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2008 Ford Escape Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 179

2008 Ford Escape Manual

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Tires, Wheels and Loading • To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4-speed automatic transmission in the Driving chapter. • Anticipate stops and brake gradually. • Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur. Servicing after towing If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance information for more information. Trailer towing tips • Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles. • Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. • If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective. • The trailer tongue weight should be 10-15% of the loaded trailer weight. • If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so equipped. Refer to the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1600 km) of a new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no full throttle starts. • After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts. • To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park). • Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels. 179 2008 Escape (204) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)

Section	Page
Table of Contents	1
Introduction	4
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL	4
CONGRATULATIONS	4
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION	5
Warning symbols in this guide	5
Warning symbols on your vehicle	5
Protecting the environment	5
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE	5
SPECIAL NOTICES	6
New Vehicle Limited Warranty	6
Special instructions	6
Service Data Recording	6
Event Data Recording	7
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles	7
Using your vehicle with a snowplow	8
Using your vehicle as an ambulance	8
Cell phone use	8
Export unique (Non–United States/Canada) vehicle specific information	9
Instrument Cluster	12
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES	12
GAUGES	17
Entertainment Systems	20
AUDIO SYSTEMS	20
AM/FM/single CD or in-dash CD6/MP3 satellite compatible sound system	20
Auxiliary input jack (Line in)	28
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION	30
Satellite radio information (if equipped)	32
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	34
Climate Controls	35
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	35
Operating tips	36
DUAL AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)	38
Operating tips	40
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER	41
Lights	42
HEADLAMP CONTROL	42
Autolamp control (if equipped)	42
Autolamp delay system (if equipped)	42
Fog lamp control (if equipped)	43
High beams	43
Flash to pass	44
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)	44
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL	44
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS	45
Vertical aim adjustment	45
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL	46
INTERIOR LAMPS	46
Dome lamps and map lamps	46
Cargo and dome lamp	47
BULB REPLACEMENT	48
Headlamp Condensation	48
Using the right bulbs	48
Replacing the interior bulbs	48
Replacing exterior bulbs	48
Replacing headlamp bulbs	49
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulbs	49
Replacing front sidemarker bulbs	50
Replacing tail/stop/turn/backup lamp bulbs	50
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulbs	51
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs	52
Replacing fog lamp bulbs (if equipped)	52
Driver Controls	53
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER	53
Windshield wiper features (if equipped with Autolamp feature)	53
Rear window wiper/washer controls	54
TILT STEERING WHEEL	54
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)	55
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)	55
Storage compartment (if equipped)	55
CENTER CONSOLE	55
AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12VDC)	57
POWER WINDOWS	58
One touch down (AUTO)	58
Window lock	59
Accessory delay	59
INTERIOR MIRROR	59
Automatic dimming rear view mirror (if equipped)	59
Electronic compass (if equipped)	60
Compass zone adjustment	60
Compass calibration adjustment	61
EXTERIOR MIRRORS	61
Power side view mirrors	61
Fold-away mirrors	62
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)	62
SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)	62
Setting speed control	62
Disengaging speed control	63
Resuming a set speed	63
Increasing speed while using speed control	64
Reducing speed while using speed control	64
Turning off speed control	65
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)	65
Radio control features	65
MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)	66
MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)	67
Selectable features	67
Reset	67
Info menu	68
Odometer/Trip odometer	68
Distance to empty (DTE)	68
Average fuel economy (AFE)	68
Instantaneous fuel economy	69
Setup menu	69
Reset to English (if in another language)	69
System check	70
Oil life	70
Units (English/Metric)	71
Autolamp delay	71
Autolock	71
Autounlock	71
Language	72
Compass zone/Compass calibration	72
System warnings	72
LIFTGATE	74
CARGO AREA FEATURES	75
Cargo shade (if equipped)	75
Cargo management system (if equipped)	76
LUGGAGE RACK	76
	76
To adjust the cross-bar (if equipped) position:	77
To remove the cross-bar assembly (if equipped) from the roof rack side rails:	77
To reinstall the cross-bar assembly (if equipped) to the roof rack side rails:	78
Locks and Security	79
KEYS	79
Recommended handling of the Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT)	79
POWER DOOR LOCKS	81
Door key unlocking/locking	81
Unlocking the doors	81
Locking the doors	81
Autolock	81
Deactivating/activating autolock	81
Power door unlock/lock procedure	82
Keyless entry key pad procedure	82
Message center procedure	83
Autounlock	83
Deactivating/activating autounlock	83
Power door lock switch autounlock enable/disable procedure	83
Keyless entry key pad autounlock enable/disable procedure	84
Message center procedure	84
Smart unlocking feature	84
CHILDPROOF DOOR LOCKS	85
REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	85
Two step door unlocking	86
One step door unlocking	86
Switching from two step to one step door unlocking	87
Locking the doors	87
Opening the liftgate (if equipped)	87
Car finder	87
Sounding a panic alarm	87
Replacing the battery	87
