2012 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID battery

Cleaning 283
Maintenance and Specifications 290
Engine compartment 293
Engine oil 296
Battery 299
Engine Coolant and Motor/Electronics Coolant 301
Fuel information 307
Air filter(s) 320
Part numbers 323
Maintenance product specifications and capacities 324
Engine data 327
Accessories 330
Ford Extended Service Plan 332
Scheduled Maintenance 336
Normal scheduled maintenance and log 342
Index 353
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Copyright © 2011 Ford Motor Company
Table of Contents
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2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations on acquiring your new Ford Hybrid. Please take the time
to get well acquainted with your vehicle by reading this handbook. The
more you know and understand about your vehicle, the greater the
safety and pleasure you will derive from driving it.
For more information on Ford Motor Company and its products visit the
following website:
•In the United States: www.ford.com
•In Canada: www.ford.ca
Additional owner information is given in separate publications.
This Owner’s Guide describes every option and model variant available
and therefore some of the items covered may not apply to your
particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may describe
options before they are generally available.
Remember to pass on this Owner’s Guide when reselling the vehicle. It is
an integral part of the vehicle.
WARNING: Fuel pump and high voltage battery shut-off
switches:In the event of an accident the fuel pump shut-off
switch may automatically cut off the fuel supply to the engine and the
high voltage shut-off switch cuts off power from the high voltage
battery. These switches can also be activated through sudden vibration
(e.g. collision when parking). For information on resetting the fuel
pump shut-off switch and the high voltage battery shutoff switch, refer
to theFuel pump/high voltage shut-off switchesin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Introduction
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2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
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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
•Charge level of high voltage battery is low
•Very high or low outside temperature (to provide system
cooling/heating)
•Engine not warm enough to provide passenger requested cabin
temperature
Stopping:The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel as you come to
a stop. Restarting the vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation:Due to the technologically advanced,
electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transaxle (eCVT) you will
not feel shift changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle. Your hybrid’s
transmission is designed to do its work seamlessly.
Since engine speed is controlled by the transmission, it may seem
elevated at times. This is normal hybrid operation and helps
deliver fuel efficiency and performance.
Neutral:It is not recommended to idle the vehicle in N (Neutral) for
extended periods of time because this will discharge your high voltage
battery and decrease fuel economy. Because of the unique nature of the
hybrid vehicle, the engine will not start in the N (Neutral) position. Also,
the engine cannot provide power to the hybrid system in N (Neutral).
Low Gear:L (Low gear) is designed to mimic the enhanced engine
braking available in non-hybrid vehicles. L (Low gear) will produce high
engine speeds to provide necessary engine braking. This is normal and
will not damage your vehicle.
Reverse:(R) Reverse Gear vehicle speed is limited to 22 mph
(35 km/h).
Introduction
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2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
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Unique Hybrid operating characteristics
Your Hybrid, with its new technology, behaves differently compared to a
non-hybrid. Here is a description of the major differences:
Battery:Your Hybrid is equipped with a high voltage battery. A cool
battery ensures battery life and provides the best possible performance.
Your hybrid high voltage battery may periodically re-condition itself to
ensure maximum efficiency. You may notice slight changes in drivability
during this process, but it’s an important part of your hybrid’s high
voltage battery optimization features.
The high voltage battery is cooled by cabin air drawn from vent holes in
the driver-side cargo trim panel. Avoid placing objects over the vent
holes which block air flow to the high voltage battery.
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.
Introduction
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2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
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USA(fus)

Frequently asked questions
Question Answer
What are the series of clicks from
the cargo area when I first turn
the key in the ignition?The high voltage battery is
electrically isolated from the rest
of the vehicle when the key is off.
When the key is turned to on, high
voltage contactors inside the
battery are closed to make the
electricity available to the
motor/generator and enable the
vehicle to drive. The clicks are the
sound of these contactors as they
close and open during start up and
shut down.
Why does the engine sometimes
start at key-on?The vehicle’s computer will
determine if an engine start is
necessary for cabin heating or
windshield defrost. The engine will
also be started when ambient
temperatures are low.
After I start my car in the
morning, why does it take a long
time before the engine shuts
down?There are several reasons the
engine stays on for an extended
amount of time when it is first
started. One common reason is to
ensure that the emissions
components are warm enough to
minimize tailpipe emissions. As the
climate gets cooler, this
“engine-ON” time is extended.
Why does my engine never shut
down above 40 mph (65 km/h)?The engine is required to turn on
above this speed to protect the
transaxle hardware.
Introduction
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2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Question Answer
Why does my engine stay ON
when it’s extremely cold outside?In order to ensure that the climate
control system can begin heating
the cabin and/or defrosting the
windshield as soon as a driver
requests it, the engine coolant
temperature has to be kept
sufficiently hot. Keeping the
engine on is required to maintain
the correct minimum temperature.
Why does my engine rev up so
high sometimes when I accelerate?Your vehicle’s engine and
transmission are designed to
deliver the power you need at the
most efficient engine speed. This
may be higher than expected
during heavy accelerations, and
may fluctuate during steady state
driving. These are characteristics
of the Atkinson engine cycle and
the eCVT transaxle technology
that help maximize your hybrid’s
fuel economy.
What does it mean when my
power assist gauge moves to the
right? To the left?Electricity is coming out of the
battery when the gauge moves to
the right. Electricity is going into
the battery when the gauge moves
to the left.
Introduction
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2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
Introduction
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2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Question Answer
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 theRecreational towing
section in theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter for more
information.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Guidethat is provided to you along with your Owner’s Guide.
Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
WARNING:Please read the sectionAirbag Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)in theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could
result in personal injury.
WARNING:Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats
shouldNEVERbe placed in front of an active passenger airbag.
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
Before you drive your vehicle, please read this Owner’s Guide carefully.
Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury or death.
Introduction
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2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
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