FORD ESCAPE 2021 Owners Manual

Driving In Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
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
All-Wheel Drive – Information
Messages (page 220).
Note: If your vehicle gets stuck in sand, it
may be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature, as
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires may occur or the
engine may overheat.
Driving Through Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even all-wheel drive vehicles can lose
traction in mud. If your vehicle does slide,
steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts can cause an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Note: If your vehicle gets stuck in mud, it
may be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear. Note:
Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature, as
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires may occur or the
engine may overheat.
Water
If you must drive through deep water, drive
slowly. The water could limit traction or
brake capability. See Driving Through
Shallow Water (page 311).
When driving through water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
center of the wheel.
Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes will not stop your vehicle as
quickly as dry brakes. Apply light pressure
to the brake pedal while slowly moving the
vehicle to dry the brakes.
Note: Driving through deep water could
cause damage to the transmission. If the
front or rear axle is submerged in water, the
axle lubricant and power transfer unit
lubricant should be checked and changed
if necessary.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles could make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should try to drive
straight up or straight down.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes or
hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, determine
beforehand the route you can use. Do not
drive over the crest of a hill without seeing
what conditions are on the other side. Do
not drive in reverse over a hill without the
aid of an observer.
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(If Equipped)

Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power will cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, and
you could lose control of your vehicle.
When descending a steep hill, do not
descend the hill in neutral. Avoid sudden
hard braking to keep the front wheels
rolling and to maintain your vehicle's
steering.
Note:
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,
apply the brakes steadily. Do not pump the
brakes.
Note: If your vehicle gets stuck driving on
hilly or sloping terrain, it may be rocked out
by shifting between forward and reverse
gears, stopping between shifts in a steady
pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in
each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature, as
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires may occur or the
engine may overheat.
Driving on Snow and Ice WARNING: If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire
chains or cables, then it is critical that
you drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,
allow for longer stopping distances and
avoid aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death.
If the rear end of your vehicle slides while
cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of your
vehicle.
Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and
ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and
steadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking. Although an
all-wheel drive vehicle accelerates better
than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and
ice, it cannot stop any faster as braking
occurs at all four wheels. Do not become
overconfident of the road conditions.
Make sure that you allow sufficient
distance between your vehicle and other
vehicles for stopping. On ice and snow, you
should drive more slowly than usual. In
emergency stopping situations, steadily
apply the brake. Your vehicle has a four
wheel anti-lock brake system, do not pump
the brake pedal.
See Anti-Lock Braking
System Limitations (page 221).
Note: If your vehicle gets stuck driving on
snow and ice, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears,
stopping between shifts in a steady pattern.
Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature, as
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires may occur or the
engine may overheat.
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(If Equipped)

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE – TROUBLESHOOTING
All-Wheel Drive – Information Messages
Action
Message
The all-wheel drive system temporarily turns off to protectitself from overheating.
AWD Temporarily
Disabled
The all-wheel drive system will resume normal function and
clear this message after driving a short distance with the road tire re-installed or after the system cools.
AWD Restored
The all-wheel drive system temporarily turns off to protect
itself from overheating or if you are using the temporary spare tire.
AWD OFF
The all-wheel drive system is not operating properly. If thewarning stays on or continues to come on, contact an authorized dealer.
AWD Malfunction
Service Required
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Driving your vehicle
with the warning lamp on is dangerous.
A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It may take you
longer to stop your vehicle. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Driving extended distances with the
parking brake engaged can cause brake
failure and the risk of personal injury.
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.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
Anti-Lock Braking System
Limitations
The anti-lock braking system does not
eliminate the risk of crash 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 could pulse and could travel further.
Maintain pressure on the brake pedal.
Anti-Lock Braking System
Indicators
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking. If it illuminates when you are
driving, this indicates a
malfunction. Your vehicle
continues to have normal braking without
the anti-lock brake system function. Have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when you
switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp
is functional. If it does not illuminate when
you switch the ignition on, or begins to
flash at any time, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer. It illuminates when you engage
the parking brake and the
ignition is on.
If it illuminates when your vehicle
is moving, make sure the parking
brake is disengaged. If the
parking brake is disengaged, this indicates
low brake fluid level or a brake system
fault. Have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when you
switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp
is functional. If it does not illuminate when
you switch the ignition on, or begins to
flash at any time, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
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. Move the transmission to park (P),
switch the engine off and apply the parking
brake. Inspect the accelerator pedal for
any interference. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer.
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LOCATING THE BRAKE FLUID
RESERVOIR
See Under Hood Overview (page 335).
CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING:
Do not use any fluid
other than the recommended brake fluid
as this will reduce brake efficiency. Use
of incorrect fluid could result in the loss
of vehicle control, serious personal injury
or death. WARNING:
Only use brake fluid
from a sealed container. Contamination
with dirt, water, petroleum products or
other materials may result in brake
system damage or failure. Failure to
adhere to this warning could result in the
loss of vehicle control, serious personal
injury or death. WARNING:
Do not allow the fluid
to touch your skin or eyes. If this
happens, rinse the affected areas
immediately with plenty of water and
contact your physician. WARNING:
The brake system
could be affected if the brake fluid level
is below the MIN mark or above the MAX
mark on the brake fluid reservoir. 1. Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2. Look at the brake fluid reservoir to see
where the brake fluid level is relative
to the MIN and the MAX marks on the
reservoir.
Note: To avoid fluid contamination, the
reservoir cap must remain in place and fully
tight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets our
specifications.
See Capacities and
Specifications (page 407).
BRAKE FLUID SPECIFICATION
See Brake Fluid Specification (page 407).
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BRAKES –
TROUBLESHOOTING
Brakes – Warning Lamps
If the ABS indicator illuminates
when you are driving, this
indicates a malfunction. Your
vehicle continues to have normal braking
without the anti-lock braking system
function. See an authorized dealer.
It also momentarily illuminates when you
switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp
is functional. If it does not illuminate when
you switch the ignition on, or begins to
flash at any time, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer. The brake indicator momentarily
illuminates when you switch the
ignition on to confirm the lamp
is functional. It may also illuminate when
you apply the parking brake and the
ignition is on. If it illuminates when your
vehicle is moving, make sure the parking
brake is disengaged. If the parking brake
is disengaged, this indicates low brake fluid
level or a brake system fault. See an
authorized dealer.
Brakes – Frequently Asked
Questions
Is brake dust on the wheels normal?
Brake dust could accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as
the brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. See
Cleaning Wheels (page 353). Will wet driving conditions effect my
braking abilities?
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.
Is brake noise considered normal? 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.
When should you replace the brake
fluid? Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Change the brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
degraded braking performance.
See
Normal Scheduled Maintenance
(page
490).
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Brakes E270480

