
STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. LOCK, locks the gearshift lever
and allows key removal.
2. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
3. RUN, all electrical circuits
operational and warning lights will
illuminate. This is the position the
key is in when you’re driving.
4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
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Driving
Driving
130

These“aftermarket lift kits”could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or rollover and
serious injury.
Tires can be damaged during off-road use. For your safety, tires that are
damaged should not be used for highway driving because they are more
likely to blow out or fail.
You should carefully observe the recommended tire inflation pressure
found on the safety compliance certification label attached to the left
front door lock facing or door latch post pillar. Failure to follow tire
pressure recommendations can adversely affect the way your vehicle
handles. Do not exceed the Ford Motor Company recommended pressure
even if it is less than the maximum pressure allowed for the tire.
Each day before you drive, check
your tires. If one looks lower than
the others, use a tire gauge to check
pressure of all tires, and adjust if
required. Check tire pressure with a
tire gauge every few weeks
(including spare). Safe vehicle
operation requires your tires to be
set at the proper pressure and your
vehicle not be overloaded.
Periodically inspect the tire treads and remove stones, nails, glass or
other objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes
or cuts that may permit air leakage from the tire and make necessary
repairs.
Inspect the tire sidewalls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If internal
damage to the tire is suspected, have the tire demounted and inspected
in case it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
2005 Escape(204)
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USA English(fus)
Driving
153

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
7 10A* Instrument cluster, Diagnostic
connector, Power mirror switch,
Radio
8—Not used
9 30A** Power door locks, Power seats
10 15A* Heated mirrors
11 15A* Sunroof
12 5A* Radio
13—Not used
14—Not used
15 30A** Power windows
16 15A* Subwoofer
17 15A* Low beams
18 10A* 4x4
19—Not used
20 15A* Horn
21 10A* Rear wiper motor, Rear wiper
washer
22 10A* Electrochromatic mirror,
Instrument cluster
23 5A* Not used
24 20A* Cigar lighter
25 20A* Front wiper motor, Front wiper
washer
26 5A* Climate control system mode
switch
27 5A* Canister vent, Speed control
cancel switch
28 10A* Instrument cluster
29 10A* Reverse park aid
30 5A* Not used
31—Not used
2005 Escape(204)
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USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
174

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............204
instrument panel ....................206
interior .....................................207
interior trim ............................206
plastic parts ............................205
safety belts ..............................207
washing ....................................203
waxing .....................................203
wheels ......................................204
wiper blades ............................206
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......33–34
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .......................25, 29
AM/FM/CD .................................16
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................21
Clutch
fluid ..................................235, 238
operation while driving ..........142
recommended shift speeds ....143
Console ........................................57
overhead ....................................50
Controls
power seat .................................90
Coolant
checking and adding ..............219
refill capacities ................222, 254
specifications ..................257, 259
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................55
Customer Assistance ................168
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................208
Ford Extended Service Plan .196
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............200
Getting roadside assistance ...168
Getting the service
you need .................................194Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................201
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................196
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............199
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................37
Defrost
rear window ..............................35
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................235
engine oil .................................213
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........257
Driving under special
conditions ..................141, 148, 150
sand .........................................149
snow and ice ...........................151
through water .................149, 156
E
Electronic message center .........59
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................186
Emission control system ..........232
Engine ........................................259
cleaning ...................................204
coolant .....................................219
fail-safe coolant ......................223
idle speed control ...................217
lubrication
specifications ..................257, 259
refill capacities ........................254
service points ..................211–212
starting after a collision .........170
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Index
268

Engine block heater .................133
Engine oil ..................................213
checking and adding ..............213
dipstick ....................................213
filter, specifications ........216, 253
recommendations ...................216
refill capacities ........................254
specifications ..................257, 259
Exhaust fumes ..........................133
F
Fail safe cooling ........................223
Fluid capacities .........................254
Foglamps .....................................37
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................146
indicator light .........................146
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................137
Fuel ............................................225
calculating fuel
economy ............................60, 229
cap ...........................................226
capacity ...................................254
choosing the right fuel ...........227
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................232
detergent in fuel .....................228
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................225–226, 229
filter, specifications ........229, 253
fuel pump shut-off switch .....170
improving fuel economy ........229
octane rating ...................228, 259
quality ......................................228
running out of fuel .................228
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................225
Fuses ..................................170, 172G
Garage door opener ....................51
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............226
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................229
Gauges .........................................14
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................161
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................161
H
Hazard flashers .........................169
Head restraints .....................89, 91
Headlamps ...................................36
aiming ........................................39
autolamp system .......................36
bulb specifications ....................43
daytime running lights .............37
flash to pass ..............................38
high beam .................................38
replacing bulbs .........................44
turning on and off ....................36
Heating
heater only system ...................33
Hood ..........................................210
I
Ignition ...............................130, 259
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................122
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................234
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Index
269

Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................175
Power Point
Cigar lighter ..............................52
Power steering ..........................136
fluid, checking and adding ....234
fluid, refill capacity ................254
fluid, specifications .........257, 259
Power Windows ...........................53
Preparing to drive
your vehicle ...............................137
R
Radio ................................16, 19, 23
Rear window defroster ...............35
Relays ........................................170
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ................42, 84
locking/unlocking doors ...........77
Reverse sensing system ...........154
Roadside assistance ..................168
Roof rack .....................................68
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........109
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ..........96, 99–103
Safety Canopy ...........................116
Safety defects, reporting ..........202
Safety restraints ............96, 99–103
belt minder .............................105
extension assembly ................104
for adults .........................100–102
for children .............................119Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................97
safety belt maintenance .........109
warning light and chime ........104
Safety seats for children ..........122
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............96
Seats ............................................89
child safety seats ....................122
heated ........................................91
Servicing your vehicle ..............209
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................16
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ..........25, 29
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................21
Snowplowing .................................7
Spark plugs, specifications ......253,
259
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................257, 259
Speed control ..............................55
Starting your vehicle .......130–131,
133
jump starting ..........................186
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................50
T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................33
Tilt steering wheel ......................50
Tires ...........................177, 239–241
alignment ................................248
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
271