brake FORD ESCAPE 2013 3.G Owner's Manual

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNINGS
Always set the parking brake fully
and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition
to the off position and remove the key
whenever you leave your vehicle.
Do not apply the brake pedal and
accelerator pedal simultaneously.
Applying both pedals simultaneously
for more than three seconds will limit
engine rpm, which may result in difficulty
maintaining speed in traffic and could lead
to serious injury.
Understanding the Positions of
Your Automatic Transmission
Putting your vehicle in gear:
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the button on the front
of the gearshift lever.
3. Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear.
4. Release the button and your transmission will remain in the selected
gear.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and
prevents the front wheels from turning.
Come to a complete stop before putting
your vehicle into and out of P (Park)
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the
vehicle will move backward. Always come
to a complete stop before shifting into and
out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the
vehicle can be started and is free to roll.
Hold the brake pedal down while in this
position.
D (Drive)
The normal driving position for the best
fuel economy. Transmission operates in
gears one through six.
S (Sport)
Moving the gearshift lever to S (Sport):
•Provides additional grade (engine)
braking and extends lower gear
operation to enhance performance for
uphill climbs, hilly terrain or
mountainous areas. This will increase
engine RPM during engine braking.
• Provides additional lower gear
operation through the automatic
transmission shift strategy.
• Gears are selected more quickly and
at higher engine speeds.
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Transmission
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SelectShift Automatic®
Transmission (If Equipped)
Your SelectShift automatic transmission
gives you the ability to manually change
gears if you'd like. To use SelectShift, move
the gearshift lever into S (Sport). Now you
can use the +/- buttons on the side of your
gearshift lever to select gears.
When using the toggle for manual shifting:
•Press the (+) button to upshift.
• Press the (-) button to downshift.
Note: After you have assumed manual
control with SelectShift your vehicle will
remain in this mode until you return the
gearshift lever from (S) Sport, back to (D)
Drive.
Upshift to the recommended shift speeds
according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recom- mended for best fuel economy)
Shift from:15 mph (24 km/h)
1 - 2
25 mph (40 km/h)
2 - 3
40 mph (64 km/h)
3 - 4
45 mph (72 km/h)
4 - 5
50 mph (80 km/h)
5 - 6
The instrument cluster will display the
selected gear that you are currently in.
SelectShift will automatically make some
shifts for you in the event that your engine
speed is running at too high, or to low an
RPM.
Note: Engine damage may occur if
excessive engine revving is held without
shifting. Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNINGS
Do not drive your vehicle until you
verify that the brake lamps are
working.
When doing this procedure, you will
be taking the vehicle out of park
which means the vehicle can roll
freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always fully set the parking
brake prior to doing this procedure. Use
wheel chocks if appropriate.
If the parking brake is fully released,
but the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized
dealer.
Use the brake shift interlock lever to move
the gearshift lever from the park position
in the event of an electrical malfunction or
if your vehicle has a dead battery.
Apply the parking brake and turn the
ignition off before performing this
procedure.
1. Insert a screwdriver (or similar tool) between the shifter bezel and the top
finish panel.
2. Use the tool to unsnap the shifter bezel
from the finish panel.
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Transmission
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3. Locate the white lever located on theleft side of the shifter.
4. Using the tool move the white lever towards the rear of the shifter.
5. While holding the white lever in the rear
position, move the shifter from the park
position.
6. Press the shifter bezel back into the top
finish panel until it snaps back into
position.
7. Apply the brake pedal, start the vehicle
and release the parking brake.
Note: See your authorized dealer as soon
as possible if this procedure is used.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud
or Snow
Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
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.
HILL START ASSIST
WARNINGS
The hill start assist feature does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave the vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission
into P (Park).
You must remain in the vehicle once
you have activated the hill start
assist feature.
WARNINGS
During all times, you are responsible
for controlling the vehicle,
supervising the hill start assist
system and intervening, if required.
If the engine is revved excessively, or
if a malfunction is detected when the
hill start assist feature is active, the
hill start assist feature will be deactivated.
This feature makes it easier to pull away
when the vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.
When this feature is active, the vehicle will
remain stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows you time to move your
foot from the brake to the accelerator
pedal. The brakes are released
automatically once the engine has
developed sufficient drive to prevent the
vehicle from rolling down the slope. This
is an advantage when pulling away on a
slope, (for example from a car park ramp,
traffic lights or when reversing uphill into
a parking space).
This feature is activated automatically on
any slope that can result in significant
vehicle rollback. This feature will not
operate if the parking brake is activated.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep
the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is
on a slope, the hill start assist feature
will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will remain on
the slope without rolling away for
approximately two or three seconds.
This hold time will automatically be
extended if you are in the process of
driving off.
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Transmission

4. Drive off in the normal manner. Thebrakes will be released automatically.
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Transmission

