2021 FORD ESCAPE parking brake

TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
PRECAUTIONS
Use the following guidelines when towing
your vehicle. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in vehicle damage
not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Note:
Make sure you properly secure your
vehicle to the tow vehicle.
Note: If you are unsure of the vehicle ’s
configuration, contact an authorized dealer.
RECREATIONALLY TOWING
YOUR VEHICLE - GASOLINE,
AWD
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could
occur. You must recreational tow your
vehicle with all four wheels off the ground,
such as when using a car-hauling trailer.
Otherwise, you cannot recreational tow
your vehicle.
RECREATIONALLY TOWING
YOUR VEHICLE - GASOLINE,
FWD
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.
Note: Release the parking brake before
towing your vehicle. See Manually
Releasing the Electric Parking Brake
(page
224). RECREATIONALLY TOWING
YOUR VEHICLE - HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)/
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE (PHEV)
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational towing. An example of
recreational towing is towing your vehicle
behind a motorhome. These guidelines
ensure that you do not damage the
transmission.
Note:
Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle. See
Climate Control
(page 137).
You can tow your vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground under the following
conditions:
• You switch
Neutral Tow on.
• Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
• You release the parking brake.
• You do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
Switching
Neutral Tow On
1. Switch your vehicle on in accessory mode.
2. Press the menu button on the steering
wheel to enter the information display
main menu.
3. Select
Settings.
4. Select
Neutral Tow.
5. Follow the instructions on the information display.
6. Fully press the brake pedal.
7. Shift into neutral (N).
8. Switch the ignition off.
Note: Switching neutral tow on requires
battery power.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Towing Your Vehicle

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, switch neutral tow on.
EMERGENCY TOWING -
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(HEV)/PLUG-IN HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (PHEV)
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.
• You shift the transmission into neutral
(N). If you cannot shift the transmission
into neutral (N), you may need to
override the shifter. See Entering
Temporary Neutral Mode (page 212).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km). Note:
Failure to follow these instructions
could result in damage to the transmission.
EMERGENCY TOWING - 8-
SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION – 8F24
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.
EMERGENCY TOWING - 8-
SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION – 8F35
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.
• Use the manual park release
procedure. See
Using Manual Park
Release (page 213). Failure to do so
may result in damage to the
transmission.
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Towing Your Vehicle

Protected Component
Fuse Rating
Fuse Location
Not used.
—
25
Not used.
—
26
Not used.
—
27
Brake on-off switch.
10 A
28
Powertrain control module
(hybrid electric vehicle).
5 A
29
Electronic stability control
(gas).
10 A
30
Transmission oil pump
(hybrid electric vehicle).
Electronic power assist
steering.
5 A
31
Body control module.
30 A
32
Front parking aid camera.
10 A
33
Rear view camera.
Blind spot information
system.
Adaptive cruise control.
Not used (spare).
10 A
34
Heated steering wheel.
15 A
35
Powertrain control module
(hybrid electric vehicle).
10 A
36
Horn.
20 A
37
Blower motor.
40 A
38
Not used.
—
39
Heated wiper park.
15 A
40
Amplifier.
20 A
41
Driver power seat.
30 A
42
Electric water pump (hybrid
electric vehicle).
50 A
43
Trailer tow module.
40 A
44
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Fuses

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

2. If you are a member of a roadside
assistance program, we recommend
that you contact your roadside
assistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait for a short period of time for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark,
add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools, you can re-start the engine. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible to
minimize engine damage.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Management (If Equipped) WARNING:
To reduce the risk of
crash and injury, be prepared that the
vehicle speed may reduce and the
vehicle may not be able to accelerate
with full power until the coolant
temperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the
engine may temporarily reach a higher
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long
or steep grade in high ambient
temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolant
temperature gauge moves toward the red
zone and a message may appear in the
information display. You may notice a reduction in vehicle
speed caused by reduced engine power in
order to manage the engine coolant
temperature. Your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction depends on
vehicle loading, grade and ambient
temperature. If this occurs, there is no
need to stop your vehicle. You can
continue to drive.
The air conditioning may automatically
turn on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect the engine from
overheating. When the coolant
temperature decreases to the normal
operating temperature, the air conditioning
turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves
fully into the red zone, or if the coolant
temperature warning or service engine
soon messages appear in your information
display, do the following:
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. If the
temperature does not drop after
several minutes, 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.
342
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Maintenance