Replacing lost Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs)	88
How to reprogram your Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs)	88
Illuminated entry	89
Perimeter lamps illuminated entry	89
Deactivating/activating perimeter lamps illuminated entry	89
Illuminated exit	90
KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	90
Programming your own personal entry code	91
Erasing personal code	91
Anti-scan feature	91
Unlocking and locking the doors and liftgate using keyless entry	92
SECURILOCK™ PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM	92
Anti-theft indicator	93
Automatic arming	93
Automatic disarming	93
Replacement Integrated Keyless Transmitters (IKT) and coded keys	93
Programming spare keys	94
Seating and Safety Restraints	96
FRONT SEATS	96
Adjustable head restraints	96
Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)	97
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)	98
Heated seats (if equipped)	99
REAR SEATS	100
Head restraints	100
Folding down rear seats	101
Returning the rear seats to upright position	103
To remove the rear cushion	104
To install the rear cushion	105
SAFETY RESTRAINTS	105
Personal Safety System™	105
How does the Personal Safety System™ work?	106
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints	106
Front crash severity sensor	106
Driver’s seat position sensor	106
Front passenger sensing system	107
Front safety belt usage sensors	107
Front safety belt pretensioners	108
Front safety belt energy management retractors	108
Determining if the Personal Safety System™ is operational	108
Safety restraints precautions	108
Combination lap and shoulder belts	110
Energy Management Feature	110
Vehicle sensitive mode	110
Automatic locking mode	111
When to use the automatic locking mode	111
How to use the automatic locking mode	111
How to disengage the automatic locking mode	111
Safety belt height adjustment	112
Safety belt pretensioner	112
Safety belt extension assembly	113
Safety belt maintenance	113
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime	114
Conditions of operation	114
Belt-Minder	114
One time disable	117
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder feature	117
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)	119
Important SRS precautions	119
Children and airbags	121
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?	121
Front passenger sensing system	123
Determining if the system is operational	128
Seat-mounted side airbag system	128
How does the side airbag system work?	129
Determining if the system is operational	130
Safety Canopy™ system	131
How does the Safety Canopy™ system work?	132
Determining if the system is operational	133
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners)	134
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN	134
Important child restraint precautions	134
Children and safety belts	135
Child booster seats	135
When children should use booster seats	135
Types of booster seats	136
The importance of shoulder belts	137
SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN	138
Child and infant or child safety seats	138
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts	139
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps	142
Attaching safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments for child seat anchors	144
Tires, Wheels and Loading	146
NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS	146
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS	146
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles	147
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING	148
Treadwear	149
Traction AA A B C	149
Temperature A B C	149
TIRES	150
Glossary of tire terminology	150
INFLATING YOUR TIRES	151
TIRE CARE	153
Inspecting your tires	153
Tire wear	153
Damage	153
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)	154
Tire replacement requirements	155
Safety practices	156
Highway hazards	156
Tire and wheel alignment	157
Tire rotation	157
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL	158
Information on “P” type tires	159
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires	162
Information on “T” type tires	163
Location of the tire label	163
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)	164
Understanding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)	165
When your temporary spare tire is installed	166
When you believe your system is not operating properly	166
When inflating your tires	168
How temperature affects your tire pressure	168
SNOW TIRES AND CABLES	169
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER	169
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and utility-type vehicles	175
TRAILER TOWING	175
Preparing to tow	177
Hitches	177
Safety chains	178
Trailer brakes	178
Trailer lamps	178
Driving while you tow	178
Servicing after towing	179
Trailer towing tips	179
Launching or retrieving a boat	180
RECREATIONAL TOWING	180
Driving	182
STARTING	182
Positions of the ignition	182
Preparing to start your vehicle	182
Important safety precautions	183
Starting the engine	185
Guarding against exhaust fumes	185
Important ventilating information	185
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)	185
BRAKES	187
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)	188
Using ABS	188
ABS warning lamp	188
Parking brake	189
ADVANCETRAC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) WITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC)	190
STEERING	194
PREPARING TO DRIVE	195
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)	195
Brake-shift interlock	195
Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle	197
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic transaxle	198
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow	200
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)	201
Using the clutch	201
Recommended shift speeds	202
Reverse	202
Parking your vehicle	202
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	203
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	205
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles	205
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles	205
Basic operating principles	205
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement	206
If your vehicle gets stuck	206
Emergency maneuvers	207
Sand	207
Mud and water	208
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain	209
Driving on snow and ice	210
Maintenance and Modifications	210
DRIVING THROUGH WATER	211
Roadside Emergencies	212
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	212
