2013 FORD ESCAPE overheating

Odometer
Located in the bottom of the information
display Registers the accumulated
distance your vehicle has traveled.
Outside Air Temperature
Shows the outside air temperature.
Trip Computer
See Trip Computer (page 86).
Vehicle Settings and Personalization
See General Information (page 84).
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
WARNING
Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
At normal operating temperature, the
needle will remain in the center section.
Note:Do not restart the engine until the
cause of overheating has been resolved.
If the needle enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Stop the engine,
switch the ignition off and determine the
cause once the engine has cooled down.
See Engine Coolant Check (page 222). Fuel Gauge
Switch the ignition on. The fuel gauge will
indicate approximately how much fuel is
left in the fuel tank. The fuel gauge may
vary slightly when your vehicle is moving
or on a gradient. The arrow adjacent to the
fuel pump symbol indicates on which side
of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
WARNING LAMPS AND
INDICATORS
The following warning lamps and
indicators will alert you to a vehicle
condition that may become serious. Some
lamps will illuminate when you start your
vehicle to make sure they work. If any
lamps remain on after starting your vehicle,
refer to the respective system warning
lamp for further information.
Note:
Some warning indicators appear in
the information display and function the
same as a warning lamp but do not display
when you start your vehicle.
Airbag - Front
If it fails to illuminate when you
start your vehicle, continues to
flash or remains on, it indicates
a malfunction. Have the system checked
by your authorized dealer.
Anti-Lock Braking System
If it illuminates when you are
driving, this indicates a
malfunction. You will continue
to have the normal braking system
(without ABS) unless the brake system
warning lamp is also illuminated. Have the
system checked by your authorized dealer.
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Instrument Cluster
123
4
5
6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15
E142800

Power Steering
Action
Message
Indicator
Message
The power steering system is not working. Stopthe vehicle a safe place. Contact your author- ized dealer.
Red
Steering loss Stop safely
The power steering system is not working. Stopthe vehicle a safe place. Contact your author- ized dealer.
Amber
Steering assist fault
Service required
The power steering system has detected a
condition within the power steering system or passive entry or passive start system requires service. Contact your authorized dealer.
Amber
Steering fault Service
now
Starting System
Action
Message
Indicator
Message
Displays when starting the vehicle as a reminderto apply the brake.
-
Press brake to start
Displays when the vehicle fails to start.
-
Cranking time exceeded
Transmission and Four-Wheel Drive
Action
Message
Indicator
Message
See your authorized dealer.
-
Transmission fault
Service now
The transmission is overheating and needs tocool. Stop in a safe place as soon as it’ s
possible.
Amber
Transmission overtem-
perature Stop safely
See your authorized dealer.
Amber
Transmission Service
required
Transmission is getting hot. Stop to let it coolor speed up.
-
Transmission Hot Stop
or Speed Up
94
Information Displays

The power point temporarily turns off
power if the 150 watt limit is exceeded. It
can also switch to a fault mode when it is
overloaded, overheated, or shorted. Unplug
your device and turn the ignition off then
on for overloading and shorting conditions.
Let the system cool off, then turn the
ignition off then on for an overheating
condition.
The power point is not designed for electric
devices such as:
•Cathode ray tube type televisions
• Motor loads, such as vacuum cleaners,
electric saws and other electric power
tools, compressor-driven refrigerators,
etc.
• Measuring devices, which process
precise data, such as medical
equipment, measuring equipment, etc.
• Other appliances requiring an
extremely stable power supply:
microcomputer-controlled electric
blankets, touch sensor lamps, etc.
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Auxiliary Power Points

Driving in Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel Drive
4WD vehicles are equipped for driving on
sand, snow, mud and rough roads and have
operating characteristics that are
somewhat different from conventional
vehicles, both on and off the highway.
When driving at slow speeds off-highway
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C
may cycle on and off to protect
overheating of the engine.
Basic operating principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• Be extremely careful when driving on
pavement made slippery by loose sand,
water, gravel, snow or ice. If your vehicle goes off the edge of the
pavement
•
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the
pavement, slow down, but avoid severe
brake application, ease the vehicle
back onto the pavement only after
reducing your speed. Do not turn the
steering wheel too sharply while
returning to the road surface.
• It may be safer to stay on the apron or
shoulder of the road and slow down
gradually before returning to the
pavement. You may lose control if you
do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
• It often may be less risky to strike small
objects, such as highway reflectors,
with minor damage to your vehicle
rather than attempt a sudden return to
the pavement which could cause the
vehicle to slide sideways out of control
or rollover. Remember, your safety and
the safety of others should be your
primary concern.
Emergency maneuvers
• In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be
made, remember to avoid
“over-driving” your vehicle (for
example; turn the steering wheel only
as rapidly and as far as required to
avoid the emergency). Excessive
steering will result in less vehicle
control, not more. Additionally, smooth
variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized
if changes in vehicle speed are called
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Note:Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission. If the front or rear
axle is submerged in water, the axle
lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant
should be checked and changed if
necessary.
“Tread Lightly ” is an educational program
designed to increase public awareness of
land-use regulations and responsibilities
in our nations wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management in
encouraging you to help preserve our
national forest and other public and private
lands by “treading lightly ”.
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should always
try to drive straight up or straight down.
Note: Note: Avoid driving crosswise or
turning on steep slopes or hills. A danger lies
in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a
hill, determine beforehand the route you will
use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill
without seeing what conditions are on the
other side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill
without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start
in a lower gear rather than downshifting to
a lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling. If you do stall out, do not try to turnaround
because you might roll over. It is better to
back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power will cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating.
Do not descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually shift to a
lower gear. When descending a steep hill,
avoid sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have to be
turning in order to steer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump”
the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slippery
conditions that require tire chains or
cables, then it is critical that you drive
cautiously. Keep speeds down, allow for
longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances
of a loss of vehicle control which can lead
to serious injury or death. If the rear end of
the vehicle slides while cornering, steer in
the direction of the slide until you regain
control of the vehicle.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
E143950
E143949

STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation. When a system
error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display.
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation of the electronic
system. When an electronic error is
detected, a message will be displayed in
the information display. If this happens,
stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn
off the engine. After at least 10 seconds,
reset the system by restarting the engine,
and watch the information display for a
steering message. If a steering message
returns, or returns while driving, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it checked.
Obtain immediate service if a system
error is detected. You may not notice
any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist.
Failure to do so may result in loss of
steering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power-assisted steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill. If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving (or if the ignition is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually,
but it takes more effort. Extreme
continuous steering may increase the effort
it takes for you to steer. This occurs to
prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering
system. If this should occur, you will neither
lose the ability to steer the vehicle
manually nor will it cause permanent
damage. Typical steering and driving
maneuvers will allow the system to cool
and steering assist will return to normal.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds
may also make the steering seem to
wander or pull.
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Driving Aids

WARNINGS
Do not add coolant further than the
MAX mark.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or additives as they can
cause damage to the engine cooling or
heating systems. This damage would not
be covered under your vehicle ’s warranty.
Note: During normal vehicle operation, the
engine coolant may change color from
orange to pink or light red. As long as the
engine coolant is clear and uncontaminated,
this color change does not indicate the
engine coolant has degraded nor does it
require the engine coolant to be drained, the
system to be flushed, or the engine coolant
to be replaced.
• Do not mix different colors or types of
coolant in your vehicle. Make sure the
correct coolant is used. Mixing of
engine coolants may harm your
engine ’s cooling system. The use of an
improper coolant may harm engine and
cooling system components and may
void the warranty. Use prediluted
engine coolant meeting the Ford
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 267).
• In case of emergency, a large amount
of water without engine coolant may
be added in order to reach a vehicle
service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained,
chemically cleaned with Motorcraft®
Premium Cooling System Flush, and
refilled with prediluted engine coolant
as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause
engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing. •
Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or
any engine coolants mixed with alcohol
or methanol antifreeze (coolant).
Alcohol and other liquids can cause
engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
• Do not add extra inhibitors or additives
to the coolant. These can be harmful
and compromise the corrosion
protection of the engine coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure will
escape as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant meeting the
Ford specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 267).
Whenever coolant has been added, the
coolant level in the coolant reservoir
should be checked the next few times you
drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough
prediluted engine coolant to bring the
coolant level to the proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommend
the use of recycled engine coolant since a
Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids
in a responsible manner. Follow your
community ’s regulations and standards
for recycling and disposing of automotive
fluids.
223
Maintenance

Your vehicle is equipped with the
Intelligent Oil Life Monitor® system which
displays a message in the message center
at the proper oil change service interval.
This interval may be up to one year or
10000 miles (16000 kilometers).
When ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL
CHANGE REQUIRED appears in the
message center display, it is time for an oil
change. The oil change must be done
within two weeks or 500 miles (800
kilometers) of the ENGINE OIL CHANGE
DUE or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message
appearing. The Intelligent Oil Life Monitor®
must be reset after each oil change. See
Engine Oil Check (page 221).
If your message center is prematurely reset
or becomes inoperative, you should
perform the oil change interval at six
months or 5000 miles (8000 km) from
your last oil change. Never exceed one year
or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers)
between oil change intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built
with multiple complex performance
systems. Every manufacturer develops
these systems using different
specifications and performance features.
That is why it is important to rely upon your
dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
We recommend maintenance intervals for
various parts and component systems
based upon engineering testing. We rely
upon this testing to determine the most
appropriate mileage for replacement of
oils and fluids to protect your vehicle at
the lowest overall cost to you and
recommend against maintenance
schedules that deviate from the scheduled
maintenance information.
We strongly recommend the using only
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized re-manufactured
replacement for parts because they are
engineered for your vehicle.Additives and Chemicals
Recommended additives and chemicals
are listed in this Owner's Manual and in the
Workshop Manual. Additional chemicals
or additives not approved by Ford Motor
Company are not recommended as part
of normal maintenance. Please consult
your Warranty Manual for complete
warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a
normal operating characteristic and, by
itself, does not necessarily indicate a
concern or that the fluid needs to be
changed. However, discolored fluids that
also show signs of overheating or foreign
material contamination should be
inspected immediately by a qualified
expert such as the factory-trained
technicians at your dealership.
Your vehicle
’s oils and fluids should be
changed at the specified intervals or in
conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a
viable way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are
flushed only with new fluid that is the same
as that required to fill and operate the
system or using a Ford-approved flushing
chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and
inspections should be performed every
month or at six months intervals.
Check Every Month
• Engine oil level.
• Function of all interior and exterior
lights.
• Tires for wear and proper pressure,
including the spare tire.
• Windshield washer fluid level.
397
Scheduled Maintenance