towing FORD ESCAPE 2020 Owners Manual

Setting the Adaptive Cruise Control
Speed ..........................................................243
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Control Gap ........................................................................\
244
Canceling the Set Speed .........................
245
Resuming the Set Speed .........................
245
Overriding the Set Speed ........................
245
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Lane Centering .............................
246
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Stop and Go ..................................
246
Switching From Adaptive Cruise Control to Cruise Control .....................................
246
Switching Lane Centering On and Off ........................................................................\
246
Adaptive Cruise Control – Troubleshooting ......................................
247
Driving Aids
Driver Alert ....................................................
250
Lane Keeping System ................................
251
Blind Spot Information System .............
255
Cross Traffic Alert ........................................
257
Steering ..........................................................
260
Pre-Collision Assist .....................................
261
Drive Mode Control
What Is Drive Mode Control ...................
266
Selecting a Drive Mode ............................
266
Drive Modes ..................................................
266
Load Carrying
Rear Under Floor Storage ........................
268
Luggage Covers ...........................................
268
Roof Racks and Load Carriers ...............
269
Load Limit ......................................................
270
Towing
Towing a Trailer ............................................
276
Trailer Sway Control ...................................
277Recommended Towing Weights
...........
277
Essential Towing Checks .........................
279
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission –
8F24 .............................................................
281
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission –
8F35 ............................................................
282
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels - Automatic Transmission – HF45 ......
283
Driving Hints
Economical Driving ....................................
284
Breaking-In ....................................................
284
Driving Through Water ..............................
285
Floor Mats .....................................................
285
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance .................................
287
Hazard Flashers ..........................................
288
Fuel Shutoff .................................................
288
Jump Starting the Vehicle - Excluding: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)/Plug-In
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) ........
289
Jump Starting the Vehicle - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)/Plug-In Hybrid
Electric Vehicle (PHEV) ........................
291
Collision, Damage or Fire Event ............
294
Post-Crash Alert System .........................
295
Transporting the Vehicle ..........................
295
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need ..............
297
In California (U.S. Only) ...........................
298
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only) ....................
299
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only) .....................
300
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada ......................................................
300
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature ........................................................................\
302
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 17-06-2019, enUSA, Edition date: 201906, Third-Printing- Table of Contents

Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Action
Message
One or more tires on your vehicle have low tire pressure. SeeTire Pressure Monitoring System (page 365).
Tire Pressure Low
The tire pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning. If thewarning stays on or continues to come on, have the system
checked as soon as possible. See Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(page 365).
Tire Pressure Monitor
Fault
A tire pressure sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire isin use. For more information on how the system operatesunder these conditions, See
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (page 365). If the warning stays on or continues to
come on, have the system checked as soon as possible.
Tire Pressure Sensor
Fault
Trailer
(If Equipped) Action
Message
A correct trailer connection is sensed during a givenignition cycle.
Trailer Connected
A trailer connection becomes disconnected, either
intentionally or unintentionally, and has been sensed during a given ignition cycle.
Trailer Disconnected
The trailer sway control has detected trailer sway.
Trailer Sway Reduce Speed
There are certain faults in your vehicle wiring and trailer
wiring/brake system. See Towing a Trailer (page 276).
Trailer Wiring Fault
There is a fault with your trailer turn lamp. Check yourlamp.
Trailer Left Turn Lamps Fault
Check Lamps
There is a fault with your trailer turn lamp. Check yourlamp.
Trailer Right Turn Lamps Fault
Check Lamps
There is a fault with your trailer battery. See
Towing
a Trailer (page 276).
Trailer Battery Not Charging See
Manual
There is a fault with your vehicle trailer lighting module.See
Towing a Trailer (page 276).
Trailer Lighting Module Fault
See Manual
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Action
Message
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
SHIFT SYS FAULT
Neutral Unavailable Service Required
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
SHIFT SYS FAULT Sport
Unavailable Service Required
Displays when an invalid gear has been selected.
