2022 FORD ESCAPE steering wheel

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

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

Note:If your vehicle gets stuck in mud, it
could 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 could occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires could occur or the
engine could overheat.
Wa t e r
If you must drive though deep water, drive
slowly. The water could limit traction or
brake capability. See Driving Through
Shallow Water (page 306).
When driving though water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
center of the wheel.
Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do 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,
have the axle lubricant and power transfer
unit lubricant checked and changed if
necessary.
DRIVING ON HILLY OR SLOPING
TERRAIN
WARNING: Extreme care should
be used when steering the vehicle in
reverse down a slope so as not to cause
the vehicle to swerve out of control. 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.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power causes the
tires to slip, spin or lose traction, and you
could lose control of your vehicle. When
descending a steep hill, do not descend
the hill in neutral. Avoid sudden hard
braking to keep the front wheels rolling and
to maintain your vehicle's steering.
Note: Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,
apply the brakes steadily. Do not pump the
brakes.
Note: If your vehicle gets stuck driving on
hilly or sloping terrain, it could 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 could occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires could occur or the
engine could overheat.
305
Driving Hints

DRIVING IN SAND
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Steadily drive 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 could overheat the system. A
message appears in the instrument cluster
display.
Note:If your vehicle gets stuck driving on
hilly or sloping terrain, it could 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 could occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires could occur or the
engine could overheat
DRIVING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER
WARNING: Do not attempt to
cross a deep or flowing body of water.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
Note: Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle.
66E266447
When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction could
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
• Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the brakes and to check that they work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that the steering power assist works.
Check the function of the following:
• Horn
• Exterior lights
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor mat
designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle that does not obstruct the pedal
area. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Pedals that cannot
move freely can cause loss of vehicle
control and increase the risk of serious
personal injury.
306
Driving Hints

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 220).
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.
316
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 switch Neutral Tow on.
• You release the parking brake.
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (55 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Switching Neutral Tow On
1. Switch your vehicle on in accessory mode.
2. Press the menu button on the steering wheel to enter the instrument cluster
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:
Failure to follow these instructions
could result in damage to the transmission.
Note: Switching neutral tow on requires
battery power.
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle. See
Climate Control (page 137).
Switching Neutral Tow Off
1. Switch your vehicle on in accessory
mode.
2. Fully press the brake pedal.
3. Shift into park (P).
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.
317
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
Not used.
—
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
322
Fuses

3. Add engine oil that meets ourspecifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 387).
4. Reinstall the engine oil filler cap. Turn it clockwise until you feel a strong
resistance.
Note: Do not add oil further than the
maximum mark. Oil levels above the
maximum mark may cause engine damage.
Note: Immediately soak up any oil spillage
with an absorbent cloth.
RESETTING THE ENGINE OIL
CHANGE REMINDER
Use the information display controls on
the steering wheel to reset the oil change
reminder.
From the main menu scroll to:
Action and description
Message
Press the right arrow button,
then from this menu scroll
to the following message.
Settings
Press the right arrow button,
then from this menu scroll
to the following message.
Conveni-
ence
Press the right arrow button,
then from this menu scroll
to the following message.
Oil Life
Reset
Press and hold the OK
button until the instrument
cluster displays the
following message.
Hold OK to
Reset
Reset Successful
When the oil change
reminder resets the instru-
ment cluster displays 100%.
Remaining Life
{00}%
Action and description
Message
If the instrument cluster
displays one of the following
messages, repeat the
process.
Not Reset
Reset Cancelled
ENGINE OIL CAPACITY AND
SPECIFICATION
For filling information, please refer to the
Capacities and Specifications section of
your owner's manual. See Engine Oil
Capacity and Specification (page 392).
CHECKING THE COOLANT
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the coolant at
the intervals listed in the scheduled
maintenance information. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 482).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level is
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the MAX mark.
If the coolant level is at or below the
minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
Maintain coolant concentration within
48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze
point between -29°F (-34°C) and -35°F
(-37°C). Coolant concentration should be
checked using a refractometer. We do not
recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring coolant
concentration.
334
Maintenance