2008 FORD ESCAPE windshield wipers

HEADLAMP CONTROL
Rotate the headlamp control to the
first position
to turn on the
parking lamps. Rotate to the second
position
to turn on the
headlamps.
Autolamp control (if equipped)
The autolamp system provides light
sensitive automatic on-off control of
the exterior lights normally
controlled by the headlamp control.
The autolamp system is factory
programmed to keep the lights on
for 20 seconds after the ignition
switch is turned to off. This delay
can be programmed, using the
procedure listed below, to any value
up to 180 seconds. If equipped, this
delay can also be programmed through the message center
•To turn autolamps on, rotate the control counterclockwise.
•To turn autolamps off, rotate the control clockwise to OFF.
Note:If the vehicle is equipped with autolamps it will have the
headlamps on with windshield wipers feature.If the windshield
wipers are turned on (for a fixed period of time) the exterior lamps will
turn on with headlamp control in the Autolamp position.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
41

MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers;
rotate towards you to decrease the
speed of the wipers.
Windshield washer:Push the end
of the stalk:
•briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
•a quick push and hold: the wipers
will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•a long push and hold: the wipers and washer fluid will be activated for
up to ten seconds.
Courtesy wipe feature:One extra wipe will happen a few seconds
after washing the front window to clear any water that is dripping down
from the top of the windshield caused by the washing.
Note:Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty.
This may cause the washer pump to overheat. Check the washer fluid
level frequently. Do not operate the wipers when the windshield is dry.
This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause the wiper
motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on a dry windshield,
always use the windshield washer. In freezing weather, be sure the wiper
blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.
Windshield wiper features (if equipped with Autolamp feature)
The exterior lamps will turn on with the ignition on, headlamp control in
the Autolamp position and the windshield wipers are turned on (for a
fixed period of time).
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
52

PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your authorized dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3-A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar
Remover (ZC-42).
•For plastic headlamp lenses, use Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, water repellent
coatings, tree sap, or other organic contamination; these contaminants
may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and streaking and
smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow these tips:
•The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra-Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your authorized dealer.
•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32-A),
available from your authorized dealer. This washer fluid contains
special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
245

CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm
away from the glass. Turn the blade
at a right angle to the arm.
2. Squeeze the locking tabs to
release the blade from the arm and
pull the blade away from the arm to
remove it.
3. Attach the new blade to the arm and snap it into place.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
Changing rear window wiper blade
The rear wiper arm is designed without a service position. This reduces
the risk of damage to the blade in an automatic car wash.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
254

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