Page 1 of 272
Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning and control lights 10
Gauges 14
Entertainment Systems 16
AM/FM stereo with CD 16
AM/FM stereo cassette with CD 19
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 23
Climate Controls 33
Heater only 33
Manual heating and air conditioning 34
Rear window defroster 35
Lights 36
Headlamps 36
Turn signal control 41
Bulb replacement 43
Driver Controls 48
Windshield wiper/washer control 48
Steering wheel adjustment 50
Power windows 53
Mirrors 54
Speed control 55
Message center 59
Locks and Security 77
Keys 77
Locks 77
Anti-theft system 84
Table of Contents
1
Page 5 of 272

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible
damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment? In this guide, answers
to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning
triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed to allow parts to adjust
themselves to other parts.
Drive your new vehicle at least 800 km (500 miles) before towing a
trailer.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during
the first few thousand kilometers (miles) of operation, since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
5
Page 8 of 272
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemBrake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based
Traction ControlAdvanceTrac
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
8
Page 10 of 272

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Service engine soon:TheService
engine soonindicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check
the bulb. Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster
10
Page 11 of 272

Check fuel cap:Illuminates when the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with this light on may cause the Service
engine soon warning light to come on. Refer toFuel filler capin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter.
Without message center
With message center
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,
or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your dealership. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately by your servicing dealership.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer immediately.
Anti-lock brake system:
Illuminates indicating an ABS fault.
If the lamp stays on for more than a
few seconds, then an ABS fault is
indicated, have the system serviced
immediately. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake warning
light also is illuminated.
!
BRAKE
ABS
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
11
Page 12 of 272

Air bag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately. A chime will also
sound when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been
detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
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).
Without message center
With message center
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.
O/D
OFF
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
12
Page 13 of 272

Four wheel drive indicator (if equipped):Illuminates when ignition
is first turned ON to check bulb. Solid illumination indicates 4x4 system
is locked. Blinking indicator indicates system has been disabled or
requires service.
Without message center
Type A
Type B
With message center
Displays when four-wheel drive
system requires service.
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.
Without message center
With message center
Displays which door, liftgate or
liftgate glass 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.
4x4
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
13
Page 15 of 272

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
Odometer:Registers the total
kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.
Trip odometer:Registers the
kilometers (miles) of individual
journeys. To reset, tap on the trip
reset button to toggle the display
between the trip and the odometer.
Holding the reset button for one or
two seconds will reset the trip odometer to zero.
Tachometer:Indicates the engine
speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer
pointer continuously at the top of
the scale may damage the engine.
Fuel gauge:Indicates
approximately how much fuel is left
in the fuel tank (when the ignition
is in the ON position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion or on a grade.
The arrow near the fuel pump icon
indicates which side of the vehicle
the fuel filler door is located.
Refer toFilling the tankin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information.
2005 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
15