2006 FORD ESCAPE recommended oil

left is between 5% and 0%, the ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON message
will be displayed. When oil life left reaches 0%, the ENGINE OIL
CHANGE NOW message will be displayed.
An oil change is required whenever indicated by the message center.
USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
To reset the oil monitoring system to 100% after each oil change
[approximately 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months] perform the
following:
1. Press the SET control to access
the system check function.
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
•Exterior lamps
•Emissions system
•4WD info
Contact your Ford Dealer as soon as possible if these messages occur on
a regular basis.
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
69

CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm
away from the glass. Turn the blade
at a right angle to the arm. Push the
lock tab (A) to release the blade
from the arm loop and pull the
blade down toward the windshield
to remove it from the arm.
2. Attach the new blade to the arm
loop and pull it into place until a
click is heard.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can sometimes be improved by cleaning the wiper
blades, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaningchapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
242

Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX or FULL mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until it is seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
To protect your engine’s warranty use Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an
equivalent 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A.SAE
5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and durability
performance meeting all requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
245

Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed inscheduled maintenance information.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer toscheduled maintenance information
for the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
246

Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
261

interior .....................................235
interior trim ............................234
plastic parts ............................233
washing ....................................231
waxing .....................................231
wheels ......................................232
wiper blades ............................234
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......38–39
Clock ............................................32
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .......................20, 25
AM/FM/CD .................................29
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................32
Single CD ..................................29
Clutch
fluid ..........................................265
operation while driving ..........181
recommended shift speeds ....182
Console ........................................56
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat .................................94
Coolant
checking and adding ..............248
refill capacities ................251, 270
specifications ..................272, 274
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................59
Customer Assistance ................194
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................228
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............229
Getting roadside assistance ...194
Getting the service you
need .........................................222
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................230The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................225
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................228
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................43
Defrost
rear window ..............................40
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................265
engine oil .................................242
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........272
Driving under special
conditions ..................180, 188, 191
sand .........................................189
snow and ice ...........................192
through water .................190, 193
E
Electronic message center .........62
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................214
Emission control system ..........262
Engine ........................................274
cleaning ...................................232
coolant .....................................248
fail-safe cooling .......................252
idle speed control ...................246
lubrication specifications ......272,
274
refill capacities ........................270
service points ..................239–240
starting after a collision .........196
2006 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
283