
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.
•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat;
however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three
hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will
not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional
electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with
emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations
can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by
weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can
be removed with MotorcraftWheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A).
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
P!
BRAKE
Driving
212
2011 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the right
fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•The service engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on the service engine soon indicator, refer toWarning
lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Refilling with a portable fuel container
With the Easy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel system, use the following directions
when filling from a portable fuel container:
WARNING:Do not insert the nozzle of portable fuel containers
or aftermarket funnels into the Easy Fuel™ system. This could
damage the fuel system and its seal, and may cause fuel to run onto
the ground instead of filling the tank, which could result in serious
personal injury.
Maintenance and Specifications
311
2011 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or lubricants used.
Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Maximum oil change interval
❑As indicated by the instrument cluster message center (can be up to one year or 10,000 miles [16,000 km])
Engine coolant change interval
❑6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) - change engine coolant (whichever comes first)❑After initial change - change engine coolant every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Check every month
❑Check function of all interior and exterior lights❑Check tires for wear and correct air pressure, including spare tire
❑Check windshield washer fluid level
❑Check engine oil level
Check every six months
❑Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function❑Check parking brake for proper operation
❑Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
❑Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
❑Check battery connections and clean if necessary
❑Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades (replace as necessary)
❑Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks. Inspect for correct operation
❑Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips. Inspect for excessive wear
❑Check and clean body and door drain holes. Inspect for clogs and obstructions
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
342
2011 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Be sure to ask your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership service advisor
or technician about the multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a
comprehensive way to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s
your checklist that gives you immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle. You’ll know what’s been checked, what’s okay,
as well as those things that may require future or immediate attention.
The multi-point vehicle inspection is one more way to keep your vehicle
running great!
Multi-point inspection - Recommended at every visit
❑Check and top-up fluid levels: brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission (if equipped with an
underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and window washer
❑Inspect tires for wear and check air pressure, including spare.
❑Check exhaust system for leaks, damage, loose parts and foreign material.
❑Check battery performance.
❑Check operation of horn, exterior lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lights.
❑Check radiator, coolers, heater and air conditioning hoses.
❑Inspect windshield washer spray and wiper operation.
❑Check windshield for cracks, chips and pitting.
❑Inspect for oil and fluid leaks.
❑Inspect engine air filter.
❑Inspect half shaft dust boots, if equipped.
❑Check shocks and struts and other suspension components for leaks and damage.
❑Inspect steering and linkage.
❑Inspect accessory drive belt(s).
❑Inspect clutch operation, if equipped.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
343
2011 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

I
Ignition ...............................206, 329
Illuminated visor mirror .............68
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................156
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................317
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................283
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................56
J
Jack ............................................253
positioning ...............................253
storage .....................................253
Jump-starting your vehicle ......265
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...............................97–98
keypad .....................................104
locking and unlocking
doors ........................................105
programming entry code .......104
Keys .....................................91, 107
positions of the ignition .........206
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................61
daytime running light ...............56
fog lamps ...................................55
headlamps .................................54headlamps, flash to pass ..........56
instrument panel, dimming .....56
interior lamps ...............58–59, 61
replacing bulbs .........................62
LATCH anchors .........................160
Liftgate ................................86, 102
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........213
Load limits .................................192
Loading instructions .................199
Locks
autolock ...............................97–98
childproof ................................100
doors ..........................................96
Lubricant specifications ...........326
Lug nuts ....................................264
Luggage rack ...............................88
M
Manual transmission .................225
fluid capacities ........................326
fluid, checking and adding ....321
lubricant specifications ..........326
reverse .....................................226
Message center ...........................20
english/metric button ...............24
system check button ................24
warning messages .....................24
Mirrors ...................................73–74
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................73
fold away ...................................74
heated ........................................75
side view mirrors (power) .......74
Moon roof ....................................78
Motorcraftparts ..............286, 325
MyKey ..........................................91
Index
364
2011 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Turn signal ..................................58
U
Universal garage door opener
....80
USB port
......................................39
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN)
..........................................330
Vehicle loading
..........................192
Ventilating your vehicle
...........210W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................291
Water, Driving through .............243
Windows
power .........................................72
rear wiper/washer .....................67
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................66
checking and adding fluid .....291
liftgate reservoir .....................291
replacing wiper blades ...........292
Wrecker towing .........................269
Index
367
2011 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)