Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning and control lights 10
Gauges 13
Entertainment Systems 15
AM/FM stereo with CD 15
AM/FM stereo cassette with CD 18
Climate Controls 31
Heater only 31
Manual heating and air conditioning 32
Lights 34
Headlamps 34
Turn signal control 37
Bulb replacement 39
Driver Controls 44
Windshield wiper/washer control 44
Steering wheel adjustment 46
Power windows 49
Mirrors 50
Speed control 51
Locks and Security 65
Keys 65
Locks 65
Anti-theft system 70
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1
HEATER ONLY SYSTEM
1.Fan speed adjustment:Controls
the volume of air circulated in the
vehicle.
2.Air flow selections:Controls
the direction of the airflow in the
vehicle. See the following for a brief
description on each control.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents and the
floor vents.
O (OFF):Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.
:Distributes outside air through the floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents and
floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents.
3.Temperature selection:Controls the temperature of the airflow in
the vehicle.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle during cold or warm
weather, do not drive with the air flow selector in the OFF position.
•Under normal weather conditions, do not leave the air flow selector in
OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe”
using the outside air inlet vents.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the air
flow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
2. Set the temperature control to full heat
3. Set the fan speed to HI
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
Climate Controls
31
4. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR
CONDITIONING SYSTEM
1.Fan speed adjustment:Controls
the volume of air circulated in the
vehicle.
2.Air flow selections:Controls
the direction of the airflow in the
vehicle. See the following for a brief
description on each control.
MAX A/C:Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. Air flows from the
instrument panel vents only.
A/C:Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. Air flows from the instrument
panel vents only.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents.
O (OFF):Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents and the
floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents and
floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents. The
air conditioner will automatically turn on to dehumidify the air.
3.Temperature selection:Controls the temperature of the airflow in
the vehicle.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
32
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
air flow selector in the OFF or MAX A/C position.
•Under normal weather conditions, do not leave the air flow selector in
MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle
to “breathe” using the outside air inlet vents.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Modulate the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to 4.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
The rear defroster is on the
instrument panel. Press to clear the
rear window of thin ice and fog. The
small LED will illuminate when
activated.
Ensure that the ignition is ON to operate the rear window defroster.
The defroster turns off automatically after 15 minutes or when the
ignition is turned to the OFF position. To manually turn off the defroster
before 15 minutes have passed, push the control again.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Climate Controls
33
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
216
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
speed rating, load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., “All
Terrain”, “Touring”, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires with “high performance” tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
USING SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires or traction
devices may be necessary.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
•SAE class “S” cable should be used only on front axle for P235/70R16
tires. With P225/70R15 and P215/70R16 tires, SAE class “S” cables can
be used on both the front and rear wheels.
•Install cables or chains securely, verifying that the cables or chains do
not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang against
the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the
cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
•Avoid overloading your vehicle.
•Remove the cables or chains when they are no longer needed.
•Do not use cables or chains on dry roads.
•Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables or chains on your
vehicle.
Consult your dealer for information on other Ford approved methods of
traction control.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
219
Child safety seats ..............106–107
attaching with tether straps ..111
in front seat ............................108
in rear seat ..............................108
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............181
instrument panel ....................183
interior .....................................184
interior trim ............................183
plastic parts ............................182
washing ....................................180
waxing .....................................180
wheels ......................................181
wiper blades ............................183
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......31–32
Clock adjust
Single CD ..................................15
Clutch
fluid ..................................211, 214
operation while driving ..........127
recommended shift speeds ....128
Console ........................................53
overhead ....................................46
Controls
power seat .................................76
Coolant
checking and adding ..............196
refill capacities ................199, 220
specifications ..................223, 225
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................51
Customer Assistance ................149
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................185
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................173
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................177Getting roadside assistance ...149
Getting the service you
need .........................................171
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................178
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................173
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................176
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................34
Defrost
rear window ..............................33
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................211
engine oil .................................190
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........223
Driving under special
conditions ..................126, 133, 135
sand .........................................134
snow and ice ...........................136
through water .................134, 141
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................164
Emission control system ..........208
Engine ........................................225
cleaning ...................................181
coolant .....................................196
idle speed control ...................194
lubrication
specifications ..................223, 225
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
232
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