2004 FORD ESCAPE roof rack

To install the shade:
•Insert the ends of the cargo
shade into the mounting features
located behind the rear seat on
the rear trim panels.
To operate the shade:
1. Grasp the pull tube at the
rearward edge of the shade and pull
rearward.
2. Secure both ends of the pull tube
in the retention slots located on the rear trim panels.
Ensure that the posts are properly latched in mounting features.
The cover may cause injury in a sudden stop or accident if it is
not securely installed.
Do not place any objects on the cargo area shade. They may
obstruct your vision or strike occupants of vehicle in the case of
a sudden stop or collision.
LUGGAGE RACK
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
roof rack. The maximum load for
the roof rack is 44 kg (100 lbs),
evenly distributed on the crossbars.
If it is not possible to evenly
distribute the load, position it in the
center or as far forward on the
crossbars as possible. Always use
the adjustable tie down loops to
secure the load.
Do not use the vehicle’s door handles as tie down loops.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
56

To adjust the cross-bar (if equipped) position:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide the cross-bar to the desired
location.
3. Tighten the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar.
To remove the cross-bar assembly (if equipped) from the roof rack
side rails:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide the cross-bar to the end of
the rail.
3. Use a long, flat object to depress
the tongue in the endcaps on both
sides of the cross-bar.
4. Slide the cross-bar assembly off
the end of the rail.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
57

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

6.Figure shows foot (A) clicked
into place correctly.
7.With the locking tab (B)
exposed on the foot, this figure
shows the rack is not installed
correctly. Repeat steps 3 through
5 and secure the rack before
loading cargo.
Do not drive the vehicle if the inner roof rack is extended and
loaded with cargo but is not secured into the receivers. This can
cause dangerous driving conditions.
Do not attempt to move or store the inner rack when loaded.
This can cause personal injury and damage to your vehicle that
may not be covered by warranty.
Do not use the inner rack as a ladder. This could result in
personal injury and damage to your roof rack.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
61

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

WASHING THE EXTERIOR
Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral
Ph shampoo, such as Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A), which is available
from your dealer.
•Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing
or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted
surfaces.
•Never wash a vehicle that is “hot to the touch” or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight.
•Always use a clean sponge or carwash mitt with plenty of water for
best results.
•Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to
eliminate water spotting.
•It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the
winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause
damage to the vehicle.
•Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings
and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle’s
paintwork and trim over time.
•Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a
car wash.
•Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted
surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,
wash off as soon as possible.
WAXING
Applying a polymer paint sealant to your vehicle every six months will
assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.
•Wash the vehicle first.
•Do not use waxes that contain abrasives.
•Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will “gray” or stain the parts over time.
PAINT CHIPS
Your dealer has touch-up paint and sprays to match your vehicle’s color.
Take your color code (printed on a sticker in the driver’s door jam) to
your dealer to ensure you get the correct color.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Cleaning
Cleaning
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