towing FORD ESCAPE 2018 Owners Manual

Keyless Starting
.............................................131
Starting a Gasoline Engine .......................
132
Engine Block Heater ...................................
135
Unique Driving Characteristics
Auto-Start-Stop ...........................................
137
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions ......................................
139
Fuel Quality ....................................................
139
Fuel Filler Funnel Location ......................
140
Running Out of Fuel .....................................
141
Refueling .........................................................
142
Fuel Consumption .......................................
145
Engine Emission Control
Emission Law ................................................
147
Catalytic Converter .....................................
148
Transmission
Automatic Transmission ............................
151
Four-Wheel Drive
Principle of Operation ................................
155
Using Four-Wheel Drive ............................
155
Brakes
General Information ...................................
160
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes ........................................................................\
160
Parking Brake .................................................
161
Electric Parking Brake .................................
161
Hill Start Assist .............................................
163
Traction Control
Principle of Operation ................................
165
Using Traction Control ...............................
165Stability Control
Principle of Operation
...............................
166
Using Stability Control ...............................
167
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation ...............................
168
Rear Parking Aid ..........................................
168
Front Parking Aid .........................................
169
Side Sensing System ..................................
170
Active Park Assist .........................................
172
Rear View Camera .......................................
178
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation ................................
182
Using Cruise Control ...................................
182
Using Adaptive Cruise Control ...............
183
Driving Aids
Driver Alert .....................................................
189
Lane Keeping System ................................
190
Blind Spot Information System .............
195
Cross Traffic Alert ........................................
196
Steering ...........................................................
199
Collision Warning System ........................
199
Load Carrying
Rear Under Floor Storage ........................
202
Luggage Covers ...........................................
202
Roof Racks and Load Carriers ...............
203
Load Limit .....................................................
204
Towing
Towing a Trailer ...........................................
209
Trailer Sway Control ...................................
210
Recommended Towing Weights ...........
210
Essential Towing Checks ...........................
212
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels ......
214
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Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 or
regular unleaded gasoline blended with a
maximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. The use of these fuels
could result in engine damage that will not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well
as other conditions, for example when
towing a trailer. See Towing (page 209).
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent
gasolines, where available to help minimize
engine deposits and maintain optimal
vehicle and engine performance. For
additional information, refer to
www.toptiergas.com.
Note: Use of any fuel for which the vehicle
was not designed can impair the emission
control system, cause loss of vehicle
performance, and cause damage to the
engine which may not be covered by the
vehicle Warranty. Do not use:
•
Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuels containing more than 85%
ethanol or E100 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known
as MMT), which is a manganese-based
fuel additive, will impair engine
performance and affect the emission
control system.
Switching Between E85 and
Gasoline
We do not recommend repeatedly
alternating between E85 and gasoline. If
you switch from using E85 to gasoline, or
from gasoline to E85, add as much fuel as
possible, at least half a tank. Drive your
vehicle immediately for a minimum of 5 mi
(8 km)
to allow it to adapt to the change
in ethanol concentration. If you use E85
exclusively, we recommend that you fill
the fuel tank with regular unleaded
gasoline at each scheduled oil change.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL
LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is in the spare wheel
storage tray.
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Sport (S)
Switch on sport mode by shifting the
gearshift lever to sport (S). In sport mode
the transmission selects the optimum gear
for best performance. This gear selection
is typically lower than that of drive (D) and
the shifts are faster.
Moving the gearshift lever to sport (S):
•
Provides additional slope, engine
braking and extends lower gear
operation to enhance performance for
uphill climbs, hilly terrain or
mountainous areas. This can 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.
SelectShift Automatic ™
Transmission
Your vehicle is equipped with a SelectShift
Automatic transmission gearshift lever.
The SelectShift Automatic transmission
gives you the ability to change gears up or
down.
In order to prevent the engine from running
at too low an RPM, which may cause it to
stall, SelectShift still makes some
downshifts if it has determined that you
have not downshifted in time. Although
SelectShift makes some downshifts for
you, it still allows you to downshift at any
time as long as the SelectShift determines
that damage to the engine from
over-revving does not occur.
Note: Engine damage may occur if you
maintain excessive engine revving without
shifting.
If the engine is approaching the RPM limit,
SelectShift upshifts for you. If the vehicle has a toggle on the
gearshift lever, press the + toggle
switch on the side of the transmission
selector to activate SelectShift.
•
Press the (+) button to upshift.
• Press the (-) button to downshift. If the vehicle has steering wheel
paddles, pull the + paddle on the
steering wheel to activate SelectShift.
•
Pull the right paddle (+) to upshift.
• Pull the left paddle (–) to downshift. SelectShift in drive (D):
•
Provides a temporary manual mode
for performing more demanding
maneuvers where extra control of gear
selection is required, for example, when
towing or overtaking. This mode can
hold a selected gear for a temporary
period of time dependent on driver
inputs, for example, steering or
accelerator pedal input.
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The camera is located on the luggage
compartment door.
Using the Rear View Camera
System
The rear view camera system displays
what is behind your vehicle when you place
the transmission in reverse (R).
