The system uses three types of guides to
help you see what is behind your vehicle:
•
Active guidelines: Show the intended
path of your vehicle when reversing.
• Fixed guidelines: Show the actual path
your vehicle is moving in while reversing
in a straight line. This can be helpful
when backing into a parking space or
aligning your vehicle with another
object behind you.
• Centerline: Helps align the center of
your vehicle with an object (for
example, a trailer).
Note: If the transmission is in reverse (R)
and the luggage compartment is ajar, no
rear view camera features will display.
Note: When towing, the camera only sees
what is towed behind your vehicle. This
might not provide adequate coverage as it
usually provides in normal operation and
some objects might not be seen. In some
vehicles, the guidelines may disappear once
the trailer tow connector is engaged.
Note: The camera may not operate
correctly under the following conditions:
• Nighttime or dark areas if one or both
reverse lamps are not operating.
• Mud, water or debris obstructs the
camera's view. Clean the lens with a
soft, lint-free cloth and non-abrasive
cleaner.
• The rear of your vehicle is hit or
damaged, causing the camera to
become misaligned.
To access any of the rear view camera
system settings, make the following
selections in the multifunctional display
when the transmission is not in reverse (R):
• With Touch Screen: Settings > Vehicle
> Camera Settings
• Without Touch Screen: Menu > Camera
Settings Camera Guidelines
Note:
Active guidelines are only available
when the transmission is in reverse (R). Active guidelines
A
Centerline
B
Fixed guideline: Green zone
C
Fixed guideline: Yellow zone
D
Fixed guideline: Red zone
E
Rear bumper
F
Active guidelines only show with fixed
guidelines. To use active guidelines, turn
the steering wheel to point the guidelines
toward an intended path. If the steering
wheel position changes while reversing,
your vehicle might deviate from the original
intended path.
159
Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Parking AidsABCD
F
E
E142436
The fixed and active guidelines fade in and
out depending on the steering wheel
position. The active guidelines will not
display when the steering wheel position
is straight.
Always use caution while reversing.
Objects in the red zone are closest to your
vehicle and objects in the green zone are
farther away. Objects are getting closer to
your vehicle as they move from the green
zone to the yellow or red zones. Use the
side view mirrors and rear view mirror to
get better coverage on both sides and rear
of your vehicle.
Enhanced Park Aids (If Equipped)
Note:
The reverse sensing system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h)
and may not detect certain angular or
moving objects.
The system uses red, yellow and green
highlights which appear on top of the video
image when the reverse sensing system
detects an object. The alert highlights the
closest object detected.
Selectable settings for this feature are ON
and OFF. Press the symbol in the camera
screen to change the view. The default
setting is ON.
Manual Zoom (If Equipped) WARNING
When manual zoom is on, the full
area behind your vehicle may not
show. Be aware of your surroundings
when using the manual zoom feature. Note:
Manual zoom is only available when
the transmission is in reverse (R).
Note: When you enable manual zoom, only
the centerline is shown. This allows you to get a closer view of an
object behind your vehicle. The zoomed
image keeps the bumper in the image to
provide a reference. The zoom is only
active while the transmission is in reverse
(R). When the transmission shifts out of
reverse (R), the feature automatically turns
off and must be reset when it is used again.
Selectable settings for this feature are
Zoom in (+) and Zoom out (-). Press the
symbol in the camera screen to change the
view. The default setting is Zoom OFF.
Rear Camera Delay (If Equipped)
When shifting the transmission out of
reverse (R) and into any gear other than
park (P), the camera image remains in the
display until:
•
Your vehicle speed sufficiently
increases.
• You shift your vehicle into park (P).
• 10 seconds of time elapse.
Selectable settings for this feature are ON
and OFF. Access the rear view camera
system settings to toggle the rear camera
delay ON or OFF. The default setting for
the rear camera delay is OFF.
