brake switch FORD ESCAPE 2020 Owner's Manual

Note:
If you have waited for more than two
minutes before switching the ignition on,
unfastening your seatbelt causes this
feature to activate, even with the driver door
closed.
Note: This feature may not work properly
if the door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If
your door ajar indicator does not illuminate
when you open the driver door or the
indicator illuminates with the driver door
closed, see your authorized dealer.
Stay in Neutral Mode
Note: Stay in neutral is a temporary vehicle
state with the ignition off. Once in this
mode, sufficient battery voltage must be
maintained or your vehicle will return to
park. Failure to follow this instruction could
result in vehicle damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Note: When entering an automatic car
wash, always shift to neutral (N). If you are
exiting the vehicle before the car wash, stay
in neutral mode is available.
Stay in neutral mode allows your vehicle
to stay in neutral when you exit your
vehicle. Your vehicle must be stationary to
enter this mode.
Note: Failure to follow this instruction could
result in vehicle damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
To enter stay in neutral mode
1. Switch your vehicle on but do not start
the engine. See Keyless Starting
(page 167).
2. Place your foot on the brake pedal and
rotate the transmission selector to
neutral (N).
Note: When in neutral (N), a message
appears in the display screen informing you
how to access stay in neutral mode. 3. Press the manual (M) or Low (L)
button in the middle of the
transmission selector to enter stay in
neutral mode.
A message appears in the display screen
confirming your vehicle is in stay in neutral
mode. The neutral (N) indicator light on
the transmission selector also flashes.
To exit stay in neutral mode, place your
foot on the brake pedal and rotate the
transmission selector to park (P).
Manual Park Release WARNING:
When doing this
procedure, you need to take the
transmission out of park (P) which
means your vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement,
always fully apply the parking brake prior
to doing this procedure. Use wheels
chocks if appropriate. WARNING:
If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning
lamp remains illuminated, the brakes
may not be working properly. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. WARNING:
Do not drive your
vehicle until you verify that the
stoplamps are working.
Use the manual park release to move your
transmission from the park (P) position in
the event of an electrical malfunction or
emergency.
Activating the Manual Park Release
Cable
1. Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake
(page 218).
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Note:
If vehicle battery is dead, for example,
no electrical power is available, you could
use an external power to apply the parking
brake. 2. Locate the manual park release cable
access cover on the lower instrument
panel dash to the bottom left hand
side of the steering column.
3. Using a tool or the key blade, carefully open the access cover.
Note: Do not pull the tether until you are in
the driver seat.
4. Switch the ignition on, but do not start
your vehicle.
5. Once in the driver seat, fully press the brake pedal and hold. Do not release.
Pull the orange tether towards the
driver seat until the tether gets locked
in the override position. Then leave the
tether.
6. If done correctly a message should display on the instrument cluster
screen. See information messages later
in this chapter.
Note: Your vehicle is now out of the park
(P) position and is free to roll.
7. With your foot still fully applied on the
brake pedal, disengage the parking
brake. See Electric Parking Brake
(page 218). 8. Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) for
emergency towing purposes.
9. Switch off the ignition.
10. Once safe to do so, and there is no risk that your vehicle will roll,
disconnect the negative (black)
battery cable from the battery.
Returning Your Vehicle to Normal
Mode
1. Once it is safe to do so, reconnect the negative (black) battery cable to the
battery.
2. Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake
(page 218).
Note: If vehicle battery is dead, for example,
no electrical power is available, you could
use an external power to apply the parking
brake.
3. Fully apply the brake pedal and hold. Do not release. Pull the orange tether
outward towards the driver seat to
release it from the override position.
4. The cable will release and retract back
to its original rest position.
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Automatic Return to Park
Note:
This feature does not operate when
your vehicle is in stay in neutral mode.
Your vehicle has a feature that shifts your
vehicle into park (P) when any of the
following conditions occur:
• You turn the vehicle off.
• You open the driver door with your
seatbelt unlatched.
• You unlatch your seatbelt when the
driver door is open.
Note: This feature may not work properly
if the door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If
your door ajar indicator does not illuminate
when you open the driver door or the
indicator illuminates with the driver door
closed, see your authorized dealer.
Stay in Neutral Mode WARNING: When doing this
procedure, you need to take the
transmission out of park (P) which
means your vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement,
always fully apply the parking brake prior
to doing this procedure. Use wheels
chocks if appropriate.
Stay in neutral mode allows your vehicle
to stay in neutral when you exit your
vehicle. Your vehicle must be stationary to
enter this mode.
Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
Note: Stay in neutral is a temporary vehicle
state with the ignition off. Once in this
mode, sufficient battery voltage must be
maintained or your vehicle will return to
park. Not maintaining sufficient voltage
could result in vehicle damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty. Note:
When entering an automatic car
wash, always shift to neutral (N). If you are
exiting the vehicle before the car wash, stay
in neutral mode is available.
To enter Stay in Neutral Mode
1. Switch on your vehicle. Make sure it is in ready to drive mode. See
Keyless
Starting (page 167).
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift into neutral (N).
