
emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations
can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by
weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can
be removed with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A).
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)
ABS
!
BRAKE
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Driving
176

Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), pull
the parking brake handle up as far
as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
!
BRAKE
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•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
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 arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports 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 increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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Driving
191

If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•The
indicator may come on. For more information on the “check
engine” or the “service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 2,000 miles-3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.
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Maintenance and Specifications
262

Illumination of theindicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When the
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause the
indicator to illuminate.
Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened. SeeFuel filler
capin this chapter.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, the
indicator should turn off—A driving cycle consists of a
cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving. No additional
vehicle service is required.
If the
indicator remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity.
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Maintenance and Specifications
266

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If the
indicator is on, refer to the
description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer toscheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval
schedules.If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCON
AT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
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267

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
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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