2004 FORD ESCAPE wiper blades

Rear window wiper/washer controls
For intermittent operation of rear
wiper, rotate end of control upward
to the INT position.
For normal speed rear wiper
operation, rotate control upward to
ON.
To activate the rear washer, rotate
the control to the
position and
release.
Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm
away from the glass. Turn the blade
at a right angle to the arm. Push the
lock tab (A) to release the blade
from the arm loop and pull the
blade down toward the windshield
to remove it from the arm.
2. Attach the new blade to the arm
loop and pull it into place until a
click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades every 6 months for optimum performance.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
45

WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
regularly. If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the
windshield, rear window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These
may include hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree
sap, or other organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow
these tips:
•The windshield or rear window may be cleaned with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23),
available from your dealer.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping
with a dry, soft, clean cloth.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Cleaning
183

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5° C (40°
F), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
190

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