Invalid Gear Selection
Displays when the brake pedal needs to be depressed toenable the transmission to shift from park.
Depress Brake to Shift
from Park
Reminder to switch off the ignition when in neutral tow.
Neutral Tow Engaged
Turn Ignition Off for Towing
Displays when neutral hold is active and you want to exit neutral tow.
Neutral Tow Engaged
Depress Brake andSelect Park to Exit Neutral Tow
Reminder to remove park brake when in neutral tow.
Neutral Tow Remove
Park Brake for Towing
Displays when the neutral tow is off.
Neutral Tow Disengaged
Displays when neutral tow is on.
Neutral Tow Enabled
Leave Transmission in Neutral
HEAD UP DISPLAY The system displays information on a
display screen in your field of vision,
allowing you to keep your eyes on the road.
You can select which information the
system displays.
Note:
Some options may appear slightly
different or not at all if the items are
optional.
Note: Do not place anything on the head
up display, for example sunglasses or a cell
phone. This can cause damage not covered
by the vehicle Warranty.
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Driving
The gas engine automatically starts and
stops to provide power when needed and
to save fuel when not needed. When
coasting at low speeds, coming to a stop,
or standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and your vehicle operates in
electric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the engine to
start up or remain running include:
•
Considerable vehicle acceleration.
• Climbing a hill.
• Charge level of high voltage battery is
low.
• High or low outside temperatures in
order to provide system heating or
cooling.
• Engine not warm enough to provide
passenger requested cabin
temperature.
• Towing a trailer.
• Selectable drive modes: Certain
selectable drive modes may cause the
engine to run. See What Is Drive Mode
Control (page 266).
• Live in Drive: Use of the paddle shifters
while in drive (D) may cause the engine
to run. See Automatic Transmission
(page
208).
Stopping
The gas engine may shut off to conserve
fuel as you come to a stop. Restarting your
vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation
The engine and electric motor together
propel the vehicle through the automatic
transmission. This is normal hybrid
operating and helps deliver fuel efficiency
and performance. Battery
Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltage
battery. A cool battery maintains battery
life and provides the best possible
performance. The high voltage battery is
cooled by the vehicle's air conditioning
system. When the air conditioning system
is on, you may notice a slight increase in
air temperature coming from the climate
control vents while the battery is cooling.
You may also notice cool air flowing from
the vents when the air conditioning or
blower is off.
Braking
Your hybrid is equipped with standard
hydraulic braking and regenerative braking.
Regenerative braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake energy
and stores it in the high voltage battery.
You may also notice during extending
downhill driving that your engine continues
to run instead of shutting off. During this
engine braking, the engine stays on, but it
is not using any fuel. You may also hear a
slight whine or whistle when operating your
vehicle. This is the normal operation of the
electric motor in the hybrid system.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:
Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In some
cases, it is actually more efficient than
driving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improve
throughout your hybrid's break-in period.
As with any vehicle, your driving habits and
accessory usage can significantly impact
your fuel economy. For best results, keep
these tips in mind:
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EV Now
This mode provides an electric
only driving experience. Do not
use EV Now when towing a
trailer. The electric drive system is not
designed for towing. An EV Now
information on demand screen appears.
This screen allows you to enable your
engine while in EV Now mode.
Your vehicle could accelerate slower and
the top speed could be lower than when
in Auto EV mode.
You can enable your engine at any time by
using one of the following methods:
• Press the OK button on the steering
wheel while viewing the EV Now
information on demand screen. Your
vehicle enables the engine as needed
and returns to EV Now mode when no
longer needed.
• Fully press the accelerator pedal. A
pop-up message appears. Press the
OK button on the steering wheel to
enable the engine. When the engine is
no longer needed, your vehicle returns
to EV Now. The message disappears if
you release the accelerator pedal.
• Press the EV button. This exits EV Now
mode and permits engine operation.
To return to EV Now mode, select it
again using the EV button.
