FORD ESCAPE 2015 3.G Owners Manual

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 may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See the Fuses
chapter.
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an extra
load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during,
and after, any towing operation. Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
•
Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items
centered between the left and
right side trailer tires.
• Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a tow bar with the
correct rise or drop. When both
the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
When driving with a trailer or
payload, a slight takeoff vibration
or shudder may be present due to
the increased payload weight.
Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in another chapter of this
manual. See
Load Limit (page
170). You can also find the
information in the RV & Trailer
Towing Guide, available at an
authorized dealer.
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TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (If
Equipped) WARNING
Turning off trailer sway control
increases the risk of loss of vehicle
control, serious injury or death. Ford
does not recommend disabling this feature
except in situations where speed reduction
may be detrimental (such as hill climbing),
the driver has significant trailer towing
experience, and can control trailer sway
and maintain safe operation. 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 168).
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note: Do not exceed the trailer
weight for your vehicle
configuration listed in the chart
below. Note:
Be sure to take into
consideration trailer frontal area.
Do not exceed 20 feet 2
(1.86
meters 2
) if your vehicle is not
equipped with a towing package or
30 feet 2
(2.79 meters 2
) if your
vehicle is equipped with a towing
package.
Note: For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)
starting at the 1000 foot (300
meter) elevation point.
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 may not
include the wiring connector
needed to activate electric trailer
brakes.
Your vehicle may tow a trailer
provided the maximum trailer
weight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight listed for
your vehicle configuration on the
following chart.
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Maximum trailer
weight 1
Maximum GCWR
Powertrain
1500 lb (681 kg)
5351 lb (2427 kg)
2.5L 2WD
2000 lb (907 kg)
5862 lb (2659 kg)
1.6L GTDI 2WD
2000 lb (907 kg)
5957 lb (2702 kg)
2.0L GTDI 2WD 2
3500 lb (1588 kg)
7457 lb (3382 kg)
2.0L GTDI 2WD 3
2000 lb (907 kg)
6005 lb (2724 kg)
1.6L GTDI 4WD
2000 lb (907 kg)
6091 lb (2763 kg)
2.0L GTDI 4WD 2
3500 lb (1588 kg)
7591 lb (3443 kg)
2.0L GTDI 4WD 3
1 Calculated with SAE J2807 method.
2 Without trailer towing package.
3 With trailer towing package.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe
towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you
drive your vehicle at least 1000
miles (1600 kilometers).
• Consult your local motor
vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included
with towing accessories for the
proper installation and
adjustment specifications.
• Service your vehicle more
frequently if you tow a trailer.
See your scheduled
maintenance information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow
the instructions the rental
agency gives you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the
tire label and Safety Compliance
label as well as instructions on
calculating your vehicle's load in
the Load Carrying chapter. See
Load Limit (page 170).
Remember to account for the
trailer tongue weight as part of
your 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 hook retainers of your
vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer ’s safety
chains, cross them under the
trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning tight corners. Do
not allow the chains to drag on the
ground.
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 you install them
properly and adjust them to the
manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and
federal regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's
braking system operation is at
the gross vehicle weight rating,
not the gross combined weight
rating.
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Separate functioning brake
systems are required for safe
control of towed vehicles and
trailers weighing more than
1500 pounds (680 kilograms)
when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer
lamp wiring to the vehicle's
tail lamp wiring; this may damage
the electrical system resulting in
fire. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow
wiring installation. Additional
electrical equipment may be
required. Trailer lamps are required on most
towed vehicles. Make sure all
running lights, brake lights, turn
signals and hazard lights are
working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and
backing up to get the feel of your
vehicle-trailer combination before
starting on a trip. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer
wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles. When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70
mph (113 km/h) during the first
500 miles (800 kilometers).
• Do not make full-throttle
starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel
lug nuts thoroughly after you
have traveled 50 miles (80
kilometers).
• When stopped in congested or
heavy traffic during hot
weather, place the gearshift in
position P to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to
help A/C performance.
• Turn off the speed control with
heavy loads or in hilly terrain.
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 a Grade Assist or
Tow/Haul feature, use this
feature when towing. This
provides engine braking and
helps eliminate excessive
transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
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•
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:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away
from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic
transmission in position P.
4. Place wheel chocks in front
and back of the trailer wheels.
(Chocks not included with
vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat
or Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the
trailer
before backing the trailer
into the water.
Note: Reconnect the wiring to the
trailer
after removing the trailer
from the water.
When backing down a ramp
during boat launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water
level to rise above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break
higher than 6 inches (15
centimeters) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper. Exceeding these limits may allow
water to enter vehicle
components:
•
Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability,
emissions, and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant
anytime the rear axle has been
submerged in water. Water may
have contaminated the rear axle
lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak
is suspected or other axle repair is
required.
TOWING POINTS
Due to local market requirements in some
countries, some vehicles may be equipped
with a recovery hook.
Recovery Hook Location
If your vehicle is equipped with a screw-in
recovery hook, it is located in the luggage
compartment under the floor cover.
If your vehicle is not equipped with a
recovery hook, you can purchase one from
your dealer.
Installing the Recovery Hook
There is an installation point for the
recovery hook located behind the fascia.
Note: The screw-in recovery hook has a
left-hand thread. Turn it counterclockwise
to install it. Make sure that the recovery hook
is fully tightened.
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Insert a suitable object to pry open the
cover (1). Use the recessed (notched)
portion of the cover. Screw in the recovery
hook (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.
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.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift and
dollies or flatbed equipment to tow your
vehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford
Motor Company has not approved a
slingbelt towing procedure. Vehicle
damage may occur if towed incorrectly, or
by any other means.
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.
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It is acceptable to have your front-wheel
drive vehicle towed from the front if using
proper wheel lift equipment to raise the
front wheels off the ground. When towing
in this manner, the rear wheels can remain
on the ground.
Front-wheel drive vehicles must have the
front wheels placed on a tow dolly when
towing your vehicle from the rear using
wheel lift equipment. This prevents
damage to the transmission.
Towing a four-wheel drive vehicle requires
that all wheels be off the ground, such as
using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed
equipment. This prevents damage to the
transmission, four-wheel drive system and
vehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable
(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
and transmission configuration) under the
following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
• Place the transmission in position N. If
you cannot move the transmission into
N
, you may need to override it. See
Transmission (page 139).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle. See
Climate Control
(page 103). 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. We
designed these guidelines to prevent
damage to your transmission.
Front-wheel drive vehicles
CANNOT be
flat-towed (all wheels on the ground) as
vehicle or transmission damage may occur.
You must place the front wheels on a
two-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly, follow the instructions specified by
the equipment provider.
Four-wheel drive vehicles
CANNOT be
flat-towed (all 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,
you cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
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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
Your fuel economy is affected by several
things, such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under, and how you
maintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy by
keeping these things in mind:
•
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. Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel
economy:
•
Sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations.
• Revving 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 kilogram] of
weight carried).
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a
trailer may reduce fuel economy at any
speed.
• Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle (for example bug deflectors,
rollbars, light bars, running boards, ski
racks or luggage racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
• To maximize the fuel economy, drive
with the tonneau cover installed (if
equipped).
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 8– 10
miles (12 –16 kilometers) of driving.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved
fuel economy as compared to driving
on hilly terrain.
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•
Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.
Note:
Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so: •
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
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 make sure 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.
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