2005 FORD ESCAPE brakes

If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric, manual, automatic or surge-type brakes, if compatible with the
vehicle, are safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Understanding the positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmissionsection in this chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
165

4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR
Brake and clutch systems are supplied from the same reservoir.
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the“MIN”and
“MAX”lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised, seek service from your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
235

A
Accessory delay ..........................53
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........109–110, 116
and child safety seats ............111
description ......................110, 116
disposal ....................................119
driver air bag ..................112, 117
indicator light .................115, 118
operation .........................112, 117
passenger air bag ...........112, 117
Air cleaner filter ...............238, 253
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................145
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................219
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................134–135
Anti-theft system ........................87
arming the system ....................87
disarming a triggered
system .......................................88
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................16, 19, 23
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................235
fluid, checking ........................235
Automatic transmission ............137
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................139
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
fluid, specification ..................259
Auxiliary power point .................52
Axle
lubricant specifications ..257, 259
refill capacities ........................254B
Battery .......................................217
acid, treating emergencies .....217
jumping a disabled battery ....186
maintenance-free ....................217
replacement, specifications ...253
servicing ..................................217
BeltMinder .................................105
Brakes ........................................134
anti-lock ...........................134–135
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............135
fluid, checking and adding ....235
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
fluid, specifications .........257, 259
lubricant specifications ..257, 259
parking ....................................135
shift interlock ..........................137
Bulbs ............................................43
C
Calculating load ........................161
Capacities for refilling fluids ....254
Cargo area shade ........................67
Cassette tape player ...................23
Cell phone use ............................58
Certification Label ....................261
Changing a tire .........................177
Child safety restraints ..............119
child safety belts ....................119
Child safety seats ......................122
attaching with tether straps ..126
in front seat ............................123
in rear seat ..............................123
Cigar lighter
Power Point ..............................52
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
267

Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................206
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................39
J
Jack ............................................177
positioning ...............................177
storage .....................................177
Jump-starting your vehicle ......186
K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........130
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................36
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................43
daytime running light ...............37
fog lamps ...................................37
headlamps .................................36
headlamps, flash to pass ..........38
instrument panel, dimming .....39
interior lamps .....................41–43
replacing bulbs ...................43–47
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................41
Liftgate ........................................66
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........135
Load limits .................................156
Loading instructions .................161
Locks
childproof ..................................80Lubricant specifications ...257, 259
Luggage rack ...............................68
M
Manual transaxle .......................142
fluid, checking and adding ....237
reverse .....................................143
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................254
lubricant specifications ..........259
Message center ...........................59
english/metric button ...............61
system check button ................61
warning messages .....................62
Mirrors .........................................52
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................55
fold away ...................................54
heated ........................................54
side view mirrors (power) .......54
Moon roof ....................................58
Motorcraft parts ................229, 253
O
Octane rating ............................228
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................213
Overdrive ...................................139
P
Parking .......................................144
Parking brake ............................135
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....253
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................97
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
270