PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
In certain situations for example, stuck in
snow or mud, turning the traction control
off may be beneficial as this allows the
wheels to spin with full engine power.
Depending on the type of system you have
on your vehicle, you can either turn the
system off using the information display
or by pressing the button.
Switching the System Off Using
the Information Display Controls
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle comes with this feature
already enabled. If required, you can switch
this feature off using the information
display controls. See General
Information (page 90).
Switching the System Off Using a
Switch
(If Equipped)
The button is located in the instrument
panel.
Press the button. You will see a message
in conjunction with an illuminated icon in
the display. Press the button again to
return the system to normal mode.
When you switch the traction control
system off, stability control remains fully
active. System Indicator Lights and
Messages WARNING
If a failure has been detected within
the AdvanceTrac system, the
stability control light will illuminate
steadily. Verify that the AdvanceTrac
system was not manually disabled through
the information display. If the stability
control light still illuminates steadily, have
the system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle
with AdvanceTrac disabled could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. The stability control light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and flashes
when a driving condition activates the
stability system. The stability control off light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and stays on
when you turn the traction control system
off.
When you turn the traction control system
off or on, a message appears in the
information display showing system status.
149
Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Traction ControlE138639
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
ECO MODE
This system assists you in driving more
efficiently by constantly monitoring
characteristics of gear changing,
anticipation of traffic conditions and
speeds while driving.
The value of these characteristics is
represented by petals shown in the display,
with five petals being the most efficient.
The more efficiently you drive, the better
the rating, and the better your overall fuel
economy
Note:
These efficiency values do not result
in a defined fuel consumption figure. It might
vary as it is not only related to these driving
habits, but also influenced by many other
factors such as short trips and cold starts.
Note: Frequent short trips, where the engine
does not fully warm up, will also increase
fuel consumption
The system is accessed using the
information display control. See General
Information (page 90).
Type 1 Anticipation
A
Efficient speed
B Anticipation
Adjust your vehicle speed and the distance
to other vehicles to avoid the need for
heavy braking or acceleration to improve
fuel economy.
Efficient speed
Reduce your cruising speed on open roads
to improve economy. Higher speeds use
more fuel.
Type 2 and 3
The relevant information is shown in the
display.
Resetting Eco Mode
Reset the average fuel consumption by
using the information display control.
Note:
New values may take a short time to
calculate
STEERING
Electric Power Steering WARNINGS
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation. When a system
error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display. The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation of the electronic
system. When an electronic error is
detected, a message will be displayed in
the information display. If this happens,
stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn
166
Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Driving AidsABE142444
WARNINGS
off the engine. After at least 10 seconds,
reset the system by restarting the engine,
and watch the information display for a
steering message. If a steering message
returns, or returns while driving, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. Obtain immediate service if a system
error is detected. You may not notice
any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist.
Failure to do so may result in loss of
steering control. Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power-assisted steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving (or if the ignition is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually,
but it takes more effort. Extreme
continuous steering may increase the effort
it takes for you to steer. This occurs to
prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering
system. If this should occur, you will neither
lose the ability to steer the vehicle
manually nor will it cause permanent
damage. Typical steering and driving
maneuvers will allow the system to cool
and steering assist will return to normal.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds
may also make the steering seem to
wander or pull.
167
Escape (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Driving Aids
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
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.
179
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