tow FORD ESCAPE 2014 3.G Owner's Manual

FUEL QUALITY
Note:Use of any fuel other than those
recommended may cause vehicle damage,
a loss of vehicle performance and repairs
may not be covered under warranty.
Choosing the Right Fuel
Use only UNLEADED fuel or UNLEADED
fuel blended with a maximum of 15%
ethanol. Do not use fuel ethanol (E85),
diesel fuel, fuel-methanol, leaded fuel or
any other fuel because it could damage or
impair the emission control system.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel
or fuel additives with metallic compounds,
including manganese-based additives. The
use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law.
Octane Recommendations
2.5L engine
Regular unleaded gasoline with a pump
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some fuel stations offer
fuels posted as regular with an octane
rating below 87, particularly in high altitude
areas. Fuels with octane levels below 87
are not recommended.
1.6L and 2.0L EcoBoost® engines
Regular unleaded gasoline with a pump
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some stations offer fuels
posted as "Regular" with an octane rating
below 87, particularly in high altitude areas.
Fuels with octane levels below 87 are not
recommended. Premium fuel will provide
improved performance and is
recommended for severe duty usage such
as trailer tow.Do not be concerned if your engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if it
knocks heavily while you are using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, see your
authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Avoid running out of fuel because this
situation may have an adverse effect on
powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
• You may need to cycle the ignition from
off to on several times after refueling
to allow the fuel system to pump the
fuel from the tank to the engine. On
restarting, cranking time will take a few
seconds longer than normal. With
keyless ignition, just start the engine.
Crank time will be longer than usual.
• Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of
fuel is enough to restart the engine. If
the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep
grade, more than 1 gallon (3.8 liters)
may be required.
• The service engine soon indicator may
come on. For more information on the
service engine soon indicator, See
Warning Lamps and Indicators
(page 84).
Refilling With a Portable Fuel
Container
WARNINGS
Do not insert the nozzle of portable
fuel containers or aftermarket
funnels into the capless fuel system.
This could damage the fuel system and its
seal, and may cause fuel to run onto the
ground instead of filling the tank, which
could result in serious personal injury.
129
Fuel and Refueling

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3. Locate the white lever located on the
left 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 system does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave your
vehicle, always apply the parking
brake and put the vehicle in P (Park).
You must remain in your vehicle once
you have activated the system.
During all times, you are responsible
for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and
intervening, if required.
If the engine is revved excessively, or
if a malfunction is detected, the
system will be deactivated.
The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your 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 your
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).
The system will activate automatically on
any slope that will cause significant vehicle
rollback.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring your
vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep
the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle
is on a slope, the system will activate
automatically.
138
Transmission

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 231).
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See Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 84).
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.
E138644
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 anti-lock braking system 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.
145
Brakes

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.
HILL START ASSIST
WARNINGS
The system does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave your
vehicle, always apply the parking
brake and put the vehicle in P (Park).
You must remain in your vehicle once
you have activated the system.
During all times, you are responsible
for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and
intervening, if required.
WARNINGS
If the engine is revved excessively, or
if a malfunction is detected, the
system will be deactivated.
The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your 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 your
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).
The system will activate automatically on
any slope that will cause significant vehicle
rollback.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring your
vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep
the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle
is on a slope, the system will activate
automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the
brake pedal, your 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.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The
brakes will release automatically.
146
Brakes

E130178
A
Coverage area of up to 6 feet
(1.8 meters) from the rear
bumper. There is decreased
coverage area at the outer
corners of the bumper. A
The system detects certain objects while
the transmission is in R (Reverse):
• and moving toward a stationary object
at a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less
• but not moving, and a moving object is
approaching the rear of the vehicle at
a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less
The system can be switched off through
the information display. If a fault is present
in the system, a warning message appears
in the information display and does not
allow the driver to switch the faulted
system on.
Front Sensing System
The front sensors are active when the
gearshift is in any position other than P
(Park) or N (Neutral) and the vehicle speed
is below 6 mph (10 km/h).
E130382
A
Coverage area of up to 27 inches
(70 centimeters) from the front
of the vehicle and about 14
inches (35 centimeters) to the
side of the front end of the
vehicle. Refer to the reverse
sensing section for details on
coverage area. A
The system sounds an audible warning
when obstacles are near either bumper in
the following manner:
• Objects detected by the front sensors
are indicated by a high-pitched tone
from the front radio speakers.
• Objects detected by the rear sensors
are indicated by a lower pitched tone
from the rear radio speakers.
• The sensing system reports the
obstacle which is closest to the front
or rear of the vehicle. For example, if
an obstacle is 24 inches (60
centimeters) from the front of the
vehicle and, at the same time, an
obstacle is only 16 inches (40
centimeters) from the rear of the
vehicle, the lower pitched tone sounds.
• An alternating warning sounds from
the front and rear if there are objects
at both bumpers that are closer than
10 inches (25 centimeters).
151
Parking Aids

