2013 FORD ESCAPE brakes

Starting and Stopping theEngine
General Information....................................135
Ignition Switch...............................................135
Keyless Starting.............................................135
Starting a Gasoline Engine........................137
Engine Block Heater....................................138
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions......................................140
Fuel Quality......................................................141
Running Out of Fuel......................................141
Refueling..........................................................142
Emission Control System..........................143
Fuel Consumption........................................145
Transmission
Automatic Transmission............................147
Hill Start Assist..............................................149
Four-Wheel Drive
Using Four-Wheel Drive..............................151
Brakes
General Information....................................156
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes...........................................................156
Parking Brake..................................................157
Traction Control
Principle of Operation.................................158
Using Traction Control................................158
Stability Control
Principle of Operation.................................159
Using Stability Control...............................160
Parking Aids
Parking Aid.......................................................161 Active Park Assist.........................................163
Rear View Camera........................................167
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation.................................170
Using Cruise Control....................................170
Driving Aids
Blind Spot Monitor........................................171
Eco Mode.........................................................175
Steering............................................................176
Load Carrying
Rear Under Floor Storage...........................177
Luggage Covers..............................................177
Roof Racks and Load Carriers..................178
Load Limit........................................................179
Towing
Towing a Trailer.............................................188
Trailer Sway Control....................................188
Recommended Towing Weights............188
Essential Towing Checks..........................190
Towing Points.................................................191
Transporting the Vehicle............................192
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels......192
Driving Hints
Breaking-In.....................................................194
Economical Driving......................................194
Driving Through Water...............................194
Floor Mats.......................................................195
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance...................................197
Hazard Warning Flashers..........................198
Fuel Cut-Off Switch....................................198
Jump-Starting the Vehicle........................198
3
Table of Contents