Your vehicle could enter Engine Enabled
mode if system conditions require it. A
message displays if this occurs. This is a
normal function of the system and your
vehicle returns to EV Now mode when
possible.
When you enable EV Now mode, a blue EV
Now icon appears in the information
display. If your vehicle is in Engine Enabled
mode, the EV Now icon is amber. EV Now
exits when your available electric range
reaches zero. EV Later In EV Later, your vehicle runs on
the engine as needed and saves
most of the available electric
range for later use in Auto EV or EV Now
mode.
For example, your initial drive is at high
speeds on open roads, but later your drive
is at low speeds in an urban area where
electric only driving is most efficient. In this
case, you can select EV Later for the higher
speed portion of your trip and then select
Auto EV or EV Now for the urban portion.
When you enable EV Later, a white EV
Later icon appears in the information
display. EV Later resets to Auto EV when
you switch off your vehicle. You may select
EV Later again using the EV button during
your next drive.
When you select EV Later with the vehicle
fully charged or near fully charged, the
battery uses some electric-only driving
range to discharge the battery, and allows
for full operation of the regenerative
braking system.
EV Charge This mode uses your vehicle's
engine to charge the high voltage
battery versus plugging the
vehicle into a utility grid.
The electric range gained through EV
Charge allows you to switch to Auto EV or
EV Now for full electric operation later in
your drive. The battery cannot completely
charge to 100% when in EV Charge mode.
This is to allow for full operation of the
regenerative braking system. When the
battery reaches its EV Charge limit, the
vehicle remains in EV Charge mode and
maintains that charge level, until you select
another EV Mode, or until you switch the
vehicle off.
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Answer
Question
The engine is required to turn on above thisspeed to protect the transmission hard- ware.
Why does my engine never shut down
above 85 mph (137 km/h)
In order to make sure that the climate
control system can begin heating the cabin or defrosting the windshield as soon as a driver requests it, the engine coolant
temperature has to be kept sufficiently hot. Keeping the engine on is required to main- tain the correct coolant temperature.
Why does my engine stay on when it is
extremely cold outside?
Your vehicle's engine and transmission aredesigned to deliver the power you need atthe most efficient engine speed. This may be higher than expected during heavy
accelerations, and may fluctuate when
driving at a steady speed. These are charac- teristics of the Atkinson engine cycle and the transmission technology that helpmaximize your hybrid's fuel economy.
Why does my engine rev up so high some-
times when I accelerate?
Change the engine oil every 12,000 mi
(20,000 km) or once per year under normal operating conditions.
What is the engine oil change service
interval?
Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 (15%ethanol, 85% gasoline) fuel, but you may notice slightly reduced fuel economy
because ethanol contains less energy per
gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle is not designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and how
will it affect my fuel economy?
The high voltage battery system is designedto last the life of the vehicle and requires no maintenance.
How long will my high voltage battery last?
Does it need maintenance?
The plug-in hybrid high voltage battery canbe charged by plugging the vehicle into an AC outlet.
Can you charge the battery with a plug into
an AC outlet?
There are no provisions for charging the
conventional hybrid high voltage battery
from a power supply external to the vehicle.
Yes. Your hybrid vehicle can be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground. See Towing (page 276).
Can I tow the hybrid behind my motor home
with all four wheels on the ground?
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 17-06-2019, enUSA, Edition date: 201906, Third-Printing- Unique Driving Characteristics

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 276).
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.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 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.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL
LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is under the luggage
compartment floor covering.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Running out of fuel can cause damage not
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
If your vehicle runs out of fuel:
• Add a minimum of
1.3 gal (5 L) of fuel
to restart the engine.
• You may need to switch 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. When restarting, cranking time
takes a few seconds longer than
normal.
Note: If your vehicle is on a steep slope,
more fuel may be required.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container WARNING:
Flow of fuel through a
fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity. This can cause a fire if you are
filling an ungrounded fuel container.
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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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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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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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