towing FORD ESCAPE 2011 2.G Owner's Manual

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift and
dollies or flatbed equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor
Company has not approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
On FWD vehicles, if your vehicle is to be towed from the front, ensure
proper wheel lift equipment is used to raise the front wheels off the
ground. The rear wheels can be left on the ground when towed in this
fashion.
If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment, it
isrequiredthat the front wheels (drive wheels) be placed on a dolly to
prevent damage to the transmission.
On 4WD vehicles, it isrequiredthat your vehicle be towed with a wheel
lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground to
prevent damage to the automatic transmission, 4WD system or vehicle.
Roadside Emergencies
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Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Emergency towing
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle) your
vehicle (regardless of transmission powertrain configuration) can be flat
towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
•Vehicle is facing forward so that it is being towed in a forward
direction.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral). Refer toBrake-shift interlock
in theDrivingchapter for specific instructions if you cannot move the
gear shift lever into N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is not to exceed 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
Roadside Emergencies
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•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
Maintenance and Specifications
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The transmission fluid should be in
the zone, identified by the arrow in
this figure, if at normal operating
temperature 185°F-200°F
(85°C-93°C).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the zone,
identified by the arrows in this
figure, may result in transmission
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.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick blade. Refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Checking transmission fluid level for recreational flat tow
operation
Before recreational flat towing your vehicle, the transmission fluid level
may need to be set to a lower level. These guidelines are designed to
DO NOT ADD
ADD (CHECK HOT)
DO NOT ADD
ADD (CHECK HOT)
DO NOT ADD
ADD (CHECK HOT)
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prevent damage to your transmission. Before you recreational flat tow,
your fluid level must be verified by an authorized dealer.
This fluid level is within the normal
operating fluid range and does not
require that you have your fluid
level readjusted after recreational
flat tow operation.
See theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information on
recreational flat towing.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully –
put in first gear.
3. Ensure the vehicle cannot move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug, located on
the lower, forward driver side of the
transmission, and inspect the fluid
level.
6. Fluid level should be at bottom of the opening.
7. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid level is at
the bottom of the opening.
8. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection in this chapter.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the air filter element
listed. Refer toMotorcraftpart numbersin this chapter.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
DO NOT ADD
ADD (CHECK HOT)
Maintenance and Specifications
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FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (U.S. ONLY)
More than 30 million Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury owners have discovered
the powerful protection of Ford ESP. It is the only extended service plan
backed by Ford Motor Company, and provides “peace of mind”
protection beyond the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage.
Up to 500+ Covered Vehicle Components
There are four, new-vehicle Extended Service Plans with different levels
of coverage. Ask your dealer for details.
PremiumCare –Our most comprehensive coverage. With over 500
covered components, this plan is so complete that we generally only
discuss what’s not covered!
ExtraCare –Covers 113 components, and includes many high-tech
items.
BaseCare –Covers 84 components.
PowertrainCare –Covers 29 critical components.
Ford ESP is honored by all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Dealers in
the U.S. and CanadaIt’s the only extended service plan authorized and
backed by Ford Motor Company. That means you get:
•Reliable, quality service anywhere you go.
•Factory-trained technicians.
•Genuine Ford and MotorcraftParts.
Rental car reimbursement
If your vehicle is kept overnight for covered repairs,you are
eligible for rental car coverage, including Bumper-to-Bumper warranty
repairs, or manufacturer’s recalls.
Transferable coverage
If you sell your vehicle before your Ford ESP coverage expires, you can
transfer any remaining coverage to the new owner. Whenever you’re
ready to sell your car, prospective buyers may feel better about taking a
risk on your used vehicle. Ford ESP may add resale value!
Plus,exclusive 24/7 roadside assistance,including:
•Towing, flat-tire change and battery jump starts.
•Out-of-fuel and lock-out assistance.
•Travel expense reimbursement for lodging, meals and rental car.
•Destination assistance for taxi, shuttle, rental car coverage and
emergency transportation.
Ford Extended Service Plan
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FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (CANADA ONLY)
You can get more protection for your vehicle by purchasing a Ford
Extended Service Plan (ESP). Ford ESP is the only service contract
backed by Ford Motor Company. Depending on the plan you purchase,
Ford ESP provides benefits such as:
•Rental reimbursement
•Coverage for certain maintenance and wear items
•Protection against repair costs after your New Vehicle Limited
Warranty Coverage expires
•Roadside Assistance benefits
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford Motor Company
dealership. There are several Ford ESP plans available in various time,
distance and deductible combinations. Each plan is tailored to fit your
own driving needs, including reimbursement for towing and rental.
When you purchase Ford ESP, you receive peace-of-mind protection
throughout Canada and the United States, provided by a network of Ford
Motor Company dealers.
For more information, visit your local Ford of Canada dealer or
www.ford.ca to find the Ford Extended Service Plan that is right for you.
NOTE:Repairs performed outside of Canada and the United States are
not eligible for Ford ESP coverage. This information is subject to change.
Ford Extended Service Plan
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SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicleprimarilyin one of the
more demandingSpecial Operating Conditionslisted below, you will
need to have some items maintained more frequently. If you only
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership service
advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required– Change engine oil and replace oil filter as indicated by
message center and perform services as listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart.
Inspect frequently, service as
required.– Inspect and lubricate U-joints.
– See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80 and
TorqShifttransmissions).
– Replace front wheel bearing grease/grease seals if
non-sealed bearings are used (2WD vehicles).
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Change manual transmission fluid.
– Change transfer case fluid (4WD vehicles).
Perform the services noted in the preceding table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (5,000 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................330
Satellite Radio Information ........43
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............345
What Maintenance Schedule
Should You Follow? ................341
Seats ..........................................110
child safety seats ....................156
cleaning ...................................285
heated ......................................115
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................104
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................106
Servicing your vehicle ..............287
Setting the clock .........................29
Snowplowing .................................6
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............151
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................325, 329
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................326
Speed control ..............................75
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......209
Starting your
vehicle ........................206–207, 209
jump starting ..........................265
Steering wheel
controls ......................................77
tilting .........................................67Stereo
CD-MP3 .....................................29
SYNC..........................................46
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................67
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....187
Tires ...........................171–172, 253
alignment ................................180
care ..........................................175
changing ..................253, 256, 258
checking the pressure ............175
inflating ...................................173
label .........................................186
replacing ..................................177
rotating ....................................180
safety practices .......................179
sidewall information ...............181
snow tires and chains ............191
spare tire .........................254, 256
terminology .............................172
tire grades ...............................172
treadwear ........................171, 176
Towing .......................................200
recreational towing .................204
trailer towing ..........................200
wrecker ....................................269
Transmission
automatic operation ...............222
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....221
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................318
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .........................318, 321
fluid, refill capacities ..............326
lubricant specifications ..........326
manual operation ....................225
Trunk ...........................................88
Index
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Turn signal ..................................58
U
Universal garage door opener
....80
USB port
......................................39
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN)
..........................................330
Vehicle loading
..........................192
Ventilating your vehicle
...........210W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................291
Water, Driving through .............243
Windows
power .........................................72
rear wiper/washer .....................67
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................66
checking and adding fluid .....291
liftgate reservoir .....................291
replacing wiper blades ...........292
Wrecker towing .........................269
Index
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