warning FORD ESCAPE 2012 2.G Owner's Guide

POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT
WARNING:Always use
floor mats that are designed
to fit the foot well of your vehicle.
Only use floor mats that leave the
pedal area unobstructed. Only use
floor mats that are firmly secured
to retention posts so that they
cannot slip out of position and
interfere with the pedals or impair
safe operation of your vehicle in
other ways.
•Pedals that cannot move freely can cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal injury.
•Always make sure that the floor mats are properly attached to the
retention posts in the carpet that are supplied with your vehicle.
Floor mats must be properly secured to both retention posts to
ensure mats do not shift out of position.
•Never place floor mats or any other covering in the vehicle foot well
that cannot be properly secured to prevent them from moving and
interfering with the pedals or the ability to control the vehicle.
•Never place floor mats or any other covering on top of already
installed floor mats. Floor mats should always rest on top of vehicle
carpeting surface and not another floor mat or other covering.
Additional floor mats or any other covering will reduce the pedal
clearance and potentially interfere with pedal operation.
•Check attachment of floor mats on a regular basis. Always properly
reinstall and secure floor mats that have been removed for cleaning
or replacement.
•Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the driver foot well
while the vehicle is moving. Objects that are loose can become
trapped under the pedals causing a loss of vehicle control.
•Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or attachment
instructions can potentially cause interference with pedal operation
causing loss of control of vehicle.
•To install floor mats, position the floor mat so that the eyelet is over
the retention post and press down to lock in.
•To remove the floor mat, reverse the installation procedure.
Driver Controls
86
2012 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

LIFTGATE
•To open the liftgate window,
unlock the liftgate (with the
power door locks or the remote
entry) and press the right side
control button located under the
license plate lamp shield.
•To open the liftgate, unlock the
liftgate (with the power door
locks or the remote entry) and
press the middle control button
within the pull handle, located
below the license plate.
To lock the liftgate and the liftgate window, use the power door locks.
Do not open the liftgate or liftgate window in a garage or other enclosed
area with a low ceiling. If the liftgate window is raised and the liftgate is
also opened, both liftgate and window could be damaged against a low
ceiling.
Do not leave the liftgate or liftgate window open while driving. Doing so
could cause serious damage to the liftgate and its components as well as
allowing carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.
WARNING:Make sure that the liftgate door and/or window are
closed to prevent exhaust fumes from being drawn into the
vehicle. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide which can injure your
lungs and cause drowsiness and even death. This will also prevent
passengers and cargo from falling out. If you must drive with the
liftgate door or window open, keep the vents open so outside air comes
into the vehicle.
Driver Controls
87
2012 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

CARGO AREA FEATURES
Cargo shade (if equipped)
If your vehicle has a cargo shade, you can use it to cover items in the
cargo area of your vehicle.
To install the shade:
•Insert the ends of the cargo
shade into the mounting features
located behind the rear seat on
the rear trim panels.
To operate the shade:
1. Grasp the rear edge of the cargo
shade and pull rearward.
2. Secure both ends of the support
rod into the retention slots located
on the rear quarter trim panels.
WARNING:Ensure that the posts are properly latched in
mounting features. The cover may cause injury in a sudden stop
or accident if it is not securely installed.
WARNING:Do not place any objects on the cargo area shade.
They may obstruct your vision or strike occupants of vehicle in
the case of a sudden stop or collision.
Cargo management system (if equipped)
The cargo management system consists of two storage compartments
located in the floor of the rear cargo area.
Driver Controls
88
2012 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

The larger, rearward, compartment is
for customer storage. To open, lift
the lid with the pull latch. The lid
can be removed to allow for flexible
storage. To close, lower the lid and
press down at the latch area until
you hear the latch engage. A pad lock
or combination lock can be applied to
use the lockable storage feature on
the large customer storage bin.
The smaller compartment contains
the jack kit. There is also extra storage space for customer use. The lid
on the small compartment is accessible and secured by two snap
features.
WARNING:This storage compartment is not designed to
restrain objects during a collision with the lid removed.
Passenger side cargo compartment
Your vehicle is equipped with a passenger side cargo compartment
located in the right rear trim panel which is used to store small items
and may have the Easy Fuel™ white plastic funnel attached on the
inside of the access door. Make sure the access door is secured so it
does not rattle when you drive.
ROOF RACK SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Loads should never be placed directly on the roof panel. For proper
function of the roof rack system, loads must be placed directly on
crossbars affixed to the roof rack side rails. Your vehicle may be
equipped with factory-installed crossbars. Ford Genuine Accessory
crossbars, designed specifically for your vehicle, are also recommended
for use with your roof rack system.
The vehicle’s roof panel isNOTdesigned to directly carry a load.The
maximum recommended load is 100 lb (45 kg), evenly distributed
on the crossbars.Ensure that the load is securely fastened. When the
rail system is loaded, check the tightness of the load, including the
thumbwheels before driving and at each fuel stop.
Driver Controls
89
2012 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:When loading the roof rail crossbars, it is
recommended to evenly distribute the load, as well as maintain a
low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles, with higher centers of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such
as slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken
when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
To adjust the cross-bar (if equipped) position:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide the cross-bar to the desired
location.
3. Tighten the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar.
To remove the cross-bar assembly (if equipped) from the roof rack
side rails:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide the cross-bar to the end of
the rail.
Driver Controls
90
2012 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

