2021 FORD ESCAPE suspension

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

WHAT IS THE LANE KEEPING
SYSTEM
The lane keeping system alerts you by
providing temporary steering assistance
or steering wheel vibration when it detects
an unintended lane departure.
HOW DOES THE LANE
KEEPING SYSTEM WORK
The lane keeping system uses a forward
looking camera mounted on the windshield
to monitor vehicle movement within the
travel lane.
When the camera detects a drift out of the
travel lane, the lane keeping system alerts
the driver by vibrating the steering wheel,
or aids the driver by providing a small
steering input to move the vehicle back
into the travel lane.
The driver can select one of three modes:
•
Alert (If Equipped)
• Aid
• Alert + Aid
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM
PRECAUTIONS WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING: The system will not
operate if the sensor cannot track the
road lane markings. WARNING:
The sensor may
incorrectly track lane markings as other
structures or objects. This can result in
a false or missed warning. WARNING:
In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all
limit sensor performance. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly if the sensor is blocked.
Keep the windshield free from
obstruction. WARNING:
If damage occurs in the
immediate area surrounding the sensor,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. WARNING:
The system may not
correctly operate if your vehicle is fitted
with a suspension kit not approved by
us. WARNING:
Large contrasts in
outside lighting can limit sensor
performance.
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM
LIMITATIONS
The lane keeping system only operates
when the vehicle speed is greater than
40 mph (64 km/h)
.
The system works when the camera can
detect at least one lane marking.
The lane keeping system may not correctly
operate in any of the following conditions:
• The lane keeping system does not
detect at least one lane marking.
• You switch the turn signal on.
266
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Lane Keeping System

Why does the vehicle not come back toward the middle of the lane, as expected, in the
Aid, or Aid + Alert mode?
High cross winds are present. There is a large road crown.
Rough roads, grooves or shoulder drop-offs.
Heavy, uneven loading of the vehicle or improper tire inflation pressure. You changed the tires or modified the suspension.
272
Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Lane Keeping System

WHAT IS DRIVER ALERT
Driver alert alerts you if it determines that
you are becoming drowsy or if your driving
deteriorates.
HOW DOES DRIVER ALERT
WORK
Driver Alert calculates your alertness level
based on your driving behavior in relation
to the lane markings and other factors
through use of the front camera sensor
behind the interior mirror.
DRIVER ALERT PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING: Take regular rest
breaks if you feel tired. Do not wait for
the system to warn you. WARNING:
Certain driving styles
may result in the system warning you
even if you are not feeling tired. WARNING:
In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all
limit sensor performance. WARNING:
The system will not
operate if the sensor cannot track the
road lane markings. WARNING:
If damage occurs in the
immediate area surrounding the sensor,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. WARNING:
The system may not
correctly operate if your vehicle is fitted
with a suspension kit not approved by
us. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly if the sensor is blocked.
Keep the windshield free from
obstruction.
Note: If something is blocking the camera
or damaged the windshield, Driver Alert may
not function.
DRIVER ALERT LIMITATIONS
Driver alert may not function correctly if:
• The sensor cannot track the road lane
markings.
• Your vehicle's speed is less than
approximately
40 mph (65 km/h).
SWITCHING DRIVER ALERT ON
AND OFF
1. Press
Settings on the touchscreen.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Driver AlertE309385

WHAT IS SPEED SIGN
RECOGNITION
Speed sign recognition detects speed limit
signs to inform you of the current speed
limit. Detected speed signs appear in the
information display.
HOW DOES SPEED SIGN
RECOGNITION WORK
Speed sign recognition uses a sensor
behind the interior mirror to detect speed
signs.
If your vehicle has speed sign recognition
with navigation, stored speed sign data
may influence the indicated speed limit
value.
SPEED SIGN RECOGNITION
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING: In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all
limit sensor performance. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly if the sensor is blocked.
Keep the windshield free from
obstruction. Note:
Do not carry out windshield repairs
in the immediate area surrounding the
sensor.
Note: If your vehicle has a suspension kit
not approved by us, the system may not
correctly function.
Note: The system may not detect all speed
signs and may incorrectly read signs.
Note: Always fit our original parts when
replacing headlamp bulbs. Other bulbs may
reduce system performance.
SPEED SIGN RECOGNITION
LIMITATIONS
Speed sign recognition may not operate
correctly due to:
• Outdated map data.
• Incorrect recognition of speed limits by
the sensor of signs on parallel roads or
exit ramps.
• Missed recognition of faded, dirty, or
distorted signs.
SPEED SIGN RECOGNITION
INDICATORS When the system detects a speed limit
sign, it appears 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 Speed Sign Recognition
(If Equipped)E317824

