2007 FORD ESCAPE brakes

slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, Do not try to
turnaround because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle
and still maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
2007 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. Since your
vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
apply the brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakes
section of this chapter for additional information on the operation of the
anti-lock brake system.
4WD vehicles should be driven with traction devices as referred to in
Using snow tires and traction devicesin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
2007 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
195

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
2007 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
196

4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID
Brake and clutch systems are supplied from the same reservoir.
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised; seek service from your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
MAXMIN
2007 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
268

A
Accessory delay ..........................58
Air cleaner filter ...............271, 273
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ........112, 121, 124
and child safety seats ............114
description ..............112, 121, 124
disposal ....................................127
driver airbag ............114, 122, 125
indicator light .........120, 123, 126
operation .................114, 122, 125
passenger airbag .....114, 122, 125
side airbag ...............................121
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................189
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................251
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................176
Anti-theft system ..................84, 87
arming the system ....................87
disarming a triggered
system .......................................88
triggering ...................................88
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................19, 28, 32
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................268
fluid, checking ........................268
Automatic transmission ............178
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................181
fluid, refill capacities ..............274
fluid, specification ..................274
Auxiliary power point .................56Axle
lubricant specifications ..........274
refill capacities ........................274
B
Battery .......................................249
acid, treating emergencies .....249
battery saver .............................48
jumping a disabled battery ....218
maintenance-free ....................249
replacement, specifications ...273
servicing ..................................249
BeltMinder
...............................107
Brakes ................................175–176
anti-lock ...................................176
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............176
fluid, checking and adding ....268
fluid, refill capacities ..............274
fluid, specifications .................274
lubricant specifications ..........274
parking ....................................177
shift interlock ..........................178
Bulbs ............................................48
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....274
Cargo area shade ........................71
Cargo management system ........72
Cell phone use ..............................8
Child safety restraints ..............127
child safety belts ....................127
Child safety seats ......................131
attaching with tether straps ..135
in front seat ............................132
in rear seat ..............................132
2007 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
282

autolock .....................................76
keypad .......................................83
locking and unlocking doors ....84
programming entry code .........83
Keys .............................................85
positions of the ignition .........172
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................42
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................48
daytime running light ...............44
fog lamps ...................................45
headlamps .................................42
headlamps, flash to pass ..........44
instrument panel, dimming .....45
interior lamps .....................47–49
replacing bulbs .........................49
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................47
Liftgate ........................................71
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........176
Load limits .................................160
Loading instructions .................166
Locks
autolock .....................................76
childproof ..................................78
Lubricant specifications ...........274
Lug nuts ....................................218
Luggage rack ...............................72
M
Manual transaxle .......................184
fluid, checking and adding ....271
reverse .....................................185Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................274
lubricant specifications ..........274
Message center ...........................63
english/metric button ...............65
system check button ................65
warning messages .....................66
Mirrors .........................................58
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................58
fold away ...................................59
heated ........................................59
side view mirrors (power) .......58
Moon roof ....................................62
Motorcraft parts ........238, 257, 273
O
Octane rating ............................261
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................245
Overdrive ...................................180
P
Parking .......................................186
Parking brake ............................177
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....273
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................99
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................203
Power door locks ........................75
Power mirrors .............................58
Power point .................................56
Power steering ..........................177
fluid, checking and adding ....267
fluid, refill capacity ................274
2007 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
285