Page 1 of 240
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
Page 12 of 240

Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Overdrive off:Illuminates when
the overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned off,
refer to theDrivingchapter. If the
light flashes steadily or does not illuminate, have the transmission
serviced soon, or damage may occur.
Four wheel drive indicator
(if equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive is engaged.
Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the SecurilockPassive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is activated. Turns
off when the speed control system
is deactivated.
Door ajar:Illuminates when the
ignition is in the ON position and
any door is open.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
O/D
OFF
4x4
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 46 of 240
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
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Page 51 of 240

Fold-away mirrors
Pull the side mirrors in carefully
when driving through a narrow
space, like an automatic car wash.
Heated outside mirrors
(if equipped)
Both mirrors are heated
automatically to remove ice, mist
and fog when the rear window
defrost is activated.
Do not remove ice from the
mirrors with a scraper or
attempt to readjust the mirror
glass if it is frozen in place.
These actions could cause
damage to the glass and mirrors.
SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
With speed control set, you can maintain a speed of 48 km/h (30 mph)
or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. Speed
control does not work at speeds below 48 km/h (30 mph).
Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that
are winding, slippery or unpaved.
Setting speed control
The controls for using your speed
control are located on the steering
wheel for your convenience.
1. Press the ON control and release
it.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
ON
OFF
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 57 of 240
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)
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Page 58 of 240
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
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Page 64 of 240

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)
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USA English(fus)
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Page 118 of 240

Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 3 (RUN) without
turning the key to 4 (START). If
there is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
•the front wheels are turned
•a front wheel is against the curb
Turn the key to 4 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still
fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will
allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is
flooded with fuel.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-23° C (-10° F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least
three hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the
night before starting the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
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