Pregnant women should always wear their
safety belt. The lap belt portion of a
combination lap and shoulder belt should
be positioned low across the hips below
the belly and worn as tight as comfort will
allow. The shoulder belt should be
positioned to cross the middle of the
shoulder and the center of the chest.
Safety Belt Locking Modes
WARNINGS
After any vehicle collision, the safety
belt system at all passenger seating
positions must be checked by an
authorized dealer to verify that the
automatic locking retractor feature for
child seats is still functioning properly. In
addition, all safety belts should be checked
for proper function.
BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY
MUST BE REPLACED if the safety
belt assembly automatic locking
retractor feature or any other safety belt
function is not operating properly when
checked by an authorized dealer. Failure
to replace the belt and retractor assembly
could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
All safety restraints in the vehicle are
combination lap and shoulder belts. The
driver safety belt has the first type of
locking mode, and the front outboard
passenger and rear seat safety belts have
both types of locking modes described as
follows:
Vehicle Sensitive Mode
This is the normal retractor mode, which
allows free shoulder belt length
adjustment to your movements and
locking in response to vehicle movement.
For example, if the driver brakes suddenly
or turns a corner sharply, or the vehicle
receives an impact of approximately 5 mph
(8 km/h) or more, the combination safety
belts will lock to help reduce forward
movement of the driver and passengers.
In addition, the retractor is designed to lock
if the webbing is pulled out too quickly. If
this occurs, let the belt retract slightly and
pull webbing out again in a slow and
controlled manner.
Automatic Locking Mode
In this mode, the shoulder belt is
automatically pre-locked. The belt will still
retract to remove any slack in the shoulder
belt. The automatic locking mode is not
available on the driver safety belt.
When to Use the Automatic Locking
Mode
This mode should be used any time a child
safety seat, except a booster, is installed
in passenger front or rear seating positions.
Children 12 years old and under should be
properly restrained in a rear seating
position whenever possible. See Child
Safety (page 14).
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Safety Belts
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GENERAL INFORMATION
If you disconnect the battery, your vehicle
may exhibit some unusual driving
characteristics for approximately 5 miles
(8 kilometers) after you reconnect it. This
is because the engine management system
must realign itself with the engine. You can
disregard any unusual driving
characteristics during this period.
WARNINGS
Extended idling at high engine
speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and
exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or
other damage.
Do not park, idle or drive your vehicle
on dry grass or other dry ground
cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhaust
system, creating the risk of fire.
Do not start the engine in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas.
Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always
open the garage door before you start the
engine.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside
your vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer
immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if
you smell exhaust fumes.
This system meets all Canadian
interference-causing equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse
electrical field or radio noise.
When you start the engine, avoid pressing
the accelerator pedal before and during
operation. Only use the accelerator pedal
when you have difficulty starting the
engine. IGNITION SWITCH
0 (off) - The ignition is off.
Note:
When you switch the ignition off and
leave your vehicle, do not leave your key in
the ignition. This could discharge your
vehicle battery.
Note: To switch the engine off when your
vehicle is moving, move the transmission
selector lever to position N. Use the brakes
to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. After your
vehicle has stopped, switch the engine off
and move the transmission selector lever to
position P. Turn the key to position 0 or I.
I (accessory) - Allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to operate
while the engine is not running.
Note: Do not leave the ignition key in this
position for too long to avoid discharging
the battery.
II (on) - All electrical circuits operational.
Warning lamps and indicators are
illuminated.
III (start) - cranks the engine. Release the
key as soon as the engine starts.
KEYLESS STARTING (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNINGS
The keyless starting system may not
function if the key is close to metal
objects or electronic devices such as
mobile phones.
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Starting and Stopping the Engine
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Stopping the Engine When Your
Vehicle is Moving
1. Press and hold the START button fora moment, or press it three times within
two seconds.
2. Move the transmission selector lever to position N and use the brakes to
bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
3. When your vehicle has stopped, move the transmission selector lever to
position P and switch the ignition off.
WARNING
Switching off the engine when the
vehicle is still moving will result in a
loss of brake and steering assistance.
The steering will not lock, but higher effort
will be required. When the ignition is
switched off, some electrical circuits,
warning lamps and indicators may also be
off.
Fast Restart
The fast restart feature allows you to
restart your vehicle within 20 seconds of
switching it off, even if a valid key is not
present.
Within 20 seconds of switching your
vehicle off, press the brake pedal and press
the start button. After 20 seconds have
expired, you can no longer start your
vehicle without the key present inside the
vehicle.
Once your vehicle has started, it remains
running until you press the start button,
even if a valid key has not been detected.
If you open and close a door while your
vehicle is running, the system searches for
a valid key. You cannot start your vehicle
if a valid key is not detected within 20
seconds. STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE
When you start the engine the idle speed
will be increased to warm up the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have your vehicle checked
by your authorized dealer.
Before starting the engine check the
following:
•
Make sure all occupants have fastened
their safety belts.
• Make sure the headlamps and
electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Move the transmission selector lever
to position P.
• Turn the ignition key to position II.
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Move the transmission selector lever to position P or N.
2. Fully press the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine. The engine may continue cranking for up to 15 seconds
or until it starts.
Note: If you cannot start the engine on the
first try, wait for a short period of time and
try again.
If you have difficulty starting the engine
when the temperature is below -13°F
(-25°C), press the accelerator pedal
slightly and try again.
If you cannot start the engine after three
attempts, wait 10 seconds and follow this
procedure.
1. Move the transmission selector lever to position P.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
3. Fully press the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine.
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Starting and Stopping the Engine

