
CRASH SENSORS AND
AIRBAG INDICATOR
WARNING
Modifying or adding equipment to
the front end of the vehicle (including
frame, bumper, front end body
structure and tow hooks) may affect the
performance of the airbag system,
increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify
the front end of the vehicle. Your vehicle has a collection of crash and
occupant sensors which provide
information to the restraints control
module. The restraints control module
deploys (activates) the front safety belt
pretensioners, driver airbag, passenger
airbag, knee airbag(s), seat mounted side
airbags and Safety Canopy airbags. Based
on the type of crash (frontal impact or side
impact), the restraints control module will
deploy the appropriate safety devices.
The restraints control module also
monitors the readiness of the above safety
devices plus the crash and occupant
sensors. The readiness of the safety
system is indicated by a warning indicator
light in the instrument cluster or by a
backup tone if the warning light is not
working. Routine maintenance of the
airbag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by
one or more of the following:
The readiness light will not
illuminate immediately after the
ignition is turned on.
• The readiness light will either flash or
stay lit.
• A series of five beeps will be heard. The
tone pattern will repeat periodically
until the problem, the light or both are
repaired. If any of these things happen, even
intermittently, have the supplemental
restraint system serviced at an authorized
dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the
system may not function properly in the
event of a crash.
The safety belt pretensioners and the front
airbag supplemental restraint system are
designed to activate when the vehicle
sustains frontal deceleration sufficient to
cause the restraints control module to
deploy a safety device.
The fact that the safety belt pretensioners
or front airbags did not activate for both
front seat occupants in a crash does not
mean that something is wrong with the
system. Rather, it means the restraints
control module determined the accident
conditions (crash severity, belt usage)
were not appropriate to activate these
safety devices.
•
The design of the front airbags is to
activate only in frontal and near-frontal
crashes (not rollovers, side impacts or
rear impacts unless the crash causes
sufficient frontal deceleration).
• The safety belt pretensioners are
designed to activate in frontal,
near-frontal and side crashes.
• The knee airbag(s) may deploy based
on crash severity and occupant
conditions.
• The design of the side airbags is to
inflate in certain side crashes. The
design of the Safety Canopy is to
inflate in certain side impact crashes
and when a certain likelihood of
rollover is detected by the rollover
sensor. Side airbags and Safety Canopy
airbags may activate in other types of
crashes if the vehicle experiences
sufficient sideways motion or
deformation.
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Escape/Kuga (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Supplementary Restraints System

Note:
The low fuel warning and
distance-to-empty warning can appear at
different fuel gauge positions depending on
fuel economy conditions. This variation is
normal.
WARNING LAMPS AND
INDICATORS
The following warning lamps and
indicators will alert you to a vehicle
condition that may become serious. Some
lamps will illuminate when you start your
vehicle to make sure they work. If any
lamps remain on after starting your vehicle,
refer to the respective system warning
lamp for further information.
Note: Some warning indicators appear in
the information display and function the
same as a warning lamp but do not display
when you start your vehicle.
Airbag - Front If it fails to illuminate when you
start your vehicle, continues to
flash or remains on, it indicates
a malfunction. Have the system checked
by your authorized dealer.
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) It will illuminate when you switch
this feature off or in conjunction
with a message. See Blind Spot
Information System
(page 162). See
Information Messages (page 91).
Brake System 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)
It will illuminate when you switch
this feature on. See
Using
Cruise Control (page 161).
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 226).
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Escape/Kuga (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Instrument Cluster E124823 E138644 E71340

MANUAL CLIMATE CONTROL
Fan speed control: Adjust the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.
A
Recirculated air:
Press the button to switch between outside air and
recirculated air. The air currently in the passenger compartment recirculates.
This can reduce the time needed to cool the interior and reduce unwanted odors
from entering your vehicle.
B
Note:
Recirculated air may turn off automatically (or be prevented from turning
on) in all airflow modes except MAX A/C to reduce risk of fogging. Recirculated
air may also turn on and off automatically in Panel or Panel and Floor airflow
modes during hot weather in order to improve cooling efficiency.
Temperature control:
Controls the temperature of the air circulated in your
vehicle.
C
MAX A/C:
Adjust the control for maximum cooling. Recirculated air flows
through the instrument panel vents, air conditioning automatically turns on and
the fan automatically adjusts to the highest speed.
A/C:
Press the button to turn air conditioning compressor on or off. Use air
conditioning with recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency.
D
Air distribution control: Adjust the control to turn airflow from the windshield,
instrument panel, or footwell vents on or off. You can distribute air through any
combination of these vents.
E
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AEBDC

AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
AUTO: Press the button to switch on automatic operation. Select the desired
temperature using the temperature control. The system adjusts fan speed, air
distribution, air conditioning operation, and selects outside air or recirculated
air to heat or cool the vehicle in order to maintain the desired temperature.
A
Fan speed control:
Adjust the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.
B
Power:
Press the button to switch the system on and off. When the system is
off, it prevents outside air from entering the vehicle.
C
MAX Defrost: Press the button to switch on defrost. Outside air flows through
the windshield vents, air conditioning automatically turns on, and fan
automatically adjusts to the highest speed. You can also use this setting to
defrost and clear the windshield of a thin covering of ice. The heated rear window
also automatically turns on when you select maximum defrost.
D
Note:
To prevent window fogging, you cannot select recirculated air when
maximum defrost is on.
MAX A/C:
Press the button to maximize cooling. Recirculated air flows through
the instrument panel vents, air conditioning automatically turns on, and the fan
automatically adjusts to the highest speed.
E
Recirculated air:
Press the button to switch between outside air and
recirculated air. When you select recirculated air, the air currently in the
passenger compartment recirculates. This may reduce the time needed to cool
the interior (when used with
A/C) and may reduce unwanted odors from
entering your vehicle.
F
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Escape/Kuga (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Climate ControlE141422

Note: Recirculated air may turn off automatically (or be prevented from turning
on) in all airflow modes except MAX A/C to reduce risk of fogging. Recirculated
air may also turn on and off automatically in Panel or Panel and Floor airflow
modes during hot weather in order to improve cooling efficiency.
Air distribution control: Adjust the control to turn airflow from the windshield,
instrument panel, or footwell vents on or off. You can distribute air through any
combination of these vents.
G
A/C:
Press the button to turn air conditioning compressor on or off. Use air
conditioning with recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency.
H
Note: In certain conditions (for example, maximum defrost), the air conditioning
compressor may continue to operate even though the air conditioning is
switched off.
Temperature Control You can set the temperature between
60°F (15.5°C) and 85°F (29.5°C) in steps
of 1°F (0.5°C). In position LO, 59°F (15°C),
the system switches to permanent cooling.
In position
HI, 86°F (30°C), the system
switches to permanent heating.
Single Zone Temperature Control
In this mode, the climate control system
links the temperature settings for both the
driver's side and passenger's side. If you
adjust the setting using the rotary control
on the driver ’s side, the system adjusts the
temperature to the same setting on the
passenger ’s side. Dual Zone Temperature Control
Select a temperature for the passenger
’s
side using the rotary control on the
passenger ’s side. Single zone temperature
control automatically switches off. The
temperature on the driver ’s side remains
unchanged. You can now adjust the
driver's side and passenger's side
temperatures independently. The display
shows the temperature settings for each
side.
Switching Back to Single Zone
Temperature Control
Press and hold the
AUTO button. The
passenger side temperature is adjusted to
the driver side temperature setting.
HINTS ON CONTROLLING THE
INTERIOR CLIMATE
General Hints
Note: Prolonged use of recirculated air may
cause the windows to fog up.
Note: You may feel a small amount of air
from the floor air vents regardless of the air
distribution setting.
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Escape/Kuga (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Climate ControlE133115

