2014 FORD ESCAPE belt

Note:Be careful when opening or closing
the liftgate in a garage or other enclosed
area to avoid damaging the liftgate.
Note:Do not hang anything, for example a
bike rack, from the glass or liftgate. This
could damage the liftgate and its
components.
Note:Do not leave the liftgate open while
driving. This could damage the liftgate and
its components.
Opening the Liftgate
Manually
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Press the button located in the top of the
liftgate pull cup handle to unlatch the
liftgate, and then pull on the outside
handle.
With the Remote Control
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Press the button twice within
three seconds.
Closing the Liftgate
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A handle is located inside the liftgate to
help with closing.
POWER LIFTGATE (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNINGS
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a
vehicle. In a collision, people riding in
these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride
in any area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and safety belts. Be
sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat
and using a safety belt properly.
Make sure to close and latch the
liftgate to prevent drawing exhaust
fumes into your vehicle. This will also
prevent passengers and cargo from falling
out. If you must drive with the liftgate open,
keep the vents or windows open so outside
air comes into your vehicle. Failure to
follow this warning could result in serious
personal injury.
Keep keys out of reach of children.
Do not allow children to play near an
open or moving power liftgate.
59
Locks

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.
Battery
If it illuminates while driving, it
indicates a malfunction. Switch
off all unnecessary electrical
equipment and have the system checked
by your authorized dealer immediately.
Blind Spot Monitor (If Equipped)
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It will illuminate when you switch
this feature off or in conjunction
with a message. See Blind Spot
Monitor (page 160). See Information
Messages (page 91).
Brake System
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It will illuminate when you
engage the parking brake with
the ignition on.
If it illuminates when you are driving, check
that the parking brake is not engaged. If
the parking brake is not engaged, this
indicates low brake fluid level or a brake
system malfunction. Have the system
checked immediately by your authorized
dealer.
WARNING
Driving your vehicle with the warning
lamp on is dangerous. A significant
decrease in braking performance
may occur. It will take you longer to stop
your vehicle. Have your vehicle checked by
your authorized dealer immediately. Driving
extended distances with the parking brake
engaged can cause brake failure and the
risk of personal injury.
Cruise Control (If Equipped)
E71340
It will illuminate when you switch
this feature on. See Using
Cruise Control (page 159).
Direction Indicator
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard warning
flasher is turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for
a burned out bulb. See Changing a Bulb
(page 222).
Engine Oil
If it illuminates with the engine
running or when you are driving,
this indicates a malfunction.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level. See Engine Oil Check
(page 211).
Note:Do not resume your journey if it
illuminates despite the level being correct.
Have the system checked by your authorized
dealer immediately.
Fasten Safety Belt
It will illuminate and a chime will
sound to remind you to fasten
your safety belt. See Safety
Belt Minder (page 31).
85
Instrument Cluster

Maintenance
Action Message
Indicator Message
Displays when the engine oil life is depleted and
requires a change. See Engine Oil Check (page
211). - Engine oil change due
Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately.
See Brake Fluid Check (page 215). Red Brake fluid level low
Service now
-
Displays when the fuel fill inlet was not properly
closed. See Refueling (page 130). Check fuel fill inlet
MyKey
Action Message
Indicator Message
Displays when MyKey is active. - MyKey active Drive
Safely
Displays when starting the vehicle and MyKey
is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. - MyKey Speed Limited to
XX MPH/km/h
Displays when a MyKey is in use and the MyKey
speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is
approaching 80 mph (130 km/h). Amber MyKey Vehicle Near Top
Speed
Displays when a MyKey is in use and the MyKey
speed limit is reached. Amber MyKey Vehicle at Top
Speed
Displays when MyKey is active. - MyKey Check Speed
Drive Safely
Displays when a MyKey is in use and Belt-
Minder is activated. - MyKey Buckle Up to
Unmute Audio
Displays when a MyKey is in use and park aid is
activated. - MyKey Park aid cannot
be deactivated
96
Information Displays

