2012 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID power steering

Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the
wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip,
spin or lose traction, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Since your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
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.
Driving
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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. 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 theBrakessection 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 durable load carrying capability and predictable
performance whether loaded or empty. 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 using
replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
Driving
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
15 10A Climate control
16 15A Not used (spare)
17 20A All lock motor feeds, Liftgate
release, Liftglass release
18 20A Heated seat
19 25A Rear wiper
20 15A Datalink
21 15A Fog lamps
22 15A Park lamps
23 15A High beam headlamps
24 20A Horn relay
25 10A Demand lamps
26 10A Instrument panel cluster
27 20A Ignition switch
28 5A Radio
29 5A Instrument panel cluster
30 5A Not used (spare)
31 10A Restraints control module
32 10A Rear video camera module
33 10A Not used (spare)
34 5A Not used (spare)
35 10A Four wheel drive, Electronic
power assist steering (EPAS),
110V inverter module, Park aid
module, Active park assist module
36 5A Passive anti-theft system (PATS)
transceiver
37 10A Not used (spare)
38 20A Subwoofer/Amp (premium radio)
39 20A Radio, Radio amplifier
(navigation)
40 20A Front power point
Roadside Emergencies
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The fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
A 80A Midi Power steering control module
B 125A Midi Passenger compartment fuse
panel
1 15A* Heated mirror
2 30A** Rear defroster
3 20A** Rear power point
4 40A** Electric vacuum pump
5 10A* Powertrain control module (PCM)
– keep alive power, PCM relay,
Transmission control module,
Canister vent
6 — Not used
7 15A* Liftgate latch
8 5A* Traction battery control module
9 50A** Brake control module
10 30A** Front wipers
11 — Not used
12 40A** Blower motor
13 — Not used
Roadside Emergencies
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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.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your 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!
Scheduled Maintenance
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in front seat ............................164
in rear seat ..............................164
LATCH .....................................167
recommendations ...................161
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................173
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............284
instrument panel ....................286
interior .....................................287
plastic parts ............................285
washing ....................................283
waxing .....................................283
wheels ......................................284
wiper blades ............................286
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............54
Clock ............................................36
Compass, electronic ....................73
calibration .................................74
set zone adjustment .................74
Console ........................................75
Controls
power seat ...............................121
steering column ........................83
Coolant
checking and adding ......301–303
refill capacities ................306, 324
specifications ..........................324
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................81
Customer Assistance ................246
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................332, 335
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............279
Getting roadside assistance ...246
Getting the service you
need .........................................275Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................281
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................279
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................61
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................319
engine oil .................................296
Driving under special
conditions ..................228, 240, 243
sand .........................................241
snow and ice ...........................243
through water .................242, 245
E
Electronic message center .........27
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................270
running out of fuel .........269, 312
Emission control system ..........316
Engine ........................................327
cleaning ...................................284
idle speed control ...................299
lubrication specifications .......324
refill capacities ........................324
service points ..................293–294
Engine block heater .................214
Engine oil ..................................296
checking and adding ..............296
dipstick ....................................296
filter, specifications ........298, 323
recommendations ...................298
refill capacities ........................324
Index
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Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................253
Power door locks ......................103
Power mirrors .............................80
Power point .................................76
Power steering ..........................225
Power Windows ...........................78
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................225
R
Radio ............................................36
Rear-view camera system .........231
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints
for children ................................161
Relays ........................................249
Remote entry system .......107–108
illuminated entry ....................111
locking/unlocking
doors ................................108–109
opening the trunk ...................109
panic alarm .............................109
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................110
replacing the batteries ...........110
Reverse sensing system ...........229
Roadside assistance ..................246
Roof rack ...............................94–95
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................133–135, 137
Safety Canopy ...................153, 155
Safety defects, reporting ..........282Safety restraints ........133–135, 137
Belt-Minder...........................139
extension assembly ................138
for adults .........................134–135
for children .............................159
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................131
warning light and chime ........138
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................167
Safety seats for children ..........163
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................328
Satellite Radio .............................40
Satellite Radio Information ........50
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............342
Seats ..........................................117
child safety seats ....................163
heated ......................................123
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................111
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................113
Servicing your vehicle ..............290
Setting the clock .........................36
Snowplowing ...............................14
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............158
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................323, 327
Special notice
ambulance conversions ............14
utility-type vehicles ..................13
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................324
Speed control ..............................81
Index
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Starting your vehicle ........211–213
jump starting ..........................270
Steering wheel
controls ......................................83
tilting .........................................72
Stereo
CD-MP3 .....................................36
SYNC..........................................53
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................72
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....194
Tires ...........................179–181, 258
alignment ................................188
care ..........................................184
changing ..................258, 260, 263
checking the pressure ............184
inflating ...................................182
label .........................................193
replacing ..................................185
rotating ....................................188
safety practices .......................187
sidewall information ...............189
snow tires and chains ............198
spare tire .........................258, 260
terminology .............................181
tire grades ...............................180
treadwear ........................180, 184
Towing .......................................206
recreational towing .................210
trailer towing ..........................206
wrecker ....................................273Transmission .............................227
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....226
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................319
fluid, refill capacities ..............324
lubricant specifications ..........324
Turn signal ..................................63
U
Universal garage door opener ....86
USB port ......................................47
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................328
Vehicle loading ..........................199
Ventilating your vehicle ...........214
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......20
Washer fluid ..............................294
Water, Driving through .............245
Windows
power .........................................78
rear wiper/washer .....................72
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................71
checking and adding fluid .....294
liftgate reservoir .....................294
replacing wiper blades ...295–296
Wrecker towing .........................273
Index
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