Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning lights and chimes 12
Gauges 17
Entertainment Systems 20
Auxiliary input jack 27
Satellite radio information 30
Navigation system 33
Climate Controls 34
Manual heating and air conditioning 34
Dual automatic temperature control 37
Rear window defroster 40
Lights 41
Headlamps 41
Turn signal control 45
Bulb replacement 47
Driver Controls 52
Windshield wiper/washer control 52
Steering wheel adjustment 53
Power windows 56
Mirrors 57
Speed control 61
Moon roof 65
Message center 66
Locks and Security 78
Keys 78
Locks 80
Anti-theft system 91
Table of Contents
1
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cell phone use
The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,
drivers must not compromise their own or others’ safety when using
such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety
and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency
situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications
equipment to avoid negating these benefits.
Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, in-vehicle communications
systems, telematics devices and portable two-way radios.
Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control,
accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that drivers use
extreme caution when using any device that may take their focus off
the road. The drivers primary responsibility is the safe operation of
their vehicle. Only use cell phones and other devices not essential to
the driving task when it is safe to do so.
Export Unique (Non United States / Canada) vehicle specific
information
For your particular global region, your vehicle may be equipped with
features and options that are different from the ones that are described
in thisOwner’s Guide;A market unique supplement may be supplied
that complements this book. By referring to the market unique
supplement, if provided, you can properly identify those features,
recommendations and specifications that are unique to your vehicle. This
Owner’s Guideis written primarily for the U.S. and Canadian Markets.
Features or equipment listed as standard may be different on units built
for Export.Refer to this Owner’s Guide for all other required
information and warnings.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
9
Traction Control:Illuminates
when the Traction Controlis
active. If the light remains on, have
the system serviced immediately,
refer to theDrivingchapter for
more information.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure
is low. If the light remains ON at
start up or while driving, the tire
pressure should be checked. Refer
toInspecting and Inflating Your Tiresin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. When the ignition is first turned to RUN, the light will
illuminate for 3 seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does
not turn ON or begins to flash, have the system inspected by your
authorized dealer. For more information on this system, refer to
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is engaged. Turns
off when the speed control system
is disengaged.
O/D off:Illuminates when the
overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned OFF.
Refer to theDrivingchapter for
transmission function and operation. If the light flashes steadily, have the
transmission serviced immediately or damage to the transmission could
occur.
Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the SecuriLockPassive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
O/D
OFF
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
15
6. Press AUX on the vehicle radio repeatedly until LINE IN appears in
the display.
You should hear audio from your portable music player although it may
be low.
7. Adjust the sound on your portable music player until it reaches the
level of the FM station or CD by switching back and forth between the
AUX and FM or CD controls.
Troubleshooting:
1. Do not connect the audio input jack to a line level output. Line level
outputs are intended for connection to a home stereo and are not
compatible with the AIJ. The AIJ will only work correctly with devices
that have a headphone output with a volume control.
2. Do not set the portable music player’s volume level higher than is
necessary to match the volume of the CD or FM radio in your audio
system as this will cause distortion and will reduce sound quality. Many
portable music players have different output levels, so not all players
should be set at the same levels. Some players will sound best at full
volume and others will need to be set at a lower volume.
3. If the music sounds distorted at lower listening levels, turn the
portable music player volume down. If the problems persists, replace or
recharge the batteries in the portable music player.
4. The portable music player must be controlled in the same way manner
when it is used with headphones as the AIJ does not provide control
(play, pause, etc.) over the attached portable music player.
5. For safety reasons, connecting or adjusting the settings on your
portable music player should not be attempted while the vehicle is
moving. Also, the portable music player should be stored in a secure
location, such as the center console or the glove box, when the vehicle is
in motion. The audio extension cable must be long enough to allow the
portable music player to be safely stored while the vehicle is in motion.
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
Radio frequencies:
AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:
AM: 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz
FM: 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
28
5. Carefully pull the bulb out of the
socket and push in the new bulb.
6. Install the bulb socket into the
lamp assembly and rotate clockwise.
Replacing front sidemarker bulbs
For bulb replacement, see your authorized dealer.
Replacing tail/stop/turn/backup lamp bulbs
The tail/stop/turn/sidemarker/backup lamp bulbs are located in the same
portion of the tail lamp assembly, one just below the other. Follow the
same steps to replace either bulb:
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the OFF position and then open
the liftgate to expose the lamp
assembly screws.
2. Remove the two screws from the
lamp assembly.
3. Carefully remove the lamp
assembly away from the vehicle by
pulling the assembly straight out to
expose the bulb socket. DO NOT
TIP THE LAMP ASSEMBLY SIDEWAYS.
4. Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove from lamp
assembly.
5. Pull bulb straight out of socket and push in the new bulb.
6. Install the bulb socket into the lamp assembly and rotate clockwise.
7. Carefully install the tail lamp assembly on the vehicle and secure with
two screws.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
49
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)
Lift the mirror cover to turn on the
visor mirror lamps.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
The appearance of your vehicle’s overhead console will vary according to
your option package.
Storage compartment (if equipped)
Press the release on the door to
open the storage compartment.
The storage compartment may be
used to secure sunglasses or a
similar object.
CENTER CONSOLE
Your vehicle is equipped with a variety of console features. These
include:
1. Cupholders
2. Utility compartment console lid
has a CD holder, a business card
holder and two pen holders. The
utility compartment has a removable
bin with coin holder slots, a sliding
tray, a cell phone holder and CD
holders
3. Rear power point
4. Rear cupholders
5. Small storage trays
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
54
To install the shade:
•Insert the ends of the cargo
shade into the mounting features
located behind the rear seat on
the rear trim panels.
To operate the shade:
1. Grasp the rear edge of the cargo
shade and pull rearward.
2. Secure both ends of the support
rod into the retention slots located
on the rear quarter trim panels.
Ensure that the posts are properly latched in mounting features.
The cover may cause injury in a sudden stop or accident if it is
not securely installed.
Do not place any objects on the cargo area shade. They may
obstruct your vision or strike occupants of vehicle in the case of
a sudden stop or collision.
Cargo management system (if equipped)
The cargo management system consists of two storage compartments
located in the floor of the rear cargo area.
1. The larger, rearward,
compartment is for customer
storage.
•To open, lift the lid with the pull
latch. The lid can be removed to
allow for flexible storage.
•To close, lower the lid and press
down at the latch area until you
hear the latch engage. A pad lock or
combination lock can be applied to
use the lockable storage feature on
the large customer storage bin.
2008 Escape(204)
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Driver Controls
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2. The smaller compartment contains the jack kit. There is also extra
storage space for customer use. The lid on the small compartment is
accessible and secured by two snap features.
This storage compartment is not designed to restrain objects
during a collision with the lid removed.
LUGGAGE RACK
Your vehicle is equipped with a roof
rack. The maximum load for the
roof rack is 100 lbs (44 kg), evenly
distributed on the cross-bars. If it is
not possible to evenly distribute the
load, position it in the center or as
far forward on the cross-bars as
possible.
Do not use the vehicle’s door
handles as tie down loops. Use
the tie-down loops on the
thumbwheels to secure load.
To adjust the cross-bar (if equipped) position:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide the cross-bar to the desired
location.
3. Tighten the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar.
To remove the cross-bar assembly (if equipped) from the roof rack
side rails:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
75