2011 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID ignition

WARNING:Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload
your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower
speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased
stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading
or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability
and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.
BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless brake pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to
Fuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Using a screwdriver or similar
tool, carefully pry out the small
Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI) cover cap located to the
right of the gearshift lever.
3. Press the brake pedal and then
start the vehicle.
4. Insert a screwdriver or similar
tool straight down into the access
hole and press downward while
pulling the gearshift lever out of the
P (Park) position and into the N
(Neutral) position.
5. Remove tool and reinstall BTSI cover cap.
6. Release the parking brake and drive normally.
Driving
226
2011 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brake lamps are working.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Understanding the gearshift positions of the
electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission
(eCVT)
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
1. Start the engine
2. Release the parking brake
3. Press the brake pedal
4. Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
1. Come to a complete stop
2. Move the gearshift lever and
securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
Driving
227
2011 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

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 is free to roll; hold
the brake pedal down while in this position. Because of the unique
nature of the hybrid vehicle, the engine will not start in the N (Neutral)
position.
The vehicle does not charge the high voltage battery in the N (Neutral)
position. Do not idle the vehicle in N (Neutral) for extended periods as
this will discharge your high voltage battery.
D (Drive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy.
L (Low)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•The transmission may be shifted into L (Low) at any vehicle speed.
WARNING:When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of
the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). Turn off the
ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle
unattended while it is running. If you do not take these precautions,
your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
Driving
228
2011 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

The RSS detects obstacles up to
6 feet (1.8 meters) from the rear
bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the
bumper, (refer to the figures for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the
side of the vehicle, the tone will
sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
While receiving a warning the radio volume will be reduced to a
predetermined level. After the warning goes away, the radio will return
to the previous value. The RSS automatically turns on when the gearshift
lever is placed in R (Reverse) and the ignition is on. A control in the
message center allows the driver to disable the system, refer toMessage
centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information.
Note:If the system cannot be turned off, refer toMyKey™in theLocks
and Securitychapter for more information.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
Driving
230
2011 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles arenotdesigned for cornering at speeds as high as passenger
cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Driving
240
2011 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nation’s
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
Driving
242
2011 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in
the ignition.
Press the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your low voltage
(underhood) battery.
FUEL PUMP/HIGH VOLTAGE SHUT-OFF SWITCHES
The fuel pump shut-off switch stops the electric fuel pump from sending
fuel to the engine and the high voltage shut-off switch shuts off power
from the high voltage battery when your vehicle receives a substantial
physical jolt.
After an accident, if the engine does not start, one or both of the
switches may have been activated.
Roadside Emergencies
248
2011 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

The fuel pump shut-off switch is
located in the front passenger’s
footwell, behind a flip-up cover.
The high voltage shut-off switch is
located in the cargo area on the
passenger side of the vehicle in the
jack compartment, behind the jack
access door. The switch is located
behind the jack.
To reset the switch(es):
1. Turn the ignition to the off position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no leaks are apparent, reset the switch by pressing in on the reset
button. Both switches should be checked and reset.
4. Turn the ignition to the on position.
5. Wait a few seconds and return the key to the off position.
6. Make another check for leaks.
Roadside Emergencies
249
2011 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)