2014 FORD ESCAPE brakes

TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING
Turning off trailer sway control
increases the risk of loss of vehicle
control, serious injury or death. Ford
does not recommend disabling this feature
except in situations where speed reduction
may be detrimental (such as hill climbing),
the driver has significant trailer towing
experience, and can control trailer sway
and maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is too
high, the system may activate multiple
times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies the vehicle brakes at
individual wheels and, if necessary, reduces
engine power. If the trailer begins to sway,
the stability control light flashes. The first
thing to do is slow the vehicle down, then
pull safely to the side of the road and
check for proper tongue load and trailer
load distribution. See Load Carrying
(page 166).
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailer
weight for your vehicle
configuration listed in the chart
below.Note:Be sure to take into
consideration trailer frontal area.
Do not exceed 20 feet
2 (1.86
meters2) if your vehicle is not
equipped with a towing package or
30 feet
2 (2.79 meters2) if your
vehicle is equipped with a towing
package.
Note:For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)
starting at the 1000 foot (300
meter) elevation point.
Note:Certain states require
electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. Be sure to
check state regulations for this
specified weight. The maximum
trailer weights listed may be limited
to this specified weight, as the
vehicle’s electrical system may not
include the wiring connector
needed to activate electric trailer
brakes.
Your vehicle may tow a Class I or
II trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal
to the maximum trailer weight
listed for your vehicle
configuration on the following
chart.
177
Towing

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
• Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1000 miles (1600
kilometers).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See your scheduled
maintenance information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
Another chapter of this manual contains
load specification terms found on the tire
label and Safety Compliance label and
instructions on calculating your vehicle's
load. See Load Limit (page 168).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your 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
hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross them
under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow
the chains to drag on the ground.
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 you
install them properly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems
are required for safe control of towed
vehicles and trailers weighing more
than 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)
when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working.
179
Towing

Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
• Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113
km/h) during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 miles (80
kilometers).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in position P to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help A/C
performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. 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 a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul 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:
• Turn the steering wheel to point
your vehicle tires away from traffic
flow.
• Set your vehicle parking brake.
• Place the automatic transmission
in position P.
• Place wheel chocks in front and
back of the trailer wheels. (Chocks
not included with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after the trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to
rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher
than 6 inches (15 centimeters) above
the bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
180
Towing

• Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
• Close windows for high-speed driving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Note:Driving through deep water above
the recommended levels can cause vehicle
damage.
If driving through deep or standing water
is unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never
drive through water that is higher than the
bottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
E142667
When driving through water, traction or
brake capability may be limited. Also,
water may enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine or your
vehicle may stall.
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.
FLOOR MATS
E142666
WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that are
designed to fit the foot well of your
vehicle. Only use floor mats that
leave the pedal area unobstructed. Only
use floor mats that are firmly secured to
retention posts so that they cannot slip out
of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in
other ways.
Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal
injury.
Always make sure that the floor
mats are properly attached to the
retention posts in the carpet that are
supplied with your vehicle. Floor mats must
be properly secured to both retention posts
to ensure mats do not shift out of position.
Never place floor mats or any other
covering in the vehicle foot well that
cannot be properly secured to
prevent them from moving and interfering
with the pedals or the ability to control the
vehicle.
184
Driving Hints

Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it
will be necessary to reset memory features.
Brakes
• Make sure brakes and parking brake
are fully released.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8
meters) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle 15 feet (4.5 meters) back
and forth to remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If the battery was removed, clean the
battery cable ends and inspect.Contact your authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
233
Vehicle Care

