FORD ESCAPE 2013 3.G Owners Manual
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BLIND SPOT MONITOR
Blind Spot Information System
(BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert (If
Equipped)
WARNING
To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the
BLIS as a replacement for using the
interior and exterior mirrors and
looking over your shoulder before changing
lanes. BLIS is not a replacement for careful
driving and only an assist.
BLIS aids you in detecting vehicles that
may have entered the blind spot zone (A).
The detection area is on both sides of the
vehicle, extending rearward from the
exterior mirrors to approximately 10 feet
(3 meters) beyond the bumper. The
system alerts you if certain vehicles enter
the blind spot zone while driving.
Cross traffic alert warns you of vehicles
approaching from the sides when the
transmission is in R (Reverse). Note:
BLIS is not designed to prevent
contact with other vehicles or objects; or to
detect parked vehicles, people, animals or
infrastructure (fences, guardrails, trees,
etc.). It is designed to alert the driver to
vehicles in the blind zones.
Note: When a vehicle passes quickly
through the blind zone, typically fewer than
two seconds, the system does not trigger.
Using the Systems
BLIS turns on when the engine is started
and the vehicle is driven forward above 3
mph (5 km/h); it remains on while the
transmission is in D (Drive) and N
(Neutral). If shifted out of D (Drive) or N
(Neutral), the system enters cross traffic
alert mode. Once shifted back into D
(Drive), BLIS turns back on when the
vehicle is driven above 3 mph (5 km/h).
Note: BLIS does not function in R (Reverse)
or P (Park) or provide any additional
warning when a turn signal is on.
Cross traffic alert detects approaching
vehicles from up to 45 feet (14 meters)
away though coverage decreases when the
sensors are blocked. Reversing slowly helps
increase the coverage area and
effectiveness.
WARNING
To help avoid personal injury, NEVER
use the cross traffic alert system as
a replacement for using the interior
and exterior mirrors and looking over your
shoulder before backing out of a parking
space. Cross traffic alert is not a
replacement for careful driving and only
an assist.
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A
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In this first example, the left sensor is only
partially obstructed; zone coverage is
nearly maximized.
Zone coverage also decreases when
parking at shallow angles. Here, the left
sensor is mostly obstructed; zone coverage
on that side is severely limited.172
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System Lights and Messages
The BLIS and cross traffic alert systems
illuminate a yellow alert indicator in the
outside mirror on the side of the vehicle
the approaching vehicle is coming from.
Note:The alert indicator dims when
nighttime darkness is detected.
Cross traffic alert also sounds a series of
tones and a message appears in the
information display indicating a vehicle is
coming from the right or left. Cross traffic
alert works with the reverse sensing
system which sounds its own series of
tones. See Parking Aid (page 161).
System Sensors
WARNING
Just prior to the system recognizing
a blocked condition and alerting the
driver, the number of missed objects
will increase. To help avoid injuries, NEVER
use the BLIS as a replacement for using
the side and rear view mirrors and looking
over your shoulder before changing lanes.
BLIS is not a replacement for careful
driving and only an assist.
Note: It is possible to get a blockage
warning with no blockage present; this is
rare and known as a false blockage warning.
A false blocked condition either
self-corrects or clears after a key cycle.
The system uses radar sensors which are
located behind the bumper fascia on each
side of your vehicle. Do not allow these
areas to become obstructed by mud, snow
or bumper stickers, as this can cause
degraded system performance.
If the system detects a degraded
performance condition, a message warning
of a blocked sensor or a message warning
of low visibility will appear in the
information display and the alert indicator
illuminates in the appropriate mirror(s).
The information display warning can be
cleared but the alert indicator remains
illuminated.
When the blockage is removed, the system
can be reset in two ways:
• when at least two objects are detected
while driving, or
• turn the ignition from on to off, then
back on.
If the blockage is still present after the key
cycle, the system senses again that it is
blocked after driving in traffic.
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Reasons for messages being displayedClean the fascia area in
front of the radar or remove the obstruction.
The radar
surface is dirty or
obstructed
Drive normally in traffic for
a few minutes to allow the radar to detect passing
vehicles so it can clear the blocked state.
The radar
surface is
not dirty or
obstructed
No action required. Thesystem automatically
resets to an unblocked
state once the rainfall or
snowfall rate decreases or stops. Do not use BLIS or
cross traffic alert in these conditions.
