2005 FORD ESCAPE brakes

Seating and Safety Restraints 89
Seating 89
Safety restraints 96
Air bags 109
Child restraints 119
Driving 130
Starting 130
Brakes 134
Transmission operation 137
Vehicle loading 156
Trailer towing 162
Recreational towing 167
Roadside Emergencies 168
Getting roadside assistance 168
Hazard flasher switch 169
Fuel pump shut-off switch 170
Fuses and relays 170
Changing tires 177
Jump starting 186
Wrecker towing 192
Customer Assistance 194
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 202
Cleaning 203
Table of Contents
2

3. Press the SET ACC control and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
5. The indicator
light on the
instrument cluster will turn on.
Note:
•Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a
steep hill.
•If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you
may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.
•If the vehicle speed decreases more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below
your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.
Resuming a set speed
Press the RSM control and release
it. This will automatically return the
vehicle to the previously set speed.
The RSM control will not work if the
vehicle speed is not faster than 48
km/h (30 mph).
Increasing speed while using speed control
There are two ways to set a higher
speed:
•Press and hold the SET ACC
control until you get to the
desired speed, then release the
control. You can also use the SET
ACC control to operate the
Tap-Up function. Press and
release this control to increase the vehicle set speed in small amounts
by 1.6 km/h (1 mph).
•Use the accelerator pedal to get to the desired speed. When the
vehicle reaches that speed press and release the SET ACC control.
RSM
SET
ACC
CST
RSM
SET
ACC
CST
RSM
SET
ACC
CST
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
56

2. Press and release the SET control
to display“OIL CHNG XXX% HOLD
SET NEW”.
3. Press and hold the SET control
for 2 seconds to display“OIL
CHANGE SET TO 100%”.
INFO UNAVAIL.These messages indicate improper operation of the
vehicle network communication systems for the following vehicle
modules.
•Fuel computer
•Charging system
•Door sensor
•Brakes
•Exteroir lamps
•Emissions system
•4X4 info
Contact your Ford Dealer as soon as possible if these messages occur on
a regular basis.
LIFTGATE
To open the rear window, pull the
right side of the liftgate handle.
To open the liftgate, pull the left
side of the liftgate handle.
•Do not open the liftgate or
liftgate glass in a garage or other
enclosed area with a low ceiling.
If the liftgate glass is raised and
the liftgate is also opened, both
liftgate and glass could be
damaged against a low ceiling.
•Do not leave the liftgate or liftgate glass open while driving. Doing so
could cause serious damage to the liftgate and its components as well
as allowing carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
66

2. To unfasten, push the release
button and remove the tongue from
the buckle.
All safety belts in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts.
The passenger safety belts have two types of locking modes described
below:
Vehicle sensitive mode
This is the normal retractor mode, which allows free shoulder belt length
adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle
movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner
sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of approximately 8 km/h (5
mph) or more, the combination safety belts will lock to help reduce
forward movement of the driver and passengers.
Automatic locking mode
In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will
still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The automatic
locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt.
This mode should be usedany timea child safety seat (other than a
belt-positioning booster) is installed. Children 12 years old and under
should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible. Refer
toSafety restraints for childrenorSafety seats for childrenlater in
this chapter.
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
101

Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with
emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations
can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by
weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can
be removed with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A).
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; this is
normal and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
!
BRAKE
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
134

To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. If the
steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
136

2. Using a screwdriver or similar
tool, carefully pry out the small,
round, tethered Brake Transmission
Shift Interlock (BTSI) cover cap
located to the right of the gearshift
lever.
3. Insert a screwdriver or similar
tool straight down into the access
hole and press downward while
pulling the gearshift lever out of the
P (Park) position and into the N
(Neutral) position.
4. Remove tool and reinstall BTSI tethered cover cap.
5. Start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
P
R
N
D
2
1
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
138

If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid“over-driving”your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
148