warning FORD ESCAPE 2021 Owners Manual

WHAT IS DRIVER ALERT
Driver alert alerts you if it determines that
you are becoming drowsy or if your driving
deteriorates.
HOW DOES DRIVER ALERT
WORK
Driver Alert calculates your alertness level
based on your driving behavior in relation
to the lane markings and other factors
through use of the front camera sensor
behind the interior mirror.
DRIVER ALERT PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING: Take regular rest
breaks if you feel tired. Do not wait for
the system to warn you. WARNING:
Certain driving styles
may result in the system warning you
even if you are not feeling tired. WARNING:
In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all
limit sensor performance. WARNING:
The system will not
operate if the sensor cannot track the
road lane markings. WARNING:
If damage occurs in the
immediate area surrounding the sensor,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. WARNING:
The system may not
correctly operate if your vehicle is fitted
with a suspension kit not approved by
us. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly if the sensor is blocked.
Keep the windshield free from
obstruction.
Note: If something is blocking the camera
or damaged the windshield, Driver Alert may
not function.
DRIVER ALERT LIMITATIONS
Driver alert may not function correctly if:
• The sensor cannot track the road lane
markings.
• Your vehicle's speed is less than
approximately
40 mph (65 km/h).
SWITCHING DRIVER ALERT ON
AND OFF
1. Press
Settings on the touchscreen.
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2. Press Driver Assistance.
3. Switch
Driver Alert on or off.
Note: The system remains on or off
depending on how it was last set.
Resetting Driver Alert
You can reset the system by either:
• Switching the ignition off and on.
• Stopping the vehicle and then opening
and closing the driver door. DRIVER ALERT INDICATORS
System Warnings
The warning system has two stages:
1.
A temporary warning is issued to advise
you to take a rest. This message only
appears for a short time.
2. If you do not rest and the system continues to detect that your driving
deteriorates, it issues a further warning.
This remains in the instrument cluster
display until you cancel it.
Note: The system does not warn you if the
vehicle speed falls below approximately
40 mph (65 km/h)
.
DRIVER ALERT – TROUBLESHOOTING
Driver Alert – Information Messages Action
Message
Stop and rest as soon as it is safe to do so.
Driver Alert Warning Rest Now
Take a rest soon.
Driver Alert Warning Rest Suggested
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WHAT IS SPEED SIGN
RECOGNITION
Speed sign recognition detects speed limit
signs to inform you of the current speed
limit. Detected speed signs appear in the
information display.
HOW DOES SPEED SIGN
RECOGNITION WORK
Speed sign recognition uses a sensor
behind the interior mirror to detect speed
signs.
If your vehicle has speed sign recognition
with navigation, stored speed sign data
may influence the indicated speed limit
value.
SPEED SIGN RECOGNITION
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING: In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all
limit sensor performance. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly if the sensor is blocked.
Keep the windshield free from
obstruction. Note:
Do not carry out windshield repairs
in the immediate area surrounding the
sensor.
Note: If your vehicle has a suspension kit
not approved by us, the system may not
correctly function.
Note: The system may not detect all speed
signs and may incorrectly read signs.
Note: Always fit our original parts when
replacing headlamp bulbs. Other bulbs may
reduce system performance.
SPEED SIGN RECOGNITION
LIMITATIONS
Speed sign recognition may not operate
correctly due to:
• Outdated map data.
• Incorrect recognition of speed limits by
the sensor of signs on parallel roads or
exit ramps.
• Missed recognition of faded, dirty, or
distorted signs.
SPEED SIGN RECOGNITION
INDICATORS When the system detects a speed limit
sign, it appears in the information display.
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(If Equipped)E317824

SETTING THE SPEED SIGN
RECOGNITION SPEED
WARNING
To set the speed warning, use the
touchscreen.
1. Press Settings on the touchscreen.
2. Press
Driver Assistance.
3. Press
Speed Sign Recognition.
4. Switch the feature on or off. SETTING THE SPEED SIGN
RECOGNITION SPEED
TOLERANCE
To set the tolerance of the speed warning,
use the touchscreen.
1. Press
Settings on the touchscreen.
2. Press
Driver Assistance.
3. Press
Speed Sign Recognition.
4. Press
Tolerance.
5. Use
+ and - to set the tolerance.
SPEED SIGN RECOGNITION – TROUBLESHOOTING
Speed Sign Recognition – Information Messages Action
Message
The traffic sign data provided by the navig-ation system is unavailable due to weak or
no signal. Wait for a short period of time for the signal to improve. If the message
continues to appear, have the system checked as soon as possible.
Traffic Sign Reduced Performance See
Manual
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(If Equipped)

