2018 FORD ESCAPE steering wheel

SITTING IN THE CORRECT
POSITION
WARNING: Sitting improperly, out
of position or with the seatback reclined
too far can take weight off the seat cushion
and affect the decision of the passenger
sensing system, resulting in serious injury
or death in the event of a crash. Always sit
upright against your seat back, with your
feet on the floor. WARNING:
Do not recline the
seatback as this can cause the occupant
to slide under the safety belt, resulting in
serious injury in the event of a crash. WARNING:
Do not place objects
higher than the seatback to reduce the risk
of serious injury in the event of a crash or
during heavy braking. When you use them properly, the seat,
head restraint, safety belt and airbags will
provide optimum protection in the event
of a crash. We recommend that you follow these
guidelines:
•
Sit in an upright position with the base
of your spine as far back as possible.
• Do not recline the seatback more than
30 degrees.
• Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of it is level with the top of your
head and as far forward as possible.
Make sure that you remain
comfortable.
• Keep sufficient distance between
yourself and the steering wheel. We
recommend a minimum of
10 in
(25 cm) between your breastbone and
the airbag cover.
• Hold the steering wheel with your arms
slightly bent.
• Bend your legs slightly so that you can
press the pedals fully.
• Position the shoulder strap of the
safety belt over the center of your
shoulder and position the lap strap
tightly across your hips.
Make sure that your driving position is
comfortable and that you can maintain full
control of your vehicle.
HEAD RESTRAINTS WARNING:
Fully adjust the head
restraint before you sit in or operate your
vehicle. This will help minimize the risk of
neck injury in the event of a crash. Do not
adjust the head restraint when your vehicle
is moving.
116
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing SeatsE68595

AUTO-START-STOP
The system helps reduce fuel consumption
by automatically shutting off and restarting
the engine while your vehicle is stopped.
The engine will restart automatically when
you release the brake pedal. In some
situations, your vehicle may restart
automatically, for example:
•
To maintain interior comfort
• To recharge the battery
Note: Power assist steering is turned off
when the engine is off. WARNING: Always fully apply the
parking brake. Make sure you shift into park
(P) for vehicles with an automatic
transmission. Switch the ignition off and
remove the key whenever you leave your
vehicle. WARNING: Before opening the hood
or performing any maintenance, fully apply
the parking brake, shift into park (P) or
neutral (N) and switch the ignition off. WARNING:
Always switch the
ignition off before leaving the vehicle. If the
ignition is switched on an automatic restart
may occur at any time. WARNING:
The system may require
the engine to automatically restart when
the auto-start-stop indicator illuminates
green or flashes amber. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury.
The Auto-Start-Stop system status is
available at a glance within the information
display. See Information Displays (page
93
). Enabling Auto-Start-Stop
The system is automatically enabled every
time you start your vehicle if the following
conditions are met:
•
The Auto-Start-Stop button is not
pressed (not illuminated).
• Your vehicle exceeds an initial speed
of
3 mph (5 km/h) after the vehicle has
been initially started.
• Your vehicle is stopped.
• Your foot is on the brake pedal.
• The transmission is in drive (D).
• The driver's door is closed.
• There is adequate brake vacuum.
• The interior compartment has been
cooled or warmed to an acceptable
level.
• The front windshield defroster is off.
• The steering wheel is not turned rapidly
or is not at a sharp angle.
• The vehicle is not on a steep road
grade.
• The battery is within optimal operating
conditions (battery state of charge and
temperature in range).
• The engine coolant is at operating
temperature.
• Elevation is below approximately
10,000 ft (3,048 m)
.
• Ambient temperature is moderate. The green Auto-Start-Stop
indicator light on the instrument
cluster will illuminate to indicate
when the automatic engine stop occurs. If the instrument cluster is
equipped with a grey
Auto-Start-Stop indicator light,
it is illuminated when automatic engine
stop is not available due to one of the
above noted conditions not being met.
137
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing Unique Driving Characteristics E146361

Sport (S)
Switch on sport mode by shifting the
gearshift lever to sport (S). In sport mode
the transmission selects the optimum gear
for best performance. This gear selection
is typically lower than that of drive (D) and
the shifts are faster.
Moving the gearshift lever to sport (S):
•
Provides additional slope, engine
braking and extends lower gear
operation to enhance performance for
uphill climbs, hilly terrain or
mountainous areas. This can increase
engine RPM during engine braking.
• Provides additional lower gear
operation through the automatic
transmission shift strategy.
• Gears are selected more quickly and
at higher engine speeds.
SelectShift Automatic ™
Transmission
Your vehicle is equipped with a SelectShift
Automatic transmission gearshift lever.
The SelectShift Automatic transmission
gives you the ability to change gears up or
down.
In order to prevent the engine from running
at too low an RPM, which may cause it to
stall, SelectShift still makes some
downshifts if it has determined that you
have not downshifted in time. Although
SelectShift makes some downshifts for
you, it still allows you to downshift at any
time as long as the SelectShift determines
that damage to the engine from
over-revving does not occur.
Note: Engine damage may occur if you
maintain excessive engine revving without
shifting.
If the engine is approaching the RPM limit,
SelectShift upshifts for you. If the vehicle has a toggle on the
gearshift lever, press the + toggle
switch on the side of the transmission
selector to activate SelectShift.
•
Press the (+) button to upshift.
• Press the (-) button to downshift. If the vehicle has steering wheel
paddles, pull the + paddle on the
steering wheel to activate SelectShift.
•
Pull the right paddle (+) to upshift.
• Pull the left paddle (–) to downshift. SelectShift in drive (D):
•
Provides a temporary manual mode
for performing more demanding
maneuvers where extra control of gear
selection is required, for example, when
towing or overtaking. This mode can
hold a selected gear for a temporary
period of time dependent on driver
inputs, for example, steering or
accelerator pedal input.
152
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing TransmissionE142629 E144821

