tow FORD ESCAPE 2021 Owner's Manual

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (If
Equipped)
Engine Block Heater Precautions
WARNING: Failure to follow engine
block heater instructions could result in
property damage or serious personal
injury. WARNING: Do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock. WARNING:
Do not fully close the
hood, or allow it to drop under its own
weight when using the engine block
heater. This could damage the power
cable and may cause an electrical short
resulting in fire, injury and property
damage.
We recommend that you do the following
for a safe and correct operation:
• Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord
that is product certified by
Underwriter ’s Laboratory (UL) or
Canadian Standards Association
(CSA). This extension cord must be
suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly marked
Suitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Do not use an indoor
extension cord outdoors. This could
result in an electric shock or become a
fire hazard.
• Use as short an extension cord as
possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords. •
Make sure that when in operation, the
extension cord plug and engine block
heater cord plug connections are free
and clear of water. This could cause an
electric shock or fire.
• If the engine block heater cord is under
the hood, do not remove the wiring
from its original location. Do not close
the hood on the extension wiring.
• Park your vehicle in a clean area, clear
of combustible materials.
• Firmly connect the engine block heater
cord and the extension cord.
• Check the extension cord for heat
anywhere when the system has been
operating for approximately 30
minutes.
• Unplug and properly stow the system
before starting and driving your vehicle.
The protective cover seals the
terminals of the engine block heater
cord plug when not in use.
• Check the engine block heater system
for proper operation before winter.
How Does the Engine Block Heater
Work
The engine block heater warms the engine
coolant. This allows the climate control
system to quickly respond. The equipment
includes a heater element installed in the
engine block and a wire harness. You can
connect the system to a grounded
220-240 volt AC electrical source.
Note: The engine block heater is most
effective when outdoor temperatures are
below
0°F (-18°C).
Using the Engine Block Heater
Make sure the receptacle terminals are
clean and dry prior to use. Clean them with
a dry cloth if necessary.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Starting and Stopping the Engine

WHAT IS A HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE
A hybrid vehicle has an electric motor and
a high voltage battery combined with a
gasoline engine.
HOW DOES A HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE WORK
The hybrid vehicle combines electric and
gasoline propulsion to provide optimal
performance and improved efficiency.
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS
The gasoline engine starts and stops to
provide power when required 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 gasoline
engine to start or remain running include:
•
Considerable vehicle acceleration.
• Driving uphill.
• The high voltage battery charge level
is low.
• Heating or cooling the vehicle interior
in high or low outside temperatures.
• The gasoline engine is below normal
operating temperature.
• Towing a trailer.
• Certain selectable drive modes could
cause the engine to run. See Selecting
a Drive Mode (page 262). Your hybrid vehicle also comes with
standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative braking
is performed by your transmission and
captures brake energy and stores it in the
high voltage battery.
You could also notice that your engine
continues to run instead of shutting off
during extended downhill driving. The
engine stays on during this engine braking
but is not using any fuel.
You could also hear a slight whine or
whistle when operating your vehicle. This
is the normal operation of the electric
motor in the hybrid system.
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
INDICATORS
When you start your vehicle, a
green READY indicator light
appears in the instrument cluster
letting you know that your vehicle is ready
for driving.
The engine may not start because your
vehicle has a silent key start feature. This
fuel saving feature allows your vehicle to
be ready to drive without requiring the gas
engine to be running.
The indicator remains on when your vehicle
is on, whether the engine is running or not,
to indicate your vehicle is capable of
movement using the electric motor, gas
engine or both.
Typically, the engine does not start unless
the vehicle is cold, a climate control
change is requested or you press the
accelerator pedal.
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(If Equipped)E293827

PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC
VEHICLE INFORMATION
What Is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric
Vehicle
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle combines
a gasoline engine with an electric motor
and rechargeable high voltage battery
allowing you to use only electricity to
power your vehicle.
How Does a Plug-In Hybrid Electric
Vehicle Work
Charging your vehicle adds electrical
energy that propels the vehicle. Regularly
plug in your vehicle to get optimal
electric-only range capability from the high
voltage battery. The system maximizes the
use of electric-only operation in normal
drive mode whenever possible. System
conditions could require the engine to
operate when necessary.
When the electric-only range reaches zero,
the powertrain system switches to hybrid
operation. This means that you have
depleted the energy you gained from
plugging in and charging your vehicle. Both
the gasoline engine and electric motor
power your vehicle and maximize fuel
economy during hybrid operation. You
receive some electric-only driving with
hybrid operation as the powertrain system
maintains the high voltage battery charge
within functional limits.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Driving Characteristics
The gasoline engine starts and stops to
provide power when required and to save
fuel when not needed. Restarting your
vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
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 gasoline
engine to start or remain running include:
•
Considerable vehicle acceleration.
• Driving uphill.
• The high voltage battery charge level
is low.
• Heating or cooling the vehicle interior
in high or low outside temperatures.
• The gasoline engine is below normal
operating temperature.
• Towing a trailer.
• Certain drive modes could cause the
engine to run. See Drive Mode
Control (page 262).
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 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has
several EV drive modes to enhance your
driving experience. See
Selecting a
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Drive
Mode
(page 264).
Your hybrid vehicle also comes with
standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative braking
is performed by your transmission and
captures brake energy and stores it in the
high voltage battery.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Hybrid Electric Vehicle Information
(If Equipped)

FUEL QUALITY
Selecting the Correct Fuel
Choosing the Right Fuel
Your vehicle operates on regular unleaded
gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2
octane rating of 87.
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.
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.
Choosing the Right Fuel - Flex Fuel
Vehicles
Flex fuel vehicles have one of the following
identifiers:
• Yellow fuel filler cap.
• Yellow bezel around the fuel filler inlet.
• Yellow fuel filler housing.
• Yellow E85 label on the fuel tank filler
door.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Fuel and RefuelingE161513

Your vehicle operates 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.
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.
LOCATING THE FUEL FILLER
FUNNEL
The fuel filler funnel is under the luggage
compartment floor covering.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
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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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Fuel and RefuelingE161513

WHAT IS THE CATALYTIC
CONVERTER
The catalytic converter is part of your
vehicle's emissions system and filters
harmful pollutants from the exhaust gas.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not park, idle or
drive your vehicle on dry grass or other
dry ground cover. The emission system
heats up the engine compartment and
exhaust system, creating the risk of fire. WARNING:
The normal operating
temperature of the exhaust system is
very high. Never work around or attempt
to repair any part of the exhaust system
until it has cooled. Use special care when
working around the catalytic converter.
The catalytic converter heats up to a very
high temperature after only a short
period of engine operation and stays hot
after the engine is switched off.
To avoid damaging the catalytic converter:
• Do not crank the engine for more than
10 seconds at a time.
• Do not run the engine with a spark plug
lead disconnected.
• Do not push-start or tow-start your
vehicle. Use booster cables. See Jump
Starting the Vehicle
(page 316).
• Use the correct fuel.
See Fuel and
Refueling (page 188).
• Do not switch the ignition off when your
vehicle is moving.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Have the items listed in scheduled
maintenance information performed
according to the specified schedule. Note:
Do not make any unauthorized
changes to your vehicle or engine. By law,
vehicle owners and anyone who
manufactures, repairs, or services a fleet of
vehicles are not permitted to intentionally
remove an emission control device or
prevent it from working.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER –
TROUBLESHOOTING
Catalytic Converter – Warning
Lamps
Your vehicle has an on-board diagnostics
system that monitors the emission control
system. If any of the following warning
lamps illuminate, this may indicate that
the on-board diagnostics system has
detected an emission control system
malfunction. Continuing to drive your vehicle may cause
reduced power or the engine to stop.
Failure to respond to a warning lamp may
cause damage that your vehicle Warranty
may not cover. Have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Catalytic Converter

