2021 FORD ESCAPE Owners Manual

PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE INFORMATION
What Is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric
Vehicle
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle combines
a gasoline engine with an electric motor
and rechargeable high voltage battery
allowing you to use only electricity to
power your vehicle.
How Does a Plug-In Hybrid Electric
Vehicle Work
Charging your vehicle adds electrical
energy that propels the vehicle. Regularly
plug in your vehicle to get optimal
electric-only range capability from the high
voltage battery. The system maximizes the
use of electric-only operation in normal
drive mode whenever possible. System
conditions could require the engine to
operate when necessary.
When the electric-only range reaches zero,
the powertrain system switches to hybrid
operation. This means that you have
depleted the energy you gained from
plugging in and charging your vehicle. Both
the gasoline engine and electric motor
power your vehicle and maximize fuel
economy during hybrid operation. You
receive some electric-only driving with
hybrid operation as the powertrain system
maintains the high voltage battery charge
within functional limits.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Driving Characteristics
The gasoline engine starts and stops to
provide power when required and to save
fuel when not needed. Restarting your
vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
When coasting at low speeds, coming to
a stop or standing, the gas engine normally
shuts down and your vehicle operates in
electric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the gasoline
engine to start or remain running include:
•
Considerable vehicle acceleration.
• Driving uphill.
• The high voltage battery charge level
is low.
• Heating or cooling the vehicle interior
in high or low outside temperatures.
• The gasoline engine is below normal
operating temperature.
• Towing a trailer.
• Certain drive modes could cause the
engine to run. See Drive Mode
Control (page 262).
Note: Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In some
cases, it is actually more efficient than
driving in electric mode.
Your plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has
several EV drive modes to enhance your
driving experience. See
Selecting a
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Drive
Mode
(page 264).
Your hybrid vehicle also comes with
standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative braking
is performed by your transmission and
captures brake energy and stores it in the
high voltage battery.
182
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Hybrid Electric Vehicle Information
(If Equipped)

You could also notice that your engine
continues to run instead of shutting off
during extended downhill driving. The
engine stays on during this engine braking
but is not using any fuel.
You could also hear a slight whine or
whistle when operating your vehicle. This
is the normal operation of the electric
motor in the hybrid system.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Indicators
When you start your vehicle, a
green ready indicator light
appears in the instrument cluster
letting you know that your vehicle is ready
for driving.
The engine may not start because your
vehicle has a silent key start feature. This
fuel saving feature allows your vehicle to
be ready to drive without requiring the gas
engine to be running.
The indicator remains on when your vehicle
is on, whether the engine is running or not,
to indicate your vehicle is capable of
movement using the electric motor, gas
engine or both.
Typically, the engine does not start unless
the vehicle is cold, a climate control
change is requested or you press the
accelerator pedal.
What Is Low Engine Use Mode
Low engine use mode maintains proper
engine lubrication at sufficient temperature
and activates when you drive your vehicle
with limited engine operation. How Does Low Engine Use Mode
Work
When in low engine use mode, your vehicle
runs the engine as necessary. When low
engine use mode begins, a message
appears in the information display. If low
engine use mode does not complete
before you switch your vehicle off, it
continues the next time you start your
vehicle and the message reappears.
Note:
EV now mode is not available when
in low engine use mode.
Note: Cold temperatures affect the engine
warm up time and the low engine use mode
may operate more frequently.
Note: An oil change is not required but gives
you the option of not running a low engine
use cycle. Resetting the oil life monitoring
system suspends the low engine use mode.
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE INFORMATION –
TROUBLESHOOTING
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Information – Warning Lamps It illuminates if your vehicle's
electrical system requires service
to identify the cause for your
vehicle to shutdown or enter a limited
operating mode. A message may appear
in the instrument cluster display. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
183
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Hybrid Electric Vehicle Information (If Equipped)E293827 E144693

