Page 2 of 240
Seating and Safety Restraints 75
Seating 75
Safety restraints 85
Air bags 96
Child restraints 103
Driving 115
Starting 115
Brakes 119
Transmission operation 121
Trailer towing 143
Roadside Emergencies 149
Getting roadside assistance 149
Hazard flasher switch 150
Fuel pump shut-off switch 150
Fuses and relays 151
Changing tires 158
Jump starting 164
Wrecker towing 169
Customer Assistance 171
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 179
Cleaning 180
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
2
Page 8 of 240
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemBrake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based
Traction ControlAdvanceTrac
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
8
Page 49 of 240

The mirror will automatically return to the normal high reflective state
whenever the vehicle is placed in R (Reverse). This helps to ensure a
bright clear view in the mirror when backing up.
AUXILIARY POWER POINT
Power outlets are designed for
accessory plugs only. Do not
hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug.
Improper use of the power
outlet can cause damage not
covered by your warranty.
The auxiliary power point is located
on the instrument panel.
Do not plug optional electrical
accessories into the cigarette lighter. Use the power point.
Do not use the power point for operating the cigarette lighter element.
The Maximum power each power point can supply depends on the fuse
rating. For example: a 20A fuse should supply a maximum of 240 Watts,
a 15A fuse should supply a maximum of 180 Watts and a 10A fuse should
supply a maximum of 120 Watts. Exceeding these limits will result in a
blown fuse.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
POWER WINDOWS (IF EQUIPPED)
When closing the power windows, you should verify they are free
of obstructions and ensure that children and/or pets are not in
the proximity of the window openings.
Press and hold the bottom part of
the rocker switch to open the
window. Press and hold the top part
of the rocker switch to close the
window.
NOTE:The window switches will
not illuminate when the window
lock control is in the LOCKED
position.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
49
Page 98 of 240

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag
supplemental restraint systems or its fuses. See your Ford or
Lincoln Mercury dealer.
Modifications to the front end of the vehicle, including frame,
bumper, front end body structure, tow hooks and B-pillar
surrounding parts may affect the performance of the air bag sensors
increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify the front end of the
vehicle.
Additional equipment may affect the performance of the air bag
sensors increasing the risk of injury. Please refer to the Body
Builders Layout Book for instructions about the appropriate installation
of additional equipment.
Children and air bags
Children must always be properly
restrained. Accident statistics
suggest that children are safer when
properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front
seating position. Failure to follow
these instructions may increase the
risk of injury in a collision.
Air bags can kill or injure a
child in a child seat.
NEVERplace a rear-facing child
seat in front of an active air bag. If
you must use a forward-facing
child seat in the front seat, move
the seat all the way back.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
98
Page 101 of 240

Do not use accessory seat covers. The use of accessory seat
covers may prevent the deployment of the side air bags and
increase the risk of injury in an accident.
Do not lean your head on the door. The side air bag could injure
you as it deploys from the side of the seatback.
Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag SRS, its
fuses or the seat cover on a seat containing an air bag. See your
Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
All occupants of the vehicle should always wear their safety belts
even when an air bag SRS is provided.
How does the side air bag system work?
The side air bag system consists of
the following:
•An inflatable nylon bag (air bag)
with a gas generator concealed
behind the outboard bolster of
the driver and front passenger
seatbacks.
•A special seat cover designed to
allow airbag deployment.
•The same warning light,
electronic control and diagnostic
unit as used for the front air
bags.
•The two side sensors are located
on the lower portion of the
b-pillar.
Side air bags, in combination with seat belts, can help reduce the risk of
severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
101
Page 122 of 240
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Locate the access cover plate to
the brake-shift interlock override. It
is located on the top of the steering
column.
3. Insert a tool (or a screwdriver)
into the right-hand side of the
brake-shift interlock access cover
and remove the cover.
4. Insert a tool (or screw driver)
into the access hole to override the
brake-shift interlock. Apply the
brake and shift into Neutral while
holding down the override tab.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
122
Page 151 of 240
This switch is located in the front
passenger’s footwell, behind a
flip-up cover, by the kick panel
access cover.
To reset the switch:
1. Turn the ignition OFF.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no leaks are apparent, reset the
switch by pushing in on the reset
button.
4. Turn the ignition ON.
5. Wait a few seconds and return
the key to OFF.
6. Make another check of leaks.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.
Note:Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage
rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.
15
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
151
Page 152 of 240
Standard fuse amperage rating and color
COLOR
Fuse
ratingMini
fusesStandard
fusesMaxi
fusesCartridge
maxi
fusesFuse link
cartridge
2A Grey Grey — — —
3A Violet Violet — — —
4A Pink Pink — — —
5A Tan Tan — — —
7.5A Brown Brown — — —
10A Red Red — — —
15A Blue Blue — — —
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural — — —
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A — — Orange Green Green
50A — — Red Red Red
60A — — Blue — Yellow
70A — — Tan — Brown
80A — — Natural — Black
Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located on the left hand side kick panel. Remove the
panel cover to access the fuses.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
152