trailer FORD ESCAPE 2022 Owners Manual

Driver Alert
What Is Driver Alert ....................................282
How Does Driver Alert Work ...................282
Driver Alert Precautions ...........................282
Driver Alert Limitations .............................282
Switching Driver Alert On and Off ........282
Driver Alert Indicators ...............................283
Driver Alert – Troubleshooting ..............283
Speed Sign Recognition
What Is Speed Sign Recognition ..........284
How Does Speed Sign Recognition Work........................................................................\
284
Speed Sign Recognition Precautions ........................................................................\
284
Speed Sign Recognition Limitations ........................................................................\
284
Speed Sign Recognition Indicators ......284
Setting the Speed Sign Recognition Speed Warning ........................................285
Setting the Speed Sign Recognition Speed Tolerance .....................................285
Speed Sign Recognition – Troubleshooting ......................................285
Load Carrying
Load Carrying Precautions ......................287
Locating the Safety ComplianceCertification Labels ...............................288
What Is the Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................................................................\
288
What Is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ........................................................................\
288
What Is the Gross Combined Weight Rating .........................................................288
Calculating Payload ..................................290
Calculating the Load Limit .....................290
Roof Rack ......................................................292
Luggage Compartment
Installing and Removing the Luggage Compartment Cover.............................294
Connecting a Trailer
Connecting a Trailer Precautions .........296
Connecting a Trailer ..................................296
Towing a Trailer
Towing a Trailer Precautions ..................298
Trailer Brake Precautions ........................298
Towing a Trailer Limitations ...................299
Loading Your Trailer ...................................299
Trailer Towing Hints ...................................299
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft .............................300
Towing Weights and Dimensions ..........301
Trailer Sway Control
How Does Trailer Sway Control Work ........................................................................\
303
Trailer Sway Control Precautions .........303
Switching Trailer Sway Control On and Off ................................................................303
Driving Hints
Cold Weather Precautions ......................304
Breaking-In ...................................................304
Driving Economically ................................304
Driving in Special Conditions .................304
Driving Through Shallow Water ............306
Floor Mats .....................................................306
Crash and BreakdownInformation
Roadside Assistance ................................308
High Voltage Battery Vehicle Precautions- Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ........309
Switching the Hazard Flashers On and Off .................................................................310
Jump Starting the Vehicle ........................310
Post-Crash Alert System ..........................313
Automatic Crash Shutoff .........................314
Transporting the Vehicle ...........................314
10
Table of Contents

Note: Do not leave the liftgate open while
driving. This could damage the liftgate and
its components.
Switching the Power Liftgate On
or Off
You can switch the power liftgate on or off
through the vehicle settings on your
touchscreen.
1. Press Settings.
2. Press Vehicle Settings.
3. Press Power Liftgate.
4. Select your option.
When switched off, the liftgate only
unlatches and will not power open or close.
OPENING THE LIFTGATE USING
THE REMOTE CONTROL
E267940
Press the button twice within
three seconds.
Note: Be careful when opening or closing
the liftgate in a garage or other enclosed
area to avoid damaging the liftgate.
Note: Do not hang anything, for example a
bike rack, from the glass or liftgate. This
could damage the liftgate and its
components.
Note: Do not leave the liftgate open while
driving. This could damage the liftgate and
its components.
OPENING THE HANDS-FREE
LIFTGATE (If Equipped)
Make sure you have the passive key within
3 ft (1 m) of the liftgate.
1. Stand behind your vehicle, and face the liftgate.
2. Move your foot, in a single-kick motion, without pausing, under and away from
the rear bumper detection area.
E300EE3EEEEE333799E300EEE30E3EEEE3E3E3E3E3E3E3E3030E30E30303030E300E300300300300300300300300300300EE300330300300E3E30033000300E3000E30000000E0E330E03E333377779977
3. The liftgate opens.
Avoid the following actions when using the
hands-free opening feature:
€ Making physical contact with thebumper.
€ Holding your foot under the bumper.
€ Sweeping your foot from side to side, or kicking at an odd angle.
Detection Zones
Vehicles Without a Trailer Hitch
E310717E310717
The detection area is in the center of the
rear bumper.
81
Liftgate - Vehicles With: Power Liftgate

