2019 FORD ESCAPE traction control

Avoid driving at excessive speeds, this
causes vehicle momentum to work against
you and your vehicle could become stuck
to the point that assistance may be
required from another vehicle. Remember,
you may be able to back out the way you
came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can
lose traction in slick mud. If your vehicle
does slide, steer in the direction of the slide
until you regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts can cause an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may
be limited.
When driving through water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
bottom of the wheel rims. If the ignition
system gets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by applying light pressure to the
brake pedal while moving slowly.
Note:
Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission. If the front or rear
axle is submerged in water, the axle
lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant
should be checked and changed if
necessary. Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should always
try to drive straight up or straight down.
Note:
Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.
A danger lies in losing traction, slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, determine
beforehand the route you will use. Do not
drive over the crest of a hill without seeing
what conditions are on the other side. Do
not drive in reverse over a hill without the
aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start
in a lower gear rather than downshifting to
a lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turn
around because this could cause vehicle
roll over. It is better to reverse back to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power will cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
resulting in loss of vehicle control. 160
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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 95).
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
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.
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Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle
’s ability
to maintain traction of the wheels by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. See
Using Traction Control (page 167). Vehicle without stability control
skidding off its intended route.
A
Vehicle with stability control
maintaining control on a slippery
surface.
B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
You cannot switch the stability control and
roll stability control systems off, but when
you shift into reverse (R), the systems
deactivate.
You can switch the traction control system
off or on. See
Using Traction Control
(page 167).
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AA
B
BB
B

Obstacle Distance Indicator (If
Equipped) The system provides obstacle distance
indication through the information display.
As the distance to the obstacle decreases,
the indicator blocks illuminate and move
toward the vehicle icon. If there is no
obstacle detected, the distance indicator
blocks show greyed out.
When you shift to reverse (R), the side
sensing system provides audible warnings
when your vehicle is moving and obstacles
are detected within 24 in (60 cm) and are
inside the driving path of your vehicle.
When you stop your vehicle the audible
warning stops after two seconds.
Note:
Visual distance indication remains
on when the transmission is in reverse (R).
When you shift to drive (D) or any other
forward gear, for example, low (L), sport
(S) or any forward gear in manual
transmission, the side sensing system
provides audible and visual distance
warnings when your vehicle is moving
below a speed of
5 mph (8 km/h) and obstacles are detected within
24 in
(60 cm) and are inside the driving path of
your vehicle. Once your vehicle reaches a
standstill condition, the audible warning
stops after two seconds and visual
indication stops after four seconds.
If the transmission is in neutral (N), the side
sensing system provides visual distance
indication only when your vehicle is moving
below a speed of
5 mph (8 km/h) and
there is a front or rear parking aid obstacle
detected, and the side obstacle is within
24 in (60 cm) from the side of your vehicle.
When you stop your vehicle the visual
distance indication stops after four
seconds.
If the side sensing system is not available,
the side distance indicator blocks do not
appear.
The side sensing system is not available
under the following condition:
• If you switch the traction control
system off.
The side sensing system may not be
available until you have driven
approximately the length of your vehicle
in order for the system to reinitialize if:
• You switch the ignition on, off and back
on.
• Your vehicle remains stationary for over
two minutes.
• The anti-lock brake system is
activated.
• The traction control system is
activated.
• When the steering wheel angle
information is not available, the side
sensing system is not available. The
vehicle must be driven at least
492 ft
(150 m) above 19 mph (30 km/h) to
recover the steering wheel angle
information.
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When the system detects a suitable space,
a message displays and a tone sounds.
Stop your vehicle and follow the onscreen
instructions. If your vehicle is moving very
slowly, you may have to move forward a
short distance before the system is ready
to park.
Note:
You must observe that the space the
system selects remains clear of obstructions
at all times during the maneuver.
Note: The system always offers the last
parking space it detects. For example, if your
vehicle detects multiple spaces when you
are driving, it offers the last one.
Note: If the vehicle speed is greater than
approximately 22 mph (35 km/h), the
system shows a message to instruct you to
reduce the vehicle speed.
Automatically Steering into a Parallel
Parking Space
When you shift into reverse (R), with your
hands off the steering wheel and nothing
obstructing its movement, your vehicle
steers itself into the space. The system
displays instructions to move your vehicle
backward and forward in the space.
Note: If the vehicle speed exceeds
approximately
6 mph (9 km/h), you
interrupt the maneuver, or the system
switches off, you must take full control of
your vehicle.