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Information – Information
Messages
Action
Message
Your vehicle needs
confirmation that
you unplugged it
before allowing a
start. You must
make sure your
Vehicle Plugged In
? Yes No
vehicle is
unplugged and you
respond to the
message prompt
before starting your
vehicle.
Your vehicle
detects it is still
plugged in after you
attempt to start it.
Unplug Prior to
Starting Vehicle
Your vehicle
enables the engine
due to the climate
control defrost
setting. This is
normal operation.
Engine Enabled
Due to Defrost Setting
For full defrost
heat, press the EV
button to select
either EV Later or
EV Auto. The
engine may run to
provide more cabin
heat.
Press EV Button for
Full Defrost
Your vehicle
enables the engine
for system
performance. This
is normal operation.
Engine Enabled for
System Perform- ance Action
Message
You can press OK
to enable the
engine temporarily
for increased
performance when
in EV Now mode.
Press OK to Enable
Engine
Displays when in
neutral gear with
the vehicle on. Shift
out of neutral to
maintain full
vehicle function.
In Neutral Depletes
HV Battery, Shift
Out of Neutral for
Full Vehicle Func- tion
EV functionality is
disabled and the
engine is running to
maintain fuel fresh-
ness.
Fuel Freshness
Engine may run to
maintain fuel fresh- ness
Displays when a
malfunction occurs
in the high voltage
electric system.
Stop your vehicle as
soon as it is safe to
do so. Have your
vehicle checked as
soon as possible.
Stop Safely Now
184
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Hybrid Electric Vehicle Information (If Equipped)

WHAT IS AUTO-START-STOP
The system helps reduce fuel consumption
by stopping and restarting the engine when
your vehicle has stopped. The engine
restarts when you release the brake pedal.
In some situations, your vehicle could
restart before you release the brake pedal,
for example:
•
To maintain interior comfort.
• To recharge the battery.
AUTO-START-STOP
PRECAUTIONS WARNING: Apply the parking
brake, shift into park (P), switch the
ignition off and remove the key before
you leave your vehicle. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury or death. WARNING:
Apply the parking
brake, shift into park (P), switch the
ignition off and remove the key before
you open the hood or have any service
or repair work completed. If you do not
switch the ignition off, the engine could
restart at any time. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death.
SWITCHING AUTO-START-
STOP ON AND OFF
The system turns on when you switch the
ignition on. Press the button to switch the
system off.
Note: OFF
illuminates in the switch. Note:
Deactivating the system using the
button lasts only one key cycle.
Press the button again to switch the
system back on.
Note: The system turns off if it detects a
malfunction. If the system malfunctions,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Stop your vehicle, keep your foot on the
brake pedal and the transmission in drive
(D).
Note: Power assist steering turns off when
the engine stops.
RESTARTING THE ENGINE
Release the brake pedal or press the
accelerator pedal.
A message appears in the information
display if the system requires you to take
action.
AUTO-START-STOP
INDICATORS WARNING:
The system may
require the engine to automatically
restart when the auto-start-stop
indicator illuminates green or flashes
amber. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury. The Auto-Start-Stop indicator
illuminates green when the
engine stops. It flashes amber
and a message appears when you need to
take action.
185
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Auto-Start-Stop

The Auto-Start-Stop indicator
illuminates gray with a
strikethrough when the system
is not available.
Note: You can display the reason why the
system is not available in the information
display. AUTO-START-STOP –
TROUBLESHOOTING
Auto-Start-Stop – Information
Messages
A message appears in the information
display if the system requires you to take
action. Action
Condition
Message
Press the brake pedal to
restart the engine.
The system needs to restart
the engine but requires your
confirmation.
Auto StartStop Press Brake
to Start Engine
Press the brake pedal or the
accelerator pedal to restart
the engine.
The system needs to restart
the engine but requires your
confirmation.
Auto StartStop Press a
Pedal to Start Engine
186
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Auto-Start-StopE146361

