wheel FORD ESCAPE 2013 3.G Owner's Guide

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or the
GAWR specified on the certification
label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight
exceeds the limit of the vehicle and
could result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural damage,
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and
personal injury.
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated
by weight, not by volume, so you cannot
necessarily use all available space when
loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load
on your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,
brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during, and after,
any towing operation.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF
EQUIPPED)
Note: This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it once it begins. Note:
This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note: In some cases, if vehicle speed is too
high, the system may activate multiple
times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies the vehicle brakes at
individual wheels and, if necessary, reduces
engine power. If the trailer begins to sway,
the stability control light flashes. The first
thing to do is slow the vehicle down, then
pull safely to the side of the road and
check for proper tongue load and trailer
load distribution. See Load Carrying
(page 177).
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note: For high altitude operation, reduce
the gross combined weight by 2% per 1000
feet (300 meters) elevation.
Note: Certain states require electric trailer
brakes for trailers over a specified weight.
Be sure to check state regulations for this
specified weight. The maximum trailer
weights listed may be limited to this
specified weight, as the vehicle's electrical
system does not include the wiring
connector needed to activate electric trailer
brakes.
Maximum Trailer
Frontal Area - ft 2
(m 2
)
Maximum Trailer
Weight - lb (kg)
Maximum GCWR - lb
(kg)
Powertrain
20 (1.86)
2000 (907)
5866 (2661)
2WD 1.6L
20 (1.86)
2000 (907)
6035 (2737)
4WD 1.6L
20 (1.86)
2000 (907)
5977 (2711)
2WD 2.0L 1
30 (2.78)
3500 (1588)
7477 (3391)
2WD 2.0L 2
20 (1.86)
2000 (907)
6126 (2779)
4WD 2.0L 1
188
Towing

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe
towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle
has been driven at least 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• Refer to the instructions included with
towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance information.
Load specification terms are found on the
tire label and Safety Compliance
Certification Label. Instructions on
calculating your vehicle's load can be
found earlier in this manual. See Load
Limit (page 179). Remember to account
for the trailer tongue weight as part of the
vehicle load when calculating the total
vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the
total trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the
vehicle's hook retainers. To connect the
safety chains, cross them under the trailer
tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the rental
agency's instructions. Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle
may not have enough braking power and
your chances of having a collision greatly
increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the
manufacturer's specifications. The trailer
brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is
rated for operation at the GVWR not
GCWR.
Trailer Lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Ensure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working. Contact your authorized dealer
or trailer rental agency for proper
instructions and equipment for hooking up
the lamps.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing-up
to get the feel of the vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.
190
Towing

When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113
km/h) during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers) and do not make
full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 miles (80
km).
• Place the gearshift lever in position P
to aid in engine and transmission
cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic.
• Turn off the speed control. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with
the grade assist feature, use this
feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached; anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade, place wheel
chocks under the trailer's wheels.
TOWING POINTS (IF EQUIPPED)
Towing Eye Location
The screw-in towing eye is located in the
spare wheel well.
The towing eye must always be carried in
the vehicle. Installing the Towing Eye
The screw-in towing eye has a left-hand
thread. Turn it counterclockwise to install
it. Make sure that the towing eye is fully
tightened.
Insert a suitable object to pry open the
cover (1). Use recessed/notched portion
of the cover. Screw in the towing eye (2).
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels
Switch the ignition to the on position.
Failure to do so results in steering lock and
non-function of indicator and brake lamps.
Braking and steering efforts are high if the
engine is not running. Maintain increased
stopping distances.
191
Towing
E146284

TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
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.
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.Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles can be
towed from the front if 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.
FWD vehicles can also be towed from the
rear using wheel lift equipment; however,
it is required that the front wheels be
placed on a dolly to prevent damage to
the transmission.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles must be
towed with a wheel lift and dollies or
flatbed equipment, with all the wheels off
the ground, to prevent damage to the
transmission, 4WD system or vehicle. If the
vehicle is towed by other means or
incorrectly, vehicle damage may occur.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
In the event your vehicle becomes disabled
(without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheels
on the ground, regardless of the
powertrain/transmission configuration)
under the following conditions:
•
The vehicle is facing forward so that it
is towed in a forward direction.
• The transmission gear shift lever is
placed in position N. If The
transmission is gear shift lever cannot
be moved to position N, it may need to
be overridden. See Transmission
(page 147).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80
kilometers).
192
Towing
E143886