Note: When in neutral (N), a message
appears in the display screen informing you
how to access stay in neutral mode.
4. Press the low (L) button in the middle of the transmission selector to enter
stay in neutral mode.
Note: A message appears in the display
screen confirming your vehicle is in stay in
neutral mode. The neutral (N) indicator light
on the transmission selector flashes slowly.
5. Release the brake pedal.
6. Switch the ignition off.
To exit stay in neutral mode, place your
foot on the brake pedal and rotate the
transmission selector to park (P), or start
the engine and shift into drive (D) or
reverse (R).
Grade Assist Press the grade assist button to
activate grade assist. The grade
assist lamp appears in the
instrument cluster. Press the button again
to switch it off.
• Provides additional grade braking with
a combination of engine motoring and
high-voltage battery charging to help
maintain vehicle speed when
descending a slope.
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If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed has been
reduced, ease your vehicle back onto the
road. Do not turn the steering wheel
sharply while returning your vehicle to the
road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control or roll over. 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 (i.e. turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as required to avoid the
emergency). Excessive steering can result
in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth
pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal when changes in vehicle speed are
required. Avoid abrupt steering,
acceleration and braking. This could result
in an increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss
of vehicle control and personal injury. Use
all available road surface to bring your
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 your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e. from concrete to
gravel) there will be a change in the way
your vehicle responds to a maneuver (i.e.
steering, acceleration or braking).
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressure. Shift to a
lower gear and drive steadily through the
terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and
avoid excessive wheel slip.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand for
an extended period of time. This will cause
the system to overheat. A message
appears in the information display. See
Information Messages (page 117).
To resume operation, switch the ignition
off and allow the system to cool down for
a minimum of 15 minutes. After the system
has cooled down, a message appears
briefly in the information display. See
Information Messages
(page 117).
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 driving at excessive speeds, this
causes vehicle momentum to work against
you and your vehicle could 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.
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(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 an
authorized dealer should check them. If the
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, an
authorized dealer should check your vehicle.
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. 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.
See Cleaning the Wheels (page 340).
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. Switch the engine off, move the
transmission to park (P) and apply the
parking brake. Inspect the accelerator
pedal and the area around it for any items
or debris that may be obstructing its
movement. 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. If the light does not momentarily
illuminate, continues to flash or
remains on when you switch the
ignition on or apply the parking brake, the
anti-lock braking system could be disabled.
Have the system checked by an authorized
dealer. If the anti-lock brake system is
disabled, normal braking is still effective.
See
Warning Lamps and Indicators
(page 105).
Note: Indicators vary depending on region. If the light does not momentarily
illuminate, continues to flash or
remains on when you switch the
ignition on or apply the parking
brake, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates with the
parking brake released, have the system
checked immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock braking system does 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.
Note: If the system activates, the brake
pedal may pulse and may travel further.
Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You
may also hear a noise from the system. This
is normal.
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ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
WARNING: If the brake system
warning light remains illuminated or
flashes for more than four seconds after
you have released the parking brake,
there could be a problem with your
braking system. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. WARNING:
Always fully apply the
parking brake and make sure you shift
into park (P). Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death. WARNING:
With the exception of
emergency conditions (for example, the
brake pedal is broken or is blocked), do
not apply the electric parking brake while
the vehicle is moving. On bends, or poor
road surfaces or weather conditions,
emergency braking can cause the vehicle
to skid out of control or off the road. WARNING:
If you drive extended
distances with the parking brake applied,
you could cause damage to the brake
system. WARNING:
The electric parking
brake does not operate if the vehicle
battery is running out of charge.
Note: The electric parking brake makes
noises during operation. This is normal.
Your vehicle has an electric parking brake.
You operate it with a switch instead of a
lever. The switch is on the center console
or to the left-hand side of the steering
wheel, on the lower part of the instrument
panel. Applying the Electric Parking
Brake Pull the switch upward.
The red warning lamp flashes
during operation and illuminates
when the parking brake is
applied. Note:
It remains illuminated for a short
period of time after you switch the ignition
off.
If it continues to flash or does not
illuminate, the system has malfunctioned.
Have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible.
Note: You can apply the electric parking
brake when the ignition is off.
Note: The electric parking brake could
automatically apply when you shift into park
(P). See
Transmission (page 204).
Applying the Electric Parking Brake in
an Emergency
Note: Do not apply the electric parking
brake when your vehicle is moving, except
in an emergency. If you repeatedly use the
electric parking brake to slow or stop your
vehicle, you could cause damage to the
brake system.
You can use the electric parking brake to
slow or stop your vehicle in an emergency. Pull the switch upward and hold
it.
The red warning lamp
illuminates, a tone sounds and
the stoplamps turn on.
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The electric parking brake continues to
slow your vehicle down unless you release
the switch.
Manually Releasing the Electric
Parking Brake
Switch the ignition on.
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Push the switch downward.
The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, the
system has malfunctioned. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing a
Trailer
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Pull the switch upward and hold
it.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal until engine
has developed sufficient torque to prevent
your vehicle from rolling down the hill. Release the switch and pull
away in a normal manner.
