2017 FORD ESCAPE brake light

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
WARNING
The stability and traction control
light illuminates steadily if the
system detects a failure. Make sure
you did not manually disable the traction
control system using the information
display controls or the switch. If the
stability control and traction control light
is still illuminating steadily, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with
the traction control disabled could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:
When you switch traction control off,
stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, a
message appears in the information
display showing system status.
You can switch the system off by either
using the information display controls or
the switch. Using the Information Display
Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in the
information display. See General
Information (page 89).
Using a Switch
(If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on the
instrument panel to switch the system off
or on.
System Indicator Lights and
Messages The stability and traction control
light:
• Temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up.
• Flashes when a driving condition
activates either of the systems.
• Illuminates if a problem occurs in either
of the systems. The stability and traction control
off light temporarily illuminates
on engine start-up and stays on
when you switch the traction control
system off.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving
braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the electronic stability
control system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with
and adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and
the front seats in order to minimize the risk
of interfering with the electronic stability
control sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the electronic stability
control system could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws of
physics. It’
s always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of personal injury or
property damage. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator ’s ability to
control the vehicle potentially resulting in
a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your electronic
stability control system activates, SLOW
DOWN. The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on. If a fault occurs in either the stability
control or the traction control system, you
may experience the following conditions:
•
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.
• The stability control and traction
control systems do not enhance your
vehicle's ability to maintain traction of
the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
• A vibration in the brake pedal.
• The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
• If the driving condition is severe and
your foot is not on the brake, the brake
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent rollovers by detecting your
vehicle ’s roll motion and the rate at which
it changes by applying the brakes to one
or more wheels individually.
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The fixed and active guidelines fade in and
out depending on the steering wheel
position. The active guidelines do 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 the vehicle.
Manual Zoom
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.
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.
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).
Camera System Settings
The rear view camera system settings can
be accessed through the display screen.
See General Information (page 89). Obstacle Distance Indicator
The system uses red, yellow and green
highlights that appear on top of the video
image when any of the sensing systems
detect an object.
Rear Camera Delay
Selectable settings for this feature are ON
and OFF.
The default setting for the rear camera
delay is OFF.
When shifting the transmission out of
reverse (R) and into any gear other than
park (P) while the Delay Mode is ON, the
camera image remains in the display until:
•
Your vehicle speed sufficiently
increases.
• You shift your vehicle into park (P) on
vehicles with automatic transmission.
• You enable the hand brake on vehicles
with manual transmission.
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Note:
You erase the set speed when you
switch the system off.
USING ADAPTIVE CRUISE
CONTROL (If Equipped) WARNINGS
The system is not a crash warning or
avoidance system. You must
intervene if the system does not
detect a vehicle in front of you. When you use the system you are
responsible for maintaining the
correct distance and speed. Always
pay attention to the traffic conditions and
intervene when the system is not
maintaining a suitable speed or distance. The system does not relieve you of
your responsibility to drive with due
care and attention.
The system does not brake for slow
or stationary vehicles, pedestrians,
objects in the road, oncoming and
crossing vehicles. Do not use the system in poor
visibility, specifically fog, heavy rain,
spray or snow.
Do not use the system on icy or
slippery roads.
Do not use the system when entering
or leaving a freeway.
Note:
Only use the system when conditions
are favorable, for example on freeways and
main roads with steady free flowing traffic.
Note: The radar sensor has a limited field
of vision. In some situations it may detect a
vehicle other than the one expected or not
detect any vehicle at all. Note:
When you switch the system on, it is
possible that you will hear some unusual
sounds during automatic braking. This is
normal and caused by the automatic
braking system.
Note: Keep the front of your vehicle free
from dirt, metal badges or objects. This
includes vehicle front protectors and
additional lights which may prevent the
sensor from operating.
The system is designed to help you
maintain a gap from the vehicle in front of
you. If there is no vehicle in front of you the
system will maintain a set speed. The
system is intended to provide enhanced
operation of your vehicle when following
other vehicles which are in the same lane
and traveling in the same direction.
The system is based on the use of a radar
sensor which projects a beam directly
forward of your vehicle. This beam will
detect any vehicle ahead within the
system's range.
The radar sensor is located behind the
front grille.
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You will hear an audible tone and a
message will be shown in the display. You
must then intervene and adapt your driving
and speed to vehicles in front of you.
