2008 FORD ESCAPE fuel cap

Seating and Safety Restraints 95
Seating 95
Safety restraints 103
Airbags 116
Child restraints 131
Tires, Wheels and Loading 143
Tire information 146
Tire inflation 148
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 161
Vehicle loading 166
Trailer towing 172
Recreational towing 177
Driving 178
Starting 178
Brakes 182
Traction Control™/AdvanceTrac
184
Transmission operation 190
Roadside Emergencies 206
Getting roadside assistance 206
Hazard flasher switch 208
Fuel pump shut-off switch 208
Fuses and relays 209
Changing tires 216
Lug nut torque 226
Jump starting 227
Wrecker towing 232
Customer Assistance 234
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 241
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 241
Cleaning 242
Table of Contents
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2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

Maintenance and Specifications 249
Engine compartment 251
Engine oil 255
Battery 259
Engine coolant 261
Fuel information 267
Air filter(s) 280
Part numbers 282
Maintenance product specifications and capacities 283
Engine data 286
Accessories 289
Index 291
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical
including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without
notice and without incurring obligation.
Copyright © 2006 Ford Motor Company
Table of Contents
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2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

ThisOwner’s Guidedescribes every option and model variant available
and therefore some of the items covered may not apply to your
particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may describe
options before they are generally available.
Remember to pass on thisOwner’s Guidewhen reselling the vehicle. It
is an integral part of the vehicle.
Fuel pump shut-off switch:In the event of an accident the
safety switch will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the
engine. The switch can also be activated through sudden vibration
(e.g. collision when parking). To reset the switch, refer to theFuel
pump shut-off switchin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
5

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAirbag - Front
Airbag - SideChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemParking Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedParking Aid System
Stability Control SystemSpeed Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
10

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
11

Check engine:TheCheck Engine
indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the RUN
position to check the bulb and to
indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testing. Normally, theCheck Enginelight will stay on until the engine is
cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if
after 15 seconds theCheck Enginelight blinks eight times, it means
that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. See theReadiness for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testingin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer toOn
board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Check fuel cap:Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Check
engine warning light to come on,
refer toFuel filler capin the
Maintenance and Specificationchapter.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the RUN
position when the engine is not running, or in a position between RUN
and START, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned
to the RUN position. If the brake system warning light does not
illuminate at this time, seek service immediately from your authorized
dealer. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake
P!
BRAKE
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
13

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

Engine coolant temperature
gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will be in
the normal range (between “H” and
“C”).If it enters the red section,
the engine is overheating. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
Fuel gauge:Indicates
approximately how much fuel is left
in the fuel tank (when the ignition
is in the ON position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion or on a grade.
The FUEL icon and arrow indicates
which side of the vehicle the fuel
filler door is located.
Refer toFilling the tankin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information.
Tachometer:Indicates the engine
speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer
pointer continuously at the top of
the scale may damage the engine.
Odometer:Registers the total miles
(kilometers) of the vehicle.
If equipped with a message center,
refer toMessage Centerin the
Driver Controlschapter on how to
switch the display from Metric to English.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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