2011 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID tires

Seating and Safety Restraints 115
Seating 115
Safety restraints 127
Airbags 142
Child restraints 157
Tires, Wheels and Loading 175
Tire information 177
Tire inflation 179
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 193
Vehicle loading 198
Trailer towing 205
Recreational towing 210
Driving 211
Starting 211
Brakes 216
AdvanceTrac219
Transmission operation 227
Reverse sensing system 229
Rear-view camera system 231
Roadside Emergencies 246
Getting roadside assistance 246
Hazard flasher control 248
Fuel pump/High voltage shut-off switches 248
Fuses and relays 250
Changing tires 257
Wheel lug nut torque 268
Jump starting 269
Wrecker towing 273
Customer Assistance 275
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 282
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 282
Cleaning 283
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new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
HYBRID OPERATION
This hybrid vehicle combines electric and gasoline propulsion without
compromise, to provide breakthrough performance and efficiency. It
requires no special fuels and never has to be plugged in. Familiarizing
yourself with these unique characteristics will help ensure optimal
performance from your new vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation
Starting:Turn the ignition key to the start position while your vehicle is
in P (Park). A green vehicle symbol (called the Ready Indicator Light)
will appear in the lower right corner of the instrument cluster to indicate
the vehicle is on. This indicator will remain on while the vehicle is on,
whether the engine is running or not, to indicate the vehicle is capable of
movement (using its electric motor, engine, or both). The message
center on the cluster will also momentarily displayReady to Drive
when the vehicle is successfully started. The vehicle’s computer will
determine if an engine start is required. Typically, the engine will not
start unless the vehicle is cold, a climate control change is requested, or
the accelerator is depressed.
Note:You may notice higher engine speeds upon start-up. This
temporary condition is normal and necessary to heat up the cabin and
minimize emissions.
Driving:The gas engine automatically starts and stops to provide power
when it’s needed and to save fuel when it’s not. While coasting at low
speeds, coming to a stop, or standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and the vehicle operates in electric-only mode. Conditions that
may cause the engine to start up or remain running include:
•Considerable vehicle acceleration
•Vehicle speed above 40 mph (65 km/h)
•Ascending a hill
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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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BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating your tiresin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT— Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, have
the system inspected by your authorized dealer
ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON— Displayed when the engine oil life
remaining is 10% or less.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED— Displayed when the oil life left reaches
0%.
MYKEY ACTIVE DRIVE SAFELY— Displayed at startup when
MyKey™ is in use. Refer toMyKey™in theLocks and Securitychapter
for more information.
KEY COULD NOT PROGRAM— Displayed when an attempt is made
to program a spare key using two existing MyKeys. Refer toMyKey™in
theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
VEHICLE SPEED 80 MPH MAX— Displayed when a MyKey™ is in
use and the Admin has enabled the MyKey speed limit and the vehicle
speed is 80 mph (130 km/h). Refer toMyKey™in theLocks and
Securitychapter for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO 80 MPH— Displayed when starting the vehicle
and MyKey™ is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. Refer to
MyKey™in theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
CHECK SPEED DRIVE SAFELY— Displayed when a MyKey™ is in
use and the optional setting is on and the vehicle exceeds a preselected
speed. Refer toMyKey™in theLocks and Securitychapter for more
information.
Instrument Cluster
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NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS
Utility vehicles and trucks handle
differently than passenger cars in
the various driving conditions that
are encountered on streets,
highways and off-road. Utility
vehicles and trucks are not designed
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.
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death from a rollover or other crash you must:
•Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers;
•Drive at safe speeds for the conditions;
•Keep tires properly inflated;
•Never overload or improperly load your vehicle; and
•Make sure every passenger is properly restrained.
WARNING:In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
All occupants must wear seat belts and children/infants must use
appropriate restraints to minimize the risk of injury or ejection.
Study your owner’s guide and any supplements for specific information
about equipment features, instructions for safe driving and additional
precautions to reduce the risk of an accident or serious injury.
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VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
4WD system (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a four-wheel drive (4WD) system.
With the 4WD option, power will be delivered to the front wheels and
distributed to the rear wheels as needed. This increases traction which
may enable you to safely drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot. The 4WD system is active
all the time and requires no input from the operator.
For 4WD vehicles, a spare tire of a different size other than the tire
provided should never be used. A dissimilar spare tire size (other than
the spare tire provided) or major dissimilar tire sized between the front
and rear axles could cause the 4WD system to stop functioning and
default to front-wheel drive.
WARNING:Do not become overconfident in the ability of 4WD
vehicles. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction situations, it won’t stop any
faster than two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive at a safe speed.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
SUVs and trucks can differ from
some other vehicles in a few
noticeable ways. Your vehicle may
be:
•Higher – to allow higher load
carrying capacity and to allow it
to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
•Shorter – to give it the capability
to approach inclines and drive
over the crest of a hill without
getting hung up or damaging
underbody components. All other
things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle
quicker to respond to steering inputs than a vehicle with a longer
wheelbase.
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