SITTING IN THE CORRECT
POSITION
WARNINGS
Sitting improperly, out of position or
with the seat back reclined too far
can take weight off the seat cushion
and affect the decision of the passenger
sensing system, resulting in serious injury
or death in the event of a crash. Always sit
upright against your seat back, with your
feet on the floor.
Do not recline the seat back as this
can cause the occupant to slide
under the safety belt, resulting in
serious injury in the event of a crash.
Do not place objects higher than the
seat back to reduce the risk of
serious injury in the event of a crash
or during heavy braking.
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When you use them properly, the seat,
head restraint, safety belt and air bags will
provide optimum protection in the event
of a crash.We recommend that you follow these
guidelines:
• Sit in an upright position with the base
of your spine as far back as possible.
• Do not recline the seat back more than
30 degrees.
• Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of it is level with the top of your
head and as far forward as possible.
Make sure that you remain
comfortable.
• Keep sufficient distance between
yourself and the steering wheel. We
recommend a minimum of 10 inches
(25 centimeters) between your
breastbone and the air bag cover.
• Hold the steering wheel with your arms
slightly bent.
• Bend your legs slightly so that you can
press the pedals fully.
• Position the shoulder strap of the
safety belt over the center of your
shoulder and position the lap strap
tightly across your hips.
Make sure that your driving position is
comfortable and that you can maintain full
control of your vehicle.
HEAD RESTRAINTS
WARNINGS
Fully adjust the head restraint before
you sit in or operate your vehicle. This
will help minimize the risk of neck
injury in the event of a crash. Do not adjust
the head restraint when your vehicle is
moving.
The head restraint is a safety device.
Whenever possible it should be
installed and properly adjusted when
the seat is occupied. An improperly
adjusted head restraint may not
adequately protect an occupant during an
impact from the rear.
109
Seats

Ignition Modes
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The keyless starting system has three
modes:
•Off: Turns the ignition off.
• Without applying the brake pedal,
press and release the button once
when the ignition is in the on mode,
or when the engine is running but
the vehicle is not moving.
•On: All electrical circuits are
operational and the warning lamps and
indicators illuminate.
• Without applying the brake pedal,
press and release the button once.
•Start: Starts the engine.
• Press the brake pedal, and then
press and hold the button until the
engine starts.
STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speed
increases, this helps to warm up the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not
slow down automatically, have your
vehicle checked by an 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. If
your vehicle is equipped with a keyless
ignition, see the following instructions.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to position III to start the
engine. Release the key when the
engine starts.
Note: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 and try again.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Press the button.
The system does not function if:
• The key frequencies are jammed.
• The key battery has no charge.
If you are unable to start the engine, do the
following:
124
Starting and Stopping the Engine

TOWING POINTS
Due to local market requirements in some
countries, some vehicles may be equipped
with a recovery hook.
Recovery Hook Location
If your vehicle is equipped with a screw-in
recovery hook, it is located in the spare
wheel well.
If your vehicle is not equipped with a
recovery hook, you can purchase one from
your dealer.
Installing the Recovery Hook
There is an installation point for the
recovery hook located behind the fascia.
Note:The screw-in recovery hook has a
left-hand thread. Turn it counterclockwise
to install it. Make sure that the recovery hook
is fully tightened.
E146284
Insert a suitable object to pry open the
cover (1). Use the recessed (notched)
portion of the cover. Screw in the recovery
hook (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.
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
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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.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift and
dollies or flatbed equipment to tow your
vehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford
Motor Company has not approved a
slingbelt towing procedure. Vehicle
damage may occur if towed incorrectly, or
by any other means.
181
Towing

CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are
clean because grease and dirt buildup keep
the engine warmer than normal.
When washing:
• Take care when using a power washer
to clean the engine. The high-pressure
fluid could penetrate the sealed parts
and cause damage.
• Do not spray a hot engine with cold
water to avoid cracking the engine
block or other engine components.
• Spray Motorcraft® Engine Shampoo
and Degreaser on all parts that require
cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In
Canada, use Motorcraft® Engine
Shampoo.
• Never wash or rinse the engine while it
is hot or running; water in the running
engine may cause internal damage.
• Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,
spark plug wire or spark plug well, or
the area in and around these locations.
• Cover the battery, power distribution
box, and air filter assembly to prevent
water damage when cleaning the
engine.
CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND
WIPER BLADES
Clean your windows and wiper blades
regularly. If the wipers do not wipe
properly, substances on the vehicle’s glass
or the wiper blades may cause squeaking
or chatter noise from the blades, and
streaking and smearing of the windshield.To clean these items, follow these tips:
• You can clean the windows with a
non-abrasive cleaner such as
Motorcraft Ultra-Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner.
• You can clean the wiper blades with
isopropyl rubbing-alcohol or Motorcraft
Premium Windshield Wash
Concentrate with Bitterant in the U.S.,
or Premium Quality Windshield Washer
Fluid in Canada. Be sure to replace
wiper blades when they appear worn
or do not function properly.
• Do not use abrasives, as they may
cause scratches.
• Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint
thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after
cleaning with the glass cleaner or if the
wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion,
clean the outer surface of the windshield
and the wiper blades using a sponge or
soft cloth with a neutral detergent or
mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper
blades with clean water. The windshield
is clean if beads do not form when you
rinse the windshield with water.
Note:Do not use sharp objects, such as a
razorblade, to clean the inside of the rear
window or to remove decals, as this may
cause damage to the rear window
defroster’s heated grid lines.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR
WARNINGS
Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach
or dye on the vehicle’s safety belts,
as these actions may weaken the
belt webbing.
229
Vehicle Care

WARNINGS
On vehicles equipped with
seat-mounted airbags, do not use
chemical solvents or strong
detergents. Such products could
contaminate the side airbag system and
affect performance of the side airbag in a
collision.
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts
and seats equipped with side airbags:
• Remove dust and loose dirt with a
vacuum cleaner.
• Remove light stains and soil with
Motorcraft Professional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner.
• If grease or tar is present on the
material, spot-clean the area first with
Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover. In
Canada, use Motorcraft Multi-Purpose
Cleaner.
• If a ring forms on the fabric after spot
cleaning, clean the entire area
immediately (but do not oversaturate)
or the ring will set.
• Do not use household cleaning
products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect
the flame retardant abilities of the seat
materials.
CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT
PANEL AND INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER LENS
WARNING
Do not use chemical solvents or
strong detergents when cleaning the
steering wheel or instrument panel
to avoid contamination of the airbag
system.
Clean the instrument panel and cluster
lens with a clean, damp, white cotton
cloth, then use a clean and dry white
cotton cloth to dry these areas.
• Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase
the gloss of the upper portion of the
instrument panel. The dull finish in this
area helps protect you from
undesirable windshield reflection.
• Be certain to wash or wipe your hands
clean if you have been in contact with
certain products such as insect
repellent and suntan lotion in order to
avoid possible damage to the interior
painted surfaces.
• Do not use household or glass cleaners
as these may damage the finish of the
instrument panel, interior trim and
cluster lens.
• Do not allow air fresheners and hand
sanitizers to spill onto interior surfaces.
If a spill occurs, wipe off immediately.
Damage may not be covered by your
warranty.
If a staining liquid like coffee or juice has
been spilled on the instrument panel or on
interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean,
white, cotton cloth.
2. Wipe the surface with a damp, clean,
white cotton cloth. For more thorough
cleaning, use a mild soap and water
solution. If the spot cannot be
completely cleaned by this method,
the area may be cleaned using a
commercially available cleaning
product designed for automotive
interiors.
3. If necessary, apply more soap and
water solution or cleaning product to
a clean, white, cotton cloth and press
the cloth onto the soiled area. Allow
this to set at room temperature for 30
minutes.
230
Vehicle Care