An automatic cancel can occur if:
•
Your vehicle speed falls below
approximately 17 mph (25 km/h).
• The tires lose traction.
• The brake temperature is too high, for
example when driving on mountainous
or hilly roads.
• The engine speed is too low.
• The radar sensor is covered.
• You apply the parking brake.
Forward Alert Function WARNINGS
Never wait for a crash warning. When
driving you are responsible for
maintaining the correct distance and
speed, even when the system is used. The system will only react to vehicles
in front of you traveling in the same
direction and will not react to slow
or stationary vehicles. Never drive in a manner to provoke
the system. The system is designed
to assist in emergencies only.
Warnings may be absent, triggered
late or triggered unnecessarily due
to detection beam issues. See Using
Adaptive Cruise Control (page 175). Note:
The brake support system only
reduces the crash speed if you brake
immediately once alerted.
Note: If you depress the brake pedal quick
enough, you will maintain full braking. This
is regardless of how much force you apply
to the pedal. Note:
Brake support prepares the braking
system for rapid braking by gently applying
the brake. You may notice a slight jerk.
Note: Crash alerts will only occur when you
switch the system on. Brake support is
always on and you can not turn it off.
Note: You can use the system with or
without switching the adaptive cruise
control system on.
Note: The system uses the same radar
sensors as adaptive cruise control and
therefore has the same limitations. See
Using Adaptive Cruise Control (page 175).
The system is designed to assist you by
warning you of the risk of a crash with the
vehicle in front of you.
The system is designed to alert you by
warning chimes and a visual warning in the
information display.
Brake support is turned on to enable full
braking effectiveness and reduce the
severity of a crash with the vehicle in front
of you.
Adjusting the Warning Sensitivity
This will determine how early the system
alerts you. You can adjust the sensitivity
using the steering wheel controls.
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The system is designed to assist you by
warning you of the risk of a crash with the
vehicle in front of you. The system is
designed to alert you by warning chimes
and a visual warning in the information
display.
The brake support system assists the driver
in reducing the collision speed by charging
the brakes. If the risk of collision further
increases after the warning light
illuminates, the brake support prepares
the brake system for rapid braking. This
may be apparent to the driver. Brake
support may apply if the system
determines that a collision is imminent.
The system may help reduce impact
damage or avoid the crash completely.
Using the Collision Warning System
WARNING
The collision warning system
’s brake
support can only help reduce the
speed at which a collision occurs.
The brake pedal must be pressed just like
any typical braking situation. Distance Alert
If the distance to the lead vehicle
is small, the red warning lamp
will illuminate in the instrument
cluster.
Note: The warning lamp is small and below
the Distance Indication graphic. It does not
flash when Distance Alert is active.
Distance Indication
Distance Indication provides a graphical
indication of the time gap to other vehicles
traveling in the same direction. The
information display will show one of the
graphics below in color. Key: Left to right.
Outline - Stand by.
Grey, no object - No object detected or
object outside of Distance Indication range.
Grey, with object
- Object detected or
object within Distance Indication range.
Yellow, with object
- Early Distance
Indication warning threshold.
Red, with object
- Final Distance
Indication warning threshold.
Note: Distance Alert and Distance
Indication turns off when adaptive cruise
control is switched on. The Distance
Indication graphics do not display in the
information display unless adaptive cruise
control is switched off.
Adjusting Pre-Collision Assist Settings
If collision warnings are perceived as being
too frequent, the warning sensitivity can
be reduced, we recommend using the
highest sensitivity setting where possible.
Setting lower sensitivity would lead to
fewer and later system warnings.
You can adjust the Collision Warning and
Distance Alert sensitivity to one of three
possible settings by using the information
display control. You can also switch the
Distance Indication function off using the
information display controls. See General
Information
(page 89).
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING
Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of your vehicle and could
result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and personal
injury. Note:
Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
certification label. See
Recommended Towing Weights
(page
204).
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See
Fuses
(page 225).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
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 ball mount 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
198).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1000 miles (1600
kilometers).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See your scheduled
maintenance information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the tire label
and Safety Compliance label as well as
instructions on calculating your vehicle's
load in the Load Carrying chapter. See
Load Limit (page 198).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the
total trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the
hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross them
under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow
the chains to drag on the ground. Trailer Brakes WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle
may not have enough braking power and
your chances of having a collision greatly
increase. Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems
are required for safe control of towed
vehicles and trailers weighing more
than 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)
when load.
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.
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