4
4WDSee: Four-Wheel Drive.....................................140
A
A/CSee: Climate Control..........................................101About This Manual...........................................7Protecting the Environment................................7ABSSee: Brakes............................................................145ABS driving hintsSee: Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock
Brakes................................................................145
Accessories...................................................380Exterior style.......................................................380
Interior style.........................................................380
Lifestyle.................................................................380
Peace of mind....................................................380
AccessoriesSee: Replacement Parts
Recommendation.............................................11
Active Park Assist.........................................152Automatic Steering into Parking
Space.................................................................153
Deactivating the Park Assist Feature..........154
Troubleshooting the System..........................155
Using Active Park Assist...................................152
Adjusting the Headlamps........................220Horizontal Aim Adjustment............................221
Vertical Aim Adjustment................................220
Adjusting the Steering Wheel...................66
Airbag Disposal...............................................43
Air Conditioning
See: Climate Control..........................................101AlarmSee: Anti-Theft Alarm........................................65Ambient Lighting.............................................77
Anti-Theft Alarm............................................65
Arming the Alarm.................................................65
Disarming the Alarm...........................................65
Appendices....................................................382Audible Warnings and Indicators.............87
Automatic Transmission Warning
Chime...................................................................87
Engine On Warning Chime................................87
Headlamps On Warning Chime......................87
Key in Ignition Warning Chime.........................87
Keyless Warning Alert ........................................87
Parking Brake On Warning Chime..................87
Audio Control..................................................66Type 1.........................................................................67
Type 2........................................................................67
Audio System................................................267General Information..........................................267Audio unit - Vehicles With:
AM/FM/CD/SYNC/Satellite
Radio..............................................................272
Audio unit - Vehicles With:
AM/FM/CD/SYNC....................................270
Audio unit - Vehicles With:
AM/FM/CD.................................................268
Audio unit - Vehicles With: Premium
AM/FM/CD..................................................274
Audio unit - Vehicles With: Sony
AM/FM/CD..................................................276
Menu Structure....................................................277Autolamps.........................................................73
Automatic Climate Control......................102
Temperature Control.........................................103Automatic Transmission............................136Brake-Shift Interlock..........................................137
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or
Snow..................................................................138
SelectShift Automatic®
Transmission...................................................136
Understanding the Positions of Your
Automatic Transmission.............................136
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check..............................................................215
Autowipers........................................................70
Auxiliary Input Jack.....................................284
Auxiliary Power Points................................120
110 Volt AC Power Point...................................120
12 Volt DC Power Point.....................................120
Locations...............................................................120
415
Index

B
Blind Spot Monitor......................................160Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®)
with Cross Traffic Alert................................160
Bonnet LockSee: Opening and Closing the Hood..........206Booster Seats....................................................17Types of Booster Seats.......................................17Brake Fluid Check.........................................215
Brakes...............................................................145
General Information..........................................145Breaking-In......................................................183
Bulb Specification Chart...........................226
C
Cabin Air Filter................................................107
California Proposition 65..............................11
Capacities and Specifications.................261
Technical Specifications.................................265Car WashSee: Cleaning the Exterior...............................227Center Console..............................................122
Changing a Bulb...........................................222
Lamp Assembly Condensation....................222
Replacing Fog, Park and Turn Signal
Bulbs..................................................................224
Replacing Headlamp Bulbs...........................222
Replacing HID Headlamp Bulbs...................223
Replacing High-Mount Brake Lamp
Bulb....................................................................225
Replacing License Plate Lamp Bulb...........225
Replacing Reverse Lamp Assembly...........225
Replacing Side Marker Bulbs.........................224
Replacing Tail, Brake and Turn Signal
Bulbs..................................................................225
Changing a Fuse...........................................196Fuses.......................................................................196Changing a Road Wheel...........................255Dissimilar Spare Wheel and Tire Assembly
Information.....................................................255
Tire Change Procedure....................................256
Changing the 12V Battery..........................216
Changing the Engine Air Filter.................219
...................................................................................2 1 9
1.6L and 2.0L EcoBoost Engines...................219
2.5L Engine............................................................219
Changing the Wiper Blades......................218
Checking MyKey System Status..............50
Checking the Wiper Blades......................218
Child Restraint and Safety Belt
Maintenance.................................................32
Child Safety.......................................................14
General Information.............................................14Child Safety Locks..........................................24Left-Hand Side......................................................25
Right-Hand Side...................................................25
Child Seat Positioning...................................15
Cleaning Leather Seats..............................231
Cleaning Products........................................227
Cleaning the Alloy Wheels........................231
Cleaning the Engine....................................229
Cleaning the Exterior...................................227
Cleaning Plastic Exterior Parts.....................228
Exterior Chrome..................................................227
Stripes or Graphics (if equipped).................227
Underbody...........................................................228
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and
Instrument Cluster Lens........................230
Cleaning the Interior...................................229
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper
Blades...........................................................229
Clearing All MyKeys.......................................50
Climate............................................................368
Climate Control Voice Commands.............369Climate Control..............................................101
Coolant Check
See: Engine Coolant Check.............................212Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator........42
Creating a MyKey...........................................50
Programming/Changing Configurable
Settings...............................................................50
Cruise Control.................................................68Principle of Operation.......................................159Cruise controlSee: Using Cruise Control................................159Customer Assistance.................................190
D
Data Recording..................................................9Event Data Recording...........................................9
Service Data Recording........................................9
416
Index

