2021 FORD ESCAPE maintenance

WHAT IS THE CATALYTIC
CONVERTER
The catalytic converter is part of your
vehicle's emissions system and filters
harmful pollutants from the exhaust gas.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not park, idle or
drive your vehicle on dry grass or other
dry ground cover. The emission system
heats up the engine compartment and
exhaust system, creating the risk of fire. WARNING:
The normal operating
temperature of the exhaust system is
very high. Never work around or attempt
to repair any part of the exhaust system
until it has cooled. Use special care when
working around the catalytic converter.
The catalytic converter heats up to a very
high temperature after only a short
period of engine operation and stays hot
after the engine is switched off.
To avoid damaging the catalytic converter:
• Do not crank the engine for more than
10 seconds at a time.
• Do not run the engine with a spark plug
lead disconnected.
• Do not push-start or tow-start your
vehicle. Use booster cables. See Jump
Starting the Vehicle
(page 316).
• Use the correct fuel.
See Fuel and
Refueling (page 188).
• Do not switch the ignition off when your
vehicle is moving.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Have the items listed in scheduled
maintenance information performed
according to the specified schedule. Note:
Do not make any unauthorized
changes to your vehicle or engine. By law,
vehicle owners and anyone who
manufactures, repairs, or services a fleet of
vehicles are not permitted to intentionally
remove an emission control device or
prevent it from working.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER –
TROUBLESHOOTING
Catalytic Converter – Warning
Lamps
Your vehicle has an on-board diagnostics
system that monitors the emission control
system. If any of the following warning
lamps illuminate, this may indicate that
the on-board diagnostics system has
detected an emission control system
malfunction. Continuing to drive your vehicle may cause
reduced power or the engine to stop.
Failure to respond to a warning lamp may
cause damage that your vehicle Warranty
may not cover. Have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Catalytic Converter

BRAKES –
TROUBLESHOOTING
Brakes – Warning Lamps
If the ABS indicator illuminates
when you are driving, this
indicates a malfunction. Your
vehicle continues to have normal braking
without the anti-lock braking system
function. See an authorized dealer.
It also momentarily illuminates 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. The brake indicator momentarily
illuminates when you switch the
ignition on to confirm the lamp
is functional. It may also illuminate when
you apply the parking brake and the
ignition is on. If it illuminates when your
vehicle is moving, make sure the parking
brake is disengaged. If the parking brake
is disengaged, this indicates low brake fluid
level or a brake system fault. See an
authorized dealer.
Brakes – Frequently Asked
Questions
Is brake dust on the wheels normal?
Brake dust could 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 Wheels (page 353). Will wet driving conditions effect my
braking abilities?
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.
Is brake noise considered normal? 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.
When should you replace the brake
fluid? Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Change the brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
degraded braking performance.
See
Normal Scheduled Maintenance
(page
490).
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Brakes E270480

Electric Parking Brake – Information Messages
Park Brake
Action
Message
The parking brake is set, if the vehicle is in gear and you driveyour vehicle more than 3 mph (5 km/h). If the warning stays
on after the parking brake is released, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Park Brake Engaged
The electric parking brake is set and a manual release isattempted without the brake pedal being pressed.
To Release: Press Brake
and Switch
The electric parking brake is set and an automatic release isattempted but cannot be performed. Perform a manual release.
Park Brake Use Switch
to Release
The electric parking brake is set and your vehicle speed
exceeds 3 mph (5 km/h). Release park brake before continued driving.
Release Park Brake
The electric parking brake is not fully applied.
Park Brake Not Applied
The electric parking brake is not fully released.
Park Brake Not Released
The electric parking brake system has been put into a special
mode that is used to allow service of the rear brakes. Contactan authorized dealer.
Park Brake Maintenance
Mode
The electric park brake system has detected a condition thatrequires service. Some functionality may still be available. Contact your authorized dealer.
Park Brake Limited
Function Service Required
The electric parking brake system has detected a conditionthat requires service. Contact your authorized dealer.
Park Brake Malfunction
Service Now
Numerous park brake applies have overheated the system.Wait 2 minutes before attempting to apply again.
Park Brake System
Overheated
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Electric Parking Brake

