2003 FORD ESCAPE Owners Manual

IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
Certification label
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Certification label be affixed
to a vehicle and prescribe where the
Certification label may be located.
The Certification label is located on
the front door latch pillar on the
driver’s side.
Maintenance and Specifications
225

Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission and frame.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Maintenance and Specifications
226

FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of genuine Ford accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local authorized Ford, Lincoln Mercury or Ford of
Canada dealer. These quality accessories have been specifically
engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to
complement the style and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In
addition, each accessory is made from high quality materials and meets
or exceeds Ford’s rigorous engineering and safety specifications. Ford
Motor Company will repair or replace any properly dealer-installed Ford
accessory found to be defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period, as well as any component
damaged by the defective accessory. The accessory will be warranted for
whichever provides you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 20 000 km (12 000 miles) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
This means that genuine Ford accessories purchased along with your
new vehicle and installed by the dealer are covered for the full length of
your New Vehicle’s Limited Warranty—3 years or 60 000 km (36 000 miles)
(whichever occurs first). Contact your dealer for details and a copy of
the warranty.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Vehicle Security
Non-decorative wheel protector locks
Remote keyless entry
Styled wheel protector locks
Vehicle security systems
Comfort and convenience
Cabin air filtration
Cargo net
Cargo organizers
Cargo shades
Cargo trays
Carpeted cargo mat
Cellular phone hands free system with voice recognition
Engine block heater
Accessories
227

Engine oil cooler
Interior dash trim kit
Power point outlet (rear cargo area)
Remote start
Tire step
Travel equipment
Auto headlamps with DRL (Daytime Running Lights)
Daytime running lights
Factory luggage rack adaptors: bike ski/snowboard
First aid kit
Framed luggage cover
Highway safety kit
Hitch mounted bike rack
Luggage basket/box carrier
Luggage basket light bracket
Luggage divider
Mirror I/S electrochromic compass with and without temperature display
Pet guard
Rear seat entertainment system (DVD)
Removable luggage rack (Track riders)
Removable luggage rack adapters: bike, ski/snowboard, canoe and kayak
Running boards
Running bars
Soft luggage cover
Trailer hitch (Class II)
Trailer hitch bars and balls
Trailer hitch receiver cover
Trailer hitch wiring adaptor
Trailgate table (hitch installed) and adaptor kit
Wheels
Accessories
228

Protection and appearance equipment
Air bag anti-theft locks
All weather floor mats
Bumper guards
Car/truck covers
Cargo liners, interior (soft and rigid)
Carpet floor mats
Door edge guards
Front end covers (full and sport)
Grill guard
Hood deflectors
Locking gas cap
Molded splash guards
Moonroof deflector
Rear air deflectors
Side window air deflectors
Step/sill plates
Tail lamp surrounds (black and chrome)
Universal floor mats
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems - such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
Accessories
229

•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use or are not properly installed. When operated, such systems may
cause the engine to stumble or stall or cause the transmission to be
damaged or operate improperly. In addition, such systems may be
damaged or their performance may be affected by operating your
vehicle. If you intend on fitting a mobile radio such as a citizens band
radio (CB), please refer to your local dealer for Ford recommended
installation guidelines. Ask you dealer to reference the“Ford Mobile
Radio Installation Guidelines.”(Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage
door openers and other transmitters with outputs of five watts or less
will not ordinarily affect your vehicle’s operation.)
•Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or damage
that may result from the use of such equipment.
Accessories
230

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ....................................95, 99
and child safety seats ..............97
description ..........................95, 99
disposal ....................................101
driver air bag ....................97, 100
indicator light ...................98, 101
operation ...........................97, 100
passenger air bag .............97, 100
side air bag ................................99
Air cleaner filter ...............212, 218
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................128
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................194
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................118
Anti-theft system ........................72
arming the system ....................72
disarming a triggered system ..73
Audio system
(see Radio) ................15, 18, 22, 26
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................209
fluid, checking ........................209
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................122
fluid, refill capacities ..............218
fluid, specification ..................223
Auxiliary power point .................47
Axle
lubricant specifications ..221, 223
refill capacities ........................218
B
Battery .......................................192acid, treating emergencies .....192
jumping a disabled battery ....159
maintenance-free ....................192
replacement, specifications ...218
servicing ..................................192
BeltMinder ...................................90
Brakes ........................................118
anti-lock ...................................118
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................118
fluid, checking and adding ....209
fluid, refill capacities ..............218
fluid, specifications .........221, 223
lubricant specifications ..221, 223
parking ....................................119
shift interlock ..........................120
Bulbs ............................................38
C
Calculating load ........................141
Capacities for refilling fluids ....218
Cargo area shade ........................54
Cassette tape player .............15, 22
CD-single premium ...............18, 26
Cell phone use ............................52
Certification Label ....................225
Changing a tire .........................154
Child safety restraints ..............102
child safety belts ....................102
Child safety seats ......................105
attaching with tether straps ..109
in front seat ............................107
in rear seat ..............................107
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............178
instrument panel ....................180
interior .....................................181
Index
231

interior trim ............................180
plastic parts ............................179
washing ....................................177
waxing .....................................177
wheels ......................................178
wiper blades ............................180
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......30–31
Clutch
fluid ..................................209, 212
operation while driving ..........125
recommended shift speeds ....126
Console ........................................52
overhead ....................................45
Controls
power seat .................................75
Coolant
checking and adding ..............194
refill capacities ................198, 218
specifications ..................221, 223
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................49
Customer Assistance
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................182
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................169
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............173
Getting the service you
need .........................................167
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................174
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................170
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................173D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................33
Defrost
rear window ..............................32
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................209
engine oil .................................188
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........221
Driving under special
conditions ..................124, 131, 133
sand .........................................132
snow and ice ...........................134
through water .................132, 138
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................159
Emission control system ..........206
Engine ........................................223
cleaning ...................................178
coolant .....................................194
idle speed control ...................192
lubrication
specifications ..................221, 223
refill capacities ........................218
service points ..................185–186
starting after a collision .........146
Engine block heater .................117
Engine oil ..................................188
checking and adding ..............188
dipstick ....................................188
filter, specifications ........191, 218
recommendations ...................191
refill capacities ........................218
specifications ..................221, 223
Index
232