2013 FORD ESCAPE towing

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe
towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle
has been driven at least 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• Refer to the instructions included with
towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance information.
Load specification terms are found on the
tire label and Safety Compliance
Certification Label. Instructions on
calculating your vehicle's load can be
found earlier in this manual. See Load
Limit (page 179). Remember to account
for the trailer tongue weight as part of the
vehicle load when calculating the total
vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the
total trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the
vehicle's hook retainers. To connect the
safety chains, cross them under the trailer
tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the rental
agency's instructions. Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle
may not have enough braking power and
your chances of having a collision greatly
increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the
manufacturer's specifications. The trailer
brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is
rated for operation at the GVWR not
GCWR.
Trailer Lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Ensure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working. Contact your authorized dealer
or trailer rental agency for proper
instructions and equipment for hooking up
the lamps.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing-up
to get the feel of the vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.
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Towing

When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113
km/h) during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers) and do not make
full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 miles (80
km).
• Place the gearshift lever in position P
to aid in engine and transmission
cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic.
• Turn off the speed control. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with
the grade assist feature, use this
feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached; anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade, place wheel
chocks under the trailer's wheels.
TOWING POINTS (IF EQUIPPED)
Towing Eye Location
The screw-in towing eye is located in the
spare wheel well.
The towing eye must always be carried in
the vehicle. Installing the Towing Eye
The screw-in towing eye has a left-hand
thread. Turn it counterclockwise to install
it. Make sure that the towing eye is fully
tightened.
Insert a suitable object to pry open the
cover (1). Use recessed/notched portion
of the cover. Screw in the towing eye (2).
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels
Switch the ignition to the on position.
Failure to do so results in steering lock and
non-function of indicator and brake lamps.
Braking and steering efforts are high if the
engine is not running. Maintain increased
stopping distances.
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Towing
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TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to have your vehicle towed,
contact a professional towing service or,
if you are a member of a roadside
assistance program, your roadside
assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be
towed with a wheel lift and dollies or
flatbed equipment. Do not tow with a
slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing
manual for all authorized tow truck
operators. Have your tow truck operator
refer to this manual for proper hook-up
and towing procedures for your vehicle.Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles can be
towed from the front if proper wheel lift
equipment is used to raise the front wheels
off the ground. The rear wheels can be left
on the ground when towed in this fashion.
FWD vehicles can also be towed from the
rear using wheel lift equipment; however,
it is required that the front wheels be
placed on a dolly to prevent damage to
the transmission.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles must be
towed with a wheel lift and dollies or
flatbed equipment, with all the wheels off
the ground, to prevent damage to the
transmission, 4WD system or vehicle. If the
vehicle is towed by other means or
incorrectly, vehicle damage may occur.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
In the event your vehicle becomes disabled
(without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheels
on the ground, regardless of the
powertrain/transmission configuration)
under the following conditions:
•
The vehicle is facing forward so that it
is towed in a forward direction.
• The transmission gear shift lever is
placed in position N. If The
transmission is gear shift lever cannot
be moved to position N, it may need to
be overridden. See Transmission
(page 147).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80
kilometers).
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Towing
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Recreational Towing
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational (RV) towing. An example
of recreational towing would be towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. These
guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles can be
towed with the front wheels off the ground
by using a tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly follow the instructions specified by
the equipment provider.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles cannot
be towed with any wheels on the ground,
as vehicle or transmission damage may
occur. It is recommended to tow your
vehicle with all four (4) wheels off the
ground such as when using a car-hauling
trailer. Otherwise, no recreational towing
is permitted.193
Towing

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold In The U.S.: Getting
Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a
vehicle concern Ford Motor Company
offers a complimentary roadside
assistance program. This program is
separate from the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. The service is available:
•24-hours, seven days a week.
• for the coverage period listed on the
Roadside Assistance Card included in
your Owner's Manual portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
• a flat tire change with a good spare
(except vehicles that have been
supplied with a tire inflation kit).
• battery jump start.
• lock-out assistance (key replacement
cost is the customer's responsibility).
• fuel delivery — Independent Service
Contractors, if not prohibited by state,
local or municipal law shall deliver up
to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of gasoline or 5.0
gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a
disabled vehicle. Fuel delivery service
is limited to two no-charge occurrences
within a 12-month period.
• winch out — available within 100 feet
(30.5 meters) of a paved or county
maintained road, no recoveries.
• towing — Ford and Lincoln eligible
vehicles towed to an authorized dealer
within 35 miles (56 km) of the
disablement location or to the nearest
authorized dealer. If a member
requests to be towed to an authorized
dealer more than 35 miles (56 km)
from the disablement location, the
member shall be responsible for any
mileage costs in excess of 35 miles (56
km). Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if the
disabled eligible vehicle requires service at
the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer
is disabled, but the towing vehicle is
operational, the trailer does not qualify for
any roadside services.
Vehicles Sold In The U.S. : Using
Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. This card is
found in the owner's information portfolio
in the glove compartment.
U.S. Ford vehicle customers who require
Roadside Assistance, call 1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance
for yourself, Ford Motor Company will
reimburse a reasonable amount for towing
to the nearest dealership within 35 miles
(56 km). To obtain reimbursement
information, U.S. Ford vehicle customers
call 1-800-241-3673. Customers will be
asked to submit their original receipts.
Vehicles Sold In Canada : Getting
Roadside Assistance
Canadian customers who require roadside
assistance, call 1-800-665-2006.
Vehicles Sold In Canada : Using
Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In Canada, the
card is found in the Warranty Guide in the
glove box.
Canadian Roadside coverage and benefits
may differ from the U.S. coverage. Please
refer to your Warranty Guide or visit our
website at www.ford.ca for information on
Canadian services and benefits.
197
Roadside Emergencies

