Page 1 of 288
Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning and control lights 12
Gauges 16
Entertainment Systems 19
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 19
AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 27
AM/FM stereo cassette with CD 31
Climate Controls 38
Heater only 38
Manual heating and air conditioning 39
Rear window defroster 40
Lights 41
Headlamps 41
Turn signal control 46
Bulb replacement 47
Driver Controls 52
Windshield wiper/washer control 52
Steering wheel adjustment 53
Power windows 57
Mirrors 58
Speed control 59
Message center 62
Locks and Security 80
Keys 80
Locks 80
Anti-theft system 88
Table of Contents
1
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Page 8 of 288

Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Before you drive your vehicle, please read thisOwner’s Guidecarefully.
Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury or death.
Be sure to readDriving off roadin theDrivingchapter.
Using your vehicle with a snowplow
Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.
Your vehicle is not equipped with a snowplowing package.
Using your vehicle as an ambulance
Do not use this vehicle as an ambulance.
Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation
Package.
Cell phone use
The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,
drivers must not compromise their own or others’ safety when using
such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety
and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency
situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications
equipment to avoid negating these benefits.
Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, in-vehicle communications
systems, telematics devices and portable two-way radios.
A driver’s first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle.
The most important thing you can do to prevent a crash is to
avoid distractions and pay attention to the road. Wait until it is safe to
operate Mobile Communications Equipment.
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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Page 15 of 288
Four wheel drive indicator (if equipped):Illuminates when ignition
is first turned ON to check bulb. Blinking indicator indicates system has
been disabled or requires service.
Without message center
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.
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 54 of 288

OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
The appearance of your vehicle’s overhead console will vary according to
your option package.
Storage compartment (if equipped)
Press the release on the door to
open the storage compartment.
The storage compartment may be
used to secure sunglasses or a
similar object.
Installing a garage door opener (if equipped)
The storage compartment can be converted to accommodate a variety of
aftermarket garage door openers:
•Remove the VELCROpad (2)
from the storage compartment
door (3).
•Place VELCRO(5) on
aftermarket transmitter (6)
opposite of actuator control (8).
•Measure the thickness (4) of the
aftermarket transmitter (6).
•Remove the rubber actuator (1)
from the storage compartment
(7) by pulling the rubber actuator
(1) forward and twisting at the
same time.
Note: The length of the rubber
actuator (1) is critical.Use care
in cutting it to length. If the rubber
actuator (1) is cut too much the
aftermarket transmitter (6) will not
activate the garage door opener. If
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 70 of 288

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)
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Page 71 of 288

Ensure that the posts are properly latched in mounting features.
The cover may cause injury in a sudden stop or accident if it is
not securely installed.
Do not place any objects on the cargo area shade. They may
obstruct your vision or strike occupants of vehicle in the case of
a sudden stop or collision.
Cargo management system (if equipped)
The cargo management system consists of a storage compartment
located in the floor of the rear cargo area.
1. To open, lift the release handle
and the lid. The lid can be removed
to allow for extra storage.
2. To close, lower the lid and push
handle until latch clicks.
LUGGAGE RACK
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
roof rack. The maximum load for
the roof rack is 100 lbs (44 kg),
evenly distributed on the cross-bars.
If it is not possible to evenly
distribute the load, position it in the
center or as far forward on the
cross-bars as possible.
Do not use the vehicle’s door
handles as tie down loops.
2006 Escape(204)
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USA(fus)
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Page 74 of 288
NO BOUNDARIES RACK SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with
an optional roof rack. This unique
feature allows you to carry cargo on
an inner roof rack as well as on the
conventional roof rack. The
maximum load for the conventional
roof rack is 100 lbs (45 kg). The
inner rack can also hold 100 lbs
(45 kg) if in the down and locked
position. The combined load for
both the conventional fixed rack and
the sliding portion attached to the rear bumper should not exceed
100 lbs (45 kg). Distribute the loads as evenly as possible on both the
roof and inner rack, when extended or stowed. Always secure loads by
using the tie down loops or rack accessories available from your local
Ford Dealership.
To extend the inner rack:
1. Rotate the handle on the lift bar
of the inner rack in the direction of
the arrows on the handle.
2. Lift the bar straight up (about
two inches).
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 76 of 288
6.Figure shows foot (A) clicked
into place correctly.
7.With the locking tab (B)
exposed on the foot, this figure
shows the rack is not installed
correctly. Repeat steps 3 through
5 and secure the rack before
loading cargo.
Do not drive the vehicle if the inner roof rack is extended and
loaded with cargo but is not secured into the receivers. This can
cause dangerous driving conditions.
Do not attempt to move or store the inner rack when loaded.
This can cause personal injury and damage to your vehicle that
may not be covered by warranty.
Do not use the inner rack as a ladder. This could result in
personal injury and damage to your roof rack.
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
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