towing FORD ESCAPE 2021 Owners Manual

Locating the Pre-Collision Assist Sensors
........................................................................\
.281
Distance Indication .....................................
281
Distance Alert ..............................................
283
Automatic Emergency Braking ..............
283
Evasive Steering Assist .............................
284
Pre-Collision Assist – Troubleshooting ........................................................................\
285
Driver Alert
What Is Driver Alert ....................................
287
How Does Driver Alert Work ...................
287
Driver Alert Precautions ............................
287
Driver Alert Limitations .............................
287
Switching Driver Alert On and Off ........
287
Driver Alert Indicators ...............................
288
Driver Alert – Troubleshooting ..............
288
Speed Sign Recognition
What Is Speed Sign Recognition ..........
289
How Does Speed Sign Recognition Work ........................................................................\
289
Speed Sign Recognition Precautions ........................................................................\
289
Speed Sign Recognition Limitations ........................................................................\
289
Speed Sign Recognition Indicators ......
289
Setting the Speed Sign Recognition Speed Warning .......................................
290
Setting the Speed Sign Recognition Speed Tolerance ....................................
290
Speed Sign Recognition – Troubleshooting .....................................
290
Load Carrying
Load Carrying Precautions ......................
292
Locating the Safety Compliance Certification Labels ...............................
293
What Is the Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................................................................\
293
What Is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ........................................................................\
293 What Is the Gross Combined Weight
Rating ..........................................................
293
Calculating Payload ...................................
295
Calculating the Load Limit ......................
295
Roof Rack .......................................................
297
Luggage Compartment
Installing and Removing the Luggage Compartment Cover .............................
299
Connecting a Trailer
Connecting a Trailer Precautions ..........
301
Connecting a Trailer ...................................
301
Towing a Trailer
Towing a Trailer Precautions ..................
303
Trailer Brake Precautions ........................
303
Towing a Trailer Limitations ...................
304
Loading Your Trailer ...................................
304
Trailer Towing Hints ...................................
304
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft ..............................
305
Towing Weights and Dimensions ........
306
Trailer Sway Control
How Does Trailer Sway Control Work ........................................................................\
.
310
Trailer Sway Control Precautions ..........
310
Switching Trailer Sway Control On and Off .................................................................
310
Driving Hints
Cold Weather Precautions ........................
311
Breaking-In ......................................................
311
Driving Economically ...................................
311
Driving Through Shallow Water ..............
311
Floor Mats .......................................................
312
Crash and Breakdown Information
Roadside Assistance ..................................
313
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Table of Contents

High Voltage Battery Vehicle Precautions
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ..........314
Switching the Hazard Flashers On and Off .................................................................
315
Jump Starting the Vehicle ........................
315
Post-Crash Alert System ..........................
318
Automatic Crash Shutoff .........................
319
Transporting the Vehicle ...........................
319
Towing Your Vehicle
Towing Your Vehicle Precautions ...........
321
Recreationally Towing Your Vehicle - Gasoline, AWD ..........................................
321
Recreationally Towing Your Vehicle - Gasoline, FWD ..........................................
321
Recreationally Towing Your Vehicle - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)/Plug-In
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) ..........
321
Emergency Towing - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)/Plug-In Hybrid Electric
Vehicle (PHEV) ........................................
322
Emergency Towing - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission – 8F24 .............................
322
Emergency Towing - 8-Speed Automatic Transmission – 8F35 .............................
322
Towing Your Vehicle – Troubleshooting ........................................................................\
323
Fuses
Fuse Precautions ........................................
324
Under Hood Fuse Box ...............................
324
Body Control Module Fuse Box ............
330
Identifying Fuse Types ..............................
332
Fuses – Troubleshooting .........................
332
Maintenance
Maintenance Precautions .......................
333
Opening and Closing the Hood .............
333
Under Hood Overview - 1.5L EcoBoost™ ........................................................................\
335
Under Hood Overview - 2.0L EcoBoost™ ........................................................................\
336 Under Hood Overview - 2.5L, Hybrid
Electric Vehicle (HEV)/Plug-In Hybrid
Electric Vehicle (PHEV) ........................
337
Engine Oil ......................................................
338
Checking the Coolant ...............................
339
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 1.5L EcoBoost™/2.0L EcoBoost™ ...........
343
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.5L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)/Plug-In
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) .........
344
Changing the Fuel Filter - Gasoline, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ............
344
Drive Belt Routing Overview - 1.5L EcoBoost™ ...............................................
345
Drive Belt Routing Overview - 2.0L EcoBoost™ ...............................................
345
Changing the 12V Battery ........................
345
Adjusting the Headlamps .......................
348
Exterior Bulbs ...............................................
349
Interior Bulbs .................................................
351
Vehicle Care
Cleaning Products ......................................
352
Cleaning the Exterior .................................
352
Cleaning the Interior ..................................
354
Repairing Minor Paint Damage .............
356
Waxing Your Vehicle ..................................
356
Body Styling Kits
Body Styling Kit Precautions ..................
357
Storing Your Vehicle
Preparing Your Vehicle for Storage ......
358
Removing Your Vehicle From Storage ........................................................................\
359
Wheel and Tire Information
Locating the Tire label .............................
360
Department of Transportation Uniform Tire Quality Grades ...............................
360
Information on the Tire Sidewall ...........
361
Glossary of Tire Terminology .................
366
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Table of Contents

CUP HOLDERS
Cup Holder Precautions
WARNING: Use caution when
stowing items or hot drinks in the cup
holders. Items could become loose or
spill during hard braking, acceleration or
crashes. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury.
GLASSES HOLDER
Locating the Glasses Holder The glasses holder is in the overhead
console. Press near the rear edge of the
door to open.
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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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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

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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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Electric Parking BrakeE267156

WHAT IS THE REAR VIEW
CAMERA
The rear view camera provides a video
image of the area behind your vehicle when
the transmission is in reverse (R).
REAR VIEW CAMERA
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: The rear view camera
system is a reverse aid supplement
device that still requires the driver to use
it in conjunction with the interior and
exterior mirrors for maximum coverage. WARNING:
Objects that are close
to either corner of the bumper or under
the bumper, might not be seen on the
screen due to the limited coverage of the
camera system. WARNING:
Reverse your vehicle
slowly. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING:
Use caution when the
rear cargo door is ajar. If the rear cargo
door is ajar, the camera will be out of
position and the video image could be
incorrect. All guide lines disappear when
the rear cargo door is ajar. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in
personal injury. WARNING:
Use caution when
turning camera features on or off when
the transmission is not in park (P). Make
sure your vehicle is not moving. Note:
When towing, the camera only sees
what you are towing. This might not provide
adequate coverage and you might not see
some objects. In some vehicles, the guide
lines may disappear when you connect the
trailer tow connector.
LOCATING THE REAR VIEW
CAMERA
The rear view camera is located on the
cargo door. It provides a video image of the
area behind your vehicle.
REAR VIEW CAMERA GUIDE
LINES
Note: Active guide lines and fixed guide
lines are only available when the
transmission is in reverse (R).
Note: The centerline is only available if the
active or fixed guide lines are on.
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Escape (CTC) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 02-11-2020, enUSA, Edition date: 202011, First-Printing Rear View Camera