Vehicles With a Trailer Hitch
E310718E310718
The detection area is on the left-hand side
and right-hand side of the hitch, between
the exhaust and the hitch.
Note:Allow the power system to open the
liftgate. Manually pushing or pulling the
liftgate may activate the system’s obstacle
detection feature and stop the power
operation or reverse its direction, replicate
a strut failure, or damage mechanical
components.
Note: Any physical actions that mimic a
kicking motion such as splashing water,
trailer chains or vacuum hoses may cause
the hands-free liftgate to activate. Switch
the power liftgate off through your vehicle
settings or keep the passive key away from
the rear bumper detection area.
SETTING THE LIFTGATE
OPENING HEIGHT
1. Open the liftgate.
2. Stop the liftgate movement by pressing the control button on the liftgate when
it reaches the desired height.
Note: Once the liftgate stops moving, you
can manually move it to the desired height.
3. Press and hold the control button on the liftgate until a tone sounds,
indicating programming is complete. Note:
You can only use the liftgate control
button to program the height.
Note: You cannot program the height if the
liftgate position is too low.
4. The power liftgate now opens at the programmed height. To change the
programmed height, repeat the steps.
Note: You can fully open the liftgate by
manually pushing it upward to the
maximum open position if it opens in a
lower position.
Note: The system recalls the new
programmed height until you reprogram it,
even if you disconnect the battery.
CLOSING THE LIFTGATE
CLOSING THE LIFTGATE FROM
INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING: Make sure all persons
are clear of the power liftgate area
before using the power liftgate control.
E138633
With the transmission in park
(P), press the button on the
instrument panel.
Note: Make sure that you close the liftgate
before operating or moving your vehicle,
especially in an enclosure, like a garage or
a parking structure. This could damage the
liftgate and its components.
Note: Make sure the area behind your
vehicle is free from obstruction and that
there is enough room for you to operate the
liftgate. Objects too close to your vehicle,
for example a wall, garage door or another
vehicle may come into contact with the
moving liftgate. This could damage the
liftgate and its components.
Note: Make sure that you fully close the
liftgate to prevent cargo from falling out.
82
Liftgate - Vehicles With: Power Liftgate

• Making physical contact with thebumper.
• Holding your foot under the bumper.
• Sweeping your foot from side to side, or kicking at an odd angle.
Detection Zones
Vehicles Without a Trailer Hitch
E310717E310717
The detection area is in the center of the
rear bumper.
Vehicles With a Trailer Hitch
E310718E310718
The detection area is on the left-hand side
and right-hand side of the hitch, between
the exhaust and the hitch. Note:
Allow the power system to close the
liftgate. Manually pushing the liftgate may
activate the system’s obstacle detection
feature and stop the power operation or
reverse its direction, replicate a strut failure,
or damage mechanical components.
STOPPING THE LIFTGATE
MOVEMENT
Note: Do not apply sudden excessive force
to the liftgate while it is in motion. This
could damage the power liftgate and its
components.
Note: Selections will vary depending on
region or options.
You can stop the liftgate movement by
doing any of the following:
• Pressing the liftgate control button on the liftgate.
• Pressing the liftgate control button inside the vehicle.
• Pressing the liftgate button on the remote control twice.
• Pressing the liftgate button on an authorized device.
• Moving your foot under and away from the center rear bumper in a single-kick
motion.
LIFTGATE OBSTACLE
DETECTION
Closing the Liftgate
The system stops when it detects an
obstacle. A tone sounds and the system
reverses to open. Once you remove the
obstacle, you can power close the liftgate.
Note: To prevent accidental obstacle
detection, let the power liftgate close
completely before you enter your vehicle.
84
Liftgate - Vehicles With: Power Liftgate

Select ScreensCalm Screen
Fuel Economy Trip 1
Trip 2
This Trip
Traffic Signs EV Coach
Electric Efficiency Eco BehaviorTire Pressure
Intelligent 4WD Off-Road
Trailer Light Check Seatbelts
Average Speed Auto Startstop
Note: Some options may appear slightly
different or not at all if items are optional.
Configuring Gauges
1. Select Display Setup .
2. Select a setting.
PERSONALIZED SETTINGS
CHANGING THE INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER DISPLAY LANGUAGE -
VEHICLES WITH: 4.2 INCH
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
SCREEN
You can change the language using the
instrument cluster display.
1. Select Settings and press the menu
button.
2. Select Display.
3. Select Language.
4. Select a language.
CHANGING THE INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER DISPLAY LANGUAGE -
VEHICLES WITH: 6.5 INCH
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
SCREEN/ 12.3 INCH INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER DISPLAY SCREEN
You can change the language using the
touchscreen.
1. Press General.
2. Press Language .
3. Select a language.
Note: Available languages vary by region.
CHANGING THE MEASURE UNIT -
VEHICLES WITH: 4.2 INCH
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY
SCREEN
You can change the measurement unit
using the instrument cluster display.
1. Select Settings and press the menu
button.
2. Select Display.
3. Select Measurement Unit .
4. Select a measurement unit.
125
Instrument Cluster Display

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 levelis 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 257). 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
E293827
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.
179
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Information (If Equipped)

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 levelis 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 257).
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 259).
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.
181
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Information (If Equipped)

FUEL QUALITY
SELECTING THE CORRECT FUEL
Choosing the Right Fuel
E161513E161513
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.
188
Fuel and Refueling

E161513E161513
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.
189
Fuel and Refueling

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.
E267156The 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 209).
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. If you repeatedly use the
electric parking brake to slow or stop your
vehicle, you could cause damage to the
brake system.
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.
220
Electric Parking Brake