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
General Information (page 93).
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
General Information (page 93).
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.
156
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating.
Do not descend in neutral. Disengage
overdrive or move the transmission
selector lever to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid sudden hard
braking as you could lose control. The front
wheels have to be turning in order to steer
your vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not pump the
brake pedal.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire chains
or cables, then it is critical that you drive
cautiously. Keep speeds down, allow for
longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances
of a loss of vehicle control which can lead
to serious injury or death. If the rear end of
your vehicle slides while cornering, steer in
the direction of the slide until you regain
control of your vehicle.
Note: Excessive tire slippage can cause
transmission damage.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantages
over two-wheel drive vehicles in snow and
ice but can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and
ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and
steadily when starting from a full stop. Avoid sudden braking. Although a
four-wheel drive vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in
snow and ice, it will not stop any faster as
braking occurs at all four wheels. Do not
become overconfident as to road
conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between you and other vehicles for
stopping. Drive slower than usual and
consider using one of the lower gears. In
emergency stopping situations, apply the
brake steadily. As your vehicle has a four
wheel anti-lock brake system, do not pump
the brake pedal. See
Hints on Driving
With Anti-Lock Brakes (page 160).
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or
Snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
it may be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature,
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, damage to the transmission
and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle have been designed and
tested to provide predictable performance
whether loaded or empty. For this reason,
we strongly recommend that you do not
make modifications such as adding or
removing parts (i.e. lift kits or stabilizer
bars) or by using replacement parts not
equivalent to the original factory
equipment.
158
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:
Occasional brake noise is normal. If
a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out and an
authorized dealer should check them. If the
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, an
authorized dealer should check your vehicle.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels
(page 273). See
Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 89).
Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal
becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady
and firm pressure to the brake pedal to
slow the vehicle and reduce engine power.
If you experience this condition, apply the
brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe
stop. Switch the engine off, move the
transmission to park (P) and apply the
parking brake. Inspect the accelerator
pedal and the area around it for any items
or debris that may be obstructing its
movement.If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer. Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when you
brake heavily by measuring the rate at
which you press the brake pedal. It
provides maximum braking efficiency as
long as you press the pedal. Emergency
brake assist can reduce stopping distances
in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarily
illuminates when you switch the
ignition on. If the light does not
illuminate during start up, remains on or
flashes, the anti-lock braking system may
be disabled. Have the system checked by
an authorized dealer. If the anti-lock brake
system is disabled, normal braking is still
effective. If the brake warning lamp
illuminates with the parking
brake released, have your brake
system serviced immediately.
It also illuminates momentarily when you
switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp
is functional. If it does not illuminate when
you switch the ignition on, or begins to
flash at any time, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock braking system does not
eliminate the risks when:
• You drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you.
• Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
160
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing BrakesE138644 E138644

•
You take corners too fast.
• The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brake
pedal may pulse and may travel further.
Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You
may also hear a noise from the system. This
is normal.
PARKING BRAKE WARNING: Always fully apply the
parking brake and make sure you shift into
park (P). Switch the ignition off and
remove the key whenever you leave your
vehicle.
To apply the parking brake:
1. Firmly press the brake pedal.
2. Pull the parking brake lever upward to its fullest extent.
Note: Do not press the release button when
pulling the parking brake lever upward.
Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing uphill, shift into park (P) and turn the
steering wheel away from the curb.
Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing downhill, shift into park (P) and turn
the steering wheel toward the curb.
To release the parking brake:
1. Firmly press the brake pedal.
2. Slightly pull the parking brake lever upward.
3. Press the release button and push the parking brake lever downward.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
The electric parking brake replaces the
conventional handbrake. The operating
switch is on the center console. WARNING:
Always set the parking
brake and leave your vehicle with the
transmission in park (P).
Note: When you apply the electric parking
brake in certain conditions, for example, on
a steep hill, the electric parking brake may
reapply the brakes within three to ten
minutes.
Note: You may notice various noises when
you apply and release the electric parking
brake. This is normal and no cause for
concern.
Applying the Electric Parking
brake WARNING:
The brake system
warning lamp will flash when applying the
electric parking brake. If the brake system
warning lamp continues to flash there
could be a problem with your electric
parking brake. Have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible. WARNING:
Applying the electric
parking brake while moving will result in
the engagement of the anti-lock braking
system. Do not use the electric parking
brake system when the vehicle is moving
unless the normal brake system is unable
to stop the vehicle. WARNING:
With the exception of
emergency conditions (for example, the
brake pedal is broken or is blocked), do not
apply the electric parking brake while the
vehicle is moving. On bends, or poor road
surfaces or weather conditions, emergency
braking can cause the vehicle to skid out
of control or off the road.
161
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing Brakes

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: 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. WARNING:
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.
166
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing Stability Control