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:
Battery posts,
terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash your hands
after handling
. WARNING:
This vehicle may have
more than one battery. Removing the
battery cables from only one battery
does not disconnect your vehicle
electrical system. Make sure you
disconnect the battery cables from all
batteries when disconnecting power.
Failure to do so may cause serious
personal injury or property damage.
The battery is in the engine compartment.
See
Under Hood Overview (page 335).
Your vehicle has a maintenance-free
battery. It does not require additional
water during service.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the
top of the battery clean and dry and the
battery cables tightly fastened to the
battery terminals. If any corrosion is
present on the battery or terminals, remove
the cables from the terminals and clean
with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and
water. We recommend that you disconnect the
negative battery cable terminal from the
battery if you plan to store your vehicle for
an extended period.
Note:
If you only disconnect the negative
battery cable terminal, make sure it is
isolated or placed away from the battery
terminal to avoid unintended connection or
arcing.
To maintain correct operation of the
battery management system, if you add
any electrical devices to your vehicle, do
not connect the ground connection directly
to the negative battery terminal. A
connection at the negative battery terminal
can cause inaccurate measurements of
the battery condition and potential
incorrect system operation.
Note: If you add electrical accessories or
components to your vehicle this may
adversely affect battery performance,
durability and the performance of other
electrical systems on your vehicle.
If you replace the battery make sure it
matches the electrical requirements of
your vehicle.
If you disconnect or replace the battery
and your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, it must relearn its adaptive
strategy. Because of this, the transmission
may shift firmly when first driven. This is
normal operation while the transmission
fully updates its operation to optimum
shift feel.
Remove and Reinstall the Battery
To disconnect or remove the battery, do
the following:
1. Apply the parking brake and switch the
ignition off.
2. Switch all electrical equipment off, for
example lights and radio.
3. Wait a minimum of two minutes before
disconnecting the battery.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Maintenance

Cleaning Windows and Wiper
Blades
To clean the windshield and wiper blades:
•
Clean the windshield with a
non-abrasive glass cleaner.
Note: When cleaning the interior of the
windshield, avoid getting any glass cleaner
on the instrument panel or door panels.
Wipe any glass cleaner off these surfaces
immediately.
• Clean the wiper blades with washer
fluid or water applied with a soft
sponge or cloth.
Note: Do not use razor blades or other
sharp objects to clean or remove decals
from the inside of the heated rear window.
This can cause damage not covered by the
vehicle Warranty.
Cleaning Chrome, Aluminium or
Stainless Steel
We recommend that you only use a car
shampoo, a soft cloth and water on
bumpers and other chrome, aluminium or
stainless steel parts.
Note: For additional information and
assistance, we recommend that you contact
an authorized dealer.
Note: Rinse the area well after cleaning.
Note: Do not use abrasive materials, for
example steel wool or plastic pads, as they
can scratch these surfaces.
Note: Do not use chrome cleaner, metal
cleaner or polish on wheels or wheel covers.
Cleaning Wheels
Only use a recommended wheel and tire
cleaner to clean the wheels weekly. For
additional information and assistance, we
recommend that you contact an
authorized dealer. 1. Use a sponge to remove heavy
deposits of dirt and brake dust.
2. Rinse well after cleaning.
Note: Do not apply a cleaning chemical to
warm or hot wheel rims and covers.
If you intend on parking your vehicle for an
extended period after cleaning the wheels
with a wheel cleaner, drive your vehicle for
a few minutes before parking your vehicle.
This reduces the risk of corrosion of the
brake discs, brake pads and linings.
Do not clean the wheels when they are hot.
Note: Some car washes could damage
wheel rims and covers.
Note: Using non-recommended cleaners,
harsh cleaning products, chrome wheel
cleaners or abrasive materials could
damage wheel rims and covers.
Cleaning the Engine Compartment
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove debris
from the screen area below windshield.
Note: If you are not familiar with the parts
around the engine do not wash the engine
compartment. Avoid frequent engine
washes.
When washing the engine compartment:
• Never wash or rinse the engine while it
is hot or running.
• Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,
spark plug wire or spark plug well.
• Cover the battery, power distribution
box, and air filter assembly to prevent
water damage.
Note: If your vehicle has an engine cover
remove the cover before application of
shampoo and degreaser.
• Spray an approved engine shampoo
and degreaser on all parts that require
cleaning and rinse with water.
353
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Vehicle Care

PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE
FOR STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30
days or more, the following maintenance
recommendations ensures your vehicle
stays in good operating condition.
Under various conditions, long-term
storage may lead to degraded engine
performance or failure unless you use
specific precautions to preserve your
vehicle.
General
•
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated
place.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they
require regular maintenance to protect
against rust and weather damage.
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle.
Engine
• Change the engine oil and filter prior to
storage because used engine oil
contains contaminants which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast
idle with the climate controls set to
defrost until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running. Body
•
Wash your vehicle thoroughly to
remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housings
and the underside of front fenders.
• Periodically wash your vehicle if it is
stored in exposed locations.
• Touch-up exposed or primed metal to
prevent rust.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts
with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary
when you wash your vehicle.
• Lubricate all hood, door and luggage
compartment hinges and latches with
a light grade oil.
• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
Hybrid Battery Systems
We recommend the following actions for
your vehicle:
• When storing your vehicle for greater
than 30 days the state of charge
should be approximately 50%.
Additionally we recommend
disconnecting the 12V battery which
will reduce system loads on the HV
battery.
12 Volt Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if you disconnect the battery
cables.
Brakes
Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Storing Your Vehicle