Unique Driving Character-
istics
Auto-Start-Stop............................................133
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions.......................................135
Fuel Quality.....................................................136
Fuel Filler Funnel Location........................136
Running Out of Fuel
....................................136
Refueling..........................................................137
Fuel Consumption
.......................................140
Emission Control System...........................141
Transmission
Automatic Transmission...........................144
Four-Wheel Drive
Principle of Operation
................................148
Using Four-Wheel Drive.............................148
Brakes
General Information....................................153
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes...........................................................153
Electric Parking Brake.................................154
Hill Start Assist..............................................156
Traction Control
Principle of Operation
.................................158
Using Traction Control................................158
Stability Control
Principle of Operation.................................159
Using Stability Control...............................160
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation..................................161
Rear Parking Aid.............................................161
Front Parking Aid
..........................................162 Side Sensing System..................................163
Active Park Assist.........................................165
Rear View Camera.........................................171
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation.................................174
Using Cruise Control....................................174
Using Adaptive Cruise Control
.................175
Driving Aids
Driver Alert
......................................................180
Lane Keeping System..................................181
Blind Spot Information System..............185
Cross Traffic Alert.........................................187
Eco Mode
..........................................................191
Steering............................................................192
Collision Warning System.........................192
Load Carrying
Rear Under Floor Storage.........................196
Luggage Covers.............................................196
Roof Racks and Load Carriers..................197
Load Limit.......................................................198
Towing
Towing a Trailer
............................................203
Trailer Sway Control
...................................204
Recommended Towing Weights...........204
Essential Towing Checks..........................206
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels......208
Driving Hints
Breaking-In....................................................209
Economical Driving
.....................................209
Driving Through Water................................210
Floor Mats
.......................................................210
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance
...................................212
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Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert System
Action
Message
Indicator
Message
Displayed when the blind spot information
system and cross traffic alert system sensors are blocked. See Blind Spot Information
System (page 185).
Amber
Blindspot Low visibility
See manual
Displayed when a fault with the system has
occurred. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Amber
BLIS: X sensor fault
Service required
Displayed when the system is not available dueto trailer use. See
Blind Spot Information
System (page 185).
Amber
BLIS not available Trailer
attached
Displayed when the system detects a vehicle.See
Blind Spot Information System (page
185).
Amber
Cross Traffic Vehicle
coming from X
Displayed when the blind spot information
system and cross traffic alert system sensors are blocked. See
Blind Spot Information
System (page 185).
Amber
Cross Traffic Sensor
blocked See manual
Displays when the system requires service dueto a malfunction. Contact your authorized dealer.
Amber
Cross Traffic fault
Service required
Displayed when the system is not available dueto trailer use. See
Blind Spot Information
System (page 185).
-
Cross traffic disabled
Trailer attached
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Escape/Kuga (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Information Displays
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Action
Message
Indicator
Message
Displays when one or more tires on your vehiclehave low tire pressure. See Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (page 285).
Amber
Tire Pressure Low
Displays when the tire pressure monitoring
system is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer.
See Tire Pressure Monit-
oring System (page 285).
Amber
Tire Pressure Monitor
Fault
Displayed when a tire pressure sensor is
malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,contact your authorized dealer as soon aspossible. See
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (page 285).
Amber
Tire Pressure Sensor
Fault
Traction Control Action
Message
Indicator
Message
Displays when the traction control system hasbeen switched off. See
Using Traction
Control (page 158).
-
Traction Control Off
Trailer Action
Message
Indicator
Message
Displays when the trailer sway control has
detected a trailer sway. See
Trailer Sway
Control (page 204).
-
Trailer Sway Reduce
Speed
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Escape/Kuga (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Information Displays
FUEL QUALITY
Choosing the Right Fuel
We recommend regular unleaded gasoline
with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane
rating of 87. Some fuel stations offer fuels
posted as regular unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating below 87, particularly in
high altitude areas. We do not recommend
fuels with an octane rating below 87.
For vehicles with EcoBoost engines, to
provide improved performance, we
recommend premium fuel for severe duty
usage such as trailer tow.
Do not use any fuel other than those
recommended because they could lead to
engine damage that may not be covered
by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:
Use of any fuel other than those
recommended can impair the emission
control system and cause a loss of vehicle
performance.