CONNECTING A TRAILER
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not adjust the spring
bars so that your vehicle's rear bumper
is higher than before attaching the trailer.
Doing so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may
cause unpredictable handling, and could
result in serious personal injury.
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle. You
must distribute the load in your trailer so
that 10-15% of the total weight of the
trailer is on the trailer coupler.
Consult your local motor vehicle laws for
towing a trailer.
See the instructions included with towing
accessories for the proper installation and
adjustment specifications.
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. See
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance (page 490).
If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives you.
When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions.
Account for the trailer coupler weight as
part of your vehicle load when calculating
the total vehicle weight.
Do not exceed the load limits. See
Calculating the Load Limit
(page 295). CONNECTING A TRAILER
Trailer Towing Connector
(If Equipped)
When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions.
Note:
Install the waterproof protection cap
back onto the trailer towing connector
whenever it is not in use. This helps to
prevent water damage and trailer towing
connector malfunction.
Note: You cannot use a seven-pin trailer
wiring connector for your vehicle and the
trailer lighting equipment.
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.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Connecting a TrailerE168683

COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below approximately
-13°F (-25°C).
BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately
300 mi (480 km). During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics.
DRIVING ECONOMICALLY
The following helps to improve fuel
consumption:
• Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and
anticipate the road ahead to avoid
heavy braking.
• Regularly check your tire pressures and
make sure that they are inflated to the
correct pressure.
• Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule and carry out the
recommended checks.
• Plan your journey and check the traffic
before you set off. It is more efficient
to combine errands into a single trip
whenever possible.
• Avoid idling the engine in cold weather
or for extended periods. Start the
engine only when you are ready to set
off.
• Do not carry unnecessary weight in your
vehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
• Do not add unnecessary accessories
to the exterior of your vehicle, for
example running boards. If you use a
roof rack, remember to fold it down or
remove it when not in use. •
Do not shift into neutral when you are
braking or when your vehicle is slowing
down.
• Shut all windows when driving at high
speeds.
• Switch off all electric systems when
not in use, for example air conditioning.
Make sure that you unplug any
accessories from the auxiliary power
points when not in use.
DRIVING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER WARNING:
Do not attempt to
cross a deep or flowing body of water.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
Note: Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle. 311
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Driving Hints E266447

MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Service your vehicle regularly to help
maintain its roadworthiness and resale
value. There is a large network of
authorized dealers that are there to help
you with their professional servicing
expertise. We believe that their specially
trained technicians are best qualified to
service your vehicle properly and expertly.
They are supported by a wide range of
highly specialized tools developed
specifically for servicing your vehicle.
If your vehicle requires professional service,
an authorized dealer can provide the
necessary parts and service. Check your
warranty information to find out which
parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,
fluids and service parts conforming to
specifications.
•
Do not work on a hot engine.
• Make sure that nothing gets caught in
moving parts.
• Do not work on a vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed space,
unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
• Keep all open flames and other burning
material, such as cigarettes, away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
• Set the parking brake, shift the
transmission to park (P) and block the
wheels. OPENING AND CLOSING THE
HOOD
Opening the Hood
1. Open the left-hand front door.
2. Fully pull the hood release lever and
let it completely retract.
Note: This action releases the hood latch.
3. Fully pull the hood release lever for a second time.
Note: This action fully releases the hood.
4. Open the hood.
Note: There is no secondary hood release
under the hood.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing MaintenanceE263274

5. Support the hood with the strut.
Closing the Hood WARNING: Make sure that you fully
latch the hood before driving. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in
personal injury or death.
1. Remove the strut from the catch and secure it correctly in the clip.
2. Lower the hood and allow it to drop under its own weight for the last
10– 14 in (25– 35 cm)
.
Warning Lamps and Indicators This lamp illuminates when the
ignition is on and the hood is not
completely closed.
Information Messages Action
Message
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and
close the hood.
Hood Ajar
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing MaintenanceE193263 E246598

UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 1.5L ECOBOOST™
Windshield washer fluid. See Adding Washer Fluid (page 96).
A
Engine coolant reservoir.
See Checking the Coolant (page 339).
B
Engine oil dipstick.
See Engine Oil Dipstick Overview (page 338).
C
Engine oil filler cap.
See Adding Engine Oil (page 338).
D
Brake fluid reservoir.
See Locating the Brake Fluid Reservoir (page 222).
E
Battery.
See Changing the 12V Battery (page 345).
F
Engine compartment fuse box.
See Fuses (page 324).
G
Air filter.
See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 343).
H
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing MaintenanceE308193