2003 FORD ESCAPE wheel

Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning and control lights 10
Gauges 13
Entertainment Systems 15
AM/FM stereo with CD 26
AM/FM stereo cassette with CD 18
Climate Controls 30
Heater only 30
Manual heating and air conditioning 31
Lights 33
Headlamps 33
Turn signal control 36
Bulb replacement 38
Driver Controls 43
Windshield wiper/washer control 43
Steering wheel adjustment 45
Power windows 48
Mirrors 49
Speed control (Cruise control) 49
Table of Contents
1

Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at, or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Overdrive off:Illuminates when
the overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned off,
refer to theDrivingchapter. If the
light flashes steadily, have the system serviced immediately.
Four wheel driver indicator (if
equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive is engaged.
Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the Securilock
Passive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is activated. Turns
off when the speed control system
is deactivated.
Door ajar:Illuminates when the
ignition is in the ON position and
any door is open.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the driver’s door is
opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (and the key is not in the ignition) and
the driver’s door is opened.
O/D
OFF
4x4
Instrument Cluster
12

TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED)
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull down and hold the steering
wheel release control toward you.
2. Move the steering wheel up or
down until you find the desired
location.
3. Pull the steering wheel release
control up. This will lock the
steering wheel in position.
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
The appearance of your vehicle’s overhead console will vary according to
your option package.
Storage compartment (if equipped)
Press the OPEN control to open the
storage compartment. The door will
open slightly and can be moved to
full open.
The storage compartment may be
used to secure sunglasses or a
similar object.
Driver Controls
45

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that
are winding, slippery or unpaved.
Setting speed control
The controls for using your speed
control are located on the steering
wheel for your convenience.
1. Press the ON control and release
it.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
3. Press the SET ACC control and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
5. The indicator
light on the
instrument cluster will turn on.
Note:
•Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a
steep hill.
•If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you
may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.
•If the vehicle speed decreases more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below
your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.
Resuming a set speed
Press the RSM) control and release
it. This will automatically return the
vehicle to the previously set speed.
The RSM control will not work if the
vehicle speed is not faster than 48
km/h (30 mph).
ON
OFF
RSM
SET
ACC
CST
RSM
SET
ACC
CST
Driver Controls
50

LUGGAGE RACK
Your vehicle is equipped with a roof
rack. The maximum load for the
roof rack is 44 kg (100 lbs), evenly
distributed on the crossbars. If it is
not possible to evenly distribute the
load, position it in the center or as
far forward on the crossbars as
possible. Always use the adjustable
tie down loops to secure the load.
Do not use the vehicle’s door handles as tie down loops.
To adjust the cross-bar position:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide the cross-bar to the desired
location.
3. Tighten the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar.
To remove the cross-bar assembly from the roof rack side rails:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
Driver Controls
55

2. Use a long, flat object to depress
the tongue in the endcaps on both
sides of the cross-bar.
3. Slide the tie down loops and the
cross-bar assemblies over the end
cap tongue and into the side rails.
4. Tighten thumbwheel at both ends
of the cross-bar.
NO BOUNDARIES RACK SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with
an optional roof rack. This unique
feature allows you to carry cargo on
an inner roof rack as well as on the
conventional roof rack. The
maximum load for the conventional
roof rack is 45 kg (100 lbs). The
inner rack can also hold 45 kg (100
lbs) if in the down and locked
position. Distribute the loads as
evenly as possible on both the roof
and inner rack, when extended or stowed. Always secure the loads by
using the tie down loops.
Driver Controls
57

Always stow the inner rack on the roof when using an automated
car wash.
Do not attempt to open the liftgate or rear window when the rack
is in the down position. This may damage the rack or your
vehicle.
To ensure proper sliding function of your rack, keep the rack
clear of debris. If debris is visible inside the roof c-channels or
side rails, spray the items clear with a water hose.
Do not load large or bulky items (i.e., plywood, mattresses) on
the rear of the vehicle so that they extend above the roof line. In
addition to blocking your rear view, they can also cause dangerous
driving situations and possibly cause damage to your vehicle. Use
additional care when driving with reduced visibility.
Only load cargo in the designated area. Loading outside of the
approved area could result in personal injury as well as vehicle
damage that may not be covered by warranty.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sport cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increase risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
Driver Controls
62

Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 3 (RUN) without
turning the key to 4 (START). If
there is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
•the front wheels are turned
•a front wheel is against the curb
Turn the key to 4 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to 1 (LOCK), wait 10 seconds and try again.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-23°C (-10°F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least
three hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the
night before starting the vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
Driving
117