2002 Ford Escape Owner's Manual - Page 173

Driving 4x4 system indicator lights The 4x4 mode indicator light illuminates only under the following conditions. If the indicator light illuminates when driving in the 4x4 AUTO mode, contact your Ford dealer as soon as possible. This light steadily illuminates when 4x4 the 4x4 ON mode is engaged. Shifting between 4x4 Auto and ON modes Switch the four-wheel drive control to 4x4 ON to apply power to both axles. When you activate the control to 4x4 ON, the indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster. When you switch the control back to 4x4 AUTO for normal on-road operating conditions, the indicator light is activated and will turn off. Either shift can be done at a stop or while driving at any speed. Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles 4x4 vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road. How your vehicle differs from other vehicles Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without getting hung up or damaging underbody components. The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle differently than an ordinary passenger car. Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not grip the spokes. 173