Heavy rain-
fall/snow- fall inter-
feres with the radar signals
System Limitations
The BLIS and cross traffic alert systems
do have their limitations; situations such
as severe weather conditions or debris
build-up on the sensor area may limit
vehicle detection.
The following are other situations that may
limit the BLIS:
• Certain maneuvering of vehicles
entering and exiting the blind zone.
• Vehicles passing through the blind zone
at very fast rates.
• When several vehicles forming a
convoy pass through the blind zone.
The following are other situations that may
limit the cross traffic alert system:
• Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
obstructing the sensors.
• Approaching vehicles passing at
speeds greater than 15 mph (24 km/h). •
Driving in reverse faster than 3 mph (5
km/h).
• Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note: If the vehicle has a factory equipped
tow bar, and it is towing a trailer, the sensors
will detect the trailer and turn the BLIS off
to avoid false alerts. For non-factory
equipped tow bars you may want to turn
the BLIS off manually.
There may be certain instances when
either the BLIS or cross traffic alert
systems illuminate the alert indicator with
no vehicle in the coverage zone; this is
known as a false alert. Some amount of
false alerts are normal; they are temporary
and self-correct.
System Errors
If either system senses a problem with the
left or right sensor, the BLIS telltale
illuminates and remains on and the
following will appear in the information
display:
• BLIS: X sensor fault Service req’ d or
• Cross Traffic malfunction Service req’ d
When problems that may cause the left or
right indicator not to illuminate, only the
information display faults appear.
Switching the Systems Off and On
One or both systems can be switched off
temporarily by using the information
display control. See General Information
(page 84). When the BLIS is switched off,
you will not receive alerts and a telltale
illuminates in the information display. The
system switches back on whenever the
ignition is switched on.
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One or both systems can also be switched
off permanently at your authorized dealer.
Once switched off, switching it back on
must also be done at your authorized
dealer.
ECO MODE
This system assists you in driving more
efficiently by constantly monitoring
characteristics of gear changing,
anticipation of traffic conditions and
speeds while driving.
The value of these characteristics is
represented by petals shown in the display,
with five petals being the most efficient.
The more efficiently you drive, the better
the rating, and the better your overall fuel
economy
Note:These efficiency values do not result
in a defined fuel consumption figure. It might
vary as it is not only related to these driving
habits, but also influenced by many other
factors such as short trips and cold starts.
Note: Frequent short trips, where the engine
does not fully warm up, will also increase
fuel consumption
The system is accessed using the
information display control. See General
Information (page 84). Type 1
Anticipation
A
Efficient speed
B
Anticipation
Adjust your vehicle speed and the distance
to other vehicles to avoid the need for
heavy braking or acceleration to improve
fuel economy.
Efficient speed
Reduce your cruising speed on open roads
to improve economy. Higher speeds use
more fuel.
Type 2 and 3
The relevant information is shown in the
display.
Resetting Eco Mode
Reset the average fuel consumption by
using the information display control.
Note: New values may take a short time to
calculate
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STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation. When a system
error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display.
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation of the electronic
system. When an electronic error is
detected, a message will be displayed in
the information display. If this happens,
stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn
off the engine. After at least 10 seconds,
reset the system by restarting the engine,
and watch the information display for a
steering message. If a steering message
returns, or returns while driving, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it checked.
Obtain immediate service if a system
error is detected. You may not notice
any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist.
Failure to do so may result in loss of
steering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power-assisted steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill. If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving (or if the ignition is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually,
but it takes more effort. Extreme
continuous steering may increase the effort
it takes for you to steer. This occurs to
prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering
system. If this should occur, you will neither
lose the ability to steer the vehicle
manually nor will it cause permanent
damage. Typical steering and driving
maneuvers will allow the system to cool
and steering assist will return to normal.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds
may also make the steering seem to
wander or pull.
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REAR UNDER FLOOR
STORAGE
Passenger Compartment Floor
The under floor storage compartment is
located behind the front passenger seat.
Cargo Management System (If
Equipped)
The system is located in the floor of the
cargo area. Lift the handle to open.Adjustable Load Floor (If Equipped)
Vehicles with the standard size spare tire
can adjust the load floor to two positions.
The front of the load floor can be placed
either on (for high position) or below (for
low position) the ledges behind the rear
seats. The rear of the load floor always sits
on the two small shelves located on the
liftgate trim.
LUGGAGE COVERS
WARNINGS
Make sure that the posts are properly
latched in mounting features. The
cover may cause injury in a sudden
stop or accident if it is not securely
installed.
