2012 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID wiper blades

MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers;
rotate towards you to decrease the
speed of the wipers.
Windshield washer:Press the end
of the stalk:
•briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
•a quick press and hold: the
wipers will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•a long press and hold: the wipers and washer fluid will be activated for
up to ten seconds.
Courtesy wipe feature:One extra wipe will occur a few seconds after
washing the front window to clear any excess washer fluid remaining on
the windshield.
Note:Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty.
This may cause the washer pump to overheat. Check the washer fluid
level frequently. Do not operate the wipers when the windshield is dry.
This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause the wiper
motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on a dry windshield,
always use the windshield washer. In freezing weather, be sure the wiper
blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.
Windshield wiper rainlamp feature (if equipped with autolamp)
When the windshield wipers are turned on during daylight, and the
headlamp control is in the autolamp position, the exterior lamps will turn
on after a brief delay and will remain on until the wipers are turned off.
Driver Controls
71
2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, water repellent
coatings, tree sap, or other organic contamination; these contaminants
may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and streaking and
smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow these tips:
•The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as MotorcraftUltra-Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your authorized dealer.
•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
MotorcraftPremium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32-A) in
the U.S., or Premium Quality Windshield Washer Fluid [CXC-37-(A, B,
D, or F)] in Canada, available from your authorized dealer. This
washer fluid contains special solution in addition to alcohol which
helps to remove the hot wax deposited on the wiper blade and
windshield from automated car wash facilities. Be sure to replace
wiper blades when they appear worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a
clean, damp, white cotton cloth, then use a clean and dry white cotton
cloth to dry these areas.
•Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase the gloss of the upper portion
of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Cleaning
286
2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specifications. Do not use any
special washer fluid such as windshield water repellent type fluid or bug
wash. They may cause squeaking, chatter noise, streaking and smearing.
Refer to theMaintenance product specifications and capacities
section in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
Maintenance and Specifications
294
2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm
away from the glass.
2. Squeeze the locking tabs to
release the blade from the arm and
pull the blade away from the arm to
remove it.
3. Attach the new blade to the arm and snap it into place.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield. Refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
Maintenance and Specifications
295
2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Ford ESP Can Quickly Pay for Itself
One service bill – the cost of parts and labor – can easily exceed the
price of your Ford ESP Service Contract. With Ford ESP, you minimize
your risk for unexpected repair bills and rising repair costs.
Avoid the rising cost of properly maintaining your vehicle!
Ford ESP also offers a Premium Maintenance Plan that covers items that
routinely wear out.
The coverage is prepaid, so you never have to worry about affording
your vehicle maintenance. It covers regular checkups, routine
inspections, preventive care and replacement of items that require
periodic attention fornormal “wear”:
•Wiper blades•Brake pads and linings
•Spark plugs (except
California)•Shock absorbers
•Clutch disc•Belts and hoses
Contact your selling Ford or Lincoln dealership today so they can
customize a Ford Extended Service Plan that fits your driving lifestyle
and budget.
Interest free finance options available
Take advantage of our installment payment plan, just a 10% down
payment will provide you with an affordable no interest, no-fee payment
opportunity.
Ford Extended Service Plan
333
2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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)

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
354
2012 Escape Hybrid(ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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)