2011 FORD ESCAPE 4WD

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 nations
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
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Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. Since your
vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
apply the brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakes
section of this chapter for additional information on the operation of the
anti-lock brake system.
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
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WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift and
dollies or flatbed equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor
Company has not approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
On FWD vehicles, if your vehicle is to be towed from the front, ensure
proper wheel lift equipment is used to raise the front wheels off the
ground. The rear wheels can be left on the ground when towed in this
fashion.
If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment, it
isrequiredthat the front wheels (drive wheels) be placed on a dolly to
prevent damage to the transmission.
On 4WD vehicles, it isrequiredthat your vehicle be towed with a wheel
lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground to
prevent damage to the automatic transmission, 4WD system or vehicle.
Roadside Emergencies
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Oil Change Service Interval* 123456789101112131415
Change engine oil and filter• ••••••••••••••
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure
tread depth• ••••••••••••••
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag• ••••••••••••••
Inspect front axle and U-joints; lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings (4WD vehicles)• ••••••••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)• ••••••••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with dipstick); consult dealer for
requirements• ••••••••••••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake• ••••••••••••••
Inspect engine cooling system for strength, and
hoses• ••••••••••••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields• ••••••••••••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)• ••••••••••••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension,
tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate
if equipped with grease fittings• ••••••••••••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)• •••••••
*Oil change service intervals should be completed as indicated by the instrument cluster message center
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
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Every 150,000 miles
(240,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
(except 5–speed TorqShifttransmission) (filter
not required on 6F35, 6F50, DPS6 and AWF-21
transmissions); consult dealer for requirements
Change front axle fluid (4WD vehicles)
Change manual transmission fluid (Escape)
Change rear axle fluid (RWD vehicles)
Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced
within the last 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Replace front wheel bearings and seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles)
1Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 72 months; every
50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 36 months thereafter
2Perform a follow-up inspection at 120,000 miles (192,000 km)
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SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicleprimarilyin one of the
more demandingSpecial Operating Conditionslisted below, you will
need to have some items maintained more frequently. If you only
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership service
advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required– Change engine oil and replace oil filter as indicated by
message center and perform services as listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart.
Inspect frequently, service as
required.– Inspect and lubricate U-joints.
– See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80 and
TorqShifttransmissions).
– Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles).
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Change manual transmission fluid.
– Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
Perform the services noted in the preceding table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (5,000 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
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Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as in heavy
commercial use such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery
As required– Change engine oil and replace oil filter as indicated by
message center and perform services as listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart.
Inspect frequently, service as
required– Replace cabin air filter (if equipped).
– Replace engine air filter.
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80 and
TorqShifttransmissions).
– Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles).
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
– Replace spark plugs.
Perform the services noted in the preceding table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (5,000 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
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Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Inspect frequently, service as
required– Replace cabin air filter (if equipped).
– Replace engine air filter.
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or
6 months– Change engine oil and replace oil filter.
– Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
– Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)– Replace fuel filter (Ranger).
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80 and
TorqShifttransmissions).
– Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles).
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km)– Change manual transmission fluid.
– Change rear axle lubricant (E-450 and F-450/550
only).
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter
change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter.
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