Getting roadside assistance	212
Using roadside assistance	213
Roadside coverage beyond basic warranty	213
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL	214
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH	215
FUSES AND RELAYS	215
Fuses	215
Standard fuse amperage rating and color	216
Passenger compartment fuse panel	216
Power distribution box	219
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE	222
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information	223
Stopping and securing the vehicle	224
Removing the jack and tools	225
Removing the spare tire or spare tire and tether (if equipped)	226
Tire change procedure	227
Stowing the jack and tools	230
Stowing the flat/spare tire	230
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS	232
JUMP STARTING	233
Preparing your vehicle	233
Connecting the jumper cables	234
Jump starting	235
Removing the jumper cables	236
WRECKER TOWING	238
Emergency Towing	239
Customer Assistance	240
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED	240
At home	240
Away from home	240
Additional Assistance	241
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)	242
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)	243
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)	244
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN	244
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA	245
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE	246
Obtaining a French owner’s guide	246
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)	246
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)	247
Cleaning	248
WASHING THE EXTERIOR	248
WAXING	249
PAINT CHIPS	249
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS	249
ENGINE	250
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS	251
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES	251
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS	252
INTERIOR	253
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)	253
UNDERBODY	254
FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS	254
Maintenance and Specifications	256
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS	256
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE	256
Working with the engine off	256
Working with the engine on	257
OPENING THE HOOD	257
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT	258
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID	260
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate	260
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES	261
Changing rear window wiper blade	262
ENGINE OIL	262
Checking the engine oil	262
Adding engine oil	264
Engine oil and filter recommendations	265
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil	265
BATTERY	266
ENGINE COOLANT	268
Checking engine coolant	268
Adding engine coolant	269
Recycled engine coolant	271
Coolant refill capacity	272
Severe climates	272
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (2.3L I4 engine only)	273
How fail-safe cooling works	273
When fail-safe mode is activated	273
FUEL FILTER	274
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS	274
Important safety precautions	274
Refueling	276
Fuel Filler Cap	276
Choosing the right fuel	277
Octane recommendations	278
Fuel quality	278
Cleaner air	278
Running out of fuel	279
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY	279
Measuring techniques	279
Filling the tank	279
Calculating fuel economy	280
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits	280
Habits	281
Maintenance	281
Conditions	281
EPA window sticker	282
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM	282
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)	283
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing	284
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID	285
TRANSMISSION FLUID	285
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)	285
Low fluid level	286
Correct fluid level	286
High fluid level	286
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels	287
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)	287
AIR FILTER	288
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS	289
MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES	290
ENGINE DATA	293
Engine drivebelt routing	293
IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE	294
Safety Compliance Certification Label	294
Vehicle identification number (VIN)	294
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS	295
Accessories	296
GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE	296
Exterior style	296
Interior style	296
Lifestyle	296
Peace of mind	297

Match case Limit results 1 per page

•

To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist

in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to

Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic

transmission

in the

Driving chapter.

•

Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

•

Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more

frequent service intervals. Refer to your

scheduled maintenance

information

for more information.

Trailer towing tips

•

Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to

get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make

wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.

•

Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.

•

If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear.

Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and

become less effective.

•

The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer

weight.

•

If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly

conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider

refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so

equipped. Refer to the

Maintenance and Specifications

chapter for

the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle

lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1600 km) of a

new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done

at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no full throttle starts.

•

After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

•

To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot

weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).

•

Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must

park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

2008 Escape

(204)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA

(fus)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

179