Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then with a clean, dry
cloth, or use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38-A).
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the airbag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then with a clean, dry
cloth; you may also use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38-A).
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
airbags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Professional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
•If a ring forms on the fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area
immediately (but do not oversaturate) or the ring will set.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
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Cleaning
237
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 be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
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.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
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Maintenance and Specifications
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•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
authorized 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.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
2007 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
265
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............234
instrument panel ....................237
interior .....................................237
interior trim ............................237
plastic parts ............................236
washing ....................................233
waxing .....................................233
wheels ......................................234
wiper blades ............................236
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......39–40
Clock ............................................34
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .......................22, 26
AM/FM/CD .................................30
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................34
Single CD ..................................30
Clutch
fluid ..........................................268
operation while driving ..........184
recommended shift speeds ....185
Console ........................................55
overhead ....................................55
Controls
power seat .................................91
Coolant
checking and adding ..............251
refill capacities ................254, 274
specifications ..........................274
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................59
Customer Assistance ................197
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................230
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............231
Getting roadside assistance ...197Getting the service you
need .........................................226
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................231
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............229
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................44
Defrost
rear window ..............................41
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................268
engine oil .................................245
Driving under special
conditions ..................183, 191, 193
sand .........................................192
snow and ice ...........................194
through water .................193, 196
E
Electronic message center .........63
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................218
Emission control system ..........265
Engine ........................................277
cleaning ...................................234
coolant .....................................251
fail-safe cooling .......................255
idle speed control ...................249
lubrication specifications .......274
refill capacities ........................274
service points ..................242–243
starting after a collision .........199
Engine block heater .................175
Engine oil ..................................245
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Index
283
fluid, specifications .................274
Power Windows ...........................57
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................178
R
Radio ................................19, 28, 32
Rear window defroster ...............41
Relays ........................................199
Remote entry system .................78
illuminated entry ................82–83
locking/unlocking doors .....79–80
panic alarm ...............................80
replacing the batteries .............80
Reverse sensing system ...........187
Roadside assistance ..................197
Roof rack .....................................72
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........106
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ........97, 101–105
Safety Canopy ...................122, 124
Safety defects, reporting ..........232
Safety restraints ..........97, 101–105
BeltMinder............................107
extension assembly ................106
for adults .........................102–104
for children .............................127
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................99
safety belt maintenance .........106
warning light and
chime ...............................106–107
Safety seats for children ..........131Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................278
Seat belts (see
Safety restraints) ........................97
Seats ............................................89
child safety seats ....................131
heated ........................................92
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................84
Servicing your vehicle ..............240
Setting the clock
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ..........22, 26
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................34
Snowplowing .................................8
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................273, 277
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............8
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................274
Speed control ..............................59
Starting your vehicle ........172–174
jump starting ..........................218
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................54
T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................39
Tilt steering wheel ......................54
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....156
Warning Displays ......................12
Tires ...................................141–142
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Index
286
alignment ................................149
care ..........................................145
changing ..................................208
checking the pressure ............145
inflating ...................................143
label .........................................155
replacing ..................................147
rotating ....................................149
safety practices .......................148
sidewall information ...............151
snow tires and chains ............160
spare tire .........................206, 208
terminology .............................142
tire grades ...............................142
treadwear ........................141, 146
Towing .......................................166
recreational towing .................171
trailer towing ..........................166
wrecker ....................................224
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................271
manual operation ....................184
Transmission
automatic operation ...............178
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....178fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................268
fluid, refill capacities ..............274
lubricant specifications ..........274
Turn signal ..................................47
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................278
Vehicle loading ..........................160
Ventilating your vehicle ...........175
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................244
Water, Driving through .............196
Windows
power .........................................57
rear wiper/washer .....................54
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....244
liftgate reservoir .....................244
operation ...................................53
replacing wiper blades ...........245
Wrecker towing .........................224
2007 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
287