fuel cap FORD ESCAPE HYBRID 2005 2.G Quick Reference Guide

Fuel Tank Capacity:Your vehicle is
equipped with a 15gallon fuel tank.
Octane Recommendations:Your vehicle isdesigned to use “Regular” unleadedgasolinewith pump octane rating of 87 for
optimum performance. Using gasoline with lower octane ratings may
decrease performance.
Tire Pressure:Your
tire pressure is
properly set at the
dealership according
to the recommended
specifications found on the Certification
Label located on the driver’s side front
door latch pillar. Tire pressure informationcan also be
found on the Tire Information
Label on the inside of the fuel filler door.
Please check your tire pressure during
routine maintenance and seasonalchanges.
WARNING: Improperly inflated
tires can affect vehicle handling and can
fail suddenly, resulting in a possible loss of
vehicle control.Special Service Notes:
This vehicle has
unique service intervals — please check
your Owner’s Guide for proper service
intervals. Your vehicle is equipped with a
rear air filter that must be inspected or
replaced at every service interval to avoiddamage to the hybrid system. Special
caution is required when servicing brake
pads.
Please refer to the Owner’s Guideand/or Service Manual for information
on servicing brake pads.
Fuel Pump / High Voltage
Shutoff Switches:Located
in the front passenger’s
footwell behind the flipup cover and in
the rear passenger side of the vehicle in
the jack compartment behind the jack
access door. These switches provide
added protection by shutting off power to
the high voltage battery and discontinuingfuel to the engine in case of an accident.
Essential Information >

THE FORD ESCAPE HYBRIDis 100% SUV and
100% Hybrid. It requires no special fuels and neverhas to be plugged in. All you have to do is get in and drive.
With all the confidence of an authentic Ford SUV
combined with the benefits of a full hybrid system,
every Ford Escape Hybrid is equipped to help you go
anywhere and do anything — now more efficiently than
ever and in an environmentally conscious manner.
In order to help you fully appreciate the
features of your new vehicle and its unique
characteristics, we invite you to explore this
easytouse Quick Reference Guide.
This vehicle has unique driving characteristics to
maximize its hybrid operation. Drive with care and wear
a seatbelt at all times. Ford urges you to read the
Owner’s Guide and the Driving Your SUV or Truck
Supplement for further information on safe driving
precautions and instructions.

Normal Vehicle OperationStarting:Turn the ignition key on while the
vehicle is in Park (P). The gas engine will turn
on, but may shut off shortly after starting,
depending on temperature and battery state of
charge. This is a natural part of the Escape
Hybrid's fuelsaving features. You do not need
to restart the vehicle.
NOTE:If the vehicle is
left inoperative for over 31 days — it may (but
probably won’t) be necessary to jumpstart the
vehicle. Your Escape Hybrid is equipped with
a high voltage battery jumpstart feature inaddition to the traditional 12V system. Consult
your Owner’s Guide for jumpstart instructions.
Driving:The gas engine automatically starts
and stops to provide power when it's neededand to save fuel when it's not. While coastingat low speeds, idling, or coming to a stop,the gas engine typically shuts down to
conserve fuel and the vehicle will operate inelectriconly mode. The gas engine will kickin upon acceleration. Conditions that cause
the engine to start up include:
Battery recharge required
Driver acceleration demands additional
power
Overly hot or cold outside temperature,
or if the battery is overly hot or cold, the
engine may engage sooner than usual
Ascending a hill, accelerating quickly,
or when driving conditions require additional power
The gasoline engine will not shut off if
the climate control is set to MAX A/C or
defrost mode
Stopping:The gas engine may shut off as you
come to a stop to conserve fuel. Restarting
the vehicle is not required. Simply step on
the accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation:Due to the
technologically advanced, Electronically
Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission(eCVT) you will not feel shift changes likethose of a traditional vehicle. The EscapeHybrid's transmission is designed to do
its work seamlessly.
Neutral:It is not recommended to idle the
vehicle in Neutral (N) for extended periods
of time because this will discharge your
hybrid battery system.
Low Gear:Slowing down in Low (L) gear may
cause a sensation of engine braking duringdeceleration. Response during accelerationshould be the same as in Drive (D) position.
Reverse:Reverse (R) gear vehicle speed is
limited to 22 mph (35 km/h) until shifted to
a nonreverse gear.In most cases, the vehicle
will operate in electriconly mode while inReverse (R).
Hybrid Operation >The Ford Escape Hybrid is a whole new kind of SUV that combines electric and gasoline pr
without compromise to provide breakthrough performance and efFamiliarizing yourself with these unique characteristics will ensur

a whole new kind of SUV that combines electric and gasoline propulsion
nd efficiency. It requires no special fuels and never has to be plugged in.
ensure optimal performance from your new vehicle.
Unique Hybrid Operating Characteristics
Battery:The Ford Escape Hybrid is equipped
with a battery temperature management
system in the rear of the vehicle. This system
cools the battery in order to ensure battery
life and optimize battery performance. Youmay hear a slight tap sound as the vent dooroperates. In addition, you may hear a fan
noise in the rear of the vehicle. This is the
temperature management fan. These noises
are a customary part of hybrid operation and
do not require service. The hybrid battery may
go through a self–reconditioning process from
timetotime to optimize battery performance.
You may notice slight changes in drivability
during the reconditioning process. This is
an important part of the Escape Hybrid's
battery optimizing features.
Engine:The engine speed in a hybrid is not
directly tied to the vehicle speed. Under
certain conditions the engine speed, as indicated on the tachometer while driving,may appear much higher than that of a conventional automobile. This is caused byengine speed optimization to maximize fuel
economy. In prolonged mountainous driving,you may also see the engine tachometerslowly moving up and down. This is done to
maintain the battery. You may also hear aslight whine or whistle when operating your
vehicle. This is the normal operation of theelectric generator in the hybrid system.
If your 12V battery should become disconnected, you may experience engine
spin for 35 seconds after the key is turnedto the OFF position, for the next key cycle
only. The computer is relearning the start upcharacteristics of your vehicle.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
As with any vehicle, fuel economy can be
significantly impacted by your driving habits
and accessory usage. To maximize fuel
economy, try to extend the length of
time you run in electric mode by lightly accelerating the vehicle. The longer you keep
the engine from starting, the better the fueleconomy you will achieve.
Please be aware of the following
vehicle functions which reduce fuel
economy performance:
Tire Inflation:Keep tires properly inflated and
use only recommended size.
Climate Control:With the climate control system
set to MAX A/C, defrost and defrost/floor mode
(the orange graphics on your climate control),
the gas engine will run continuously, reducing
fuel economy. The A/C mode is more
fuelefficient than the MAX A/C mode.
Driver Habits:Rapid starts (jackrabbit starts),
towing, and heavy loads all impact the
amount of energy required to move the vehicle. In general, better fuel economy isachieved during moderate acceleration and
deceleration, as opposed to aggressive
acceleration and deceleration. This is true
regardless of the mode in which you're operating.
Do not carry extra loadsDo not decrease aerodynamicsUse speed controlObserve posted speed limitsKeep engine tuned