For specific information on the reverse
sensing portion of the system, refer to that
section.
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Press the button to switch the system off.
It will remain off for the entire ignition
cycle. The system can also be switched off
through the information display.
ACTIVE PARK ASSIST (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING
This system is designed to be a
supplementary park aid. It may not
work in all conditions and is not
intended to replace the driver’s attention
and judgment. The driver is responsible for
avoiding hazards and maintaining a safe
distance and speed, even when the system
is in use.
Note:The driver is always responsible for
controlling the vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening if required.
The system detects an available parallel
parking space and automatically steers
the vehicle into the space (hands-free)
while you control the accelerator, gearshift
and brakes. The system visually and
audibly instructs you to park the vehicle.The system may not function correctly if
something passes between the front
bumper and the parking space (i.e. a
pedestrian or cyclist) or if the edge of the
neighboring parked vehicle is high from the
ground (i.e. a bus, tow truck or flatbed
truck).
Note:The sensors may not detect objects
in heavy rain or other conditions that cause
disruptive reflections.
Note:The sensors may not detect objects
with surfaces that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Note:After a tire change the system will go
through a relearning procedure. During this
time the system performance may
deteriorate.
The system should not be used if:
• a foreign object (i.e. bike rack or trailer)
is attached to the front or rear of the
vehicle or at another location close to
the sensors.
• an overhanging object (i.e. surfboard)
is attached to the roof.
• the front bumper or side sensors are
damaged (i.e. in a collision) or
obstructed by a foreign object (i.e. front
bumper cover).
• a mini-spare tire is in use.
Using Active Park Assist
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152
Parking Aids

Note:If the transmission is in R (Reverse)
and the luggage compartment is ajar, no
rear view camera features are displayed.
Note:If the image comes on while the
transmission is not in R (Reverse), have the
system inspected by your authorized dealer.
Note:When towing, the camera only sees
what is being towed behind your vehicle.
This might not provide adequate coverage
as it usually provides in normal operation
and some objects might not be seen. In
some vehicles, the guidelines may disappear
once the trailer tow connector is engaged.
Note:The camera may not operate
correctly under the following conditions:
• Nighttime or dark areas if one or both
reverse lamps are not operating.
• The camera's view is obstructed by
mud, water or debris. Clean the lens
with a soft, lint-free cloth and
non-abrasive cleaner.
• The rear of the vehicle is hit or
damaged, causing the camera to
become misaligned.
To access any of the rear view camera
system settings, make the following
selections in the touch screen when the
transmission is not in R (Reverse):
• Menu > Vehicle > Rear View Camera
After changing a system setting, the touch
screen shows a preview of the selected
features.
Guidelines and the Centerline
Note:Active guidelines and fixed guidelines
are only available when the transmission is
in R (Reverse).
Note:The centerline is only available if
Active or Fixed guidelines are on.
ABCD
F
E
E142436
Active guidelines A
Centerline B
Fixed guideline: Green zone C
Fixed guideline: Yellow zone D
Fixed guideline: Red zone E
Rear bumper F
Active guidelines are only shown with fixed
guidelines. To use active guidelines, turn
the steering wheel to point the guidelines
toward an intended path. If the steering
wheel position is changed while reversing,
the vehicle might deviate from the original
intended path.
The fixed and active guidelines fade in and
out depending on the steering wheel
position. The active guidelines are not
shown when the steering wheel position
is straight.
157
Parking Aids

