2020 FORD ESCAPE automatic transmission

RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/
Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF
EQUIPPED) WARNING: Turning off trailer sway
control increases the risk of loss of
vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Ford does not recommend disabling this
feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (such as
hill climbing), the driver has significant
trailer towing experience, and can control
trailer sway and maintain safe operation.
Note: This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it when it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note: In some cases, if your vehicle speed
is too high, the system may turn on multiple
times, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.
The system applies the brakes to the
individual wheels and reduces engine
torque to aid vehicle stability. If the trailer
begins to sway, the stability control
warning lamp flashes and a message
appears in the information display. See
Information Messages
(page 117). Slow
your vehicle down, pull safely to the side
of the road and check for correct load
distribution. See
Load Carrying (page
268).
You can switch this feature off in the
information display. When you switch the
ignition on, the system automatically turns
on. RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS 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 trailer
weight for your vehicle
configuration listed in the following
chart.
Note: Do not exceed the trailer
frontal area for your vehicle
configuration listed in the following
chart.
Note: For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per
1,000 ft (300 m)
starting at the 1,000 ft (300 m)
elevation point.
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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. WARNING:
Do not tow a trailer
fitted with electric trailer brakes unless
your vehicle is fitted with a compatible
aftermarket electronic trailer brake
controller. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. For additional information and
assistance, we recommend that you
contact an authorized dealer.
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 lb (680 kg) when loaded. 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.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
• Do not drive faster than
70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission in park (P) to aid engine
and transmission cooling and to help
A/C performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
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•
Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in park (P).
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels. Chocks are not
included with your vehicle.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water.
Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after
removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to
rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher
than
6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper. Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
•
Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS - 8-SPEED
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
– 8F24
Emergency Towing
If you need to tow your vehicle, contact a
professional towing service or, if you are a
member of a roadside assistance program,
your roadside assistance service provider.
Recreational Towing
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage may occur.
You must place the front wheels on a
two-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly, follow the instructions specified by
the equipment provider.
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TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS - 8-SPEED
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
– 8F35
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock make sure the
ignition is in the accessory or on position
when being towed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable without
access to wheel dollies or a vehicle
transport trailer, it can be flat-towed with
all wheels on the ground, regardless of the
powertrain and transmission configuration,
under the following conditions:
• Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
• Refer to the Manual Park Release
procedure. See
Automatic
Transmission (page 204). Failing to
do so could result in damage to the
transmission.
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
Note: If you are unsure of the vehicle ’s
configuration, contact an authorized dealer.
Recreational Towing - Front-Wheel
Drive Vehicles
(If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could
occur. Place the front wheels on a
two-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly, follow the instructions specified by
the equipment provider. Recreational Towing - Rear-Wheel
Drive Vehicles
(If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could
occur. We recommend towing your vehicle
with all four wheels off the ground, such
as when using a car-hauling trailer.
Otherwise, you cannot recreational tow
your vehicle.
Recreational Towing - All-Wheel
and Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
(If
Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could
occur. We recommend towing your vehicle
with all four wheels off the ground, such
as when using a car-hauling trailer.
Otherwise, you cannot recreational tow
your vehicle.
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TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION – HF45
Emergency Towing
In the event your vehicle becomes disabled
(without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheels
on the ground, regardless of the
powertrain/transmission configuration)
under the following conditions:
•
The vehicle is facing forward so that it
is towed in a forward direction.
• Shift the transmission into neutral (N).
If you cannot shift the transmission into
neutral (N), you may need to override
the shifter and enable Stay in Neutral
mode. Failing to do so may result in
damage to the transmission. See
Transmission (page 204).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle. See
Climate Control
(page 137).
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational (RV) towing. An example
of recreational towing would be towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. These
guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
You can tow your vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground using the
Neutral
Tow mode in the information display.
Alternatively, if you have a front-wheel
drive vehicle, you can tow with the front
wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you have an all-wheel drive vehicle, you
can tow with all four wheels off the ground
using a vehicle transport trailer. If you are
using a tow dolly or a vehicle transport
trailer, follow the instruction specified by
the equipment provider.