LOAD CARRYING
PRECAUTIONS
Keep your loaded vehicle weight
within its design rating capability,
with or without a trailer. Properly
loading your vehicle provides
maximum return of vehicle design
performance. Before you load your
vehicle, become familiar with the
following terms for determining
your vehicle
’s weight rating, with
or without a trailer, from the
vehicle ’s Tire and Loading
Information label or Safety
Compliance Certification label. 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. 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. 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. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label. 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. WARNING:
When loading
the roof racks, we recommend
you evenly distribute the load,
as well as maintain a low center
of gravity. Loaded vehicles, with
higher centers of gravity, may
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The above calculations also
assume that the loads are
positioned in your vehicle in a
manner that does not overload
the front or the rear gross axle
weight rating specified for your
vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification label.
ROOF RACK (If Equipped)
Roof Rack Precautions
WARNING: Read and follow the
manufacturer's instructions when you
are fitting a roof rack. WARNING:
When loading the roof
racks, we recommend you evenly
distribute the load, as well as maintain
a low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles,
with higher centers of gravity, may
handle differently than unloaded
vehicles. Take extra precautions, such
as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, when driving a heavily loaded
vehicle.
Note: If you use a roof rack, the fuel
consumption of your vehicle will be higher
and you may experience different driving
characteristics.
Note: Never place loads directly on the roof
panel. The roof panel is not designed to
directly carry a load.
You must place loads directly on the
crossbars fitted to the roof rack side rails.
When using the roof rack system, we
recommend that you use genuine Ford
accessory crossbars specifically designed
for your vehicle. Make sure that you securely fasten the
load. Check the tightness of the load
before driving and at each fuel stop.
Removing and Installing Roof
Rack Crossbars
Note:
For less wind noise and better
aerodynamics, only install the crossbars
when you need them for carrying cargo.
Adjusting a Roof Rack Crossbar 1. Loosen the crossbar bolt by using the
supplied tool or similar tool.
2. Move the crossbar to the new position.
3. Tighten the bolt by using the supplied tool or similar tool.
Note: For less wind noise and better
aerodynamics, only install the crossbars
when you need them for carrying cargo.
Roof Rack Load Capacities
Do not install crossbars if your vehicle has
a moonroof. Do not place any load on your
vehicle if it has a moonroof. Using
crossbars or loading the vehicle roof may
void your vehicle's warranty.
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INSTALLING AND REMOVING
THE LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENT COVER
WARNING: Make sure that you
properly secure the luggage cover.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in personal injury in the event of a
sudden stop or crash. WARNING:
Do not place objects
on the luggage cover. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury or death in the event of a sudden
stop or crash.
Installing the Luggage Cover
1. Insert the luggage cover. 2. Attach the retaining cord to the
luggage compartment trim panel. 3. Insert the retaining clips into the
litfgate trim panel.
Note: Make sure to support the luggage
cover when inserting the retaining clips.
Removing the Luggage Cover
1. Open the liftgate. 2. Detach the retaining clips on the
liftgate trim panel.
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CONNECTING A TRAILER
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not adjust the spring
bars so that your vehicle's rear bumper
is higher than before attaching the trailer.
Doing so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may
cause unpredictable handling, and could
result in serious personal injury.
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle. You
must distribute the load in your trailer so
that 10-15% of the total weight of the
trailer is on the trailer coupler.
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
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance (page 490).
If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives you.
When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions.
Account for the trailer coupler weight as
part of your vehicle load when calculating
the total vehicle weight.
Do not exceed the load limits. See
Calculating the Load Limit
(page 295). CONNECTING A TRAILER
Trailer Towing Connector
(If Equipped)
When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions.
Note:
Install the waterproof protection cap
back onto the trailer towing connector
whenever it is not in use. This helps to
prevent water damage and trailer towing
connector malfunction.
Note: You cannot use a seven-pin trailer
wiring connector for your vehicle and the
trailer lighting equipment.
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.
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TOWING A TRAILER
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label. WARNING:
Towing trailers
beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of your
vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and personal injury. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the lowest rating capacity for
your vehicle or trailer hitch.
Overloading your vehicle or
trailer hitch can impair your
vehicle stability and handling.
Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control
of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Do not cut,
drill, weld or modify the trailer
hitch. Modifying the trailer hitch
could reduce the hitch rating. WARNING:
The anti-lock
brake system does not control
the trailer brakes. TRAILER BRAKE
PRECAUTIONS 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. WARNING:
Do not tow a trailer
fitted with electric trailer brakes unless
your vehicle is fitted with a compatible
aftermarket electronic trailer brake
controller. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. For additional information and
assistance, we recommend that you
contact an authorized dealer.
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.
Certain states require functioning trailer
brakes for trailers over a specified weight.
Be sure to check state regulations for this
specified weight.
Ford Motor Company recommends
separate functioning brake systems for
trailers weighing more than
1,500 lb
(680 kg) when loaded.
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HOW DOES TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL WORK
The system applies the brakes to the
individual wheels and reduces engine
torque to aid vehicle stability.
If the trailer begins to sway, the stability
control lamp flashes and the message
Trailer Sway Reduce Speed appears in
the information display.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so. Check the vertical weight on the
tow ball and trailer load distribution.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
PRECAUTIONS 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 only activates when
significant trailer sway occurs.
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.
SWITCHING TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL ON AND OFF
1. Press
Features on the touchscreen. 2. Press
Towing.
3. Switch
Trailer Sway Control on or off.
The system turns on each time you start
your vehicle.
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