2021 FORD ESCAPE power steering

Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power will cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, and
you could lose control of your vehicle.
When descending a steep hill, do not
descend the hill in neutral. Avoid sudden
hard braking to keep the front wheels
rolling and to maintain your vehicle's
steering.
Note:
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,
apply the brakes steadily. Do not pump the
brakes.
Note: If your vehicle gets stuck driving on
hilly or sloping terrain, 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, as
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires may occur or the
engine may overheat.
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.
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 an
all-wheel drive vehicle accelerates better
than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and
ice, it cannot stop any faster as braking
occurs at all four wheels. Do not become
overconfident of the road conditions.
Make sure that you allow sufficient
distance between your vehicle and other
vehicles for stopping. On ice and snow, you
should drive more slowly than usual. In
emergency stopping situations, steadily
apply the brake. Your vehicle has a four
wheel anti-lock brake system, do not pump
the brake pedal.
See Anti-Lock Braking
System Limitations (page 221).
Note: If your vehicle gets stuck driving on
snow and ice, 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, as
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires may occur or the
engine may overheat.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing All-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Driving your vehicle
with the warning lamp on is dangerous.
A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It may take you
longer to stop your vehicle. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Driving extended distances with the
parking brake engaged can cause brake
failure and the risk of personal injury.
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.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
Anti-Lock Braking System
Limitations
The anti-lock braking system does not
eliminate the risk of crash when:
• You drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you.
• Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
• You take corners too fast.
• The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brake
pedal could pulse and could travel further.
Maintain pressure on the brake pedal.
Anti-Lock Braking System
Indicators
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking. If it illuminates when you are
driving, this indicates a
malfunction. Your vehicle
continues to have normal braking without
the anti-lock brake system function. Have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
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. It illuminates when you engage
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. Have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible.
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.
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. Move the transmission to park (P),
switch the engine off and apply the parking
brake. Inspect the accelerator pedal for
any interference. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer.
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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

HOW DOES STABILITY
CONTROL WORK
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. 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.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
Electronic stability control 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
Roll stability control 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.
Curve Control
Curve control enhances your vehicle ’s
ability to follow the road when cornering
severely or avoiding objects in the roadway.
Curve control operates by reducing engine
power and, if necessary, applying brakes
to one or more of the wheels individually.
Traction Control
Traction control enhances your vehicle ’s
ability to maintain traction of the wheels
by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
See
How Does Traction Control Work
(page 229).
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Stability Control

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
Electric Power Steering
Precautions
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 vehicle off. After at least 10
seconds, switch the vehicle 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.
Adapt your speed and driving behavior
according to reduced steering assist.
Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort to steer. This occurs to prevent
internal overheating and damage to the
steering system. If this occurs, you will not
lose the ability to steer your vehicle
manually nor will it cause damage to the
system. Normal steering and driving allows
the system to cool down and steering
assist returns to normal. Note:
There is no fluid reservoir to check or
fill.
Electric Power Steering Adaptive
Steering
Adaptive Learning
(If Equipped)
Adaptive learning helps correct road
irregularities and improves overall handling
and steering. It communicates with the
brake system to help operate advanced
stability control and crash avoidance
systems.
Note: When the battery is disconnected or
a new battery is installed, you must drive
your vehicle a short distance before the
system relearns the strategy and reactivates
all systems.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• An improperly inflated tire.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension
components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
Note: A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds could also make the steering
wander or pull.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Steering

STEERING – TROUBLESHOOTING
Steering – Information Messages
Action
Message
The power steering system has detected acondition that requires service. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Steering Fault Service Now
The power steering system is not working.
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Steering Loss Stop Safely
The power steering system has detected acondition that requires service. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Steering Assist Fault Service Required
The steering system has detected a condi-
tion that requires service. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
Steering Lock Malfunction Service Now
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Steering

