2013 FORD ESCAPE tow

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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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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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

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 miles (480
kilometers). During this time, your vehicle
may exhibit some unusual driving
characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000
miles (1600 kilometers). Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things
such as how you drive, the conditions you
drive under and how you maintain your
vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that
may improve your fuel economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds without
stopping.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling
at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% less
fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105
km/h]).
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance. There are also some things you may not
want to do because they may reduce your
fuel economy:
•
Sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations.
• Rev the engine before turning it off.
• Idle for periods longer than one minute.
• Warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Use the air conditioner or front
defroster.
• Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.
• Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a
trailer.
• Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight
carried).
• Add particular accessories to your
vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski
racks).
• Drive with the wheels out of alignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Note: Driving through deep water above
the recommended levels can cause vehicle
damage.
Note: Once through the water, always dry
the brakes by moving your vehicle slowly
while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle
as quickly as dry brakes.
194
Driving Hints

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

Protected Components
Fuse Amp Rating
Fuse/Relay Number
Hands-free liftgate entry module
5A
F1
Keyless vehicle module
10A
F2
Keyless vehicle door handles
5A
F3
Door control unit front left
25A
F4
Door control unit front right
25A
F5
Door control unit rear left
25A
F6
Door control unit rear right
25A
F7
Not used
-
F8
Driver seat motor
25A
F9
Driver seat memory module logic feed
5A
F10
Rear ignition coil feed
5A
F11
Not used
-
F12
Not used
-
F13
Not used
-
F14
Not used
-
F15
Not used
-
F16
Not used
-
F17
Not used
-
F18
Not used
-
F19
Not used
-
F20
Not used
-
F21
Not used
-
F22
Audio amplifier
25A
F23
DC/AC power converter
30A
F24
Power liftgate
25A
F25
Accessories / Trailer tow module 30 feed
1
40A
F26
215
Fuses

5. Locate the vertical adjuster on eachheadlamp. Using a Phillips #2
screwdriver, turn the adjuster either
clockwise or counterclockwise in order
to aim the headlamp.
6. Close the hood and turn off the lamps.
Horizontal Aim Adjustment
Horizontal aim is not required for this
vehicle and is non-adjustable.
REMOVING A HEADLAMP
1. Make sure the headlamp control is in the off position and open the hood.
2. Remove the two screws from the headlamp assembly. 3. Carefully pull the headlamp assembly
as far as possible towards the front of
the vehicle to disengage it from the
lower fixing point.
4. Carefully lift the outer side of the headlamp and remove it.
5. Disconnect the electrical connector.
CHANGING A BULB
Lamp Assembly Condensation
Exterior lamps are vented to
accommodate normal changes in pressure.
Condensation can be a natural by-product
of this design. When moist air enters the
lamp assembly through the vents, there is
a possibility that condensation can occur
when the temperature is cold. When
normal condensation occurs, a thin film of
mist can form on the interior of the lens.
The thin mist eventually clears and exits
through the vents during normal operation.
Clearing time may take as long as 48 hours
under dry weather conditions.
Examples of acceptable condensation are:
• Presence of thin mist (no streaks, drip
marks or droplets).
• Fine mist covers less than 50% of the
lens.
Examples of unacceptable moisture
(usually caused by a lamp water leak) are:
• Water puddle inside the lamp.
• Large water droplets, drip marks or
streaks present on the interior of the
lens.
Take your vehicle to a dealer for service if
any of the above conditions of
unacceptable moisture are present.
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