2004 FORD ESCAPE trailer

Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
212

Interior style
Cell phone holders
Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Floor mats
Interior trim kits
Leather wrapped steering wheels
Scuff plates
Lifestyle
Bike racks
Cargo organization and management
Engine block heaters and blankets
Rear seat entertainment systems
Towing mirrors
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
Peace of mind
Airbag anti-theft locks
First aid and safety kits
Full vehicle covers
Locking gas cap
Navigation systems
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Accessories
230

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
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
234

T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................31
Tilt steering wheel ......................46
Tires ...........................158, 215–217
changing ..................158–159, 163
checking the pressure ............217
replacing ..................................218
rotating ....................................218
snow tires and chains ............219
spare tire .................................158
tire grades ...............................217
treadwear ................................216
Towing .......................................143
recreational towing .................148
trailer towing ..........................143
wrecker ....................................169
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................213
manual operation ....................127
Transmission .............................121
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....121
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................211fluid, refill capacities ..............220
lubricant specifications ..223, 225
Turn signal ..................................37
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................225
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................228
Vehicle loading ..........................141
Ventilating your vehicle ...........119
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................190
Water, Driving through .............141
Windows
power .........................................49
rear wiper/washer .....................45
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....190
liftgate reservoir .....................190
operation ...................................44
replacing wiper blades .............45
Wrecker towing .........................169
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
236