Accessory delay
With accessory delay, the window switches, moon roof (if equipped) and
audio system may be used for up to ten minutes after the ignition switch
is turned to the OFF position or until any door is opened.
AUTOMATIC DIMMING REAR VIEW MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with
an inside rear view mirror with an
auto-dimming function. The
electrochromic day/night mirror will
change from the normal (high
reflective) state to the non-glare
(darkened) state when bright lights (glare) reach the mirror. When the
mirror detects bright light from behind the vehicle, it will automatically
adjust (darken) to minimize glare.
The mirror will automatically return to the normal state whenever the
vehicle is placed in R (Reverse) to ensure a bright clear view when
backing up.
Do not block the sensor on the backside of the inside rear view mirror
since this may impair proper mirror performance.
POWER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS
To adjust your mirrors:
1. Rotate the control, located on the
instrument panel left of the steering
wheel, clockwise to adjust the right
mirror and rotate the control
counterclockwise to adjust the left
mirror.
2. Move the control in the direction
you wish to tilt the mirror.
3. Return to the center position to lock mirrors in place.
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
58
Fold-away mirrors
Carefully pull the outside mirrors
inwards when driving through a
narrow space, like an automatic car
wash.
Heated outside mirrors
(if equipped)
Both mirrors are heated
automatically to remove ice, mist
and fog when the rear window
defrost is activated.
Do not remove ice from the
mirrors with a scraper or
attempt to readjust the mirror
glass if it is frozen in place.
These actions could cause
damage to the glass and mirrors.
SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
With speed control set, you can maintain a speed of 30 mph (48 km/h)
or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. Speed
control does not work at speeds below 30 mph (48 km/h).
Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that
are winding, slippery or unpaved.
Setting speed control
The controls for using your speed
control are located on the steering
wheel for your convenience.
1. Press the ON control and release
it.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
ON
OFF
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
59
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.
Make sure that the liftgate door and/or window are closed to
prevent exhaust fumes from being drawn into the vehicle.
Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide which can injure your lungs
and cause drowsiness and even death. This will also prevent
passengers and cargo from falling out. If you must drive with the
liftgate door or window open, keep the vents open so outside air comes
into the vehicle.
CARGO SHADE (IF EQUIPPED)
If your vehicle has a cargo shade, you can use it to cover items in the
cargo area of your vehicle.
To install the shade:
•Insert the ends of the cargo
shade into the mounting features
located behind the rear seat on
the rear trim panels.
To operate the shade:
1. Grasp the handle at the rear edge
of the shade and pull rearward.
2. Secure both ends of the support
rod into the retention slots located
on the rear quarter trim panels.
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
70
Always stow the inner rack on the roof when using an automated
car wash.
Do not attempt to open the liftgate or rear window when the rack
is in the down position. This may damage the rack or your
vehicle.
To ensure proper sliding function of your rack, keep the rack
clear of debris. If debris is visible inside the roof c-channels or
side rails, spray the items clear with a water hose.
Do not load large or bulky items (i.e., plywood, mattresses) on
the rear of the vehicle so that they extend above the roof line. In
addition to blocking your rear view, they can also cause dangerous
driving situations and could result in an increase risk of loss of vehicle
control and personal injury. Use additional care when driving with
reduced visibility.
Only load cargo in the designated area. Loading outside of the
approved area could result in personal injury as well as vehicle
damage that may not be covered by warranty.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sport cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increase risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
79
How does the Safety Canopysystem work?
The design and development of the
Safety Canopysystem included
recommended testing procedures
that were developed by a group of
automotive safety experts known as
the Side Airbag Technical Working
Group. These recommended testing
procedures help reduce the risk of
injuries related to the deployment of
side airbags (including the Safety
Canopy).
The Safety Canopysystem
consists of the following:
•An inflatable nylon curtain with a
gas generator concealed behind
the headliner and above the doors
(one on each side of vehicle).
•A headliner designed to flex open
above the side doors to allow Safety Canopydeployment.
•The same warning light, electronic control and diagnostic unit as used
for the front airbags.
•Two crash sensors mounted at lower B-Pillar (one on each side).
•Two crash sensors located at the c-pillar behind the rear doors (one
on each side).
•Rollover sensor in the restraints control module (RCM).
The Safety Canopysystem, in combination with safety belts, can help
reduce the risk of severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact
collision or rollover event.
Children 12 years old and under should always be properly restrained in
the second or third row seats. The Safety Canopywill not interfere
with children restrained using a properly installed child or booster seat
because it is designed to inflate downward from the headliner above the
doors along the side window opening.
The Safety Canopysystem is designed to active when the vehicle
sustains lateral deceleration sufficient to cause the RCM to initiate Safety
Canopyinflation or when a certain likelihood of a rollover event is
detected by the rollover sensor.
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
125
The Safety Canopyis mounted to roof side-rail sheet metal, behind the
headliner, above the first and second row seats. The Safety Canopyis
designed to inflate between the side window area and occupants to
further enhance protection provided in side impact collisions and rollover
events.
The fact that the Safety Canopydid not activate in a collision does not
mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the
forces were not of the type sufficient to cause activation. The Safety
Canopyis designed to inflate in certain side impact collisions or
rollover events, not in rear impact, frontal or near-frontal collisions,
unless the collision causes sufficient lateral deceleration or rollover
likelihood.
Several Safety Canopy
system components get hot
after inflation. Do not touch them
after inflation.
If the Safety Canopysystem has deployed,the Safety
Canopywill not function again unless replaced. The
Safety Canopysystem (including the A, B and C pillar trim)
must be inspected and serviced by a qualified technician in
accordance with the vehicle service manual.If the Safety
Canopyis not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of
injury in a collision.
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer to theAirbag readiness
section in theInstrument Clusterchapter. Routine maintenance of the
side airbag is not required.
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
126
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
USING THE ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10°F (-23°C) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the night
before starting the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
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.
!
BRAKE
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
172
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, Electrochromatic mirror
12 5A* Radio
13 — Not used
14 — Not used
15 30A** Power windows
16 15A* Subwoofer
17 15A* Low beams
18 10A* 4WD
19 — Not used
20 15A* Horn
21 10A* Rear wiper motor, Rear wiper
washer
22 10A* Instrument cluster
23 — 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 — Not used
31 — Not used
32 10A* Brake-Transmission shift lock
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
200