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This system is a proactive system. It has
the ability to anticipate wheel slip and
transfer torque to the rear wheels before
slip occurs. Even when wheel slip is not
present, the system is continuously making
adjustments to the torque distribution, in
an attempt to improve straight line and
cornering behavior, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on every
time you switch the ignition on.
All components of the system are sealed
and do not require maintenance.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:
When a system malfunction is
present, a warning message will be
displayed in the information display. See
(page 88). This means the system is not
functioning correctly and has defaulted to
front-wheel drive only. Have your vehicle
checked by an authorized dealer.
Note: A message will be displayed in the
information display when the system
overheats and switches to front-wheel drive.
This condition may occur if you operate your
vehicle in extreme high load conditions or
with excessive wheel slip, (i.e. deep sand).
To resume four-wheel drive function as soon
as possible, stop your vehicle in a safe
location and switch the ignition off. After
the system cools and normal four-wheel
drive functionality resumes, a message will
be displayed for approximately five seconds.
Note: If a warning message appears in the
information display when using the spare
tire, it should turn off after reinstalling the
repaired or replaced road tire and you switch
the ignition on. Note:
It is recommended that you reinstall
the repaired tire or replace the tire as soon
as possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes
between the front and rear axles could
cause system damage or default the system
to front-wheel drive.
The system gives your vehicle some limited
off-road capabilities. Operating your
vehicle in conditions other than moderate
sand, snow, mud or rough roads could
subject it to excessive stress and heat
which could result in system damage. This
will not be covered by your vehicle
warranty. A graphic will be displayed in the
information display to advise you of the
power distribution between the front and
rear wheels. The more the area is filled the
more power is being distributed to that
wheel.
Driving in Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive vehicles are suitable for
driving on sand, snow, mud and rough
roads and have operating characteristics
that are somewhat different from
conventional vehicles, both on and off the
freeway.
Note:
It may be useful to switch Traction
control off. This allows for more wheel spin
and engine torque in certain off road
conditions or if your vehicle becomes stuck.
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Escape/Kuga (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)E142669

When driving at slow speeds off road under
high load conditions, use a low gear when
possible. Low gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling
capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the air
conditioning may cycle on and off to
prevent the engine from overheating.
Basic Operating Principles
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed has been reduced
ease your vehicle back onto the road. Do
not turn the steering wheel sharply while
returning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should be
your primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be made,
remember to avoid over-driving your
vehicle (i.e. turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as required to avoid the
emergency). Excessive steering can result in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth
pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal when changes in vehicle speed are
required. Avoid abrupt steering,
acceleration and braking. This could result
in an increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss
of vehicle control and personal injury. Use
all available road surface to bring your
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e. from concrete to
gravel) there will be a change in the way
your vehicle responds to a maneuver (i.e.
steering, acceleration or braking).
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid excessive wheel slip.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand for
an extended period of time. This will cause
the system to overheat. A message will be
displayed in the information display. See
(page 88).
To resume operation, switch the ignition
off and allow the system to cool down for
a minimum of 15 minutes. After the system
has cooled down, a message will be
displayed briefly in the information display.
See
(page 88).
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
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Escape/Kuga (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

ACTIVE PARK ASSIST (If Equipped)
WARNING
Designed to be a supplementary park
aid, this system may not work in all
conditions. This system cannot
replace the driver ’s attention and
judgment. The driver is responsible for
avoiding hazards and maintaining a safe
distance and speed, even when the system
is in use. Note:
The driver is always responsible for
controlling the vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening if required.
The system detects an available parallel
parking space and automatically steers
your vehicle into the space (hands-free)
while you control the accelerator, gearshift
and brakes. The system visually and
audibly instructs you to park your vehicle.
The system may not function correctly if
something passes between the front
bumper and the parking space (a
pedestrian or cyclist) or if the edge of the
neighboring parked vehicle is high off the
ground (for example, a bus, tow truck or
flatbed truck).
Note: The blindspot information system
does not detect traffic alongside or behind
your vehicle during a park assist maneuver.
Note: The sensors may not detect objects
in heavy rain or other conditions that cause
disruptive reflections. Note:
The sensors may not detect objects
with surfaces that absorb ultrasonic waves
or cause ultrasonic interference (motorcycle
exhaust, truck air brakes or horns).
Do not use the system if:
• You have attached a foreign object
(bike rack or trailer) to the front or rear
of your vehicle or attached close to the
sensors.
• You have attached an overhanging
object (surfboard) to the roof.
• The front bumper or side sensors are
damaged or obstructed by a foreign
object (front bumper cover).
• A mini-spare tire is in use.
Using Active Park Assist Press the button located on the
center console near the gearshift
lever or the right side of the
center stack.
The touchscreen displays a message and
a corresponding graphic to indicate it is
searching for a parking space. Use the
direction indicator to indicate which side
of your vehicle you want the system to
search.
Note: If the direction indicator is not on, the
system automatically searches on your
vehicle's passenger side.
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