2004 FORD ESCAPE brakes

is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the
brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4x4 vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Tires, Replacement Requirements
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that
originally provided by Ford Motor Company because it can affect
the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and/or serious
personal injury or death.
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that originally
provided by Ford Motor Company because it can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could lead to loss of vehicle control
or rollover and serious injury. Make sure all tires and wheels on the
vehicle are of the same size, type, tread design, brand and load-carrying
capacity. If you have questions regarding tire replacement, see an
authorized Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer.
If you nevertheless decide to equip your 4x4 for off-road use with tires
larger than what Ford Motor Company recommends, you should not use
these tires for highway driving.
If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford Motor
Company, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case failure as well as the increased
risk of loss of vehicle control.
Do not use “aftermarket lift kits” or other suspension modifications,
whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels.
These “aftermarket lift kits” could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or rollover and
serious injury.
Tires can be damaged during off-road use. For your safety, tires that are
damaged should not be used for highway driving because they are more
likely to blow out or fail.
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Driving
137

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.Driving through deep
water where the transaxle is submerged may allow water into the
transaxle and cause internal damage. Have the fluid checked and,
if water is found, replace the fluid.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
•Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
•Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
•GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight.
•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum allowable total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum allowable
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
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Driving
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Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehiclesection in
this chapter.
Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles.
Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in theTrailer Towing
section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take your
vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be
below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow
option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, transaxle,
axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to maximize
vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
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Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to hook retainers on the
vehicle. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains under the
trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Understanding the positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmissionsection in this chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
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146

4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR
Brake and clutch systems are supplied from the same reservoir.
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised, seek service from your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
2004 Escape(204)
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Maintenance and Specifications
211

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ............................96–97, 100
and child safety seats ..............98
description ........................97, 100
disposal ....................................103
driver air bag ....................99, 101
indicator light .................100, 102
operation ...........................99, 101
passenger air bag .............99, 101
side air bag ..............................100
Air cleaner filter ...............214, 220
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................130
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................196
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................119
Anti-theft system ........................73
arming the system ....................73
disarming a triggered system ..74
Audio system
Single CD ..................................15
Audio system
(see Radio) ................15, 18, 22, 26
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................211
fluid, checking ........................211
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................124
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specification ..................225
Auxiliary power point .................49Axle
lubricant specifications ..223, 225
refill capacities ........................220
B
Battery .......................................194
acid, treating emergencies .....194
jumping a disabled battery ....164
maintenance-free ....................194
replacement, specifications ...220
servicing ..................................194
BeltMinder ...................................92
Brakes ........................................119
anti-lock ...................................119
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................119
fluid, checking and adding ....211
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specifications .........223, 225
lubricant specifications ..223, 225
parking ....................................120
shift interlock ..........................121
Bulbs ............................................39
C
Calculating load ........................143
Capacities for refilling fluids ....220
Cargo area shade ........................55
Cassette tape player .............15, 22
CD-single premium ...............18, 26
Cell phone use ............................54
Certification Label ....................227
Changing a tire .........................158
Child safety restraints ..............104
child safety belts ....................104
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Index
Index
231

I
Ignition ...............................115, 225
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .............106–107
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................210
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................183
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................35
J
Jack ............................................158
positioning ...............................158
storage .....................................158
Jump-starting your vehicle ......164
K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........115
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................34
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................39
cargo lamps ...............................35
daytime running light ...............34
fog lamps ...................................34
headlamps .................................34
headlamps, flash to pass ..........35
instrument panel, dimming .....35
interior lamps .....................37–39
replacing bulbs ...................39–43Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................37
Liftgate ........................................55
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........119
Load limits .................................141
GAWR ......................................141
GVWR ......................................141
trailer towing ..........................141
Loading instructions .................143
Locks
childproof ..................................66
Lubricant specifications ...223, 225
M
Manual transaxle .......................127
fluid, checking and adding ....213
reverse .....................................128
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................220
lubricant specifications ..........225
Mirrors .........................................48
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................48
fold away ...................................51
heated ........................................51
side view mirrors (power) .......50
Moon roof ....................................54
Motorcraft parts ................205, 220
O
Octane rating ............................204
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................190
Overdrive ...................................123
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
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