TOWING A TRAILER
LIMITATIONS
The vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
Note:
Your vehicle could have
reduced performance when
operating at high altitudes and
when heavily loaded or towing a
trailer. When driving at elevation,
to match driving performance as
perceived at sea level, reduce gross
vehicle weight and gross
combination weight by 2% per
1,000 ft (300 m) elevation.
LOADING YOUR TRAILER
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
• Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items
centered between the left and
right side trailer tires. •
Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight. The
trailer tongue weight should
never exceed 10% of the
maximum towing capacity.
• Select a ball mount with the
correct rise or drop. When both
the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
TRAILER TOWING HINTS
Towing a trailer places an extra load on
your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,
brakes, tires and suspension. Periodically
inspect these components during and after
any towing operation.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a
slight takeoff vibration or shudder may be
present due to the increased payload
weight.
Your vehicle may have a temporary or
conventional spare tire. A temporary spare
tire is different in diameter or width,
tread-type, or is from a different
manufacturer than the road tires on your
vehicle. Consult information on the tire
label or Safety Compliance label for
limitations when using.
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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

Cleaning Stripes or Graphics
It is recommended to wash your vehicle by
hand however, pressure washing may be
used under the following conditions:
•
Use a spray with a 40° wide spray
angle pattern.
• Keep the nozzle at a
12 in (305 mm)
distance and 90° angle to your
vehicle's surface.
• Do not use water pressure higher than
2,000 psi (14,000 kPa)
.
• Do not use water hotter than
179°F
(82°C).
Note: Holding the pressure washer nozzle
at an angle to the vehicle's surface may
damage graphics and cause the edges to
peel away from the vehicle's surface.
Cleaning Camera Lenses and
Sensors
We recommend that you only use
lukewarm or cold water and a soft cloth
to clean the camera lens and sensors.
Note: Do not pressure wash camera lens
and sensors.
Cleaning the Underbody
Flush the complete underside of your
vehicle frequently. Keep body and door
drain holes free from packed dirt.
Rear suspension components may require
regular cleaning with a power washer or a
thorough rinse with a strong stream of
water if the vehicle is operated in dusty or
muddy environments. Rear leaf springs or
other suspension components may emit
squeaking or popping noises while
operating the vehicle if particles, such as
dirt, rocks, or other debris, are present in
the components. CLEANING THE INTERIOR
Cleaning the Instrument Panel WARNING:
Do not use chemical
solvents or strong detergents when
cleaning the steering wheel or
instrument panel to avoid contamination
of the airbag system.
We recommend that you only clean the
instrument panel and cluster lens with a
damp soft cloth. Dry the area with a clean,
soft cloth.
For additional information and assistance,
we recommend that you contact an
authorized dealer.
Note: Avoid cleaners or polishes that
increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this
area helps protect you from undesirable
windshield reflection.
Cleaning Plastic
We recommend that you only use a mild
soap and water solution on a soft cloth.
Dry the area with a clean, soft cloth.
Cleaning Displays and Screens
We recommend that you only use a
microfiber cloth in a circular motion to
clean off the fingerprint or dust.
If dirt or fingerprints are still on the screen,
apply a small amount of alcohol to the
cloth and try to clean it again.
Note: Do not pour or spray alcohol onto the
touchscreen.
Note: Do not use detergent or any type of
solvent to clean the touchscreen.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Vehicle Care