WHAT IS THE ELECTRIC
PARKING BRAKE
The electric parking brake is used to hold
your vehicle on slopes and flat roads.
APPLYING THE ELECTRIC
PARKING BRAKE
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:
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 has run out of charge. The electronic parking brake
switch is on the center console.
1. Pull the switch up.
The red warning lamp flashes during
operation and illuminates when the parking
brake is applied.
Note: You can apply the electric parking
brake when the power is off.
Note: The electric parking brake could
apply when you shift into park (P).
See Park
(P) (page 210). APPLYING THE ELECTRIC
PARKING BRAKE IN AN
EMERGENCY
You can use the electric parking brake to
slow or stop your vehicle in an emergency.
1. Pull the switch up and hold it.
The electric parking brake continues to
slow your vehicle down unless you release
the switch.
The red warning lamp illuminates, a tone
sounds and the stoplamps turn on when
you use the electric parking brake in an
emergency.
Note:
Do not apply the electric parking
brake when your vehicle is moving, except
in an emergency.
MANUALLY RELEASING THE
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
1. Switch the ignition on.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Push the switch down.
The red warning lamp turns off.
Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing a
Trailer
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Pull the switch upward and hold it.
3. Shift into gear.
4. Press the accelerator pedal until engine
has developed sufficient torque to
prevent your vehicle from rolling down
the hill.
5. Release the switch and pull away in a normal manner.
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AUTOMATICALLY RELEASING
THE ELECTRIC PARKING
BRAKE
1. Close the driver door.
2. Shift into gear.
3. Press the accelerator pedal and pull
away in a normal manner.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
AUDIBLE WARNING
Sounds when the parking brake is on and
your vehicle is moving. If the warning tone
continues after you have released the
parking brake, this indicates a malfunction.
Have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible.
RELEASING THE ELECTRIC
PARKING BRAKE IF THE
VEHICLE BATTERY HAS RUN
OUT OF CHARGE
See Jump Starting the Vehicle (page
316). ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE –
TROUBLESHOOTING
Electric Parking Brake – Warning
Lamps
Brake System It illuminates red when you apply
the parking brake and your
vehicle is on. If the lamp flashes
when the parking brake has been
released, this indicates the
parking brake system requires
service. Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible.
Note: Lamps may vary depending on region.
Electric Parking Brake When the lamp illuminates
yellow, it indicates a malfunction
in the electric parking brake.
Have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible.
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Electric Parking Brake – Information Messages
Park Brake
Action
Message
The parking brake is set, if the vehicle is in gear and you driveyour vehicle more than 3 mph (5 km/h). If the warning stays
on after the parking brake is released, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Park Brake Engaged
The electric parking brake is set and a manual release isattempted without the brake pedal being pressed.
To Release: Press Brake
and Switch
The electric parking brake is set and an automatic release isattempted but cannot be performed. Perform a manual release.
Park Brake Use Switch
to Release
The electric parking brake is set and your vehicle speed
exceeds 3 mph (5 km/h). Release park brake before continued driving.
Release Park Brake
The electric parking brake is not fully applied.
Park Brake Not Applied
The electric parking brake is not fully released.
Park Brake Not Released
The electric parking brake system has been put into a special
mode that is used to allow service of the rear brakes. Contactan authorized dealer.
Park Brake Maintenance
Mode
The electric park brake system has detected a condition thatrequires service. Some functionality may still be available. Contact your authorized dealer.
Park Brake Limited
Function Service Required
The electric parking brake system has detected a conditionthat requires service. Contact your authorized dealer.
Park Brake Malfunction
Service Now
Numerous park brake applies have overheated the system.Wait 2 minutes before attempting to apply again.
Park Brake System
Overheated
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WHAT IS HILL START ASSIST
Hill Start Assist makes it easier for you to
pull away when your vehicle is on a slope
without using the parking brake.
HOW DOES HILL START
ASSIST WORK
When the system activates, your vehicle
remains stationary for a few seconds after
you release the brake pedal. This gives you
time to move your foot from the brake
pedal to the accelerator pedal. The brakes
release when the engine has developed
sufficient torque to prevent your vehicle
from rolling down the slope.
HILL START ASSIST
PRECAUTIONS
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. HILL START ASSIST –
TROUBLESHOOTING
Hill Start Assist – Information
Messages Action
Message
Displays when
system is not avail- able. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Hill Start Assist Not
Available
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Hill Start Assist