2014 FORD ESCAPE Owners Manual

the engine. If the service engine soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that
the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; if
the service engine soon indicator stays on
solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for
I/M testing.
The OBD-II system is designed to check
the emission control system during normal
driving. A complete check may take several
days. If the vehicle is not ready for I/M
testing, the following driving cycle
consisting of mixed city and highway
driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an
expressway/highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at
least four 30-second idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight
hours without starting the engine. Then,
start the engine and complete the above
driving cycle. The engine must warm up to
its normal operating temperature. Once
started, do not turn off the engine until the
above driving cycle is complete. If the
vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the
above driving cycle will have to be
repeated.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Note:The amount of usable fuel in the
empty reserve varies and should not be
relied upon to increase driving range. When
refueling your vehicle after the fuel gauge
indicates empty, you might not be able to
refuel the full amount of the advertised
capacity of the fuel tank due to the empty
reserve still present in the tank.Empty reserve is the amount of fuel
remaining in the tank after the fuel gauge
indicates empty. Do not rely on this fuel for
driving. The usable capacity of the fuel
tank is the amount of fuel that can be put
into the tank after the gauge indicates
empty. The advertised capacity is the total
fuel tank size – it is the combined usable
capacity plus the empty reserve.
Filling the Tank
For consistent results when filling the fuel
tank:
• Turn the ignition off before fueling; an
inaccurate reading results if the engine
is left running.
• Use the same fill rate
(low-medium-high) each time the tank
is filled.
• Allow no more than two automatic
click-offs when filling.
Results are most accurate when the filling
method is consistent.
Calculating Fuel Economy
Do not measure fuel economy during the
first 1000 miles (1600 kilometers) of
driving (this is your engine’s break-in
period); a more accurate measurement is
obtained after 2000 miles - 3000 miles
(3200 kilometers - 4800 kilometers). Also,
fuel expense, frequency of fill ups or fuel
gauge readings are not accurate ways to
measure fuel economy.
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record
the initial odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the
amount of fuel added.
3. After at least three to five tank fill ups,
fill the fuel tank and record the current
odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading
from the current odometer reading.
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Fuel and Refueling

5. Calculate fuel economy by dividing
miles traveled by gallons used (For
Metric: Multiply liters used by 100, then
divide by kilometers traveled).
Keep a record for at least one month and
record the type of driving (city or highway).
This provides an accurate estimate of the
vehicle’s fuel economy under current
driving conditions. Additionally, keeping
records during summer and winter show
how temperature impacts fuel economy.
In general, lower temperatures mean lower
fuel economy.
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Fuel and Refueling

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNINGS
Always set the parking brake fully
and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition
to the off position and remove the key
whenever you leave your vehicle.
Do not apply the brake pedal and
accelerator pedal simultaneously.
Applying both pedals simultaneously
for more than three seconds will limit
engine rpm, which may result in difficulty
maintaining speed in traffic and could lead
to serious injury.
Understanding the Positions of
Your Automatic Transmission
Putting your vehicle in gear:
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the button on the front
of the gearshift lever.
3. Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear.
4. Release the button and your
transmission will remain in the selected
gear.
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P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and
prevents the front wheels from turning.
Come to a complete stop before putting
your vehicle into and out of P (Park)
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the
vehicle will move backward. Always come
to a complete stop before shifting into and
out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the
vehicle can be started and is free to roll.
Hold the brake pedal down while in this
position.
D (Drive)
The normal driving position for the best
fuel economy. Transmission operates in
gears one through six.
S (Sport)
Moving the gearshift lever to S (Sport):
• Provides additional grade (engine)
braking and extends lower gear
operation to enhance performance for
uphill climbs, hilly terrain or
mountainous areas. This will increase
engine RPM during engine braking.
• Provides additional lower gear
operation through the automatic
transmission shift strategy.
• Gears are selected more quickly and
at higher engine speeds.
SelectShift Automatic®
Transmission (If Equipped)
Your SelectShift automatic transmission
gives you the ability to manually change
gears.
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Transmission