Note:
The reverse sensing system is not
effective at speeds above 6 mph (10 km/h)
and may not detect certain angular or
moving objects.
The system uses three types of guides to
help you see what is behind your vehicle:
• Active guidelines: Show the intended
path of your vehicle when reversing.
• Fixed guidelines: Show the actual path
your vehicle is moving in while reversing
in a straight line. This can be helpful
when backing into a parking space or
aligning your vehicle with another
object behind you.
• Centerline: Helps align the center of
your vehicle with an object (for
example, a trailer).
Note: If the transmission is in reverse (R)
and the luggage compartment door or
liftgate is open, no rear view camera
features will display. Note:
When towing, the camera only sees
what you are towing. 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 when you connect the trailer
tow connector.
The camera may not operate correctly
under the following conditions:
• Nighttime or dark areas if one or both
reverse lamps are not operating.
• Mud, water or debris obstructs the
camera's view. Clean the lens with a
soft, lint-free cloth and non-abrasive
cleaner.
• The rear of your vehicle is hit or
damaged, causing the camera to
become misaligned.
Camera Guidelines
Note: Active guidelines are only available
when the transmission is in reverse (R).
Note: Upon a battery disconnect, the active
guidelines may not be functional until your
vehicle has been driven a short distance and
exceeds a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h).
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USING ADAPTIVE CRUISE
CONTROL (If Equipped)
WARNING:
Always pay close
attention to changing road conditions
when using adaptive cruise control. The
system does not replace attentive driving.
Failing to pay attention to the road may
result in a crash, serious injury or death. WARNING:
Do not use the adaptive
cruise control when entering or leaving a
highway, on roads with intersections or
roundabouts or non-vehicular traffic or
roads that are winding, slippery, unpaved,
or steep slopes. WARNING:
Do not use the system
in poor visibility, for example fog, heavy
rain, spray or snow. WARNING:
Do not use the system
when towing a trailer with aftermarket
trailer brake controls. Aftermarket trailer
brakes will not function properly when you
switch the system on because the brakes
are electronically controlled. Failing to do
so may result in loss of vehicle control,
which could result in serious injury. WARNING:
Do not use tire sizes
other than those recommended because
this can affect the normal operation of the
system. Failure to do so may result in a loss
of vehicle control, which could result in
serious injury. WARNING:
Adaptive cruise control
may not detect stationary or slow moving
vehicles below
6 mph (10 km/h). WARNING:
Adaptive cruise control
does not detect pedestrians or objects in
the road. WARNING:
Adaptive cruise control
does not detect oncoming vehicles in the
same lane. WARNING:
Adaptive cruise control
is not a crash warning or avoidance system.
Note: It is your responsibility to stay alert,
drive safely and be in control of the vehicle
at all times.
The system adjusts your vehicle speed to
maintain the set gap between you and the
vehicle in front of you in the same lane.
You can select four gap settings.
The system uses a radar sensor that
projects a beam directly in front of your
vehicle. The adaptive cruise controls are on the
steering wheel.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control
On
Press the cruise control button.
The indicator, current gap setting
and set speed appear in the
information display.
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Note:
The system may not alert you if a
vehicle quickly passes through the detection
zone.
Blocked Sensors The sensors are behind the rear bumper
on both sides of your vehicle.
Note:
Keep the sensors free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt.
Note: Do not cover the sensors with bumper
stickers, repair compound or other objects.
Note: Blocked sensors could affect system
performance.
If the sensors are blocked, a message may
appear in the information display. See
Information Messages (page 96). The
alert indicators remain illuminated but the
system does not alert you.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warning
lamp illuminates and a message displays.
See
Information Messages (page 96).
Switching the System Off and On
You can switch the system off using the
information display. See
General
Information (page 93). When you switch
the system off, a warning lamp illuminates
and a message displays. When you switch
the system on or off, the alert indicators
flash twice.
Note: The system remembers the last
setting when you start your vehicle. Note:
The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with a
trailer tow module and tow bar approved
by us, the system turns off when you attach
a trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer.
CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT
(If
Equipped) WARNING:
Do not use the cross
traffic alert system as a replacement for
using the interior and exterior mirrors or
looking over your shoulder before reversing
out of a parking space. The cross traffic
alert system is not a replacement for
careful driving. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly during severe weather
conditions, for example snow, ice, heavy
rain and spray. Always drive with due care
and attention. Failure to take care may
result in a crash.
The system is designed to alert you of
vehicles approaching from the sides when
you shift into reverse (R).
Using the Cross Traffic Alert
System
The system is designed to detect vehicles
that approach with a speed up to
37 mph
(60 km/h). Coverage decreases when the
sensors are partially, mostly or fully
obstructed. Slowly reversing helps increase
the coverage area and effectiveness.