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a set
speed without keeping your foot on the
accelerator pedal.
USING CRUISE CONTROL
WARNINGS
Do not use cruise control in heavy
traffic, on winding roads or when the
road surface is slippery. This could
result in loss of vehicle control, serious
injury or death.
When you are going downhill, your
vehicle speed may increase above
the set speed. The system will not
apply the brakes. Change down a gear to
assist the system in maintaining the set
speed. Failure to do so could result in loss
of vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Note:Cruise control will disengage if your
vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph
(16 km/h) below your set speed while
driving uphill.
E142437
The cruise controls are located on the
steering wheel.
Switching Cruise Control On
Press and release ON.
E71340
The indicator will display in the
instrument cluster.
Setting a Speed
1. Accelerate to the desired speed.
2. Press and release SET+.
3. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
Changing the Set Speed
• Press and hold SET+ or SET-. Release
the control when you reach the desired
speed.
• Press and release SET+ or SET-. The
set speed will change in approximately
1 mph (2 km/h) increments.
• Press the accelerator or brake pedal
until you reach the desired speed. Press
and release SET+.
Canceling the Set Speed
Pull CAN toward you and release, or tap
the brake pedal. The set speed will not be
erased.
Resuming the Set Speed
Pull RES toward you and release.
Switching Cruise Control Off
Note:You will erase the set speed if you
switch the system off.
Press and release OFF or switch the
ignition off.
159
Cruise Control

Reasons for messages being displayed
Clean the fascia area in
front of the radar or remove
the obstruction. The radar
surface is
dirty or
obstructed
Drive normally in traffic for
a few minutes to allow the
radar to detect passing
vehicles so it can clear the
blocked state. The radar
surface is
not dirty or
obstructed
No action required. The
system automatically
resets to an unblocked
state once the rainfall or
snowfall rate decreases or
stops. Do not use BLIS or
Cross Traffic Alert in these
conditions. Heavy rain-
fall/snow-
fall inter-
feres with
the radar
signals
System Limitations
The BLIS and Cross Traffic Alert systems
do have their limitations; situations such
as severe weather conditions or debris
build-up on the sensor area may limit
vehicle detection.
The following are other situations that may
limit the BLIS:
• Certain maneuvering of vehicles
entering and exiting the blind zone.
• Vehicles passing through the blind zone
at very fast rates.
• When several vehicles forming a
convoy pass through the blind zone.
The following are other situations that may
limit the Cross Traffic Alert system:
• Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
obstructing the sensors.
• Approaching vehicles passing at
speeds greater than 15 mph (24 km/h).• Driving in reverse faster than 3 mph (5
km/h).
• Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note:If the vehicle has a factory equipped
tow bar, and it is towing a trailer, the sensors
will detect the trailer and turn the BLIS and
Cross Traffic Alert off to avoid false alerts.
For non-factory equipped tow bars you may
want to turn the BLIS off manually.
There may be certain instances when
either the BLIS or Cross Traffic Alert
systems illuminate the alert indicator with
no vehicle in the coverage zone; this is
known as a false alert. Some amount of
false alerts are normal; they are temporary
and self-correct.
System Errors
If either system senses a problem with the
left or right sensor, the BLIS telltale
illuminates and remains on and the
following will appear in the information
display:
• BLIS: X sensor fault Service req’d or
• Cross Traffic malfunction Service req’d
Switching the Systems Off and On
One or both systems can be switched off
temporarily by using the information
display control. See General Information
(page 88). When the BLIS is switched off,
you will not receive alerts and a telltale
illuminates in the information display. The
system switches back on whenever the
ignition is switched on.
One or both systems can also be switched
off permanently at your authorized dealer.
Once switched off, switching it back on
must also be done at your authorized
dealer.
163
Driving Aids

Cargo Weight - includes all
weight added to the Base Curb
Weight, including cargo and
optional equipment. When towing,
trailer tongue load or king pin
weight is also part of cargo weight.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight) - is
the total weight placed on each
axle (front and rear) including
vehicle curb weight and all
payload.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) - is the maximum
allowable weight that can be
carried by a single axle (front or
rear). These numbers are shown
on the Safety ComplianceCertification Label. The label shall
be affixed to either the door hinge
pillar, door-latch post, or the door
edge that meets the door-latch
post, next to the driver's seating
position.The total load on each
axle must never exceed its
Gross Axle Weight Rating.
Note: For trailer towing
information refer to the RV and
Trailer Towing Guide available at
an authorized dealer.
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GVW
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) -
is the Vehicle Curb Weight, plus
cargo, plus passengers.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) - is the maximum
allowable weight of the fully
loaded vehicle (including all
options, equipment, passengers
and cargo). It is shown on theSafety Compliance Certification
Label. The label shall be affixed
to either the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge
that meets the door-latch post,
next to the driver's seating
position.The Gross Vehicle
Weight must never exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
171
Load Carrying