2012 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID light

The engine traction control and brake traction control system may be
deactivated in certain situations. See theSwitching off traction control
section below.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Electronic stability control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional
stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. ESC operates by applying brakes to
one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine
power if the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or slide
laterally.
During electronic stability control events, the stability control light in the
instrument cluster will flash.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the electronic stability
control system, which include but are not limited to:
•Taking a turn too fast
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter).
Roll Stability Control™ (RSC)
Roll Stability Control (RSC) may help to maintain roll stability of the
vehicle during adverse maneuvers. RSCoperates by detecting the
vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it changes and by applying the
brakes to one or more wheels individually.
During an event that activates Roll Stability Control™ (RSC), the
stability control light in the instrument cluster will flash.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the RSCsystem, which
include:
•Emergency lane-change
•Taking a turn too fast
•Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
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Switching off traction control
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off the traction control features of the AdvanceTrac
with RSCsystem may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to
spin. This will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum
through the obstacle. To switch off the traction control, press the
traction control off button. Full features of the stability control system
can be restored by pressing the traction control off button again, or by
turning off and restarting the engine.
If you switch off the traction control, the stability control “OFF” light will
illuminate steadily. Pressing the stability control off button again will turn
off the stability control “OFF” light.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine and brake traction control features
will continue to function; however, ESC and RSCare disabled.
AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures
Button
functionsStability
control
light
RSC/
ESC/
Traction
controlStability
control
“OFF”Trailer
sway
Default at
start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabledIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled
Button pressed
momentarilyNot
IlluminatedEnabled
1Illuminated
solidEnabled
Button pressed
again after
deactivationNot
illuminatedEnabledNot
illuminatedEnabled
2
1
When the AdvanceTracbutton is pressed momentarily, traction
control is disabled.
2When the AdvanceTracbutton is pressed and held for more than five
seconds, trailer sway control is disabled.
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Trailer sway control (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with trailer sway control (TSC). When
properly equipped, trailer sway control will use the sensors of the
vehicle’s AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem to detect and attempt to
mitigate trailer sway by applying brake force at individual wheels and, if
necessary, by reducing engine power. No driver action is required.
WARNING:Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from
swaying, it mitigates the sway from increasing once it has
occurred. TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. If you are
experiencing trailer sway, it is likely that the trailer is improperly
loaded for the correct tongue weight or the speed of the vehicle and
trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer over to a safe location to
check the trailer weight distribution and tongue load and reduce speed
to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is experienced, SLOW
DOWN. Always use caution when towing a trailer and follow the
tongue weight recommendations. Refer to theTrailer towingsection
in theTires Wheels and Loadingchapter of this owner’s guide for
more information on towing a trailer with your vehicle.
During trailer sway control events, the stability control light in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily. In some cases, when trailer
sway is detected, the vehicle speed is too high and may be at or above a
speed at which trailer sway will grow continuously. This may cause the
system to activate multiple times, and you may experience a slight
deceleration of the vehicle.
Disabling trailer sway control
Trailer sway control can be disabled during any key cycle. Pressing and
holding the stability control button for more than five seconds will
disable the trailer sway control feature and the stability control light will
flash momentarily and then illuminate solid for that ignition cycle. Trailer
sway control can be re-enabled by momentarily pressing the stability
control button. Trailer sway control will also be re-enabled at each new
key cycle.
WARNING:Turning off trailer sway control increases the risk of
loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (e.g., hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
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R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle is free to roll; hold
the brake pedal down while in this position. Because of the unique
nature of the hybrid vehicle, the engine will not start in the N (Neutral)
position.
The vehicle does not charge the high voltage battery in the N (Neutral)
position. Do not idle the vehicle in N (Neutral) for extended periods as
this will discharge your high voltage battery.
D (Drive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy.
L (Low)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•The transmission may be shifted into L (Low) at any vehicle speed.
WARNING:When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of
the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). Turn off the
ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle
unattended while it is running. If you do not take these precautions,
your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
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Note:The default setting for the camera delay is off. Press the
“Settings” button found on the navigation screen (if equipped) to set the
camera delay feature to on or off.
When towing, the camera will only see what is being towed behind the
vehicle; this might not provide adequate coverage as it usually provides
in normal operation and some objects might not be seen.
The lens for the camera is located on the liftgate. Keep the lens clean so
the video image remains clear and undistorted. Clean the lens with a
soft, lint-free cloth and non-abrasive cleaner.
Note:If the camera image is not clear or seems distorted, it may be
covered with water droplets, snow, mud or any other substance. If this
occurs, clean the camera lens before using the reverse camera.
WARNING:The camera is a reverse aid supplement device that
still requires the driver to use it in conjunction with the rearview
mirror and the side mirrors for maximum coverage.
WARNING:Objects that are close to either corner of the
bumper or under the bumper, might not be seen on the screen
due to the limited coverage of the camera.
WARNING:Backup as slow as possible since higher speeds
might limit your reaction time to stop the vehicle.
WARNING:Do not use the camera with the liftgate open.
If the back end of the vehicle is hit or damaged, then check with your
authorized dealer to have your camera checked for proper coverage and
operation.
Night time and dark area use
At night time or in dark areas, the camera relies on the reverse lamp
lighting to produce an image. Therefore it is necessary that both reverse
lamps are operating in order to get a clear image in the dark. If either of
the lamps are not operating, stop using the camera, at least in the dark,
until the lamp(s) are replaced and functioning.
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If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, and ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles arenotdesigned 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. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
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Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
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 nation’s
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.”
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DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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