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Note:
The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with a
trailer tow module and tow bar approved
by us, the system turns off when you attach
a trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering WARNING: The electric power
steering system has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system. If a fault
is detected, a message displays in the
information display. Stop your vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so. Switch the
ignition off. After at least 10 seconds,
switch the ignition on and watch the
information display for a steering system
warning message. If a steering system
warning message returns, have the system
checked as soon as possible. WARNING: If the system detects an
error, you may not feel a difference in the
steering, however a serious condition may
exist. Have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible, failure to do so may result in
loss of steering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power-assisted steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving (or if the ignition is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually,
but it takes more effort. Extreme
continuous steering may increase the effort
it takes for you to steer. This occurs to
prevent internal overheating and permanent damage to your steering
system. If this should occur, you will neither
lose the ability to steer the vehicle
manually nor will it cause permanent
damage. Typical steering and driving
maneuvers will allow the system to cool
and steering assist will return to normal.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
An improperly inflated tire.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension
components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds
may also make the steering seem to
wander or pull.
COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM
(If Equipped)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION WARNING: This system is designed
to be a supplementary driving aid. It is not
intended to replace the driver ’s attention,
and judgment, or the need to apply the
brakes. This system does NOT activate the
brakes automatically. Failure to press the
brake pedal to activate the brakes may
result in a collision. WARNING:
The collision warning
system with brake support cannot help
prevent all collisions. Do not rely on this
system to replace driver judgment and the
need to maintain distance and speed.
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Payload is the combined weight
of cargo and passengers that your
vehicle is carrying. The maximum
payload for your vehicle appears
on the Tire and Loading label. The
label is either on the B-pillar or the
edge of the driver door. Vehicles
exported outside the US and
Canada may not have a tire and
loading label. Look for
“The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg OR XXX lb ” for maximum
payload. The payload listed on the
Tire and Loading Information label
is the maximum payload for your
vehicle as built by the assembly
plant. If you install any additional
equipment on your vehicle, you
must determine the new payload.
Subtract the weight of the
equipment from the payload listed
on the Tire and Loading label.
When towing, trailer tongue
weight or king pin weight is also
part of payload. WARNING: The appropriate
loading capacity of your vehicle
can be limited either by volume
capacity (how much space is
available) or by payload capacity
(how much weight the vehicle
should carry). Once you have
reached the maximum payload of
your vehicle, do not add more
cargo, even if there is space
available. Overloading or
improperly loading your vehicle
can contribute to loss of vehicle
control and vehicle rollover. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
GAWR is the maximum allowable
weight that a single axle (front or
rear) can carry. These numbers
are on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. The label is
located on the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge
that meets the door-latch post,
next to the driver seating position.
The total load on each axle must
never exceed its Gross Axle
Weight Rating.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
GVWR is the maximum allowable
weight of the fully loaded vehicle.
This includes all options,
equipment, passengers and cargo.
It appears on the Safety
Compliance Certification label.
The label is located on the door
hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the
door edge that meets the
door-latch post, next to the driver
seating position.
The gross vehicle weight must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating.
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Safety Compliance Certification Label
Example:
WARNING: Exceeding the
Safety Compliance Certification
label vehicle weight limits can
adversely affect the performance
and handling of your vehicle,
cause vehicle damage and can
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or
death.
Maximum Loaded Trailer
Weight
Maximum loaded trailer weight is
the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can
tow. Consult an authorized dealer
(or the RV and Trailer Towing
Guide available at an authorized
dealer) for more detailed
information.
GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the
loaded trailer, including all cargo
and passengers, that the vehicle
can handle without risking
damage. (Important: The towing vehicle
’s braking system is rated
for operation at Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating, not at Gross
Combined Weight Rating.)
Separate functional brakes should
be used for safe control of towed
vehicles and for trailers where the
Gross Combined Weight of the
towing vehicle plus the trailer
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating of the towing vehicle.
The gross combined weight must
never exceed the Gross Combined
Weight Rating.
Note: For trailer towing
information refer to the RV and
Trailer Towing Guide available at
an authorized dealer. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR specified
on the certification label. WARNING:
Do not use
replacement tires with lower load
carrying capacities than the
original tires because they may
lower your vehicle's GVWR and
GAWR limitations. Replacement
tires with a higher limit than the
original tires do not increase the
GVWR and GAWR limitations.
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WARNING: Exceeding any
vehicle weight rating can
adversely affect the performance
and handling of your vehicle,
cause vehicle damage and can
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or
death.
Steps for determining the
correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lb." on your
vehicle ’s placard.
2. Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lb.
4. The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lb. and there will
be five 150 lb. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lb.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.) 5.
Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
Helpful examples for calculating
the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity
Suppose your vehicle has a
1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargo
and luggage capacity. You decide
to go golfing. Is there enough load
capacity to carry you, four of your
friends and all the golf bags? You
and four friends average 220
pounds (99 kilograms) each and
the golf bags weigh approximately
30 pounds (13.5 kilograms) each.
The calculation would be: 1400 -
(5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100
- 150 = 150 pounds. Yes, you have
enough load capacity in your
vehicle to transport four friends
and your golf bags. In metric units,
the calculation would be: 635
kilograms - (5 x 99 kilograms) -
(5 x 13.5 kilograms) = 635 - 495 -
67.5 = 72.5 kilograms.
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