2004 Ford Escape Owner's Manual - Page 132

Driving Using the electronic shift 4x4 system AUTO ON 4X4 AUTO- Full power to front wheels, at all times; power to the rear wheels as required by driving conditions. Used for street and highway driving. ON- Full power to all wheels, at all times. Used for severe conditions such as deep snow, deep sand or icy roads. Not intended for use on dry (or merely wet) pavement. • Do not operate the vehicle in the ON mode on dry or merely wet pavement. Doing so will produce excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage driveline components. The 4x4 ON mode is intended for use only on consistently slippery or loose surfaces. If your vehicle is equipped with the 4x4 system, a spare tire of a different diameter than the road tires should never be used. Such a tire could result in damage to driveline components and make the vehicle difficult to control. Shifting between 4x4 Auto and ON modes You can move the 4x4 control between AUTO and ON whenever needed. 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. 132 2004 Escape (204) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)