1.T-type mini-spare: This spare tire
begins with the letter T for tire size and
may have Temporary Use Only molded in
the sidewall.
2. Full-size dissimilar spare with label
on wheel: This spare tire has a label on
the wheel that states: THIS WHEEL AND
TIRE ASSEMBLY FOR TEMPORARY USE
ONLY.
When driving with one of the dissimilar
spare tires listed above, do not:
• Exceed 50 miles per hour (80
kilometers per hour)
• Load the vehicle beyond maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the Safety
Compliance Label.
• Tow a trailer.
• Use snow chains on the end of the
vehicle with the dissimilar spare tire.
• Use more than one dissimilar spare tire
at a time.
• Use commercial car washing
equipment.
• Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire.
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tires
listed above at any one wheel location can
lead to impairment of the following:
• Handling, stability and braking
performance.
• Comfort and noise.
• Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
• Winter weather driving capability.
• Wet weather driving capability.
• All-wheel driving capability (if
applicable).
3. Full-size dissimilar spare without
label on wheel When driving with the full-size dissimilar
spare wheel and tire assembly,
do not:
• Exceed 70 miles per hour (113
kilometers per hour).
• Use more than one dissimilar spare
wheel and tire assembly at a time.
• Use commercial car washing
equipment.
• Use snow chains on the end of the
vehicle with the dissimilar spare wheel
and tire assembly.
The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare
wheel and tire assembly can lead to
impairment of the following:
• Handling, stability and braking
performance.
• Comfort and noise.
• Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
• Winter weather driving capability.
• Wet weather driving capability.
• All-wheel driving capability (if
applicable).
• Load leveling adjustment (if
applicable).
When driving with the full-size dissimilar
spare wheel and tire assembly additional
caution should be given to:
• Towing a trailer.
• Driving vehicles equipped with a
camper body.
• Driving vehicles with a load on the
cargo rack.
Drive cautiously when using a full-size
dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly
and seek service as soon as possible.
261
Wheels and Tires

8.Small arrow-shaped marks on the sills
show the location of the jacking points.
9. Remove the lug nuts with the lug
wrench.
Note: If equipped with full wheel covers
with exposed wheel nuts, the wheel nuts
must be removed prior to removing the
wheel cover or damage to the wheel cover
may occur.
10. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is
facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts
until the wheel is snug against the
hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts
until the wheel has been lowered. 11. Lower the wheel by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise.
12.Remove the jack and fully tighten the
lug nuts in the order shown. See
Technical Specifications (page
265).
Stowing the flat tire
1. Put the jack and lug wrench away. Make sure the jack is fastened so it
does not rattle when you drive.
2. Unblock the wheels.
263
Wheels and Tires
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3
4
5
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SERVICE PLANS (U.S. only)
More than 32 million Ford and Lincoln
owners have discovered the powerful
protection of Ford Extended Service Plan.
It is the only extended service plan backed
by Ford Motor Company, and provides
peace of mind protection beyond the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage.
Up to 500+ Covered Vehicle
Components
There are four, new-vehicle Extended
Service Plans with different levels of
coverage. Ask your dealer for details.
1. PremiumCare - Our mostcomprehensive coverage. With over
500 covered components, this plan is
so complete that we generally only
discuss what’ s not covered!
2. ExtraCare - Covers 113 components, and includes many high-tech items.
3. BaseCare - Covers 84 components.
4. PowertrainCare - Covers 29 critical components.
Ford Extended Service Plan is honored by
all Ford and Lincoln Dealers in the U.S. and
Canada. It is the only extended service plan
authorized and backed by Ford Motor
Company. That means you get:
• Reliable, quality service anywhere you
go.
• Factory-trained technicians.
• Ford Authorized Parts used with every
covered repair.
Rental Car Reimbursement
If your vehicle is kept overnight for covered
repairs, you are eligible for rental car
coverage, including Bumper-to-Bumper
warranty repairs, or manufacturer ’s recalls. Transferable Coverage
If you sell your vehicle before your Ford
Extended Service Plan coverage expires,
you can transfer any remaining coverage
to the new owner. Whenever you’re ready
to sell your car, prospective buyers may
feel better about taking a risk on your used
vehicle. Ford Extended Service Plan may
add resale value!
Plus, exclusive 24/7 roadside assistance,
including:
•
Towing, flat-tire change and battery
jump starts.
• Out-of-fuel and lock-out assistance.
• Travel expense reimbursement for
lodging, meals and rental car.
• Destination assistance for taxi, shuttle,
rental car coverage and emergency
transportation.
Ford Extended Service Plan Can
Quickly Pay for Itself
One service bill – the cost of parts and
labor – can easily exceed the price of your
Ford Extended Service Plan Service
Contract. With a Ford Extend Service Plan,
you minimize your risk for unexpected
repair bills and rising repair costs.
Avoid the Rising Cost of Properly
Maintaining Your Vehicle!
Ford Extended Service Plan 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 for normal wear:
• Wiper blades
• Spark plugs (except California)
• Clutch disc
276
Ford Extended Service Plan (ESP)