1999 Ford Explorer - reprogramming for towing

[Baryngyl]

I am looking for a tool/program that will let me reprogram my 1999 Ford Explorer so that it can be towed.
Does anyone know if any of these programs will let me do this?

Yes, I have basically installed the Neutral Tow Kit, it is nothing more than a plastic bracket, a screw to hold the bracket to the dash and a LED light, some places are charging several hundred dollars for it but you can just buy a LED and install it.

If you go here http://ddwt.us/ourarticles-how_to_make_ ... _ready.htm it tells how the reprogramming is done to enable the function in the PCM.

I have been searching for a program that will allow me to use either my laptop or Android smart phone to do the reprogramming for almost a year and have not been able to find anything yet.


Thank You
Michael Grace

[FORScan]

It is not implemented in FORScan yet, But in case of your vehicle, it is a simple function, we can do it. Please check your PM.

[alan71]

I too would like to have the neutral tow enable feature for my 2008 sport trac.
According to a lot of research, only 4x4 models can enable the neutral tow function. All wheel drive models cannot have a neutral tow enabled.
There is a difference between the 4.0 v6 and the v8 as far as having the correct neutral tow kit. The V8 requires a micro switch installed in the center column along with the led attached to the green connector under the dash.
It seems each year and model has the green connector in different locations.
I have attempted to enable the neutral tow function with IDS but even though enabled, it does not work.
Maybe forscan can add this feature.
For safety concerns, enabling this feature can provide surprising results if the operator isnt careful.
The nice part of this feature is that if something does go wrong with your 4X4 you can tow it with wheels down and not have to worry about damage.
Do not enable this feature without the led attached to the green connector!

[TechGuru]

Has Neutral Tow Enable been added to ForScan yet? I have a 2003.

[Exploder03]

I would like to turn on the Neutral Tow option on my 2003 Explorer 4x4. Any information on how to? Thanks

[alan71]

After a lot of research, and paying for the v98 IDS software with a VDX adapter from ebay, I was able to turn on my Neutral tow function.
The problem I had was the neutral safety switch on the transmission was not properly aligned!
The easiest way to test is to put your car in neutral and try to start it. If it will not start in neutral, you could have a bad neutral switch or it could require realignment.
Realignment instructions are all over the web! If you have the OEM Neutral switch, it has a indicator on it.
Once I installed the LED and found the hidden green connector, then aligned the neutral switch, everything works!
This procedure can also be used if you have the function enabled and for some strange reason doesn't work anymore.
The LED is a 12 volt orange led installed in the dash which blinks once when the ignition is turned off. I used a label maker and put the label next to it for safety reasons.
If you put your car in Neutral and then turn the ignition off(it wont lock and is not supposed to) and then hold down on the brake and press the auto 4x4 button, the LED will flash 4 times and stay on indicating the transfer case is in neutral and safe to flat tow!
The indicator will stay on for a short period of time and then go out until the door is opened again. This is set in the system prob to save battery. However the light will be solid letting the operator know the vehicle transfer case is in neutral.
As previously posted, not all explorers can have the Neutral Tow Function. This probably applies to all the Ford 4X4 vehicles. Best of luck.

I would like to thank forscan for the software and keeping these forums alive. Forscan might not add this feature due to the complexity of the different vehicles which it may or may not work on. Its a safety thing.

[HTshow]

thanks ，good

[Exploder03]

Sorry for the delayed reply, I had the LED and it was wired to the connector under the dash. I found a friend with access to the latest ford tool and we were able to enable the neutral to feature. I have been flat towing the past 2 summers issue free for about 5,000 miles.

[jk2alphabravo]

Hello,
How do we request the flat towing option for programming. I could not find it in the menu, my explorer is set up with the option and need to confir programming. Thank you.