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground:
•
Tow only in the forward direction.
• Release the parking brake.
• Place your vehicle in
Neutral Tow
mode with the following steps:
• Switch your vehicle on in accessory
mode.
• Press the menu button on the
controls on the steering wheel.
• Select
Settings.
• Select
Neutral Tow.
• Follow the instructions on the
information display.
• Fully press the brake pedal.
• Shift into neutral (N).
• Switch the ignition off.
• Do not exceed
70 mph (113 km/h).
Note: Switching on
Neutral Tow mode
requires battery power.
Note: If the parking brake is applied, a
message appears in the information display.
Note: If your vehicle has an ignition key, you
cannot remove the key from the ignition
when the transmission is in neutral (N) and
your vehicle is off.
Note: Start the engine and allow it to run
for a few minutes at the beginning of each
day, and every six hours or fewer. With the
engine running and your foot on the brake,
shift into drive (D) and then into reverse (R)
before shifting back into neutral (N). Before
continuing to tow, re-enable
Neutral Tow
mode.
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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
- EXCLUDING: HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)/
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE (PHEV) 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:
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:
Use only adequately
sized cables with insulated clamps. WARNING:
Make sure that the
cables are clear of any moving parts and
fuel delivery system parts. Note:
Do not attempt to push-start your
automatic transmission vehicle. Attempting
to push-start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission may cause transmission
damage.
Note: Do not disconnect the battery of the
disabled vehicle as this could damage the
vehicle electrical system.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Note: Use only a 12-volt supply to start your
vehicle.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood
of the disabled vehicle, making sure the
two vehicles do not touch.
Connecting the Jumper Cables WARNING:
Do not connect the
negative jumper cable to any other part
of your vehicle. Use the ground point.
Note: If you are using a jump pack or
booster box, follow that manufacturer's
instructions.
Note: In the illustration that follows, the
bottom vehicle represents the booster
vehicle.
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1. Remove the negative (-) jumper cable
from the disabled vehicle.
2. Remove the jumper cable on the negative (-) terminal of the booster
vehicle battery.
3. Remove the jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the booster
vehicle battery.
4. Remove the jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the disabled
vehicle battery.
5. Allow the engine to idle for at least one
minute. JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE
- HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(HEV)/PLUG-IN HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (PHEV) 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:
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:
Use only adequately
sized cables with insulated clamps.
Note: Do not attempt to push-start your
automatic transmission vehicle. Attempting
to push-start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission may cause transmission
damage.
Note: Do not disconnect the battery of the
disabled vehicle as this could damage the
vehicle electrical system.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Note: Use only a 12-volt supply to start your
vehicle.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood
of the disabled vehicle, making sure the
two vehicles do not touch.
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2
1
3
E142664

1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so. Fully apply the parking brake,
shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
returns to the normal position. After
several minutes, if the temperature
does not drop, follow the remaining
steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart the engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick.
Have an authorized dealer check and
change the transmission fluid at the
correct service interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 486). Your
transmission does not consume fluid.
However, if the transmission slips, shifts
slowly or if you notice a sign of leaking
fluid, contact an authorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may
affect transmission operation and result
in damage to internal transmission
components. BRAKE FLUID CHECK WARNING:
Do not use any fluid
other than the recommended brake fluid
as this will reduce brake efficiency. Use
of incorrect fluid could result in the loss
of vehicle control, serious personal injury
or death. WARNING:
Only use brake fluid
from a sealed container. Contamination
with dirt, water, petroleum products or
other materials may result in brake
system damage or failure. Failure to
adhere to this warning could result in the
loss of vehicle control, serious personal
injury or death. WARNING:
Do not allow the fluid
to touch your skin or eyes. If this
happens, rinse the affected areas
immediately with plenty of water and
contact your physician. WARNING:
The brake system
could be affected if the brake fluid level
is below the MIN mark or above the MAX
mark on the brake fluid reservoir.
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