2021 FORD ESCAPE check engine

FUEL AND REFUELING –
TROUBLESHOOTING
Fuel and Refueling – Warning
Lamps If it illuminates when you are
driving, refuel as soon as
possible.
Fuel and Refueling – Information Messages - Excluding: Hybrid Electric
Vehicle (HEV)/Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Action
Message
An early reminder of a low fuel condition.
Fuel Level Low
The fuel fill inlet may not be properly closed.
Check Fuel Fill Inlet
A reminder to close the fuel door. Failure to follow this
instruction can cause the check engine light to illuminate.
Fuel door ajar Close fully
to avoid ""CheckEngine"" light
There is an error in attempting to refill your vehicle.
Refuel Error See Manual
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Fuel and Refueling

Fuel and Refueling – Information Messages - Hybrid Electric Vehicle
(HEV)/Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Action
Message
An early reminder of a low fuel condition.
Fuel Level Low
The fuel fill inlet may not be properly closed.
Check Fuel Fill Inlet
Wait for up to 15 seconds while the fuel system depressurizes.
Please wait for fuel door
to open
The fuel system has finished depressurizing and you can begin
to refuel.
Fuel Door Open
A reminder to close the fuel door. Failure to follow this
instruction can cause the check engine light to illuminate.
Fuel door ajar Close fully
to avoid ""CheckEngine"" light
There is an error in attempting to refill your vehicle.
Refuel Error See Manual
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Fuel and Refueling

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

Switching Grade Assist On and Off
Press the grade assist button to activate
grade assist. The grade assist lamp
appears in the instrument cluster. Press
the button again to switch it off.
Your vehicle determines the amount of
engine motoring and high-voltage battery
charging. You could notice the engine
speed increasing and decreasing to help
maintain your vehicle speed when
descending a slope.
Grade Assist Indicators
MANUAL PARK RELEASE -
GASOLINE
What Is Manual Park Release
Manual park release is used to move your
transmission from the park (P) position in
the event of an electrical malfunction or
emergency.
Manual Park Release Precautions WARNING: When doing this
procedure, you need to take the
transmission out of park (P) which
means your vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement,
always fully apply the parking brake prior
to doing this procedure. Use wheels
chocks if appropriate. WARNING:
If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning
lamp remains illuminated, the brakes
may not be working properly. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. WARNING:
Do not drive your
vehicle until you verify that the
stoplamps are working.
Using Manual Park Release
Activating the Manual Park Release
Cable
1. Apply the parking brake. See What Is
the Electric Parking Brake (page 224).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you could use an external power source to
apply the parking brake. 213
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Automatic TransmissionE345122 E307867

Driving In Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Shift to a lower gear and drive steadily
through the terrain. Apply the accelerator
slowly and avoid excessive wheel slip. Do
not drive your vehicle in deep sand for an
extended period of time. This will cause
the system to overheat. A message
appears in the information display. See
All-Wheel Drive – Information
Messages (page 220).
Note: If your vehicle gets stuck in sand, 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 Through Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even all-wheel drive vehicles can lose
traction in 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.
Note: If your vehicle gets stuck in mud, 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.
Water
If you must drive through deep water, drive
slowly. The water could limit traction or
brake capability. See Driving Through
Shallow Water (page 311).
When driving through water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
center of the wheel.
Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes will not stop your vehicle as
quickly as dry brakes. Apply light pressure
to the brake pedal while slowly moving the
vehicle to dry the brakes.
Note: Driving through deep water could
cause damage to 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 could make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should 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 can 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.
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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

WHAT IS HILL START ASSIST
Hill Start Assist makes it easier for you to
pull away when your vehicle is on a slope
without using the parking brake.
HOW DOES HILL START
ASSIST WORK
When the system activates, your vehicle
remains stationary for a few seconds after
you release the brake pedal. This gives you
time to move your foot from the brake
pedal to the accelerator pedal. The brakes
release when the engine has developed
sufficient torque to prevent your vehicle
from rolling down the slope.
HILL START ASSIST
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave your vehicle, always apply the
parking brake. WARNING:
You must remain in
your vehicle when the system turns on.
At all times, you are responsible for
controlling your vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening, if required.
Failure to take care may result in the loss
of control of your vehicle, serious
personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system turns off if
there is a malfunction or if you
excessively rev the engine. HILL START ASSIST –
TROUBLESHOOTING
Hill Start Assist – Information
Messages Action
Message
Displays when
system is not avail- able. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Hill Start Assist Not
Available
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Hill Start Assist

TOWING A TRAILER
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label. 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. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the lowest rating capacity for
your vehicle or trailer hitch.
Overloading your vehicle or
trailer hitch can impair your
vehicle stability and handling.
Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control
of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Do not cut,
drill, weld or modify the trailer
hitch. Modifying the trailer hitch
could reduce the hitch rating. WARNING:
The anti-lock
brake system does not control
the trailer brakes. TRAILER BRAKE
PRECAUTIONS 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.
Certain states require functioning trailer
brakes for trailers over a specified weight.
Be sure to check state regulations for this
specified weight.
Ford Motor Company recommends
separate functioning brake systems for
trailers weighing more than
1,500 lb
(680 kg) when loaded.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Towing a Trailer