2022 FORD ESCAPE check engine

In addition, the fuel tank contains an empty
reserve. The empty reserve is an
unspecified amount of fuel that remains
in the fuel tank when the fuel gauge
indicates empty.
Note:The amount of fuel in the empty
reserve varies and should not be relied upon
to increase driving range.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
196
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
The information message appears while the fuel system is
depressurizing with the fuel filler door closed. Wait for the fuel
system to depressurize and for the fuel filler door to unlatch.
Please wait for fuel door
to open
The information message appears when the fuel system has
depressurized and opened the fuel filler door. Fully open the
fuel filler door to refuel and fully close the fuel filler door when
refueling is complete.
Fuel Door Open
Your vehicle is equipped with a sealed fuel system that
requires the fuel filler door to be fully closed after refueling.
This warning message appears when the fuel filler door is ajar.
Please fully close the fuel filler door to avoid a "Check Engine"
Light.
Fuel door ajar Close fully
to avoid ""CheckEngine"" light
If you see this message and a "Check Engine" lamp illumin-
ates, please fully close the fuel filler door. The "Check Engine"
Light should clear within five seconds. If the "Check Engine"
light persists, please see your dealer.
The information message appears when the fuel system fails
to depressurize, or the fuel filler door fails to open. You could
have to use the fuel filler door manual override lever when
opening the fuel door.
Refuel Error See Manual
197
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.
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.
198
Catalytic Converter

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 leaving a car wash or
driving from standing water to dry the
brakes.
Note: Depending on applicable laws and
regulations in the country for which your
vehicle was originally built, the stoplamps
could flash during heavy braking. Following
this the hazard warning flashers could also
turn on when your vehicle comes to a stop.
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 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.
E270480
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
217
Brakes

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.
LOCATING THE BRAKE FLUID
RESERVOIR
See Under Hood Overview (page 330).
CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID
WARNING: Do not use any fluid
other than the recommended brake fluid
as this will reduce brake efficiency. Use
of incorrect fluid could result in the loss
of vehicle control, serious personal injury
or death.
WARNING: Only use brake fluid
from a sealed container. Contamination
with dirt, water, petroleum products or
other materials may result in brake
system damage or failure. Failure to
adhere to this warning could result in the
loss of vehicle control, serious personal
injury or death.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluid
to touch your skin or eyes. If this
happens, rinse the affected areas
immediately with plenty of water and
contact your physician.
WARNING: The brake system
could be affected if the brake fluid level
is below the MIN mark or above the MAX
mark on the brake fluid reservoir.
E170684
1. Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2. Look at the brake fluid reservoir to see where the brake fluid level is relative
to the MIN and the MAX marks on the
reservoir.
Note: To avoid fluid contamination, the
reservoir cap must remain in place and fully
tight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets our
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 387).
BRAKE FLUID SPECIFICATION
See Brake Fluid Specification (page 403).
218
Brakes

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 will turn
off if a malfunction is apparent. Failure
to take care may result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, serious personal
injury or death.
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
223
Hill Start Assist

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.
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.
299
Towing a Trailer

When towing a trailer:
• Obey country specific regulations fortowing a trailer.
• Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission in park (P) to aid engine
and transmission cooling and to help
A/C performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off when you are
towing on long, steep slopes.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not continuously
apply the brakes, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
• If your transmission has Grade Assist or Tow/Haul, use this feature when
towing. This provides engine braking
and helps eliminate excessive
transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
• Your vehicle has AdvanceTrac with roll stability control. When towing a trailer,
additional loads could cause the
AdvanceTrac system to engage during
cornering maneuvers. Reduce cornering
speeds to make sure that you can
maintain control of the vehicle and
trailer if the AdvanceTrac system
engages. • Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
gradually brake.
• Avoid parking on a slope. However, if you must park on a slope, turn the
steering wheel to point your vehicle
tires away from traffic flow, set the
parking brake, place the transmission
in park (P) and place wheel chocks in
front and back of the trailer wheels.
Note: Chocks are not included with your
vehicle.
LAUNCHING OR RETRIEVING
A BOAT OR PERSONAL
WATERCRAFT
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding 6 in (15 cm) could allow water
to enter vehicle components, causing
internal damage to the components and
affecting driveability, emissions and
reliability.
Note: Replace the rear axle lubricant
anytime the rear axle has been submerged
in water.
Note: Disconnect the trailer wiring
connector before backing the trailer into the
water.
Note: Reconnect the trailer wiring
connector after removing the trailer from
the water.
300
Towing a Trailer