Auto-Start-Stop – Frequently
Asked Questions
Why does the engine not always
stop when I expect it to?
The system is designed to work in a way
that complements other vehicle systems,
allowing them to operate at optimum
performance.
The system does not stop the engine if:
•
The driver door is open.
• Your vehicle is at high altitude.
• The heated windshield is on.
• The engine is warming up.
• The outside temperature is too low or
too high.
• The battery charge is low.
• The battery temperature is outside the
optimal operating range.
• The engine is required to run to
maintain interior climate and reduce
fogging.
Why does the engine sometimes
restart when I do not expect it to?
The system is designed to work in a way
that complements other vehicle systems,
allowing them to operate at optimum
performance.
The system restarts the engine if:
• You switch the heated windshield on.
• You switch maximum defrost on.
• Your vehicle starts to roll downhill in
neutral.
• The engine is required to run to
maintain adequate brake system
assistance.
• The engine is required to run to
maintain interior climate and reduce
fogging. Can I permanently switch the
system off?
No. The system plays an important role in
reducing the fuel consumption and the CO
2
emissions.
Will the frequent engine starts
cause parts to wear out?
Your vehicle has an enhanced battery and
starter motor that are designed for the
increased number of engine starts.
187
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Auto-Start-Stop

FUEL AND REFUELING
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel
tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire. WARNING:
The fuel system may
be under pressure. If you hear a hissing
sound near the fuel filler inlet, do not
refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out, which could cause
serious personal injury. WARNING: Fuels can cause serious
injury or death if misused or mishandled. WARNING:
Fuel may contain
benzene, which is a cancer-causing
agent. WARNING: When refueling always
shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the fuel tank
filler valve. Never smoke or use a cell
phone while refueling. Fuel vapor is
extremely hazardous under certain
conditions. Avoid inhaling excess fumes. WARNING: Read and follow all the
instructions on the pump island.
Follow these guidelines when refueling:
• Extinguish all smoking materials and
any open flames before refueling your
vehicle.
• Switch the engine off before refueling. •
Automotive fuels can be harmful or
fatal if swallowed. Fuel is highly toxic
and if swallowed can cause death or
permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed
immediately call a physician, even if no
symptoms are immediately apparent.
The toxic effects of fuel may not be
apparent for hours.
• Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling fuel
vapor can lead to eye and respiratory
tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of
fuel vapor can cause serious illness and
permanent injury.
• Avoid getting fuel in your eyes. If you
splash fuel in your eyes, immediately
remove contact lenses, if worn, flush
with water for 15 minutes and seek
medical attention. Failure to seek
proper medical attention could lead to
permanent injury.
• Fuels can be harmful if absorbed
through the skin. If you splash fuel on
your skin, clothing or both, promptly
remove contaminated clothing and
thoroughly wash your skin with soap
and water. Repeated or prolonged skin
contact causes skin irritation.
• Be particularly careful if you are taking
Antabuse or other forms of Disulfiram
for the treatment of alcoholism.
Breathing fuel vapors could cause an
adverse reaction, serious personal
injury or sickness. Immediately call a
physician if you experience any adverse
reactions.
188
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Fuel and Refueling

FUEL QUALITY
Selecting the Correct Fuel
Choosing the Right Fuel
Your vehicle operates on regular unleaded
gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2
octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. The use of these fuels
could result in engine damage that will not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well
as other conditions, for example when
towing a trailer.
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent
gasolines, where available to help minimize
engine deposits and maintain optimal
vehicle and engine performance. For
additional information, refer to
www.toptiergas.com. Note:
Use of any fuel for which the vehicle
was not designed can impair the emission
control system, cause loss of vehicle
performance, and cause damage to the
engine which may not be covered by the
vehicle Warranty.
Do not use:
• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known
as MMT), which is a manganese-based
fuel additive, will impair engine
performance and affect the emission
control system.
Choosing the Right Fuel - Flex Fuel
Vehicles
Flex fuel vehicles have one of the following
identifiers:
• Yellow fuel filler cap.
• Yellow bezel around the fuel filler inlet.
• Yellow fuel filler housing.
• Yellow E85 label on the fuel tank filler
door.
189
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Fuel and RefuelingE161513