warning light FORD ESCAPE 2004 1.G User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 2004, Model line: ESCAPE, Model: FORD ESCAPE 2004 1.GPages: 240, PDF Size: 2.5 MB
Page 115 of 240

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. LOCK, locks the gearshift lever
and allows key removal.
2. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
3. RUN, all electrical circuits
operational and warning lights will
illuminate. This is the position the
key is in when you’re driving.
4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
Driving
115
Page 119 of 240

Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
BRAKES
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 should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with
emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations
can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by
weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can
be removed with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A).
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor
and brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; any
pulsation or mechanical noise you may feel or hear is normal.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSlamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when
the ignition is turned to ON. If the light does not illuminate during start
up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need to be
serviced
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
119
Page 120 of 240

Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)
Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), pull
the parking brake handle up as far
as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
!
BRAKE
12
!
BRAKE
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
120
Page 133 of 240

If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may 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.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
133
Page 209 of 240

Illumination of theindicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
209
Page 210 of 240

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your
indicator is on, refer to the
description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
210
Page 231 of 240

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ............................96–97, 100
and child safety seats ..............98
description ........................97, 100
disposal ....................................103
driver air bag ....................99, 101
indicator light .................100, 102
operation ...........................99, 101
passenger air bag .............99, 101
side air bag ..............................100
Air cleaner filter ...............214, 220
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................130
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................196
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................119
Anti-theft system ........................73
arming the system ....................73
disarming a triggered system ..74
Audio system
Single CD ..................................15
Audio system
(see Radio) ................15, 18, 22, 26
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................211
fluid, checking ........................211
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................124
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specification ..................225
Auxiliary power point .................49Axle
lubricant specifications ..223, 225
refill capacities ........................220
B
Battery .......................................194
acid, treating emergencies .....194
jumping a disabled battery ....164
maintenance-free ....................194
replacement, specifications ...220
servicing ..................................194
BeltMinder ...................................92
Brakes ........................................119
anti-lock ...................................119
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................119
fluid, checking and adding ....211
fluid, refill capacities ..............220
fluid, specifications .........223, 225
lubricant specifications ..223, 225
parking ....................................120
shift interlock ..........................121
Bulbs ............................................39
C
Calculating load ........................143
Capacities for refilling fluids ....220
Cargo area shade ........................55
Cassette tape player .............15, 22
CD-single premium ...............18, 26
Cell phone use ............................54
Certification Label ....................227
Changing a tire .........................158
Child safety restraints ..............104
child safety belts ....................104
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
231
Page 234 of 240

I
Ignition ...............................115, 225
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .............106–107
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................210
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................183
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................35
J
Jack ............................................158
positioning ...............................158
storage .....................................158
Jump-starting your vehicle ......164
K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........115
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................34
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................39
cargo lamps ...............................35
daytime running light ...............34
fog lamps ...................................34
headlamps .................................34
headlamps, flash to pass ..........35
instrument panel, dimming .....35
interior lamps .....................37–39
replacing bulbs ...................39–43Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................37
Liftgate ........................................55
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........119
Load limits .................................141
GAWR ......................................141
GVWR ......................................141
trailer towing ..........................141
Loading instructions .................143
Locks
childproof ..................................66
Lubricant specifications ...223, 225
M
Manual transaxle .......................127
fluid, checking and adding ....213
reverse .....................................128
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................220
lubricant specifications ..........225
Mirrors .........................................48
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................48
fold away ...................................51
heated ........................................51
side view mirrors (power) .......50
Moon roof ....................................54
Motorcraft parts ................205, 220
O
Octane rating ............................204
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................190
Overdrive ...................................123
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
234
Page 235 of 240

P
Parking .......................................129
Parking brake ............................120
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....220
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................155
Power point .................................49
Power steering ..........................120
fluid, checking and adding ....210
fluid, refill capacity ................220
fluid, specifications .........223, 225
Power Windows ...........................49
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................121
R
Radio ..........................15, 18, 22, 26
Single CD ..................................15
Rear window defroster ...............33
Relays ........................................151
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................70
locking/unlocking doors ...........65
Reverse sensing system ...........139
Roadside assistance ..................149
Roof rack .....................................56
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............96
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .........85–89Safety defects, reporting ..........179
Safety restraints ....................85–90
belt minder ...............................92
extension assembly ..................91
for adults .............................86–89
for children .....................103–104
lap belt ......................................90
safety belt maintenance ...........96
warning light and chime ....91–92
Safety seats for children ..106–107
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............85
Seats ............................................75
child safety seats ............106–107
heated ........................................77
Servicing your vehicle ..............186
Snowplowing .................................7
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........158
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................220, 225
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................223, 225
Speed control ..............................51
Starting your vehicle .......115–116,
118
jump starting ..........................164
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................46
Stereo
Single CD ..................................15
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
235
Page 236 of 240

T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................31
Tilt steering wheel ......................46
Tires ...........................158, 215–217
changing ..................158–159, 163
checking the pressure ............217
replacing ..................................218
rotating ....................................218
snow tires and chains ............219
spare tire .................................158
tire grades ...............................217
treadwear ................................216
Towing .......................................143
recreational towing .................148
trailer towing ..........................143
wrecker ....................................169
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................213
manual operation ....................127
Transmission .............................121
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....121
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................211fluid, refill capacities ..............220
lubricant specifications ..223, 225
Turn signal ..................................37
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................225
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................228
Vehicle loading ..........................141
Ventilating your vehicle ...........119
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................190
Water, Driving through .............141
Windows
power .........................................49
rear wiper/washer .....................45
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....190
liftgate reservoir .....................190
operation ...................................44
replacing wiper blades .............45
Wrecker towing .........................169
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
236