To use SelectShift, move the gearshift
lever into S (Sport). Use the +/- buttons
on the side of your gearshift lever to
manually change gears.
• 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 and
a shift indicator arrow to assist in
optimizing shifting.
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.Manual Shifting in D (Drive) (If
Equipped)
The transmission can be manually
controlled temporarily when in D (Drive)
by using the +/- buttons on the gearshift
lever. The system will determine when
temporary manual control is no longer
desired and will revert back to automatic
control. Move the shifter to the S (sport)
position for extensive manual control.
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 the
left 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 system does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave your
vehicle, always apply the parking
brake and put the vehicle in P (Park).
You must remain in your vehicle once
you have activated the system.
During all times, you are responsible
for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and
intervening, if required.
If the engine is revved excessively, or
if a malfunction is detected, the
system will be deactivated.
The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your 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 your
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).
The system will activate automatically on
any slope that will cause significant vehicle
rollback.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring your
vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep
the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle
is on a slope, the system will activate
automatically.
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Transmission

3. When you remove your foot from the
brake pedal, your 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.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The
brakes will release automatically.
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Transmission

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This system is a proactive system. It has
the ability to anticipate wheel slip and
transfer torque to the rear wheels before
slip occurs. Even when wheel slip is not
present, the system is continuously making
adjustments to the torque distribution, in
an attempt to improve straight line and
cornering behavior, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on every
time you switch the ignition on.
All components of the system are sealed
and do not require maintenance.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:When a system malfunction is
present, a warning message will be
displayed in the information display. See
Information Messages (page 91). This
means the system is not functioning
correctly and has defaulted to front-wheel
drive only. Have your vehicle checked by an
authorized dealer.
Note:A message will be displayed in the
information display when the system
overheats and switches to front-wheel drive.
This condition may occur if you operate your
vehicle in extreme high load conditions or
with excessive wheel slip, (i.e. deep sand).
To resume four-wheel drive function as soon
as possible, stop your vehicle in a safe
location and switch the ignition off. After
the system cools and normal four-wheel
drive functionality resumes, a message will
be displayed for approximately five seconds.
Note:If a warning message appears in the
information display when using the spare
tire, it should turn off after reinstalling the
repaired or replaced road tire and you switch
the ignition on.Note:It is recommended that you reinstall
the repaired tire or replace the tire as soon
as possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes
between the front and rear axles could
cause system damage or default the system
to front-wheel drive.
The system gives your vehicle some limited
off-road capabilities. Operating your
vehicle in conditions other than moderate
sand, snow, mud or rough roads could
subject it to excessive stress and heat
which could result in system damage. This
will not be covered by your vehicle
warranty.
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A graphic will be displayed in the
information display to advise you of the
power distribution between the front and
rear wheels. The more the area is filled the
more power is being distributed to that
wheel.
Driving in Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive vehicles are suitable 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
freeway.
Note:It may be useful to switch Traction
control off. This allows for more wheel spin
and engine torque in certain off road
conditions or if your vehicle becomes stuck.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

When driving at slow speeds off road under
high load conditions, use a low gear when
possible. Low gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling
capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the air
conditioning may cycle on and off to
prevent the engine from overheating.
Basic Operating Principles
• Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed has been reduced
ease your vehicle back onto the road. Do
not turn the steering wheel sharply while
returning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control or roll over. 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 (i.e. turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as required to avoid the
emergency). Excessive steering can resultin loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth
pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal when changes in vehicle speed are
required. Avoid abrupt steering,
acceleration and braking. This could result
in an increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss
of vehicle control and personal injury. Use
all available road surface to bring your
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 your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e. from concrete to
gravel) there will be a change in the way
your vehicle responds to a maneuver (i.e.
steering, acceleration or braking).
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 excessive wheel slip.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand for
an extended period of time. This will cause
the system to overheat. A message will be
displayed in the information display. See
Information Messages (page 91).
To resume operation, switch the ignition
off and allow the system to cool down for
a minimum of 15 minutes. After the system
has cooled down, a message will be
displayed briefly in the information display.
See Information Messages (page 91).
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.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)