FORD 2005 Escape v.4 - Manual (Page 184)

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
• causing internal damage to the components.
• affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
An example of “recreational towing” is towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome.
If your vehicle is automatic transmission equipped, with a 4x2
(front-wheel drive only) configured powertrain, “recreational towing” is
permitted by trailering the vehicle with its front wheels on a dolly. This
protects the transmission’s internal mechanical components from
potential lack of lubrication damage.
If your vehicle is automatic transmission equipped, with a 4x4 (all-wheel
drive) configured powertrain, “recreational towing” is permitted only if
the vehicle is trailered with all four (4) wheels off the ground. Otherwise,
no “recreational towing” is permitted.
If your vehicle is manual transmission equipped (both 4x2 and 4x4),
shifting the transmission into neutral permits “flat-towing” (all wheels on
the ground) for pulling behind a motorhome. Your vehicle may be towed
up to a speed of 113 km/h (70 mph) but you should always obey local
speed limits.
For other towing requirements, refer to Wrecker towing in the Roadside
Emergencies chapter.
2005 Escape (204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
184