2015 FORD ESCAPE check engine light

Brake system
Cabin air filter
Check fuel cap
Child safety door lock or unlock
Child seat lower anchor
Child seat tether anchor
Cruise control
Do not open when hot
Engine air filter
Engine coolant
Engine coolant temperature
Engine oil
Explosive gas
Fan warning Fasten safety belt
Front airbag
Front fog lamps
Fuel pump reset
Fuse compartment
Hazard warning flashers
Heated rear window
Heated windshield
Interior luggage compartment
release
Jack
Keep out of reach of children
Lighting control
Low tire pressure warning
Maintain correct fluid level
Note operating instructions
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Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Introduction E71340 E161353

Odometer
Located in the bottom of the information
display, it registers the accumulated
distance your vehicle has traveled.
Outside Air Temperature
Shows the outside air temperature.
Trip Computer
See Trip Computer (page 92).
Vehicle Settings and Personalization
See
General Information (page 90).
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 216). Fuel Gauge
Note:
The fuel gauge level may vary slightly
when your vehicle is moving or when driving
on a slope.
Switch the ignition on. The fuel gauge will
indicate approximately how much fuel is
in the fuel tank. The arrow next to the fuel
pump symbol shows the fuel filler door
side of your vehicle.
The needle will move toward full when you
refuel your vehicle. If the needle still points
to empty after adding fuel, have your
vehicle repaired.
After refueling the needle may not always
return to exactly the same position. This is
normal.
Note: It may take a short time for the
needle to reach full after refueling and
driving. This is normal and may be due to
the slope of pavement at the service station.
Note: The fuel pumped into the tank may
differ slightly from the fuel gauge. This is
normal and may be due to the slope of
pavement at the service station.
Note: If the service station nozzle shuts off
before the tank is full, complete refueling
at a different pump.
Low Fuel Level Reminder
Vehicles with no distance-to-empty
display
A low fuel level reminder lights when the
fuel gauge needle is at 1/16 above empty.
Vehicles equipped with distance-to-
empty display
A low fuel level reminder displays when
the fuel gauge needle is at 1/16 above
empty or at about 35 miles (56km) to
empty, whichever occurs first.
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Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Instrument Cluster1
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It will also illuminate momentarily when
you switch the ignition on to confirm the
lamp is functional. If it does not illuminate
when you switch the ignition on, or begins
to flash at any time, have the system
checked by your authorized dealer.
Parking Lamps
It will illuminate when you switch
the parking lamps on.
Service Engine Soon If the service engine soon
indicator light stays illuminated
after the engine is started, it
indicates that the On-Board Diagnostics
(OBD-II) system has detected a
malfunction of the vehicle emissions
control system. Refer to On-Board
Diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Fuel and
Refueling chapter for more information
about having your vehicle serviced. See
Emission Control System (page 136).
If the light is blinking, engine misfire is
occurring which could damage your
catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate
fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle
serviced immediately.
Note: Under engine misfire conditions,
excessive exhaust temperatures could
damage the catalytic converter or other
vehicle components.
The service engine soon indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first turned
on prior to engine start to check the bulb
and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready
for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the service engine soon light will
stay on until the engine is cranked, then
turn itself off if no malfunctions are
present. However, if after 15 seconds the
service engine soon light blinks eight times,
it means that the vehicle is not ready for
I/M testing. See
Emission Control
System (page 136).
Traction and Stability Control It will flash when the system is
active. If it remains illuminated
or does not illuminate when you
switch the ignition on, this indicates a
malfunction. During a malfunction the
system will switch off. Have the system
checked by your authorized dealer
immediately.
Traction and Stability Control Off It will illuminate when you switch
the system off. It will go out
when you switch the system
back on or when you switch the ignition
off.
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND
INDICATORS
Key in Ignition Warning Chime
Sounds when you open the driver's door
and you have left the key in the ignition
with it in the off or accessory position.
Engine On Warning Chime
A warning chime will sound when any door
is opened if the vehicle exceeds a relatively
low speed.
Keyless Warning Alert
(If Equipped)
Sounds the horn twice when you exit the
vehicle and the keyless vehicle is in RUN,
indicating the vehicle is still on.
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Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Instrument Cluster E138639

Lighting
Action
Message
Indicator
Message
Displays when the brake lamp bulb has burnedout. Contact your authorized dealer.
-
Brake lamp Bulb fault
Displays when the low beam headlamp bulb
has burned out. Contact your authorized dealer.
-
Low beam Bulb fault
Displays when an electrical system problem
occurs with the headlamp system. Contact your authorized dealer.
Amber
Headlamp fault Service
required
Maintenance Action
Message
Indicator
Message
Displays when the engine oil life is depleted andrequires a change. See Engine Oil Check
(page 215).
-
Engine oil change due
Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately. See
Brake Fluid Check (page 219).
Red
Brake fluid level low
Service now
MyKey Action
Message
Indicator
Message
Displays when MyKey is active.
-
MyKey active Drive
Safely
Displays when starting the vehicle and MyKeyis 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 MyKeyspeed 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 MyKeyspeed limit is reached.
Amber
MyKey Vehicle at Top
Speed
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Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Information Displays

Avoid driving at excessive speeds, this
causes vehicle momentum to work against
you and your vehicle could 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
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can
lose traction in slick mud. If your vehicle
does slide, steer in the direction of the slide
until you regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts can cause an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may
be limited.
When driving through water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
bottom of the wheel rims. If the ignition
system gets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by applying light pressure to the
brake pedal while moving slowly.
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. 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:
Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.
A danger lies in losing traction, slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll 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 your vehicle stalls, do not try to turn
around because this could cause vehicle
roll over. It is better to reverse back 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. 144
Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143949

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:
Occasional brake noise is normal. If
a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out and an
authorized dealer should check them. If the
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, an
authorized dealer should check your vehicle.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. See Cleaning the Alloy
Wheels (page 235). See
Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 86).
Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal
becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady
and firm pressure to the brake pedal to
slow the vehicle and reduce engine power.
If you experience this condition, apply the
brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe
stop. Switch the engine off, move the
transmission to park (P) and apply the
parking brake. Inspect the accelerator
pedal and the area around it for any items
or debris that may be obstructing its
movement. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer. Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when you
brake heavily by measuring the rate at
which you press the brake pedal. It
provides maximum braking efficiency as
long as you press the pedal. Emergency
brake assist can reduce stopping distances
in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarily
illuminates when you switch the
ignition on. If the light does not
illuminate during start up, remains on or
flashes, the anti-lock braking system may
be disabled. Have the system checked by
an authorized dealer. If the anti-lock brake
system is disabled, normal braking is still
effective. If the brake warning lamp
illuminates with the parking
brake released, have your brake
system serviced immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note: When the system is operating, the
brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake
pedal. You may also hear a noise from the
system. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will not
eliminate the risks when:
• You drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you.
• Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
• You take corners too fast.
• The road surface is poor.
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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 168).
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
meters 2
) if your vehicle is not
equipped with a towing package or
30 feet 2
(2.79 meters 2
) 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 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.
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Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Towing

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.
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.
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Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Towing