Do not use:
• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds. •
Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel (using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law).
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known
as MMT), which is a manganese-based
fuel additive, will impair engine
performance and affect the emission
control system.
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL
LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is located in the spare
wheel storage tray.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Running out of fuel can cause damage not
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
If your vehicle runs out of fuel:
• Add a minimum of 1.3 gal (5 L) of fuel
to restart the engine. If your vehicle is
out of fuel and on a steep slope, more
fuel may be required.
• You may need to switch the ignition
from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to
pump the fuel from the tank to the
engine. When restarting, cranking time
takes a few seconds longer than
normal.
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Note:
The electric parking brake drive away
release makes starting on a hill easier. This
feature will release the parking brake
automatically when the vehicle has
sufficient drive force to move up the hill. To
assure drive away release when starting
uphill, press the accelerator pedal quickly.
Driving with a Trailer
Depending on the slope and the weight of
the trailer, your vehicle and trailer may roll
backwards slightly when you start on a
slope.
To prevent this from happening, do the
following:
1. Pull the switch up and hold it in this position.
2. Drive your vehicle, then release the switch when you notice that the engine
has developed sufficient driving force.
Battery With No Charge WARNING
You will not be able to apply or
release the electric parking brake if
the battery is low or has no charge.
If the battery is low or has no charge, use
jumper cables and a booster battery.
HILL START ASSIST
WARNINGS
The system does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave your
vehicle, always apply the parking
brake and shift the transmission into park
(P) (automatic transmission) or first gear
(1) (manual transmission). You must remain in your vehicle once
you have activated the system. WARNINGS
During all times, you are responsible
for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and
intervening, if required. If the engine is revved excessively, or
if a malfunction is detected, the
system will be deactivated.
The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicle will
remain stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows you time to move your
foot from the brake to the accelerator
pedal. The brakes release automatically
when the engine has sufficient torque to
prevent your vehicle from rolling down the
grade. This is an advantage when pulling
away on a slope, for example from a car
park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing
uphill into a parking space.
The system will activate automatically on
any slope that will cause significant vehicle
rollback. For vehicles with a manual
transmission, you can switch this feature
off using the information display. See
Information Displays (page 89). The
system will remain on or off depending on
how it was last set.
Note: There is no warning lamp to indicate
the system is either on or off.
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with Auto
Hold, Hill Start Assist will not be available
while Auto Hold is active.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Bring your vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep the brake pedal
pressed and select an uphill gear (for
example, first (1) when facing uphill or
reverse (R) when facing downhill).
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
To help avoid personal injury, please
read and understand the limitations
of the system as contained in this
section. Sensing is only an aid for some
(generally large and fixed) objects when
moving on a flat surface at parking speeds.
Certain objects with surfaces that absorb
ultrasonic waves, surrounding vehicle's
parking aid systems, traffic control
systems, fluorescent lamps, inclement
weather, air brakes, and external motors
and fans may also affect the function of
the sensing system; this may include
reduced performance or a false activation. To help avoid personal injury, always
use caution when in reverse (R) and
when using the sensing system.
This system is not designed to
prevent contact with small or moving
objects. The system is designed to
provide a warning to assist the driver in
detecting large stationary objects to avoid
damaging your vehicle. The system may
not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground. Certain add-on devices such as large
trailer hitches, bike or surfboard racks
and any device that may block the
normal detection zone of the system, may
create false beeps. Note:
Keep the sensors, located on the
bumper or fascia, free from snow, ice and
large accumulations of dirt. If the sensors
are covered, the system ’s accuracy can be
affected. Do not clean the sensors with
sharp objects.
Note: If your vehicle sustains damage to
the bumper or fascia, leaving it misaligned
or bent, the sensing zone may be altered
causing inaccurate measurement of
obstacles or false alarms. Note:
The sensing system cannot be turned
off when a MyKey is present. See Principle
of Operation (page 49).
Note: If you attach certain add-on devices
such as a trailer or bike rack, the rear sensing
system may detect that add-on device and
therefore provide warnings. It is suggested
that you disable the rear sensing system
when you attach an add-on device to your
vehicle to prevent these warnings.
