2004 FORD ESCAPE tow

Rear window wiper/washer controls
For intermittent operation of rear
wiper, rotate end of control upward
to the INT position.
For normal speed rear wiper
operation, rotate control upward to
ON.
To activate the rear washer, rotate
the control to the
position and
release.
Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm
away from the glass. Turn the blade
at a right angle to the arm. Push the
lock tab (A) to release the blade
from the arm loop and pull the
blade down toward the windshield
to remove it from the arm.
2. Attach the new blade to the arm
loop and pull it into place until a
click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades every 6 months for optimum performance.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
45

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.
Installing a garage door opener (if equipped)
The storage compartment can be converted to accommodate a variety of
aftermarket garage door openers:
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
46

To reinstall the cross-bar assembly (if equipped) to the roof rack
side rails:
1. Ensure that both cross-bar
assemblies are installed with the F
(front) arrow facing towards the
front of the vehicle.
2. Use a long, flat object to depress
the tongue in the endcaps on both
sides of the cross-bar.
3. Slide the cross-bar assemblies
over the end cap tongue and into
the side rails.
4. Tighten thumbwheel at both ends
of the cross-bar.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
58

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 loads by using the tie down loops or
rack accessories available from your local Ford Dealership. For example, a
bike rack holder (PN: 2L8Z-7855100-AB) is now available to mount bikes
on the vertical section of this rack.
To extend the inner rack:
1. Rotate the handle on the lift bar
of the inner rack in the direction of
the arrows on the handle.
2. Lift the bar straight up (about
two inches).
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
59

3. Slide the inner rack rearward,
with an initial pull to release the
rack from its stowed position, until
it has completely extended and
stops.
4. Lower the inner rack by pivoting
at the hinges of the rack.
Do not pivot the inner rack
downward until it has been
completely extended. Failure to
fully extend the inner rack could
result in improper positioning of
the rack and possible damage to
your vehicle.
5. Insert the feet into the receivers
on the bumper. Push the rack into
the bumper until the feet click into
place.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
60

To stow the inner rack:
1. Rotate the handle on the lift bar
of the inner rack in the direction of
the arrows on the handle and pull
the inner rack away from the
bumper.
2. Lift the inner rack (pivoting at
the hinges).
3. Continue lifting the inner rack
until it is parallel with the roof.
4. Slide the rack forward onto the
roof, pushing the rack into its final
stowed position.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
62

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.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
64

Sounding a panic alarm
Press
to activate the alarm. To deactivate the feature, press the
control again or wait for the alarm to time out in approximately 3
minutes.
Note:The panic alarm will only operate when the ignition is in the OFF
or ACC position.
Replacing the battery
The remote entry transmitter uses one coin type three-volt lithium
battery CR2032 or equivalent. The typical operating range for your
remote entry transmitter is approximately 10 meters (33 feet). A
decrease in the operating range could be caused by:
•weather conditions,
•nearby radio towers,
•structures around the vehicle and
•other vehicles parked next to the vehicle.
To replace the battery:
1. Twist a thin coin between the two
halves of the remote entry
transmitter near the key ring. DO
NOT TAKE THE RUBBER COVER
AND CIRCUIT BOARD OFF THE
FRONT HOUSING OF THE
REMOTE ENTRY TRANSMITTER.
2. Do not wipe off any grease on the
battery terminals on the back
surface of the circuit board.
3. Remove the old battery.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Locks and Security
68