check engine FORD ESCAPE 2008 2.G Owner's Manual

3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened. SeeFuel filler
capin this chapter.
4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel, properly tightening the fuel cap or letting the
electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the
indicator should stay off
the next time the engine is started. A driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving. No additional
vehicle service is required.
If the
indicator remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity. Although some malfunctions detected by the
OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent, continued driving
with the
indicator on can result in increased emissions, lower fuel
economy, reduced engine and transmission smoothness, and lead to more
costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
Some state/provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M
test if the
indicator is on or not working properly (bulb is burned
out), or if the OBD-II system has determined that some of the emission
control systems have not been properly checked. In this case, the vehicle
is considered not ready for I/M testing.
If the
indicator is on or the bulb does not work, the vehicle may
need to be serviced. Refer to the On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
description in this chapter.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the ON position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If the
indicator blinks
eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; if
the
indicator stays on solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for
I/M testing.
The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
277

vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second 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. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID
Brake and clutch systems are supplied from the same reservoir.
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
278

2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the crosshatch
zone may result in transaxle failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
279

Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford Specification
Fuel tank16.5 gallons
(62.5L)——
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.3The Power Transfer Unit is lubricated for life with synthetic lube. Lubricant levels are not to be
checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required. Replace Power Transfer Unit
lubricant with specified synthetic lubricant anytime the unit is submerged in water.4Fill to 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.54X4 vehicles exposed for prolonged periods to temperatures less than -40° F (-40° C) should
change out the rear axle fluid to Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant, Ford part
number XY-75W140-QL meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.6Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set
by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.7Automatic transmissions that require MERCON
V should only use MERCON
V fluid or fluid that
is specified dual usage MERCON
/MERCON
V. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto
determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may
cause transmission damage.8Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with
the vehicle on a level surface.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
285

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
System
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS
You can find a
transmission/transaxle code on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label. The following table tells you
which transmission or transaxle
each code represents.
Description Code
Five-speed manual 3
Four-speed automatic 4
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
288

A
Accessory delay ..........................57
AdvanceTrac ..............................184
Air cleaner filter ...............280, 282
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ..........................37
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................34
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................116–117, 125, 128
and child safety seats ............118
description ..............117, 125, 128
disposal ....................................131
driver airbag ............119, 126, 129
indicator light .........125, 127, 130
operation .................119, 126, 129
passenger airbag .....119, 126, 129
side airbag ...............................125
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................199
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................261
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................182
Anti-theft system ........................91
Audio system (see Radio) .........20
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................278
fluid, checking ........................278
Automatic transmission ............190
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................192
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specification ..................283
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................27Auxiliary power point .................55
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........283
refill capacities ........................283
B
Battery .......................................259
acid, treating emergencies .....259
jumping a disabled battery ....227
maintenance-free ....................259
replacement, specifications ...282
servicing ..................................259
Belt-Minder
.............................112
Booster seats .............................132
Brakes ........................................182
anti-lock ...................................182
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................183
fluid, checking and adding ....278
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specifications .................283
lubricant specifications ..........283
parking ....................................183
shift interlock ..........................190
Bulbs ............................................47
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....283
Cargo area shade ........................73
Cargo management system ........74
Cell phone use ..............................9
Child safety restraints ..............131
child safety belts ....................131
Child safety seats ......................135
attaching with tether straps ..139
in front seat ............................136
in rear seat ..............................136
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
291

Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................132
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............243
instrument panel ....................246
interior .....................................246
plastic parts ............................245
washing ....................................242
waxing .....................................243
wheels ......................................243
wiper blades ............................245
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......34, 37
Clutch
fluid ..........................................278
operation while driving ..........195
recommended shift speeds ....196
Compass, electronic ....................58
calibration .................................60
set zone adjustment .................59
Console ........................................54
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat .................................96
steering column ........................64
Coolant
checking and adding ..............261
refill capacities ................265, 283
specifications ..........................283
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Customer Assistance ................206
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................238
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................239
Getting roadside assistance ...206
Getting the service you
need .........................................234Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................240
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................238
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................43
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................278
engine oil .................................255
Driving under special
conditions ..................194, 200, 203
sand .........................................201
snow and ice ...........................204
through water .................202, 205
E
Electronic message center .........66
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................227
Emergency Flashers .................208
Emission control system ..........275
Engine ........................................286
cleaning ...................................243
coolant .....................................261
fail-safe cooling .......................266
idle speed control ...................259
lubrication specifications .......283
refill capacities ........................283
service points ..................251–252
starting after a collision .........208
Engine block heater .................181
Engine oil ..................................255
checking and adding ..............255
dipstick ....................................255
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
292

K
Keyless entry system .................89
autolock ...............................80, 82
keypad .......................................90
locking and unlocking doors ....91
programming entry code .........90
Keys .......................................78, 92
positions of the ignition .........178
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................47
daytime running light ...............43
fog lamps ...................................42
headlamps .................................41
headlamps, flash to pass ..........43
instrument panel, dimming .....44
interior lamps .....................45–47
replacing bulbs .........................48
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................45
Liftgate ..................................73, 86
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........183
Load limits .................................166
Loading instructions .................172
Locks
autolock ...............................80, 82
childproof ..................................84
doors ..........................................80
Lubricant specifications ...........283
Lug nuts ....................................226
Luggage rack ...............................75M
Manual transaxle
fluid, checking and adding ....280
Manual transmission .................195
fluid capacities ........................283
lubricant specifications ..........283
reverse .....................................196
Message center ...........................66
english/metric button ...............69
system check button ................68
warning messages .....................71
Mirrors ...................................57, 60
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................58
fold away ...................................61
heated ........................................61
side view mirrors (power) .......60
Moon roof ....................................65
Motorcraft parts ........247, 267, 282
N
Navigation system .......................33
O
Octane rating ............................271
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................255
Overdrive ...................................191
P
Parking brake ............................183
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....282
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................105
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................213
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
294