SelectShift Automatic®
Transmission (If Equipped)
Your SelectShift automatic transmission
gives you the ability to manually change
gears if you'd like. To use SelectShift, move
the gearshift lever into S (Sport). Now you
can use the +/- buttons on the side of your
gearshift lever to select gears.
When using the toggle for manual shifting:
•Press the (+) button to upshift.
• Press the (-) button to downshift.
Note: After you have assumed manual
control with SelectShift your vehicle will
remain in this mode until you return the
gearshift lever from (S) Sport, back to (D)
Drive.
Upshift to the recommended shift speeds
according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recom- mended for best fuel economy)
Shift from:15 mph (24 km/h)
1 - 2
25 mph (40 km/h)
2 - 3
40 mph (64 km/h)
3 - 4
45 mph (72 km/h)
4 - 5
50 mph (80 km/h)
5 - 6
The instrument cluster will display the
selected gear that you are currently in.
SelectShift will automatically make some
shifts for you in the event that your engine
speed is running at too high, or to low an
RPM.
Note: Engine damage may occur if
excessive engine revving is held without
shifting. Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNINGS
Do not drive your vehicle until you
verify that the brake lamps are
working.
When doing this procedure, you will
be taking the vehicle out of park
which means the vehicle can roll
freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always fully set the parking
brake prior to doing this procedure. Use
wheel chocks if appropriate.
If the parking brake is fully released,
but the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized
dealer.
Use the brake shift interlock lever to move
the gearshift lever from the park position
in the event of an electrical malfunction or
if your vehicle has a dead battery.
Apply the parking brake and turn the
ignition off before performing this
procedure.
1. Insert a screwdriver (or similar tool) between the shifter bezel and the top
finish panel.
2. Use the tool to unsnap the shifter bezel
from the finish panel.
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Transmission
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3. Locate the white lever located on theleft side of the shifter.
4. Using the tool move the white lever towards the rear of the shifter.
5. While holding the white lever in the rear
position, move the shifter from the park
position.
6. Press the shifter bezel back into the top
finish panel until it snaps back into
position.
7. Apply the brake pedal, start the vehicle
and release the parking brake.
Note: See your authorized dealer as soon
as possible if this procedure is used.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud
or Snow
Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
it may be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
HILL START ASSIST
WARNINGS
The hill start assist feature does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave the vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission
into P (Park).
You must remain in the vehicle once
you have activated the hill start
assist feature.
WARNINGS
During all times, you are responsible
for controlling the vehicle,
supervising the hill start assist
system and intervening, if required.
If the engine is revved excessively, or
if a malfunction is detected when the
hill start assist feature is active, the
hill start assist feature will be deactivated.
This feature makes it easier to pull away
when the vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.
When this feature is active, the vehicle will
remain stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows you time to move your
foot from the brake to the accelerator
pedal. The brakes are released
automatically once the engine has
developed sufficient drive to prevent the
vehicle from rolling down the slope. This
is an advantage when pulling away on a
slope, (for example from a car park ramp,
traffic lights or when reversing uphill into
a parking space).
This feature is activated automatically on
any slope that can result in significant
vehicle rollback. This feature will not
operate if the parking brake is activated.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep
the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is
on a slope, the hill start assist feature
will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will remain on
the slope without rolling away for
approximately two or three seconds.
This hold time will automatically be
extended if you are in the process of
driving off.
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Transmission

4. Drive off in the normal manner. Thebrakes will be released automatically.
150
Transmission

for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration
or braking which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Use all available road surface to return
the vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
• In the event of an emergency stop,
avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel
movements.
• If the vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e., from concrete
to gravel) there will be a change in the
way the vehicle responds to a
maneuver (steering, acceleration or
braking). Again, avoid these abrupt
inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not drive your 4WD vehicle in deep sand
for an extended period of time. This will
cause the 4WD system to overheat. The
instrument cluster will display the message
4WD temporarily disabled. To resume
normal 4WD operation, turn off the vehicle
and allow the 4WD system to cool down
for a minimum of 15 minutes. After the
system has cooled down, normal 4WD
function will return and the instrument
cluster will briefly display 4WD restored.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability. Avoid excessive speed because vehicle
momentum can work against you and
cause the vehicle to become stuck to the
point that assistance may be required from
another vehicle. Remember, you may be
able to back out the way you came if you
proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may
be limited.
When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom
of the hubs (for trucks) (if possible) and
proceed slowly. If the ignition system gets
wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly
while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction
in slick mud. If the vehicle does slide, steer
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of the vehicle.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
E142667