MYKEY
The MyKeyfeature allows you to program a restricted driving mode to
promote good driving habits. All but one of the keys programmed to the
vehicle can be activated as a MyKey. The key will remain restricted
until MyKeyis cleared. Any remaining keys are referred to as an
“administrator key” or admin key. The admin key can be used to create a
MyKey, program optional MyKeysettings, and clear the MyKey
feature. When the MyKeyfeature is enabled the user can use System
Check in the message center to see how many MyKeysand admin keys
are programmed to the vehicle, and how many total miles have been
driven with the MyKeyactive.
MyKeyrestricted features
Standard settings – these settings cannot be changed
•The audio system will be muted whenever Belt-Minderis activated
until the safety belts are buckled. Refer to theSeating and Safety
Restraintschapter for a detailed description of Belt-Minder
operation.
•Low fuel warnings are displayed in the message center followed by a
chime when the distance to empty value reaches 75 miles (120 km).
•The reverse sensing system cannot be turned off.
Optional settings – these settings can be changed
•Vehicle speed is limited to 80 mph (130 km/h). Visual warnings are
displayed followed by a chime when the vehicle speed has reached
80 mph (130 km/h).
•Visual warnings are displayed followed by a chime when a preselected
vehicle speed of 45, 55 or 65 mph (75, 90, or 105 km/h) is exceeded.
•The maximum volume of the audio system is limited to 45%. MYKEY
VOLUME LIMITED will be displayed in the radio or (if equipped)
navigation screen when attempting to exceed the limited volume.
•The AdvanceTracsystem cannot be turned off. When this optional
setting is on, the MyKeyuser will not be able to deactivate the
system.Note:It may be beneficial to deactivate the AdvanceTrac
system if the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, or sand.
Locks and Security
93
2012 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Clear MyKey
To reset all MyKeysas admin keys do the following:
1. Turn the vehicle on using the admin key.
2. Press SETUP until PRESS RESET TO CLEAR MYKEY is displayed.
3. Press and release the RESET button. HOLD RESET TO CONFIRM
CLEAR is displayed.
4. Press and hold the RESET button for two seconds until ALL MYKEYS
CLEARED is displayed.
Check MyKeySystem Status
The vehicle’s message center system check will provide the status of the
following MyKeyparameters:
•MYKEY MILES — This odometer only tracks mileage when a MyKey
is used. If mileage does not accumulate as expected, then the MyKey
is not being used by the intended user. The only way to reset this
odometer to zero is by clearing MyKey. If this odometer is lower than
the last time you checked, then the MyKeysystem has been recently
cleared.
•# MYKEY(S) PROGRAMMED — Indicates how many MyKeysare
programmed to the vehicle. Can be used to detect deletion of a
MyKey.
•# ADMIN KEYS PROGRAMMED — Indicates how many Admin keys
are programmed to the vehicle. Can be used to detect if an additional
spare key has been programmed to the vehicle
Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter for MyKey
system warnings displays.
Using MyKeywith Remote Start Systems
MyKeyis not compatible with non-Ford approved aftermarket remote
start systems. If you choose to install a remote start system please see
your authorized dealer for a Ford approved remote start system.
When using a Ford-approved remote start system, the default settings will
recognize the remote start system as an additional admin Key with its
associated privileges. You should program the remote start system as a
MyKeyin addition to the key that you have already programmed as a
MyKey. To program the remote start system as MyKey, do the following:
1. Enter the vehicle and close all doors.
2. Remote start the vehicle using a remote start fob.
Locks and Security
95
2012 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

FRONT SEATS
WARNING:Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to
slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal
injuries in the event of a collision.
WARNING:Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to
reduce the risk of injury in a collision or sudden stop.
WARNING:Before returning the seatback to its original
position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped
behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original
position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An
unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or
collision.
Adjustable head restraints
Your vehicle is equipped with front row outboard head restraints that are
vertically adjustable.
WARNING:To minimize the risk of neck injury in the event of a
crash, the driver and passenger occupants should not sit in
and/or operate the vehicle, until the head restraint is placed in its
proper position. The driver should never adjust the head restraint
while the vehicle is in motion.
The adjustable head restraints
consist of:
•a trimmed energy absorbing foam
and structure (1),
•two steel stems (2),
•a guide sleeve adjust/release
button (3),
•and a guide sleeve unlock/remove
button (4).
Seating and Safety Restraints
112
2012 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

To adjust the head restraint, do the following:
1. Adjust the seatback to an upright driving/riding position.
2. Raise the head restraint by
pulling up on the head restraint.
3. Lower the head restraint by
pressing and holding the guide
sleeve adjust/release button and
pushing down on the head restraint.
Properly adjust the head restraint so that the top of the head restraint is
even with the top of your head and positioned as close as possible to the
back of your head. For occupants of extremely tall stature, adjust the
head restraint to its full up position.
WARNING:The adjustable head restraint is a safety device.
Whenever possible it should be installed and properly adjusted
when the seat is occupied.
Seating and Safety Restraints
113
2012 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:To minimize the risk of neck injury in the event of a
crash, head restraints must be installed properly.
Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)
Lift handle to move seat forward or
backward.
Pull lever up to adjust seatback.
Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)
The lumbar support control is
located on the inboard side of the
driver’s seatback.
Turn the lumbar support control
clockwise to increase firmness.
Turn the lumbar support control
counterclockwise to increase
softness.
Seating and Safety Restraints
115
2012 Escape(204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)