2012 FORD ESCAPE tow

Locks and Security 92
Keys 92
Locks 98
Anti-theft system 108
Seating and Safety Restraints 112
Seating 112
Personal Safety System™ 124
Safety belt system 128
Airbags 138
Child restraints 154
Tires, Wheels and Loading 172
Tire information 174
Tire inflation 177
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 189
Vehicle loading 194
Trailer towing 201
Recreational towing 204
Driving 206
Starting 206
Brakes 212
AdvanceTrac215
Transmission operation 224
Reverse sensing system 228
Rear-view camera system 230
Roadside Emergencies 245
Getting roadside assistance 245
Hazard flasher control 246
Fuel pump shut-off switch 247
Fuses and relays 247
Changing tires 254
Wheel lug nut torque 264
Jump starting 265
Wrecker towing 268
Table of Contents
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2012 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
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.
Introduction
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2012 Escape(204)
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USA(fus)

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 the AUX and preset 1 controls
simultaneously.
Entertainment Systems
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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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•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the time to reach comfort in hot weather, 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
(automatic transmission only) to continue to receive cool air from your
A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance in MAX A/C mode:
1. Select MAX A/C.
2. Select the coolest temperature setting.
3. Set the fan to the highest speed initially. As the interior starts to cool
down, adjust the fan speed 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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2. A/C and(recirculated air) will automatically be selected.
3. Airflow will be directed out of the panel vents.
4. Fan speed will automatically be increased to the highest speed but can
be adjusted as desired.
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.
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
R
The rear defroster control is located on the climate control panel and
works to clear the rear window of fog and thin ice.
The engine must be running to operate the rear window defroster.
Press
Rto turn the rear window defroster on. An indicator light on the
control will illuminate when active. The rear window defroster turns off
automatically after a predetermined amount of time, if a low battery
condition is detected or when the ignition is turned off or to the
accessory position. To manually turn off the rear window defroster at any
time, press the control again.
If your vehicle is equipped with both rear defroster and heated mirrors,
the same control will activate both. Refer toHeated outside mirrorsin
theDriver Controlschapter.
Do not use razor blades or other sharp objects to clean the inside
of the rear window or to remove decals from the inside or the
rear window. This may cause damage to the heated grid lines and
will not be covered by your warranty.
Climate Controls
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3. Rotate the headlamp control to the off position.
4. Turn the vehicle on.
5. Turn the vehicle off.
6. Turn the headlamp control to the autolamp position (the headlights
should turn on).
7. Turn the headlamp control to the off position when the desired delay
time (up to three minutes) has been reached.
Fog lamp control (if equipped)
The headlamp control also operates
the fog lamps. The fog lamps can be
turned on when the headlamp
controlisinthe
,or
positions and the high beams are
not turned on.
Pull the headlamp control towards
you to turn the fog lamps on. The
fog lamp indicator light will
illuminate.
High beams
•Push the lever toward the
instrument panel to activate.
•Pull the lever toward you to
deactivate.
Flash-to-pass
Pull toward you slightly to activate
and release to deactivate.
Lights
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2012 Escape(204)
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