashes and a high
pitch tone sounds, repeat the process.
Never retract the tow ball arm with a trailer
attached. This can cause damage not
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
The tow ball arm does not retract if any of
the following occur:
•
•
Your vehicle is moving.
The trailer wiring connection socket
has a trailer wiring plug attached to it.
•
The vehicle battery is not fully charged.
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Focus (CGE) Vehicles Built From: 15-03-2021, CG3784en enGBR, Edition date: 202012, First-Printing
Towing
1. Disconnect the trailer wiring plug and
Note: The LED on the button stops flashing
and a double tone sounds when the tow
ball arm locks into position.
unhitch the trailer or load carrier.
Note: A warning tone sounds for up to 30
seconds if the tow ball arm remains in an
unlocked position.
Tow Ball Arm Guidelines
•
The tow ball arm mechanism is
maintenance free. Do not grease or oil
the mechanism.
2x
•
Remove the trailer wiring plug from the
trailer wiring connection socket when
not in use. Failure to do so may result
in corrosion of the trailer wiring
connection socket. Clean the trailer
wiring connection socket regularly and
make sure the socket cover is fully
closed.
E237201
2. Press the button. It is on the right hand
side of the luggage compartment.
Note: The LED on the button illuminates
and a double tone sounds.
•
If you use a high pressure water jet to
clean your vehicle, disconnect the
trailer wiring plug. Do not aim the water
jet directly at the trailer wiring
connection socket. We recommend
that you retract the tow ball arm before
washing your vehicle.
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TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS - 6-SPEED
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
3. Press the button again within four
seconds to retract the tow ball arm to
the released position.
Note: The LED on the button flashes and a
series of tones sound when the tow ball arm
retracts and reaches the released position.
Note: If you do not press the button again
within four seconds, the system signals
completion without retracting the tow ball
arm. If the LED rapidly flashes and a high
pitch tone sounds, repeat the process.
4. Manually move the tow ball arm into
the stowed position. Make sure the tow
ball arm locks into position.
WARNING: You must switch the
ignition on when your vehicle is being
towed. Failure to follow this warning
could seriously increase the risk of injury
or death.
WARNING: You must make sure
the transmission selector lever is placed
in position N. Failure to follow this
warning could damage the transmission
and may lead to a crash or injury.
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Focus (CGE) Vehicles Built From: 15-03-2021, CG3784en enGBR, Edition date: 202012, First-Printing
Towing
Note: If you need to exceed a speed of
50 km/h (30 mph) and a distance of 80 km
(50 mi) while towing, you must lift the drive
wheels clear of the ground.
WARNING: The brake and steering
assistance will not operate unless the
engine is running. Press the brake pedal
harder and allow for increased stopping
distances and heavier steering. Failure
to take care may lead to a crash or
personal injury.
Note: We recommend you do not tow with
the drive wheels on the ground. However, if
it is required to move the vehicle from a
dangerous location, do not tow your vehicle
faster than 50 km/h (30 mph) or farther
than 80 km (50 mi).
WARNING: If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock, make sure the
ignition is in the accessory or on position
before you tow.
WARNING: In the event of a
mechanical failure of the transmission,
do not use individual axle carriers. All
wheels must be lifted clear of the ground
on a level platform.
WARNING: Too much tension on
a tow rope could cause damage to your
vehicle or the vehicle that is towing.
WARNING: Do not tow your vehicle
if the ambient temperature is below 0°C
(32°F).
Drive off slowly and smoothly without
jerking the vehicle that is being towed.
You must only use the towing eye that was
delivered with your vehicle. See Towing
Points (page 392).
Tow ropes or rigid towing bars must be
placed on the same side. For example; right
hand rear towing point to right hand front
towing point.
You must use a tow rope or rigid towing
bar that is of the correct strength for the
weight of the towing vehicle and the
vehicle that is being towed.
WARNING: Do not tow your vehicle
backward.
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle is disabled without access
to wheel dollies, a car-hauling trailer, or a
flatbed transport vehicle it can be
flat-towed with all wheels on the ground.
You may do this under the following
conditions:
Note: Using a rigid towing bar is the safest
•
Your vehicle is facing forward so that
way to tow a vehicle.
it is towed in a forward direction.
The weight of the vehicle that is being
towed must not exceed the weight of the
towing vehicle.
•
The transmission selector lever is
placed in position N. If the transmission
gear shift lever cannot be moved to
position N, it may need to be
overridden. See Automatic
Transmission (page 241).
•
•
Maximum speed is 50 km/h (30 mph).
Maximum distance is 80 km (50 mi).
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Focus (CGE) Vehicles Built From: 15-03-2021, CG3784en enGBR, Edition date: 202012, First-Printing
Towing
The weight of the vehicle that is being
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS - MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
towed must not exceed the weight of the
towing vehicle.
Do not exceed 50 km/h (31 mph).
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS - 7-SPEED
AUTOMATICTRANSMISSION/
8-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
If you need to tow your vehicle, contact a
professional towing service or, if you are a
member of a roadside assistance program,
your roadside assistance service provider.
WARNING: You must switch the
ignition on when your vehicle is being
towed. Failure to follow this warning
could seriously increase the risk of injury
or death.
WARNING: The brake and steering
assistance will not operate unless the
engine is running. Press the brake pedal
harder and be aware of increased
stopping distances and heavier steering.
WARNING: If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock make sure the
ignition is in the accessory or on position
when being towed.
WARNING: Too much tension on
a tow rope could cause damage to your
vehicle or the vehicle that is towing.
WARNING: When towing your
vehicle you must select neutral. Failure
to follow this warning could damage the
transmission and may lead to a crash or
injury.
Drive off slowly and smoothly without
jerking the vehicle you are towing.
You must only use the towing eye that was
delivered with your vehicle. See Towing
Points (page 392).
Tow ropes or rigid towing bars must be
placed on the same side. For example; right
hand rear towing point to right hand front
towing point.
You must use a tow rope or rigid towing
bar that is of the correct strength for the
weight of the towing vehicle and the
vehicle that is being towed.
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Focus (CGE) Vehicles Built From: 15-03-2021, CG3784en enGBR, Edition date: 202012, First-Printing





