2011 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID run flat

If the vehicle is left inoperative for over 31 days, it may be necessary to
jumpstart the vehicle. For more information, refer toJump starting
(Low voltage [underhood] battery only)in theRoadside Emergencies
chapter and also refer toLow and high voltage battery — storagein
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Engine:The engine speed in your hybrid is not directly tied to your
vehicle speed. Your vehicle’s engine and transmission are designed to
deliver the power you need at the most efficient engine speed. During
heavy accelerations, your hybrid may reach high engine speeds (up to
6000 RPM). This is characteristic of the Atkinson cycle engine
technology helping to maximize your hybrid’s fuel economy.
In prolonged mountainous driving, you may see the engine tachometer
changing without your input. This is intentional and maintains the
battery charge level. You may also notice during extended downhill
driving that your engine continues to run instead of shutting off.
During this “engine braking”, the engine stays on, but it’s not using any
fuel. You may also hear a slight whine or whistle when operating your
vehicle. This is the normal operation of the electric generator in the
hybrid system.
During certain events (such as vehicle servicing) your low voltage
(underhood) battery may become disconnected or disabled. When this
occurs, and after reconnecting the low voltage (underhood) battery and
driving the vehicle, the engine may continue to operate for 3-5 seconds
after the key is turned to the off position. This is a normal condition, as
the vehicle’s computers are relearning the operating characteristics of
your particular engine in order to operate it at maximum efficiency.
Braking:Your hybrid is equipped with standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake energy and stores it in your high
voltage battery.
Driving to optimize fuel economy
Your fuel economy should improve throughout your hybrid’s break-in
period. As with any vehicle, fuel economy can be significantly impacted
by your driving habits and accessory usage. For best results, keep in
mind these tips:
Tire Inflation:Keep tires properly inflated and only use recommended
size.
Drive Habits:Aggressive driving increases the amount of energy
required to move your vehicle. In general, better fuel economy is
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Question Answer
What is the fan noise I hear
from the rear of my hybrid?The fan noise comes from two fans
located inside the high voltage battery.
These fans turn on when the battery
requires cooling air. The fan speed, and
associated noise level, will change
according to both the amount of cooling
required and the speed of the vehicle to
maintain good performance.
How far can I go in Electric
Drive if I run out of gas?Running out of gas is not recommended.
However, you may be able to go about
one mile, driving at 30 mph (48 km/h), if
the battery has a normal state of charge.
What is the engine oil
change service interval?The engine oil should be changed every
10,000 miles (16,000 km) under normal
operating conditions. See theScheduled
Maintenance Guidechapter.
Can I put E10 or E85 in my
vehicle, and how will it
affect my fuel economy?Your hybrid vehicle can use E10 (10%
ethanol, 90% gasoline) fuel, but you may
notice slightly reduced fuel economy
because ethanol contains less energy per
gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle
is not designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
How long will my high
voltage battery last? Does it
need maintenance?The high voltage battery system is
designed to last the life of the vehicle and
requires no maintenance.
Can you charge the battery
with a plug into an A/C
outlet?There are no provisions for charging the
high voltage battery from a power supply
external to the vehicle.
Can I tow the hybrid
behind my motor home
with all four wheels down?Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can be
“flat-towed” without modification. See the
Recreational towingsection in theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for more
information.
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High engine or high motor
electronic coolant temperature:
Illuminates when the engine coolant
or motor electronics coolant temperature is high. The message center
displays HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE / HIGH MOTOR
TEMPERATURE when the engine coolant or motor electronics are
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the
engine, and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. If the light
and message stays on or continues to turn on after the vehicle warms
up, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Continuing to
drive with an overheated engine can cause serious engine damage. This
indicates a problem with the engine or a related component. Refer to
Engine coolant and motor/electronics coolantin theMaintenance
and Specificationschapter.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
AdvanceTrac:Flashes
momentarily when the
AdvanceTrac/traction control is
active. If the light remains on, have
the system serviced immediately, refer to theDrivingchapter for more
information.
AdvanceTracoff:Illuminates solid
when the traction control has been
disabled by the driver. Flashes for
3 seconds and turns solid when
trailer sway is disabled by driver.
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
toInflating your tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. When
the ignition is first turned to on, the light will illuminate for three
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 toTire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
OFF
Instrument Cluster
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Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
WARNING:If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do
notrapidly spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and
cause an explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five
seconds.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
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Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Since it is able to operate in electric mode and to collect braking energy,
your hybrid vehicle may get better fuel economy in city driving than on
the highway. This is contrary to conventional vehicles. However, many of
the same actions that improve fuel economy in a conventional vehicle
will also improve fuel economy in this vehicle.
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to
improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Avoid aggressive driving. Quick acceleration and deceleration decrease
fuel economy.
•Drive at a smooth, constant speed. Excessive variation in pedal input
causes more operating mode changes and reduces efficiency.
•Drive at reasonable speeds. Traveling at 60 mph (96 km/h) uses
approximately 20% less fuel than traveling at 70 mph (113 km/h).
•Minimize A/C and defroster usage. Your vehicle is equipped with an
electric A/C system, which can provide cooling for passenger comfort
or defrost without running the engine. However, the A/C system uses
battery energy when the engine is off, which reduces fuel economy.
Using Auto mode, minimizing use of defrost and Max A/C, and
choosing a higher temperature setting when cooling can help reduce
energy usage. See theClimate Controlchapter for more information.
•Minimize temperature extremes when the vehicle is parked, for
example by storing in a garage to avoid extreme cold in winter and
extreme sun loads in summer. The high voltage battery operates more
efficiently in moderate temperatures, and less energy will be spent
returning the passenger compartment to a comfortable temperature.
•Combine errands. Your vehicle is more fuel efficient when the engine
is warm. Driving to your farthest destination first will warm the engine
more quickly and may improve fuel economy for the rest of the trip.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Keep wheels properly aligned.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
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Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 300 lb [136 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example; bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks, flags)
may reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on mountainous terrain.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraftor Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
WARNING: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 service engine soon
indicator, charging system
warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
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