2018 FORD ESCAPE suspension

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)

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

DRIVER ALERT (If Equipped)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION WARNING:
You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death. WARNING:
The system may not
function if the sensor is blocked. WARNING:
Take regular rest breaks
if you feel tired. Do not wait for the system
to warn you. WARNING:
Certain driving styles
may result in the system warning you even
if you are not feeling tired. WARNING:
In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all limit
sensor performance. WARNING:
The system will not
operate if the sensor cannot track the road
lane markings. WARNING:
If damage occurs in the
immediate area surrounding the sensor,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. WARNING:
The system may not
correctly operate if your vehicle is fitted
with a suspension kit not approved by us.
Note: The system may not operate correctly
if you modify the ride height. Note:
Keep the windshield free from
obstructions. For example, bird droppings,
insects, snow or ice.
Note: If the camera is blocked or if the
windshield is damaged, the system may not
function.
Note: If enabled in the menu, the system
activates at speeds above
40 mph
(64 km/h). When below the activation
speed, the information display informs the
driver that the system is unavailable. The system automatically monitors your
driving behavior using various inputs
including the front camera sensor.
If the system detects that your driving
alertness is reduced below a certain
threshold, the system alerts you using a
chime and a message in the information
display.
USING DRIVER ALERT
Switching the System On and Off
Switch the system on or off using the
information display.
See General
Information (page 93).
When active, the system monitors your
alertness level based upon your driving
behavior in relation to the lane markings
and other factors.
189
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing Driving AidsE249505

WARNING: In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all limit
sensor performance. WARNING:
The system will not
operate if the sensor cannot track the road
lane markings. WARNING:
The sensor may
incorrectly track lane markings as other
structures or objects. This can result in a
false or missed warning. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly if the sensor is blocked.
Keep the windshield free from obstruction. WARNING:
If damage occurs in the
immediate area surrounding the sensor,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. WARNING:
The system may not
correctly operate if your vehicle is fitted
with a suspension kit not approved by us.
Note: The system works above
40 mph
(64 km/h).
Note: The system works as long as the
camera can detect one lane marking.
Note: When you select aid or alert and aid
mode and the system detects no steering
activity for a short period, the system alerts
you to put your hands on the steering wheel.
The system may detect a light grip or touch
on the steering wheel as hands off driving.
Note: The system may not function if the
camera is blocked, or if the windshield is
damaged or dirty. When you switch the system on and it
detects an unintentional drift out of your
lane is likely to occur, the system notifies
or assists you to stay in your lane through
the steering system and information
display. In Alert mode, the system provides
a warning by vibrating the steering wheel.
In Aid mode, the system provides steering
assistance by gently counter steering your
vehicle back into the lane.
When the system is functioning in the
combined Alert and Aid mode, the system
first provides steering assistance by gently
counter steering your vehicle back into the
lane, followed by a warning that vibrates
the steering wheel if the vehicle is still out
of the lane marking.
Switching the System On and Off
Note:
The system on or off setting is stored
until it is manually changed, unless a MyKey
is detected. If the system detects a MyKey,
it defaults to on and the mode sets to alert. 191
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing Driving AidsE249505 E132099

Why is the feature not available (line markings are gray) when I can see the lane markings
on the road?
Your vehicle stays too close to the lane markings.
Driving at high speeds in curves.
The last alert warning or aid intervention occurred a short time ago.
Ambiguous lane markings, for example in construction zones.
Rapid transition from light to dark, or from dark to light.
Sudden offset in lane markings.
ABS or AdvanceTrac ™ is active.
There is a camera blockage due to dirt, grime, fog, frost or water on the windshield.
You are driving too close to the vehicle in front of you.
Transitioning between no lane markings to lane markings or vice versa.
There is standing water on the road.
Faint lane markings, for example partial yellow lane markings on concrete roads.
Lane width is too narrow or too wide.
The camera has not been calibrated after a windshield replacement.
Driving on tight roads or on uneven roads. Why does the vehicle not come back toward the middle of the lane, as expected, in the
Aid or Aid + Alert mode?
High cross winds are present.
There is a large road crown.
Rough roads, grooves or shoulder drop-offs.
Heavy uneven loading of the vehicle or improper tire inflation pressure.
The tires have been changed, or the suspension has been modified.
194
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing Driving Aids

Note:
The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with a
trailer tow module and tow bar approved
by us, the system turns off when you attach
a trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering WARNING: The electric power
steering system has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system. If a fault
is detected, a message displays in the
information display. Stop your vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so. Switch the
ignition off. After at least 10 seconds,
switch the ignition on and watch the
information display for a steering system
warning message. If a steering system
warning message returns, have the system
checked as soon as possible. WARNING: If the system detects an
error, you may not feel a difference in the
steering, however a serious condition may
exist. Have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible, 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.
COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM
(If Equipped)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION WARNING: This system is designed
to be a supplementary driving aid. It is not
intended to replace the driver ’s attention,
and judgment, or the need to apply the
brakes. This system does NOT activate the
brakes automatically. Failure to press the
brake pedal to activate the brakes may
result in a collision. WARNING:
The collision warning
system with brake support cannot help
prevent all collisions. Do not rely on this
system to replace driver judgment and the
need to maintain distance and speed.
199
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing Driving Aids

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. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR specified
on the certification label.
Note: See
Recommended
Towing Weights (page 210).
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See
Fuses
(page 232).
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 and load
capacity. 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
204).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online.
209
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing Towing

If your vehicle has a key system:
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Switch to start position.
3. Switch off the ignition.
4.
Switch on the ignition to re-enable the
fuel pump.
5. If the vehicle does not start, repeat steps 1 through 4.
If your vehicle has a push button start
system:
1. Press START/STOP to switch off your
vehicle.
2. Press the brake pedal and START/STOP
to switch on your
vehicle.
3. Remove your foot from the brake pedal
and press
START/STOP to switch off
your vehicle.
4. You can attempt to start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal and
START/STOP
, or press START/STOP
without pressing the brake pedal.
5. If the vehicle does not start, repeat steps 1 through 4.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE WARNING:
Keep batteries out of
reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or
clothing. Shield your eyes when working
near the battery to protect against possible
splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of
15 minutes and get prompt medical
attention. If acid is swallowed, call a
physician immediately. WARNING:
Batteries normally
produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow
flames, sparks or lighted substances to
come near the battery. When working near
the battery, always shield your face and
protect your eyes. Always provide correct
ventilation. WARNING:
Use only the specified
jacking points. If you use other positions,
you may damage the body, steering,
suspension, engine, braking system or the
fuel lines. WARNING:
Use only adequately
sized cables with insulated clamps.
Note: Do not disconnect the battery of the
disabled vehicle as this could damage the
vehicle's electrical system.
221
Escape (TM2) Canada/United States of America, JJ5J 19A321 AC enUSA, Edition date: 201706, Fourth-Printing Roadside Emergencies