2022 FORD ESCAPE maintenance

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.
WARNING: Exhaust leaks may
result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger
compartment. If you smell exhaust
fumes inside your vehicle, have your
vehicle inspected immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
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 311). • Use the correct fuel. See Fuel and
Refueling (page 187).
• 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 y our vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
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Catalytic Converter

BRAKES –
TROUBLESHOOTING
BRAKES – WARNING LAMPS
If the ABS indicator illuminates
when you are driving, this
indicates a malfunction. Your
vehicle continues to have normal braking
without the anti-lock braking system
function. See an authorized dealer.
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.
E270480The brake indicator momentarily
illuminates when you switch the
ignition on to confirm the lamp
is functional. It may also illuminate when
you apply 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. See an
authorized dealer.
BRAKES – FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Is brake dust on the wheels normal?
Brake dust could accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as
the brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. See
Cleaning Wheels (page 350). Will wet driving conditions effect my
braking abilities?
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.
Is brake noise considered normal? Occasional brake noise is normal. If a
metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present,
the brake linings may be worn-out and
an authorized dealer should check
them. If the vehicle has continuous
vibration or shudder in the steering
wheel while braking, an authorized
dealer should check your vehicle.
When should you replace the brake
fluid? Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Change the brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
degraded braking performance. See
Normal Scheduled Maintenance
(page 485).
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Brakes

CONNECTING A TRAILER
PRECAUTIONS
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
Consult your local motor vehicle laws for
towing a trailer.
See the instructions included with towing
accessories for the proper installation and
adjustment specifications.
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. See Normal Scheduled
Maintenance (page 485).
If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives you.
When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions.
Account for the trailer coupler weight as
part of your vehicle load when calculating
the total vehicle weight.
Do not exceed the load limits. See
Calculating the Load Limit (page 290).
CONNECTING A TRAILER
Trailer Towing Connector (If Equipped)
E168683E168683
When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions.
Note:Install the waterproof protection cap
back onto the trailer towing connector
whenever it is not in use. This helps to
prevent water damage and trailer towing
connector malfunction.
Note: You cannot use a seven-pin trailer
wiring connector for your vehicle and the
trailer lighting equipment.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect any
trailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's tail
lamp wiring; this may damage the
electrical system resulting in fire. Contact
your authorized dealer as soon as
possible for assistance in proper trailer
tow wiring installation. Additional
electrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to the
bumper. Always connect the safety chains
to the frame or hook retainers of your trailer
hitch.
Install trailer safety chains to the trailer
hitch as recommended by the
manufacturer. Cross the chains under the
trailer coupler and allow enough slack for
turning tight corners. Do not allow the
chains to drag on the ground.
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Connecting a Trailer

COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below approximately
-13°F (-25°C).
BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 mi (480 km). During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics.
DRIVING ECONOMICALLY
The following helps to improve fuel
consumption:
• Drive smoothly, accelerate gently andanticipate the road ahead to avoid
heavy braking.
• Regularly check your tire pressures and make sure that they are inflated to the
correct pressure.
• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule and carry out the
recommended checks.
• Plan your journey and check the traffic before you set off. It is more efficient
to combine errands into a single trip
whenever possible.
• Avoid idling the engine in cold weather or for extended periods. Start the
engine only when you are ready to set
off.
• Do not carry unnecessary weight in your vehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
• Do not add unnecessary accessories to the exterior of your vehicle, for
example running boards. If you use a
roof rack, remember to fold it down or
remove it when not in use. • Do not shift into neutral when you are
braking or when your vehicle is slowing
down.
• Shut all windows when driving at high speeds.
• Switch off all electric systems when not in use, for example air conditioning.
Make sure that you unplug any
accessories from the auxiliary power
points when not in use.
DRIVING IN SPECIAL
CONDITIONS
EMERGENCY MANEUVERS
In an unavoidable emergency where you
must make a sudden sharp maneuver, turn
the steering wheel only as rapidly and as
far as required to avoid the emergency.
Apply smooth pressure to the accelerator
pedal or brake pedal as needed. Avoid
abrupt steering, acceleration and braking
changes. Abrupt changes could increase
the risk of vehicle roll over, loss of vehicle
control and personal injury. If possible, use
any available road surfaces to bring your
vehicle under control.
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 and four-wheel
drive vehicles can lose traction in mud. If
your vehicle slides, 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 residue can cause an
imbalance that could damage drive
components.
304
Driving Hints

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 inmoving 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
E263274
1. Open the left-hand front door.
2. Fully pull the hood release lever andlet 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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Maintenance

E193263
5. Support the hood with the strut.
Closing the Hood
WARNING: Make sure that you fully
latch the hood before driving. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in
personal injury or death.
1. Remove the strut from the catch and secure it correctly in the clip.
2. Lower the hood and allow it to drop under its own weight for the last
10–14 in (25–35 cm).
Warning Lamps and Indicators
E246598
This lamp illuminates when the
ignition is on and the hood is not
completely closed.
Information Messages
Action
Message
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and
close the hood.
Hood Ajar
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Maintenance

UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 1.5L ECOBOOST™
308 93E308193
Windshield washer fluid. See Adding Washer Fluid (page 96).
A
Engine coolant reservoir. See Checking the Coolant (page 334).
B
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick Overview (page 333).
C
Engine oil filler cap. See Adding Engine Oil (page 333).
D
Brake fluid reservoir. See Locating the Brake Fluid Reservoir (page 218).
E
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 343).
F
Engine compartment fuse box. See Fuses (page 319).
G
Air filter. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 338).
H
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Maintenance

UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 2.0L ECOBOOST™
30 05E307705
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See Adding Washer Fluid (page 96).
A
Engine coolant reservoir. See Checking the Coolant (page 334).
B
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick Overview (page 333).
C
Engine oil filler cap. See Adding Engine Oil (page 333).
D
Brake fluid reservoir. See Locating the Brake Fluid Reservoir (page 218).
E
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 343).
F
Engine compartment fuse box. See Fuses (page 319).
G
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 338).
H
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Maintenance