SHIFTING YOUR VEHICLE INTO
GEAR
Your vehicle has an electronic transmission
selector. The transmission selector is on
the center console. The gears are selected
by rotating the transmission selector to
PRNDL.
• Park (P)
• Reverse (R)
• Neutral (N)
• Drive (D)
• Low (L)
Putting your vehicle in gear:
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2. Rotate the transmission selector to the
position you want and release.
3. The transmission position you select illuminates.
4. Release the brake pedal and your transmission remains in the selected
gear.
Note: If you attempt to leave your vehicle
when it is in gear, your vehicle automatically
shifts into park (P).
See How Does
Automatic Return to Park (P) Work (page
212
). AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
POSITION INDICATORS
The instrument cluster displays the current
position.
Note:
The position could illuminate on the
transmission selector.
TEMPORARY NEUTRAL MODE
What Is Temporary Neutral Mode
This mode keeps your vehicle in neutral
(N) when you switch your vehicle off. Use
this mode if you exit your vehicle or switch
your vehicle off at an automatic car wash.
Note: Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
Note: Automatic return to park (P) is
delayed when your vehicle is in this mode.
See
What Is Automatic Return to Park
(P) (page 212).
Temporary Neutral Mode
Limitations
Your vehicle could shift to park (P) after
30 minutes, or when the vehicle battery
charge level is low. Prolonged use of this
mode can cause the vehicle battery to run
out of charge.
Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
Failure to follow these instructions could
result in vehicle damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
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Entering Temporary Neutral Mode
1. Power your vehicle on.
2. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Shift into neutral (N).
Note:
An instructional message appears.
5. Press the low (L) button.
Note: A confirmation message appears
when your vehicle enters the mode.
6. Release the brake pedal.
Note: Your vehicle is free to roll.
7. Switch your vehicle off.
Note: Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
Note: The neutral (N) indicator on the
transmission selector may flash in this
mode.
Exiting Temporary Neutral Mode
1. Press the brake pedal.
2. Shift into park (P), or power your vehicle on and shift into drive (D) or
reverse (R).
AUTOMATIC RETURN TO
PARK (P)
What Is Automatic Return to Park
(P)
Your vehicle shifts into park (P) if you
attempt to exit your vehicle without the
transmission in park (P). How Does Automatic Return to
Park (P) Work
Your vehicle shifts into park (P) when your
vehicle is stationary and any of the
following occur:
•
You switch the vehicle off.
• You open the driver door with your
seatbelt unlatched.
• You unlatch the driver seatbelt when
the driver door is open.
Note: Do not use automatic return to park
(P) when your vehicle is moving, except in
an emergency. See Stopping the Engine
When Your Vehicle is Moving (page 176).
Automatic Return to Park (P)
Limitations
Automatic return to park may not work if
the door ajar switch is malfunctioning.
See an authorized dealer if any of the
following occur:
• Door ajar indicator does not illuminate
with the driver door open.
• Door ajar indicator illuminates with the
driver door closed.
• Transmission not in park message
appears with the driver door closed,
after you shift out of park (P).
GRADE ASSIST - HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
What Is Grade Assist
Provides additional grade braking with a
combination of engine motoring and
high-voltage battery charging to help
maintain vehicle speed when descending
a grade.
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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, 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.
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 What Is the Electric
Parking Brake (page 224).
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.
Note: If the vehicle detects wheel
movement before the battery is
disconnected, the electric parking brake
could apply. 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 What Is
the Electric Parking Brake (page 224).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you could use an external power source 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.
5. Stow the manual park release cable tether back inside the instrument panel
dash hole, install the access cover by
pressing it back in position.
6. With your foot fully applied on the brake pedal, start your vehicle. Confirm
that your vehicle is in the park (P)
position and that the instrument
cluster indicates park (P).
7. If the instrument cluster is not displaying the park (P) position or a
message displays on the instrument
cluster screen, make sure you apply the
parking brake before exiting your
vehicle. Contact an authorized dealer
for service.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUDIBLE WARNINGS
Transmission Not In Park (P)
Audible Warning
Sounds if you open the driver door before
shifting into park (P).
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Automatic Transmission

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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