I tow my 2012 Edge Limited FWD 3.5 V6, behind my RV 4 wheels down (AKA Dinghy Towing). When the car was outfitted to be towed, I had a charging kit installed to keep the battery charged during towing. The car tows flawlessly. Here's the issue: After towing for 3 or 4 hours, I start the engine to run the car for 5 minutes as the owners manual dictates. When I turn the key...the car does not start immediately (like it usually does) the starter has to grind for a much longer time to get the engine fired off. Even if you let off the key...the starter stays engaged until the engine fires. I can also smell the strong smell of gasoline when I get out of the car. Its as if the engine has been flooded while I am towing and it is having to clear the fuel in order to start.
If I stop the RV, go to the car and put it in park & turn off the key - and wait 5 minutes before starting....It starts right up and does not exhibit this behavior (Extended grind to start).
I am 100% sure that I am following the proper pre-tow set up - running the engine ahead of time, shifting through the gears properly before leaving it in neutral etc. I am also 100% sure that the ignition key is left in position 2 (1 is OFF, 2 is ACC on, 3 is RUN, & 4 is starter engage. The car does not count miles on the odometer when I tow it with the key in position 2.
The starting concern is as if the fuel pump is running continuously while I tow, as a result it is flooding the engine. I am not exactly sure if that is the issue, but that's what it seems like.
To the experts who know more than me, I submit the questions..... WHAT CAN I DO to prevent this other than disconnecting the battery altogether? Does anyone know what fuse I can pull to kill the power to the car without killing my radio presets and all that jazz? Can I just kill say the fuel pump and a few other circuits? My battery isn't draining because the charge leg from the RV keeps that in check. Anybody know the answers here?