brakes FORD ESCAPE 2012 2.G Owner's Manual

Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. Since your
vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
apply the brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakes
section of this chapter for additional information on the operation of the
anti-lock brake system.
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Driving
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Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
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 (if equipped) 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 transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Maintenance and Specifications
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A
Accessory delay ..........................72
Active Park Assist .....................232
AdvanceTrac ..............................215
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................138, 147, 150
and child safety seats ............140
description ..............138, 147, 150
disposal ....................................153
driver airbag ............140, 148, 151
indicator light .........146, 149, 153
operation .................140, 148, 151
passenger airbag .....140, 148, 151
side airbag ...............................147
Air cleaner filter .......319, 321, 323
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ..........................49
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................46
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................238
Ambient mood/lighting ...............59
Ambulance packages ....................6
AM/FM .........................................28
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................297
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................213
Anti-theft system ......................108
Audio system (see Radio) .........28
Automatic transmission ............224
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................224
fluid, refill capacities ..............324
fluid, specification ..................324Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....37
Auxiliary power point .................70
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........324
refill capacities ........................324
B
Battery .......................................295
acid, treating emergencies .....295
jumping a disabled battery ....265
maintenance-free ....................295
replacement, specifications ...323
servicing ..................................295
Belt-Minder.............................134
Blind spot mirror ......................237
Booster seats .............................168
Brakes ................................212–213
anti-lock ...................................213
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................213
fluid, checking and adding ....316
fluid, refill capacities ..............324
fluid, specifications .................324
lubricant specifications ..........324
parking ....................................214
shift interlock ..........................222
Bulbs ............................................59
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....324
Car2UHome Automation
System .........................................79
Cargo area shade ........................88
Cargo management system ........88
CD ................................................28
Cell phone use ..............................9
Index
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I
Ignition ...............................206, 327
Illuminated visor mirror .............67
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................158
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................315
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................282
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................55
J
Jack ............................................254
positioning ...............................254
storage .....................................254
Jump-starting your vehicle ......265
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .............................98, 100
keypad .....................................106
locking and unlocking doors ..108
programming entry code .......106
Keys .....................................92, 110
positions of the ignition .........206
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................60
daytime running light ...............55
fog lamps ...................................54
headlamps .................................53
headlamps, flash to pass ..........54instrument panel, dimming .....55
interior lamps .....................57–58
replacing bulbs .........................60
LATCH anchors .........................162
Liftgate ................................87, 104
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........213
Loading instructions .................200
Load limits .................................194
Locks
autolock .............................98, 100
childproof ................................102
doors ..........................................98
Lubricant specifications ...........324
Luggage rack ...............................89
Lug nuts ....................................264
Lumbar support, seats .....115–116
M
Manual transmission .................226
fluid capacities ........................324
fluid, checking and adding ....319
lubricant specifications ..........324
reverse .....................................227
Message center ...........................20
english/metric button ...............24
system check button ................24
warning messages .....................24
Mirrors ...................................72–73
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................72
fold away ...................................73
heated ........................................74
side view mirrors (power) .......73
Moon roof ....................................78
Motorcraftparts ..............284, 323
Index
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