Do not place any objects on the
cargo area shade. They may obstruct
your vision or strike occupants of
vehicle in the case of a sudden stop or
collision.
Use the shade to cover items in the cargo
area of your vehicle.
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Insert the ends of the cargo shade into the
mounting features located behind the rear
seat on the rear trim panels to install the
shade.
To operate the shade:
1. Pull the rear edge of the cargo shaderearward.
2. Secure both ends of the support rod into the retention slots located on the
rear quarter trim panels.
ROOF RACKS AND LOAD
CARRIERS
WARNING
When loading the roof rail crossbars,
it is recommended to evenly
distribute the load, as well as
maintain a low center of gravity. Loaded
vehicles, with higher centers of gravity, may
handle differently than unloaded vehicles.
Extra precautions, such as slower speeds
and increased stopping distance, should
be taken when driving a heavily loaded
vehicle.
The maximum recommended load, evenly
distributed on the crossbars, is:
• 100 pounds (45 kilograms) for vehicles
without a moonroof
• 45 pounds (20 kilograms) for vehicles
with a moonroof.
Note: Loads should never be placed directly
on the roof panel. The roof panel is not
designed to directly carry a load.
For proper function of the roof rack system,
loads must be placed directly on crossbars
affixed to the roof rack side rails. Your
vehicle may be equipped with
factory-installed crossbars. Ford Genuine
Accessory crossbars, designed specifically
for your vehicle, are also recommended for
use with your roof rack system.
Make sure that the load is securely
fastened. Check the tightness of the load
before driving and at each fuel stop.
Adjusting the Crossbar (If Equipped)
Note: Wind noise can be minimized by
either removing or repositioning the crossbar
when not is use. Position the front crossbar
in the rearward position to minimize wind
noise. The front crossbar can be adjusted
or removed using the steps below. The rear
crossbar fasteners can be removed by
unscrewing the assembly.
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1.Remove the crossbar thumbwheels at
both sides of the front crossbar by
turning them counterclockwise.
Note: A small screwdriver or similar tool
can be used to loosen the thumbwheel.
Apply to the fastener head on the top of the
thumbwheel or insert the shaft between the
two paddles of the thumbwheel and rotate
it loose.
2. Remove the crossbar by sliding the ends off of the shoulder bolts in the
side rails.
3. Move the crossbar to the new side rail position and slide the crossbar onto
the shoulder bolt at that position.
4. Replace and tighten the thumbwheels
at both sides of the crossbar by turning
them clockwise until tight. A small
screwdriver or similar tool can be used
to tighten if necessary.
Make sure to check that the thumbwheels
are tight each time load is added or
removed from the roof rack, and
periodically while traveling. Make sure that
the load is secure before traveling. LOAD LIMIT
Vehicle loading - with and without
a trailer
This section will guide you in the proper
loading of your vehicle, trailer or both, to
keep your loaded vehicle weight within its
design rating capability, with or without a
trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design
performance. Before loading your vehicle,
familiarize yourself with the following
terms for determining your vehicle
’s weight
ratings, with or without a trailer, from the
vehicle ’s Tire Label or Safety Compliance
Certification Label:
Base Curb Weight - is the weight of the
vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all
standard equipment. It does not include
passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight - is the weight of
your new vehicle when you picked it up
from your authorized dealer plus any
aftermarket equipment.
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Payload - is the combined weight of cargo
and passengers that the vehicle is carrying.
The maximum payload for your vehicle can
be found on the Tire Label on the B-Pillar
or the edge of the driver’s door (vehicles
exported outside the US and Canada may
not have a Tire Label). Look for “THE
COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS
AND CARGO SHOULD NEVER EXCEED
XXX kg OR XXX lb. ” for maximum
payload. The payload listed on the Tire
Label is the maximum payload for the
vehicle as built by the assembly plant. If
any aftermarket or authorized-dealer
installed equipment has been installed on
the vehicle, the weight of the equipment
must be subtracted from the payload
listed on the Tire Label in order to
determine the new payload.WARNING
The appropriate loading capacity of
your vehicle can be limited either by
volume capacity (how much space
is available) or by payload capacity (how
much weight the vehicle should carry).
Once you have reached the maximum
payload of your vehicle, do not add more
cargo, even if there is space available.
Overloading or improperly loading your
vehicle can contribute to loss of vehicle
control and vehicle rollover.
Example only:
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