2012 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID tow

Seating and Safety Restraints 117
Seating 117
Personal Safety System™ 129
Safety belt system 133
Airbags 143
Child restraints 159
Tires, Wheels and Loading 177
Tire information 179
Tire inflation 182
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 194
Vehicle loading 199
Trailer towing 206
Recreational towing 210
Driving 211
Starting 211
Brakes 216
AdvanceTrac219
Transmission operation 227
Reverse sensing system 229
Rear-view camera system 231
Roadside Emergencies 246
Getting roadside assistance 246
Hazard flasher control 247
Fuel pump/High voltage shut-off switches 248
Fuses and relays 249
Changing tires 258
Wheel lug nut torque 268
Jump starting 270
Wrecker towing 273
Customer Assistance 275
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 282
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 282
Table of Contents
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SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Introduction
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PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, seat belt
pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material
– Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
HYBRID OPERATION
This hybrid vehicle combines electric and gasoline propulsion without
compromise, to provide breakthrough performance and efficiency. It
requires no special fuels and never has to be plugged in. Familiarizing
yourself with these unique characteristics will help ensure optimal
performance from your new vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation
Starting:Turn the ignition key to the start position while your vehicle is
in P (Park). A green vehicle symbol (called the Ready Indicator Light)
will appear in the lower right corner of the instrument cluster to indicate
the vehicle is on. This indicator will remain on while the vehicle is on,
whether the engine is running or not, to indicate the vehicle is capable of
movement (using its electric motor, engine, or both). The message
center on the cluster will also momentarily displayReady to Drive
when the vehicle is successfully started. The vehicle’s computer will
determine if an engine start is required. Typically, the engine will not
start unless the vehicle is cold, a climate control change is requested, or
the accelerator is depressed.
Note:You may notice higher engine speeds upon start-up. This
temporary condition is normal and necessary to heat up the cabin and
minimize emissions.
Introduction
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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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Radio reception factors:
There are three factors that can affect radio reception:
•Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
CD/CD player care
Do:
•Handle discs by their edges only.
(Never touch the playing
surface).
•Inspect discs before playing.
•Clean only with an approved CD
cleaner.
•Wipe discs from the center out.
Don’t:
•Expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources for extended periods
of time.
•Clean using a circular motion.
CD units are designed to play commercially pressed 4.75 in
(12 cm) audio compact discs only. Due to technical
incompatibility, certain recordable and re-recordable compact
discs may not function correctly when used in Ford CD players.
Entertainment Systems
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•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and thunderstorms can
interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a ground based broadcast repeating
tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and result in an
audio mute.
Unlike AM/FM audible static, you will hear an audio mute when there is
a satellite radio signal interference. Your radio display may display NO
SIGNAL to indicate the interference.
SIRIUSsatellite radio service:SIRIUSSatellite Radio is a
subscription based satellite radio service that broadcasts music, sports,
news and entertainment programming. A service fee is required in order
to receive SIRIUSservice. Vehicles that are equipped with a factory
installed SIRIUSsatellite radio system include hardware and a limited
subscription term, which begins on the date of sale or lease of the
vehicle.
For information on extended subscription terms, the online media player
and other SIRIUSfeatures, please contact SIRIUSat 1–888–539–7474.
Note:SIRIUSreserves the unrestricted right to change, rearrange, add
or delete programming including canceling, moving or adding particular
channels, and its prices, at any time, with or without notice to you. Ford
Motor Company shall not be responsible for any such programming
changes.
Satellite Radio Electronic Serial Number (ESN):This 12–digit
Satellite Serial Number is needed to activate, modify or track your
satellite radio account. You will need this number when communicating
with SIRIUS. While in satellite radio mode, you can view this number on
the radio display by pressing AUX and preset 1 control simultaneously.
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Radio Display Condition Action Required
NO TEXT Category information
not available.Category information
not available at this
time on this channel.
The system is working
properly.
NO SIGNAL Loss of signal from
the SIRIUSsatellite
or SIRIUStower to
the vehicle antenna.You are in a location
that is blocking the
SIRIUSsignal (i.e.,
tunnel, under an
overpass, dense foliage,
etc.) The system is
working properly. When
you move into an open
area, the signal should
return.
UPDATING Update of channel
programming in
progress.No action required. The
process may take up to
three minutes.
CALL SIRIUS
1–888–539–7474Satellite service has
been deactivated by
SIRIUSSatellite
Radio.Call SIRIUSat
1–888–539–7474 to
re-activate or resolve
subscription issues.
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a navigation system. Refer to the
Navigation Systemsupplement for further information.
SYNC(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with SYNC, a hands-free communications
and entertainment system with special phone and media features. For
more information, please refer to theSYNCsupplement or to the
SYNCsection in theNavigation Systemsupplement (if equipped).
Entertainment Systems
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•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2-3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been “aired out.”
•A small amount of air may be felt from the floor vent regardless of the
air distribution setting that is selected.
During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the MAX A/C position, reduce blower fan speed from the highest setting
and put the vehicle’s transmission into the P (Park) gear position to
continue to receive cool air from your A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance:
•Automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO for full automatic operation.
2. Do not override A/C or
(recirculated air).
3. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
•Manual operation:
1. Select A/C.
2. Select
or.
3. Select
(recirculated air) to provide colder airflow.
4. Set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
5. Set highest fan setting initially, then adjust to maintain comfort.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Climate Controls
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