160
Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Parking Aids
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM (If Equipped)
Blind Spot Information System
(BLIS ™) with Cross Traffic Alert
(If Equipped) WARNING
To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the
Blind Spot Information System as a
replacement for using the interior
and exterior mirrors or looking over your
shoulder before changing lanes. The Blind
Spot Information System is not a
replacement for careful driving. The Blind Spot Information System aids
you in detecting vehicles that may have
entered the blind spot zone (A). The
detection area is on both sides of your
vehicle, extending rearward from the
exterior mirrors to approximately
10 ft
(3 m) beyond the bumper. The system
alerts you if certain vehicles enter the blind
spot zone while driving. Cross Traffic Alert warns you of vehicles
approaching from the sides when the
transmission is in reverse (R).
Note:
The Blind Spot Information System
does not prevent contact with other vehicles
or objects; nor is it designed to detect
parked vehicles, people, animals or
infrastructure (fences, guardrails, trees). It
only alerts you to vehicles in the blind zones.
Note: When a vehicle passes quickly
through the blind zone, typically fewer than
two seconds, the system does not trigger.
Using the Systems
The Blind Spot Information System turns
on when you start the engine and you drive
your vehicle forward above
5 mph
(8 km/h); it remains on while the
transmission is in drive (D) and neutral (N).
If shifted out of drive (D) or neutral (N),
the system enters cross traffic alert mode.
Once shifted back into drive (D), the Blind
Spot Information System turns back on
when you drive your vehicle above
5 mph
(8 km/h).
Note: The Blind Spot Information System
does not function in reverse (R) or park (P)
or provide any additional warning when a
direction indicator is on.
Cross Traffic Alert detects approaching
vehicles from up to
46 ft (14 m) away,
though coverage decreases when a vehicle
blocks the sensors. Reversing slowly helps
increase the coverage area and
effectiveness.
162
Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Driving AidsA
A
E124788
WARNING
Exceeding the Safety
Compliance Certification
Label vehicle weight rating limits
could result in substandard
vehicle handling or performance,
engine, transmission and/or
structural damage, serious
damage to the vehicle, loss of
control and personal injury. GCW (Gross Combined Weight)
- is the Gross Vehicle Weight plus
the weight of the fully loaded
trailer. GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating) - is the maximum
allowable weight of the vehicle
and the loaded trailer, including
all cargo and passengers, that the
vehicle can handle without risking
damage. (Important: The towing
vehicle
’s braking system is rated
174
Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Load CarryingE142524 E143819GCW
GVW
TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
certification label. Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and personal
injury. Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See the Fuses
chapter.
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an extra
load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during,
and after, any towing operation. Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
•
Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items
centered between the left and
right side trailer tires.
• Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a tow bar with the
correct rise or drop. When both
the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
When driving with a trailer or
payload, a slight takeoff vibration
or shudder may be present due to
the increased payload weight.
Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in another chapter of this
manual. See
Load Limit (page
170). You can also find the
information in the RV & Trailer
Towing Guide, available at an
authorized dealer.
178
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.
182
Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Towing
•
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:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away
from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic
transmission in position P.
4. 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 removing the trailer
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.
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 luggage
compartment under the floor cover.
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.
183
Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Towing
It is acceptable to have your front-wheel
drive vehicle towed from the front if using
proper wheel lift equipment to raise the
front wheels off the ground. When towing
in this manner, the rear wheels can remain
on the ground.
Front-wheel drive vehicles must have the
front wheels placed on a tow dolly when
towing your vehicle from the rear using
wheel lift equipment. This prevents
damage to the transmission.
Towing a four-wheel drive vehicle requires
that all wheels be off the ground, such as
using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed
equipment. This prevents damage to the
transmission, four-wheel drive system and
vehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable
(without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheels
on the ground, regardless of the powertrain
and transmission configuration) under the
following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
• Place the transmission in position N. If
you cannot move the transmission into
N
, you may need to override it. See
Transmission (page 139).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle. See
Climate Control
(page 103). Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational (RV) towing. An example
of recreational towing would be towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. We
designed these guidelines to prevent
damage to your transmission.
Front-wheel drive vehicles
CANNOT be
flat-towed (all wheels on the ground) as
vehicle or transmission damage may occur.
You must place the front wheels on a
two-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly, follow the instructions specified by
the equipment provider.
Four-wheel drive vehicles
CANNOT be
flat-towed (all wheels on the ground), as
vehicle or transmission damage may occur.
It is recommended to tow your vehicle with
all four (4) wheels off the ground such as
when using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise,
you cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
185
Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Towing