WHAT IS DRIVE MODE
CONTROL
The system delivers a driving experience
through a suite of sophisticated electronic
vehicle systems. These systems optimize
steering, handling and powertrain
response. This provides a single location
to control multiple systems performance
settings.
Changing the drive mode changes the
functionality of the following systems:
•
Electric power-assisted steering
system adjusts steering effort and feel
based on the mode you select. See
Electric Power Steering
Precautions (page 233).
• Electronic stability control and traction
control maintain your vehicle control
in adverse conditions or high
performance driving. See
Stability
Control (page 231).
• Electronic throttle control enhances
the powertrain response to your driving
inputs.
• Transmission controls become
optimized with shift schedules tuned
to each mode.
• Four-wheel drive settings are optimized
and tuned to each mode.
• Electric vehicle mode selections may
be limited.
The system tailors your vehicle
configuration for each mode you select.
Note: Not all settings may be available.
Note: The system has diagnostic checks
that continuously monitor the system for
proper operation. If a mode is unavailable
due to a system fault or change in gear
shifter position, the mode defaults to
Normal. SELECTING A DRIVE MODE -
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE (PHEV)
To select drive modes, use the console
mounted control.
Note:
Drive mode changes may not be
available when the ignition is off.
Note: Button icon shown may vary from
your vehicle.
Note: Selected drive mode displays in the
information cluster display.
SELECTING A DRIVE MODE -
EXCLUDING: PLUG-IN HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (PHEV)
Note: Drive mode changes may not be
available when the ignition is off.
Note: Button icon shown may vary from
your vehicle.
Note: Selected drive mode displays in the
information display.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Drive Mode ControlE327677

To select drive modes, use the console
mounted control.
DRIVE MODES
Deep Snow/Sand (If Equipped)
Use this mode to aid you in
getting your vehicle unstuck
from deep snow or sand.
Note: The intent of your all-wheel drive
vehicle is not for off-road use. The all-wheel
drive feature allows for driving on relatively
level surfaces, obstruction free and similar
to normal on-road driving conditions.
Operating your vehicle in other conditions
could lead to excessive stress that could
result in damage not covered by the
warranty.
Note: This mode is not intended for driving
on snowy roads. For snowy roads use
slippery mode.
Note: Using deep snow/sand mode on dry,
hard surfaces could produce some vibration,
driveline bind up, and potential excessive
tire wear. This mode is for slippery and loose
surfaces. Eco For efficient driving. This mode
helps deliver maximum fuel
efficiency and helps to increase
driving range.
Normal For everyday driving. This mode
is a perfect balance of
excitement, comfort and
convenience. This is the default mode after
each ignition cycle.
Slippery For less than ideal road
conditions, such as snow or ice
covered roads. Use this mode for
crossing terrain with a firm surface covered
with loose, wet or slippery material.
Slippery mode lowers throttle response
and, if provided with an automatic
transmission, optimizes shifting for slippery
surfaces.
Note: Using slippery mode on dry, hard
surfaces could produce some vibration,
driveline bind up, and potential excessive
tire wear. This mode is for slippery surfaces.
Sport For sporty driving with improved
performance handling, and
response. This mode increases
throttle response and provides a sportier
steering feel. If equipped with automatic
transmission, the powertrain system
provides improved gear holding, helping
your vehicle accelerate faster.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Drive Mode ControlE306303 E295420 E295413 E225310 E295414 E246593

When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction could
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
•
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
Check the function of the following:
• Horn
• Exterior lights
FLOOR MATS WARNING: Use a floor mat
designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle that does not obstruct the pedal
area. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING:
Pedals that cannot
move freely can cause loss of vehicle
control and increase the risk of serious
personal injury. WARNING:
Secure the floor mat
to both retention devices so that it
cannot slip out of position and interfere
with the pedals. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING: Do not place additional
floor mats or any other covering on top
of the original floor mats. This could
result in the floor mat interfering with the
operation of the pedals. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Always make sure that
objects cannot fall into the driver foot
well while your vehicle is moving. Objects
that are loose can become trapped
under the pedals causing a loss of
vehicle control. To install the floor mats, position the floor
mat eyelet over the retention post and
press down to lock in position.
To remove the floor mat, reverse the
installation procedure.
Note:
Regularly check the floor mats to
make sure they are secure.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Driving HintsE142666