The sensing system warns the driver of
obstacles within a certain range of your
vehicle. The system turns on automatically
whenever you switch the ignition on. You can turn the system on or
off by pressing the parking aid
button. If your vehicle does not
have a parking aid button, the system can
be switched off through the information
display menu or from the pop-up message
that appears once you shift the
transmission into reverse (R). See General
Information
(page 89).
If a fault is present in the system, a warning
message appears in the information
display. See
Information Messages
(page 93).
REAR PARKING AID
(If Equipped)
The rear sensors are only active when the
transmission is in reverse (R). As your
vehicle moves closer to the obstacle, the
rate of the audible warning increases.
When the obstacle is less than
12 in
(30 cm) away, the warning sounds
continuously. If the system detects a
stationary or receding object farther than
12 in (30 cm)
from the corners of the
bumper, the tone sounds for only three
seconds. Once the system detects an
object approaching, the warning sounds
again.
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•
The anti-lock brake system is
activated.
• The traction control system is
activated.
ACTIVE PARK ASSIST (If Equipped)
Parallel Parking, Perpendicular
Parking, Parallel Park Out Assist WARNINGS
You must remain in your vehicle
when the system turns on. At all
times, you are responsible for
controlling your vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening, if required. Failure
to take care may result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, serious personal
injury or death. The sensors may not detect objects
in heavy rain or other conditions that
cause interference.
Active park assist does not apply the
brakes under any circumstances.
Note:
The driver is always responsible for
controlling the vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening if required by
grabbing the steering wheel or pushing the
active park assist button.
Note: The Blind Spot Information System
does not detect traffic alongside or behind
your vehicle during a park assist maneuver.
The system detects an available parallel
or perpendicular parking space and
automatically steers your vehicle into the
space (hands-free) while you control the
accelerator, transmission selector and
brakes. The system visually and audibly
guides you to park your vehicle.
If you are uncomfortable with the proximity
to any vehicle or object, you may choose
to override the system. Parallel Park Out Assist automatically
steers your vehicle out of a parallel parking
space (hands-free) while you control the
accelerator, transmission selector and
brakes. The system visually and audibly
guides you to enter traffic.
The system may not correctly operate in
any of the following conditions:
•
You use a spare tire or a tire
significantly worn more than the other
tires.
• One or more tires are improperly
inflated.
• You try to park on a tight curve.
• Something passes between the front
bumper and the parking space (a
pedestrian or cyclist).
• The edge of the neighboring parked
vehicle is high off the ground (for
example, a bus, tow truck or flatbed
truck).
• The weather conditions are poor
(heavy rain, snow, fog, etc).
Note: Keep the sensors, located on the
bumper or fascia, free from snow, ice and
large accumulations of dirt. Covered sensors
can affect the system's accuracy. Do not
clean the sensors with sharp objects.
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 bike rack, trailer
or other object near the sensors on the
front or rear of your vehicle.
• You have attached an overhanging
object (surfboard) to the roof.
• A foreign object damages or obstructs
the front or rear bumper or side
sensors.
• The correct tire size is not in use on your
vehicle (for example, a mini-spare tire).
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Escape/Kuga (TM2), enUSA, First Printing Parking Aids
REAR VIEW CAMERA
WARNINGS
The rear view camera system is a
reverse aid supplement device that
still requires the driver to use it in
conjunction with the interior and exterior
mirrors for maximum coverage. Objects that are close to either
corner of the bumper or under the
bumper, might not be seen on the
screen due to the limited coverage of the
camera system. Back up as slow as possible since
higher speeds might limit your
reaction time to stop your vehicle.
Use caution when using the rear
video camera and the luggage
compartment door is ajar. If the
luggage compartment door is ajar, the
camera will be out of position and the
video image may be incorrect. All
guidelines disappear when the luggage
compartment door is ajar. Use caution when turning camera
features on or off. Make sure your
vehicle is not moving.
The rear view camera system provides a
video image of the area behind your
vehicle.
During operation, lines appear in the
display which represent your vehicle
’s path
and proximity to objects behind your
vehicle. The camera is located on the luggage
compartment door.
Using the Rear View Camera
System
The rear view camera system displays
what is behind your vehicle when you place
the transmission in reverse (R).
Note:
The reverse sensing system is not
effective at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h)
and may not detect certain angular or
moving objects.
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 door or
liftgate is open, no rear view camera
features will display.
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