Note: If the system detects an object is very
close to your vehicle and it may be unsafe
to continue the maneuver, it may instruct
you to stop your vehicle. The system may
not provide any further instruction. Steering
assistance continues to operate but you
must decide if it is safe to continue the
maneuver. When you believe your vehicle is correctly
parked, or a solid tone sounds and an
information message appears, bring your
vehicle to a complete stop.
When the Active Park Assist maneuver is
complete, a tone sounds and an
information message appears.
Note:
You are responsible for checking how
your vehicle is parked and making any
necessary corrections before leaving your
vehicle.
Deactivating Active Park Assist
You can manually deactivate the system
by:
• Pressing the Active Park Assist button
during an active maneuver.
• Grabbing the steering wheel during an
active maneuver.
• Driving above 22 mph (35 km/h) for 30
seconds when searching for a parking
space.
• Driving above 31 mph (50 km/h).
• Driving above
6 mph (9 km/h) during
an active maneuver.
• Switching the traction control system
off.
Certain vehicle conditions may also
deactivate the system, for example:
• The traction control system activates
or fails.
• The anti-lock brake system activates
or fails.
If the system malfunctions, a message
appears and a tone sounds. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
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When you believe your vehicle is correctly
parked, or a solid tone sounds and an
information message appears, bring your
vehicle to a complete stop.
When the active park assist maneuver is
complete, a tone sounds and a message
appears.
Note:
You are responsible for checking how
your vehicle is parked and making any
necessary corrections before leaving your
vehicle.
Deactivating Active Park Assist
You can manually deactivate the system
by:
• Pressing the Active Park Assist button
during an active maneuver.
• Grabbing the steering wheel during an
active maneuver.
• Driving above 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30
seconds when searching for a parking
space.
• Driving above
31 mph (50 km/h).
• Driving above
6 mph (9 km/h) during
an active maneuver.
• Switching the traction control system
off. Certain vehicle conditions may also
deactivate the system, for example:
•
The traction control system activates
or fails.
• The anti-lock brake system activates
or fails.
If the system malfunctions, a message
appears and a tone sounds. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Parallel Park Out Assist
The system steers your vehicle out of a
parallel parking space. You control the
accelerator, gearshift and brakes. The
system visually and audibly guides you out
of a parallel parking space.
Note: This system is not intended to assist
when exiting a perpendicular parking space. Press the button once when your
vehicle is stationary in a parallel
parking space.
Note: If you did not use active park assist
to parallel park your vehicle, pressing the
button once selects parallel park. You must
use the information display to select park
out assist.
The system displays a message instructing
you to switch a direction indicator on. Use
the direction indicator to select which side
of your vehicle you want to exit the parking
space. The system displays instructions to
move your vehicle backward and forward
in the space.
Note: If the system detects an object is very
close to your vehicle and it may be unsafe
to continue the maneuver, it may instruct
you to stop your vehicle. The system may
not provide any further instruction. Steering
assistance continues to operate but you
must decide if it is safe to continue the
maneuver.
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After the system directs your vehicle to a
position where you can exit the parking
space in a forward movement, a message
appears instructing you to take full control
of your vehicle. Generally, hand-over is
when your vehicle is still inside the parking
space.
Note:
Parallel Park Out Assist may not be
available when the clearance to the front
or the rear of your vehicle is too small.
Note: If the vehicle speed exceeds
approximately 6 mph (9 km/h), you
interrupt the maneuver, or the system
switches off, you must take full control of
your vehicle.
Note: You are responsible for controlling
your vehicle and making sure the path is
clear prior to pulling into traffic.
Troubleshooting Possible Cause
Symptom
You may have switched the traction control off.
The system does not search for
a parking space.
The transmission is in reverse (R). Your vehicle must
be moving forward to be able to detect a parking space.
The sensors may be blocked. For example, snow, ice
or dirt buildup. Blocked sensors can affect how the
system functions.
The system does not offer a
parking space.
There is not enough room in the parking space for your
vehicle to safely park.
There is not enough space for the parking maneuver on
the opposite side of the parking space.
The parking space is more than
5 ft (1.5 m) or less than
2 ft (0.5 m) away.
The vehicle speed is greater than
22 mph (35 km/h)
for parallel parking or greater than 19 mph (30 km/h)
for perpendicular parking.
You recently disconnected or replaced the battery. After
you reconnect the battery you must drive your vehicle
on a straight road for a short period of time.
Your vehicle is rolling in the opposite direction of the
current transmission position. For example, rolling
forward when in reverse (R).
The system does not correctly
position your vehicle in a
parking space.
An irregular curb along the parking space prevents the
system from correctly aligning your vehicle.
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