Page 322 of 358

Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Maintenance and Specifications
322
2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 339 of 358

Owner checks and services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this owner’s
guide.
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 fluids used.
Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oilAs indicated by the message center (can be
up to one year or 10,000 miles [16,000 km])
Engine coolant and
motor/electronics
coolant, initial change6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant and
motor/electronics
coolant, after initial
changeEvery 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Scheduled Maintenance
339
2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 340 of 358

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
340
2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 358 of 358

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
358
2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)