Daytime Running Lamps.............................75Vehicles With Halogen Headlamps...............75
Vehicle With High Intensity Discharge
Headlamps.........................................................75
Digital Audio..................................................279HD Radio Reception and Station
Troubleshooting...........................................280
Direction Indicators........................................75
Driver and Passenger Airbags...................36
Children and Airbags...........................................37
Proper Driver and Front Passenger Seating
Adjustment........................................................36
Driving Aids.....................................................160
Driving Hints...................................................183
Driving Through Water...............................184
DRL
See: Daytime Running Lamps.........................75
E
Eco Mode.........................................................164Resetting Eco Mode..........................................164
Type 1......................................................................164
Type 2 and 3.........................................................164
Economical Driving......................................183
Emission Control System...........................132
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)....................133
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) Testing....................................................133
End User License Agreement..................382SYNC® End User License Agreement
(EULA)..............................................................382
Engine Block Heater....................................126Using the Engine Block Heater.......................127Engine Coolant Check.................................212Adding Engine Coolant.....................................212
Checking the Engine Coolant.........................212
Recycled Engine Coolant.................................214
Severe Climates..................................................214
What You Should Know About Fail-Safe
Cooling...............................................................214
Engine ImmobilizerSee: Passive Anti-Theft System.....................64Engine Oil Check............................................211Adding Engine Oil.................................................211
Resetting the Oil Life Monitoring
System...............................................................212
Engine Oil Dipstick - 1.6L
EcoBoost™...................................................211
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.0L
EcoBoost™/2.5L.........................................211
Engine Specifications.................................261
Drivebelt Routing................................................261Entertainment..............................................336A/V Inputs............................................................352
AM/FM Radio......................................................338
Bluetooth Audio..................................................351
Browsing Device Content...............................336
CD............................................................................347
SD Card Slot and USB Port...........................348
SIRIUS® Satellite Radio (If
Activated)........................................................343
Supported Media Players, Formats and
Metadata Information..................................351
Essential Towing Checks...........................179Before Towing a Trailer....................................180
Hitches....................................................................179
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal
Watercraft (PWC)........................................180
Safety Chains.......................................................179
Trailer Brakes........................................................179
Trailer Lamps........................................................179
When Towing a Trailer......................................180
Event Data RecordingSee: Data Recording..............................................9Export Unique Options..................................13
Exterior Mirrors................................................79
Blind Spot Monitor..............................................80
Fold-Away Exterior Mirrors...............................79
Heated Exterior Mirrors......................................79
Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors..........................80
Memory Mirrors....................................................80
Power Exterior Mirrors........................................79
F
Fastening the Safety Belts..........................27How to Extract Safety Belts in the Rear
Outboard Positions........................................29
Restraint of Pregnant Women.........................27
Safety Belt Extension Assembly....................29
Safety Belt Locking Modes...............................28
Floor Mats.......................................................184
Fog Lamps - Front
See: Front Fog Lamps.........................................75
417
Index