2008 FORD ESCAPE warning light

•Driving over a patch of ice.
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road.
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa.
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa.
•Driving on slick surfaces.
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.)
Roll Stability Control(RSC)
The RSC system works in conjunction with the AdvanceTrac
system to
help maintain roll stability of the vehicle during aggressive maneuvers by
applying brake force to one or more wheels.
During Roll Stability Control(RSC) events the “sliding car” icon in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily.
Driving conditions that may activate AdvanceTrac
with RSC include:
•Emergency lane-change
•Taking a turn too fast
•Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
AdvanceTrac
with RSC button and icon functionality
The AdvanceTrac
with RSC system automatically turns on each time
the engine is started, even if it was turned off when the engine was last
shut down. The “sliding car” icon which is located with the warning
lights in the instrument cluster will illuminate during bulb check at initial
start-up and then go off. This tells you that the system is normal and
active. All functions of the AdvanceTrac
with RSC (RSC, ESC, Engine
Traction Control, and Brake Traction Control) will be activated at start
up. When the system is left active, the “sliding car” icon will flash only
when any of the components of the system are affecting the vehicle’s
performance, otherwise the light will remain off. Consequently, the
“sliding car” icon will not be illuminated during most of your normal
driving.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
186

AdvanceTrac
with RSC Features
Button
functions“Sliding
car” iconRSC ESCEngine
Traction
ControlBrake
Traction
Control
Button
pressed and
held more
than five
secondsFlashes
then
illuminated
solidDisabled
below 25
mph (40
km/h)Disabled
below 25
mph (40
km/h)Disabled
below 25
mph (40
km/h)Disabled
below 25
mph (40
km/h)
Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTrac
with RSC system.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a AdvanceTrac
with
RSC event is an indication that at least some of the tires have
exceeded their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death. If you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTrac
with RSC system, and the
AdvanceTrac
with RSC button has not been pushed, the warning
indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on. If the warning
indicator light in the instrument cluster remains on while the engine is
running, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power-Assisted Steering
(EPAS) system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Under extreme usage conditions, the steering effort may
increase. This occurs to prevent overheating and permanent damage to
your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability
to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and
steering assist will return to normal.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
188

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. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than 1
gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•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.
2008 Escape(204)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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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.
Illumination of the
indicator, 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.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
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). The 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—the engine may misfire or run
poorly.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
276

A
Accessory delay ..........................57
AdvanceTrac ..............................184
Air cleaner filter ...............280, 282
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ..........................37
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................34
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................116–117, 125, 128
and child safety seats ............118
description ..............117, 125, 128
disposal ....................................131
driver airbag ............119, 126, 129
indicator light .........125, 127, 130
operation .................119, 126, 129
passenger airbag .....119, 126, 129
side airbag ...............................125
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................199
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................261
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................182
Anti-theft system ........................91
Audio system (see Radio) .........20
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................278
fluid, checking ........................278
Automatic transmission ............190
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................192
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specification ..................283
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................27Auxiliary power point .................55
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........283
refill capacities ........................283
B
Battery .......................................259
acid, treating emergencies .....259
jumping a disabled battery ....227
maintenance-free ....................259
replacement, specifications ...282
servicing ..................................259
Belt-Minder
.............................112
Booster seats .............................132
Brakes ........................................182
anti-lock ...................................182
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................183
fluid, checking and adding ....278
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specifications .................283
lubricant specifications ..........283
parking ....................................183
shift interlock ..........................190
Bulbs ............................................47
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....283
Cargo area shade ........................73
Cargo management system ........74
Cell phone use ..............................9
Child safety restraints ..............131
child safety belts ....................131
Child safety seats ......................135
attaching with tether straps ..139
in front seat ............................136
in rear seat ..............................136
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
291

K
Keyless entry system .................89
autolock ...............................80, 82
keypad .......................................90
locking and unlocking doors ....91
programming entry code .........90
Keys .......................................78, 92
positions of the ignition .........178
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................47
daytime running light ...............43
fog lamps ...................................42
headlamps .................................41
headlamps, flash to pass ..........43
instrument panel, dimming .....44
interior lamps .....................45–47
replacing bulbs .........................48
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................45
Liftgate ..................................73, 86
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........183
Load limits .................................166
Loading instructions .................172
Locks
autolock ...............................80, 82
childproof ..................................84
doors ..........................................80
Lubricant specifications ...........283
Lug nuts ....................................226
Luggage rack ...............................75M
Manual transaxle
fluid, checking and adding ....280
Manual transmission .................195
fluid capacities ........................283
lubricant specifications ..........283
reverse .....................................196
Message center ...........................66
english/metric button ...............69
system check button ................68
warning messages .....................71
Mirrors ...................................57, 60
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................58
fold away ...................................61
heated ........................................61
side view mirrors (power) .......60
Moon roof ....................................65
Motorcraft parts ........247, 267, 282
N
Navigation system .......................33
O
Octane rating ............................271
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................255
Overdrive ...................................191
P
Parking brake ............................183
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....282
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................105
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................213
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
294

Power door locks ........................80
Power mirrors .............................60
Power point .................................55
Power steering ..........................188
fluid, refill capacity ................283
fluid, specifications .................283
Power Windows ...........................56
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................189
R
Radio ............................................20
Relays ........................................209
Remote entry system ...........84–85
illuminated entry ................88–89
locking/unlocking doors .....85–86
opening the trunk .....................86
panic alarm ...............................86
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................87
replacing the batteries .............86
Reverse sensing system ...........196
Roadside assistance ..................206
Roof rack .....................................75
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........111
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................103, 107–110
Safety Canopy ...........125–126, 128
Safety defects, reporting ..........241
Safety restraints ........103, 107–110
Belt-Minder
...........................112
extension assembly ................111
for adults .........................108–110for children .............................131
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................105
safety belt maintenance .........111
warning light and chime ........112
Safety seats for children ..........135
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................287
Satellite Radio Information ........30
Seats ............................................95
child safety seats ....................135
heated ........................................98
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................91
Servicing your vehicle ..............249
Snowplowing .................................8
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................282, 286
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............8
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................283
Speed control ..............................61
Starting your
vehicle ........................178–179, 181
jump starting ..........................227
Steering wheel
controls ......................................64
tilting .........................................53
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................53
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....161
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
295

Tires ...................................146–147
alignment ................................154
care ..........................................150
changing ..........................219, 221
checking the pressure ............150
inflating ...................................148
label .........................................161
replacing ..................................152
rotating ....................................154
safety practices .......................153
sidewall information ...............156
snow tires and chains ............166
spare tire .........................217, 219
terminology .............................147
tire grades ...............................147
treadwear ........................146, 151
Towing .......................................172
recreational towing .................177
trailer towing ..........................172
wrecker ....................................232
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................280
Transmission
automatic operation ...............190
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....190
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................278fluid, refill capacities ..............283
lubricant specifications ..........283
manual operation ....................195
Trunk ...........................................86
Turn signal ..................................45
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................287
Vehicle loading ..........................166
Ventilating your vehicle ...........181
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................253
Water, Driving through .............205
Windows
power .........................................56
rear wiper/washer .....................53
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................52
checking and adding fluid .....253
liftgate reservoir .....................253
replacing wiper blades ...........254
Wrecker towing .........................232
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
296