2003 FORD ESCAPE key

3. Insert a tool (or a screwdriver)
into the right-hand side of the
brake-shift interlock access cover
and remove the cover.
4. Insert a tool (or screw driver)
into the access hole to override the
brake-shift interlock. Apply the
brake and shift into Neutral while
holding down the override tab.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving
121

To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transaxle
operates in gears one through four.
D (Overdrive) can be deactivated by
pressing the O/D OFF switch on the
end of the gearshift lever. This will
illuminate the O/D OFF lamp and
activate Drive.
Drive (O/D OFF switch pressed)
Drive is activated when the O/D OFF switch is pressed.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
Driving
123

•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the O/D OFF switch. The
O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
2 (Second)
This position allows for second gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use to start-up on slippery roads.
•To return to D (Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the D
(Overdrive) position.
•Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transaxle to
downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Overdrive) or Drive.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
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124

4. Turn the ignition to position 1
(LOCK) to shut the engine off and
remove the ignition key.
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly
and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake
fully.
CONTROL TRAC II FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4X4) SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein this chapter.
4x4 supplies power to all wheels through the transaxle and Rotary Blade
Coupling (RBC) unit that allows you to select a four-wheel drive mode
best suited for your current driving conditions.
4x4 system indicator lights
•4x4- Illuminates when ON is
selected
4x4
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128

If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid“over-driving”your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
Driving
131

After an accident, if the engine cranks but does not start, this switch
may have been activated.
This switch is located in the front
passenger’s footwell, by the kick
panel access cover.
To reset the switch:
1. Turn the ignition OFF.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no leaks are apparent, reset the
switch by pushing in on the reset
button.
4. Turn the ignition ON.
5. Wait a few seconds and return
the key to OFF.
6. Make another check of leaks.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.
Note:Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage
rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.
15
Roadside Emergencies
147

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
7 10A Passive Anti-theft Transceiver
(PATS), RCM, EEC fuse
8 10A Cluster, Shift lock relay (coil), O/D
signal to PCM, GEM, E/C autolamp
mirror
9 3A PCM relay (coil), Fan relay 1, 2, 3
(coil), A/C relay (coil)
10 20A Front wiper motor, Front washer
motor
11 10A ACC relay (coil), Key interlock
solenoid, GEM
12 5A Radio
13—Not used
14 20A Cigar lighter
15 15A Park lamp relay, Front position
lamps, License lamps, Tail lamps,
Park lamp relay (coil), Trailer fuse,
Illumination fuse
16 10A Cluster, Power mirror, GEM,
Heated seats
17 15A Sun roof motor
18 5A Illumination for: Cluster, Heater
unit, Radio, Hazard switch, Rear
defrost switch, 4WD switch, Front
fog switch
19 10A Subwoofer amp
20 15A Turn Indicators, Front Side Turn
Lamps, Front turn lamps, Rear turn
lamps, Trailer turn, Flasher unit
21 10A Trailer position lamps
22 15A Not used
23 20A Horn relay
Roadside Emergencies
150

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guide/Owner
Information Guideto find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
Maintenance and Specifications
183