Driving in Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel Drive
4WD vehicles are equipped for driving on
sand, snow, mud and rough roads and have
operating characteristics that are
somewhat different from conventional
vehicles, both on and off the highway.
When driving at slow speeds off-highway
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C
may cycle on and off to protect
overheating of the engine.
Basic operating principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• Be extremely careful when driving on
pavement made slippery by loose sand,
water, gravel, snow or ice. If your vehicle goes off the edge of the
pavement
•
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the
pavement, slow down, but avoid severe
brake application, ease the vehicle
back onto the pavement only after
reducing your speed. Do not turn the
steering wheel too sharply while
returning to the road surface.
• It may be safer to stay on the apron or
shoulder of the road and slow down
gradually before returning to the
pavement. You may lose control if you
do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
• It often may be less risky to strike small
objects, such as highway reflectors,
with minor damage to your vehicle
rather than attempt a sudden return to
the pavement which could cause the
vehicle to slide sideways out of control
or rollover. Remember, your safety and
the safety of others should be your
primary concern.
Emergency maneuvers
• In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be
made, remember to avoid
“over-driving” your vehicle (for
example; 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
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

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.
• If the vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e., from concrete
to gravel) there will be a change in the
way the vehicle responds to a
maneuver (steering, acceleration or
braking). Again, avoid these abrupt
inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not drive your 4WD vehicle in deep sand
for an extended period of time. This will
cause the 4WD system to overheat. The
instrument cluster will display the message
4WD temporarily disabled. To resume
normal 4WD operation, turn off the vehicle
and allow the 4WD system to cool down
for a minimum of 15 minutes. After the
system has cooled down, normal 4WD
function will return and the instrument
cluster will briefly display 4WD restored.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability. Avoid excessive speed because vehicle
momentum can work against you and
cause the vehicle to become stuck to the
point that assistance may be required from
another vehicle. Remember, you may be
able to back out the way you came if you
proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may
be limited.
When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom
of the hubs (for trucks) (if possible) and
proceed slowly. If the ignition system gets
wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly
while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction
in slick mud. If the vehicle does slide, steer
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of the vehicle.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
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After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Note:Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission. If the front or rear
axle is submerged in water, the axle
lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant
should be checked and changed if
necessary.
“Tread Lightly ” is an educational program
designed to increase public awareness of
land-use regulations and responsibilities
in our nations wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management in
encouraging you to help preserve our
national forest and other public and private
lands by “treading lightly ”.
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should always
try to drive straight up or straight down.
Note: Note: Avoid driving crosswise or
turning on steep slopes or hills. A danger lies
in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a
hill, determine beforehand the route you will
use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill
without seeing what conditions are on the
other side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill
without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start
in a lower gear rather than downshifting to
a lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling. If you do stall out, do not try to turnaround
because you might roll over. It is better to
back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power will cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating.
Do not descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually shift to a
lower gear. When descending a steep hill,
avoid sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have to be
turning in order to steer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump”
the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
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.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
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Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause
transmission damage.
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 an
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, apply the
brake steadily. Since your vehicle is
equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake
system (ABS), do not “pump” the brakes.
Refer to the Brakes section of this chapter
for additional information on the operation
of the anti-lock brake system.
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 rollover as a result of a loss
of control. Ford Motor Company
recommends that caution be used with
any vehicle equipped with a high load or
device (such as ladder or luggage racks).
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 off-highway usage.
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: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 an authorized dealer. If the
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an
authorized dealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. See Cleaning the Alloy
Wheels (page 240).
See Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 80).
Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal
becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady
and firm pressure to the brake pedal to
slow the vehicle and reduce engine power.
If you experience this condition, apply the
brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe
stop. Turn the engine off, shift to position
P and apply the parking brake, and then
inspect the accelerator pedal for any
interferences. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer. Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when you
brake heavily by measuring the rate at
which you press the brake pedal. It
provides maximum braking efficiency as
long as you press the pedal. Emergency
brake assist can reduce stopping distances
in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarily
illuminates when the ignition is
turned on. If the light does not
illuminate during start up, remains on or
flashes, the anti-lock braking system may
be disabled and may need to be serviced.
If the system is disabled, normal
braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates
with the parking brake released, have your
brake system serviced immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note: When the system is operating, the
brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake
pedal. You may also hear a noise from the
system. This is normal.
The ABS will not eliminate the risks when:
• you drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you
• your vehicle is hydroplaning
• you take corners too fast
• the road surface is poor.
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Brakes
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PARKING BRAKE
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully
and leave your vehicle with the
transmission selector lever in
position P.
Note: Do not press the release button while
pulling the lever up.
To apply the parking brake:
1. Press the foot brake pedal firmly.
2. Pull the parking brake lever up to its fullest extent.
Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing uphill, move the transmission selector
lever to position P and turn the steering
wheel away from the curb.
Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing downhill, move the transmission
selector lever to P and turn the steering
wheel toward the curb.
To release the parking brake:
1. Press the brake pedal firmly.
2. Pull the lever up slightly.
3. Press the release button and push the lever down.
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Brakes