Automatically Releasing the
Electric Parking Brake
Close the driver door.
Shift into gear. Press the accelerator pedal and pull away
in a normal manner. The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, the
electric parking brake has not released.
Manually release the parking brake.
Releasing the Electric Parking
Brake if the Vehicle Battery is
Running Out of Charge
Note:
The electric parking brake does not
apply or release if the battery is low or has
no charge.
Connect a booster battery to the vehicle
battery to release the electric parking brake
if the vehicle battery is running out of
charge. See Jump Starting the Vehicle
(page 289).
HILL START ASSIST WARNING:
The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave your vehicle, always apply the
parking brake. WARNING:
You must remain in
your vehicle when the system turns on.
At all times, you are responsible for
controlling your vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening, if required.
Failure to take care may result in the loss
of control of your vehicle, serious
personal injury or death.
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WARNING: The system will turn
off if a malfunction is apparent or if you
rev the engine excessively. Failure to take
care may result in the loss of control of
your vehicle, serious personal injury or
death.
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
remains stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows time to move your foot
from the brake to the accelerator pedal.
The system releases the brakes
automatically once the engine has
developed sufficient torque 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 activates on any slope that
causes your vehicle to roll.
Note: There is no warning light to indicate
the system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring your vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep
the brake pedal pressed and shift into
a forward gear when facing uphill, or
reverse (R) when facing downhill.
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle is on a slope, the system activates
automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, your vehicle remains on
the slope without rolling away for
about two to three seconds. This hold
time automatically extends if you are
in the process of driving off. 4. Drive off in the normal manner. The
system releases the brakes
automatically.
Note: When you remove your foot from the
brake pedal and press the pedal again when
the system is active, you will experience
significantly reduced brake pedal travel. This
is normal.
Switching the System On and Off
Vehicles with Manual Transmission
You can switch this feature on or off in the
information display. The system
remembers the last setting when you start
your vehicle.
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
When you switch the ignition on, the
system automatically turns on. You cannot
turn the system on or off.
AUTO HOLD WARNING:
The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave your vehicle, always apply the
parking brake. WARNING:
You must remain in
your vehicle when the system turns on.
At all times, you are responsible for
controlling your vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening, if required.
Failure to take care may result in the loss
of control of your vehicle, serious
personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system turns off if
there is a malfunction or if you
excessively rev the engine.
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The system is designed to apply the brakes
to hold your vehicle at a standstill after you
stop your vehicle and release the brake
pedal. This could be beneficial in certain
situations, for example when waiting on a
hill or in traffic.
Switching Auto Hold On and Off
Press the button on your console to access
the Auto Hold feature on the touchscreen.
Note:
You can only switch the system on
after you close the driver door, fasten your
seatbelt and start the engine.
Note: The system remembers the last
setting when you start your vehicle.
Make sure you switch the system off before
towing with your vehicle or before using an
automatic car wash.
Using Auto Hold
1. Use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a complete stop. The auto hold active
indicator illuminates in the information
display.
2. Release the brake pedal. The system holds your vehicle at a standstill. The
auto hold active indicator remains
illuminated in the information display.
Note: The system only activates if you
apply enough brake pressure. If your vehicle
is on a steep slope, you need to press the
brake pedal harder before the system
activates. Note:
Under certain conditions, the system
could apply the electric parking brake. The
brake system warning lamp illuminates. The
electric parking brake releases when you
press the accelerator pedal. See Electric
Parking Brake (page 218).
Note: If auto-start-stop turns off the
engine, auto hold remains active.
Note: The system deactivates if you shift
into reverse (R) and press the brake pedal.
3. Pull away in the normal manner. The system releases the brakes and the
auto hold active indicator turns off.
Auto Hold Indicator The auto hold indicator
illuminates in the information
display when the system is on
and is either active or unavailable. Illuminates when the system is
active. Your vehicle remains
stationary after you release the
brake pedal.
Illuminates when the system is on but
unavailable to hold your vehicle at a
standstill.
The system could be unavailable when any
of the following occur:
• During an active park assist maneuver.
• Your vehicle is in stay in neutral mode.
• The driver door is open.
• You do not fasten your seatbelt.
• You shift into reverse (R) before the
system is active.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: The stability and
traction control light illuminates steadily
if the system detects a failure. Make sure
you did not manually disable the traction
control system using the information
display controls or the switch. If the
stability control and traction control light
is still illuminating steadily, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with
the traction control disabled could lead
to an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note: When you switch traction control off,
stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, a
message appears in the information
display showing system status. You can switch the system off by either
using the information display controls or
the switch.
Using the Information Display
Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in the
information display.
See General
Information (page 110).
Using a Switch
(If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on the
instrument panel to switch the system off
or on.
System Indicator Lights and
Messages The stability and traction control
light:
• Temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up.
• Flashes when a driving condition
activates either of the systems.
• Illuminates if a problem occurs in either
of the systems. The stability and traction control
off light temporarily illuminates
on engine start-up and stays on
when you switch the traction control
system off.
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