Does Steering Column Need to Be Unocked for Flat towing 4x4 2017 F150  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

The procedure for doing this is outlined in the owner's manual. It reads as follows:

1) Put the ignition in the on position, but do not start the engine. If your vehicle has an ignition key, turn the
key to on. If your vehicle has intelligent access, press the engine START/STOP button once without
pressing the brake pedal.

2) Press and hold the brake pedal.

3) Rotate the four-wheel drive switch to 2H.

4) Shift the transmission to neutral (N).

5) Rotate the four-wheel drive switch from 2H to 4L and back to 2H five times within seven seconds.

Note: If completed successfully, the information display confirms that your vehicle is in neutral tow. This
indicates that your vehicle is safe to tow with all wheels on the ground.

Note: If you do not see the message in the display, you must perform the procedure again from the
beginning.

Note: You may hear an audible noise as the transfer case shifts into its neutral position. This is normal.

6) Leave the transmission in neutral (N) and turn the ignition as far as it can go toward the off position.
It does not turn fully off when the transmission is in neutral (N). If your vehicle has an ignition key,
you must leave the key in the ignition while towing. To lock and unlock your vehicle, use the keyless
entry keypad or an extra set of keys. If your vehicle has intelligent access, press the engine
START/STOP button once without pressing the brake pedal. You do not need to leave your keys in the
vehicle. You can lock and unlock your vehicle as you normally do.

7) Release the brake pedal.

Following this procedure for the applicable ignition type you have will unlock your steering column for flat towing.

To flat tow, you'll need the following items:

• Base Plates like # RM-524431-5 from Roadmaster
• Tow Bar like the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, # RM-522
• Safety Cables like # RM-643
• Diode Wiring System like # RM-152-98146-7
• Supplemental Braking System like Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR

I'll link to some videos that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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