Recreational Towing
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational (RV) towing. An example
of recreational towing would be towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. These
guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles can be
towed with the front wheels off the ground
by using a tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly follow the instructions specified by
the equipment provider.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles cannot
be towed with any wheels on the ground,
as vehicle or transmission damage may
occur. It is recommended to tow your
vehicle with all four (4) wheels off the
ground such as when using a car-hauling
trailer. Otherwise, no recreational towing
is permitted.193
Towing

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 miles (480
kilometers). During this time, your vehicle
may exhibit some unusual driving
characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000
miles (1600 kilometers). Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things
such as how you drive, the conditions you
drive under and how you maintain your
vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that
may improve your fuel economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds without
stopping.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling
at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% less
fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105
km/h]).
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance. There are also some things you may not
want to do because they may reduce your
fuel economy:
•
Sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations.
• Rev the engine before turning it off.
• Idle for periods longer than one minute.
• Warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Use the air conditioner or front
defroster.
• Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.
• Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a
trailer.
• Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight
carried).
• Add particular accessories to your
vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski
racks).
• Drive with the wheels out of alignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Note: Driving through deep water above
the recommended levels can cause vehicle
damage.
Note: 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.
194
Driving Hints

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.
FLOOR MATS
WARNINGS
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.
195
Driving Hints
E142667
E142666

Protected Components
Fuse Amp Rating
Fuse/Relay Number
Fuel pump supply, Air mass meter
20A
56
Not used
-
57
Not used
-
58
Passive anti-theft transceiver
5A
59
Interior light, Driver door switch pack, Glove
box illumination, Overhead console switch
bank
10A
60
Cigar lighter, Power point
20A
61
Rain sensor module, Auto-dimming mirror
5A
62
Not used
-
63
Not used
-
64
Liftgate release
10A
65
Driver door unlock supply, Double lock
20A
66
SYNC®, Multifunction display, Global
positioning system module
7.5A
67
Not used
-
68
Instrument cluster
5A
69
Central lock and unlock supply
20A
70
Heating control head (manual A/C), Duel
electronic automatic temperature control
10A
71
Steering wheel module
7.5A
72
Data link connector
5A
73
High beam headlamp supply
15A
74
Fog lamp supply
15A
75
Reversing lamp supply
10A
76
Windshield washer supply
20A
77
Ignition switch, Start button
5A
78
213
Fuses

Protected Components
Fuse Amp Rating
Fuse/Relay Number
Radio, Navigation DVD player, Touch
screen, Hazard light switch, Door lock
switch
15A
79
Moonroof supply
20A
80
Radio frequency receiver
5A
81
Windshield washer relay
20A
82
Central locking
20A
83
Drive door unlock supply, Double lock
20A
84
Electronic 15 feed
7.5A
85
Air bag module, Occupant classification
system, Passenger air bag deactivation
indicator
10A
86
Not used
-
87
Not used
-
88
Not used
-
89
Luggage Compartment Fuse Panel
The fuse panel is located in the luggage
compartment behind the passenger's side
wheel well. Remove the fuse panel cover
to gain access to the fuses.
The fuses are coded as follows:
214
Fuses
E129927

GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to help
maintain its roadworthiness and resale
value. There is a large network of Ford
authorized dealers that are there to help
you with their professional servicing
expertise. We believe that their specially
trained technicians are best qualified to
service your vehicle properly and expertly.
They are supported by a wide range of
highly specialized tools developed
specifically for servicing your vehicle.
To help you service your vehicle, we
provide scheduled maintenance
information which makes tracking routine
service easy. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 396).
If your vehicle requires professional service,
your authorized dealer can provide the
necessary parts and service. Check your
Warranty Guide to find out which parts and
services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,
fluids and service parts conforming to
specifications. Motorcraft® parts are
designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
Precautions
•Do not work on a hot engine.
• Make sure that nothing gets caught in
moving parts.
• Do not work on a vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed space,
unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
• Keep all open flames and other burning
material (such as cigarettes) away
from the battery and all fuel related
parts. Working with the Engine Off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key
(if equipped).
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the Engine On
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.
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels
OPENING AND CLOSING THE
HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
handle located under the instrument
panel.
217
Maintenance
E142457