2008 FORD ESCAPE ECO mode

2. Press the power door unlock control on the door panel three times.
3. Turn the ignition from the 3 (RUN) position to the 1 (LOCK) position.
4. Press the power door unlock control on the door panel three times.
5. Turn the ignition back to the 3 (RUN) position. The horn will chirp
one time to confirm programming mode has been entered and is active.
6. To enable/disable the autounlock feature, press the lock control, then
press the unlock control. The horn will chirp once if autounlock was
deactivated or twice (one short and one long chirp) if autounlock was
activated.
7. Turn the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position. The horn will chirp once
to confirm the procedure is complete.
Keyless entry key pad autounlock enable/disable procedure
1. Turn the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position.
2. Close all doors.
3. Enter factory–set 5–digit entry code.
4. Press and hold the 3•4. While holding the 3•4, press and release
the 7•8. While still holding the 3•4, press and release the 7•8a
second time.
5. Release the 3•4.
The user should receive ahorn chirpto indicate the system has been
disabled or a chirp followed by a honk to indicate the system has been
enabled.
Message center procedure
For information on activating/deactivating the autounlock feature using
the vehicle’s message center (if equipped), refer toMessage center
information in theDriver Controlschapter.
Smart unlocking feature
The smart unlocking feature helps prevent you from locking yourself out
of the vehicle. With the key in any ignition position, the driver’s door will
automatically unlock if it is locked using the power lock control on the
driver’s door panel while the driver’s door is open.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Locks and Security
83

1. The ignition must be OFF to
begin the sequence.
2. Place the key in the ignition and
turn the ignition to the 3 (RUN)
position.
3. Press the power door unlock
control on the door panel three
times.
4. Turn the ignition from the 3
(RUN) position to the 1 (LOCK)
position.
5. Press the power door unlock control on the door panel three times.
6. Turn the ignition back to the 3 (RUN) position. The horn will chirp
one time to confirm programming mode has been entered and is active.
7. Press the power door unlock control twice within 5 seconds.
Note:The horn will chirp once to indicate the perimeter lighting feature
has been deactivated. The horn will chirp once and honk once (one short
and one long) to indicate the perimeter lighting feature has been
activated.
8. Turn the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position to exit the procedure.
Note:The horn will chirp once to confirm the procedure is complete.
Illuminated exit
•The interior lights will illuminate when the key is removed from the
ignition.
The lamps automatically turn off after 25 seconds. The dome and cargo
lamp controls mustnotbe set to the OFF position for the illuminated
exit system to operate.
KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
You can use the keyless entry keypad to:
•lock or unlock the doors without using a key,
•activate or deactivate the Autolock and Autounlock feature if
equipped
•release the liftgate glass,
The keypad can be operated with the factory set 5–digit entry code; this
code is located on the owner’s wallet card in the glove box and is
available from your authorized dealer. You can also create your own
5–digit personal entry code.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Locks and Security
89

When pressing the controls on the keyless entry keypad, press the
middle of the controls to ensure a good activation.
Programming your own personal entry code
To create your own personal entry code:
1. Enter the factory set code.
2. Within five seconds press the 1•2 on the keypad.
3. Enter your personal 5–digit code.
Each number must be entered
within five seconds of each other.
4. Three unique personal entry
codes can be stored:
•Pressing 1•2 assigns driver 1 settings.
•Pressing 3•4 assigns driver 2 settings.
•Pressing 5•6, 7•8, or 9•0 assigns Driver 3 settings.
5. The doors will again lock then unlock to confirm that your personal
keycode has been programmed to the module.
•Do not use five numbers in sequential order.
•The factory set code will work even if you have set your own personal
code.
Erasing personal code
1. Enter the factory set 5–digit code.
2. Within five seconds, press the 1•2 on the keypad and release.
3. Press and hold the 1•2 for two seconds. This must be done within
five seconds of completing Step 2.
Your personal code is now erased and only the factory set 5–digit code
will work.
Anti-scan feature
If the wrong code has been entered 7 times (35 consecutive button
presses), the keypad will go into an anti-scan mode. This mode disables
the keypad for one minute and the keypad lamp will flash.
The anti-scan feature will turn off after:
•one minute of keypad inactivity,
•pressing the UNLOCK control on the remote entry transmitter,
•or the ignition position changes.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Locks and Security
90

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that has been
closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check
seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them.
Combination lap and shoulder belts
1. Insert the belt tongue into the
proper buckle (the buckle closest to
the direction the tongue is coming
from) until you hear a snap and feel
it latch. Make sure the tongue is
securely fastened in the buckle.
2. To unfasten, push the release
button and remove the tongue from
the buckle.
Energy Management Feature
•This vehicle has a safety belt system with an energy management
feature at the front outboard seating positions to help further reduce
the risk of injury in the event of a head-on collision.
•The front outboard safety belt system has a retractor assembly that is
designed to extend the safety belt webbing in a controlled manner.
This helps reduce the belt force acting on the user’s chest.
All safety belts in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts.
The passenger safety belts have two types of locking modes described
below:
Vehicle sensitive mode
This is the normal retractor mode, which allows free shoulder belt length
adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
108

Never use pillows, books, or towels to boost a child. They can
slide around and increase the likelihood of injury or death in a
collision.
SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN
Child and infant or child safety seats
Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the
child. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions with the
safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the
safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or
collision.
When installing a child safety seat:
•Review and follow the information
presented in theairbag
supplemental restraint system
(SRS) section in this chapter.
•Use the correct safety belt buckle
for that seating position (the
buckle closest to the direction the
tongue is coming from).
•Insert the belt tongue into the
proper buckle until you hear a
snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the
buckle.
•Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety
seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button,
to prevent accidental unbuckling.
•Place seat back in upright position.
•Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. Refer toAutomatic
locking mode (passenger side front and outboard rear seating
positions) (if equipped)section in this chapter.
•LATCH lower anchors are recommended for use by children up to
48 lb. (22 kg) in a child restraint. Top tether anchors can be used for
children up to 60 lb. (27 kg) in a child restraint, and to provide upper
torso restraint for children up to 80 lb. (36 kg) using an upper torso
harness and a belt-positioning booster.
Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether
strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position with LATCH and
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
135

VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
4WD and AWD Systems (if equipped)
A vehicle equipped with AWD or 4WD (when selected) has the ability to
use all four wheels to power itself. This increases traction which may
enable you to safely drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case or power
transfer unit. 4WD vehicles allow you to select different drive modes as
necessary. Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures
can be found in theDrivingchapter. Information on transfer case
maintenance can be found in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD
while the vehicle is moving can cause a momentary clunk and ratcheting
sound. These sounds are normal as the front drivetrain comes up to
speed and is not cause for concern.
Do not become overconfident in the ability of 4WD and AWD
vehicles. Although a 4WD or AWD vehicle may accelerate better
than two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction situations, it won’t stop
any faster than two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive at a safe speed.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
144

strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-10°F (-23°C) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the night
before starting the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with
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
P!
BRAKE
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
182

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.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transaxle
operates in gears one through four.
D (Overdrive) can be deactivated by
pressing the O/D OFF switch on the
side of the gearshift lever. This will
illuminate the O/D OFF light and
activate Drive.
Drive (O/D OFF switch pressed)
Drive is activated when the O/D OFF switch is pressed.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•O/D OFF light is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the O/D OFF switch. The
O/D OFF light will not be illuminated.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
193