2009 Ford Escape Owner Guide 3rd Printing (Spanish) - Page 570

Driving If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat. MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED) 1 2 3 4 5 R Using the clutch Manual transmission vehicles have a starter interlock that prevents cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully pressed. To start the vehicle: 1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set. 2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the neutral position. 3. Start the engine. 4. Press the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever to the desired gear; 1 (First) or R (Reverse). 5. Release the parking brake, then slowly release the clutch pedal while slowly pressing on the accelerator. During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully pressed to the floor. Make sure the floor mat is properly positioned so it doesn't interfere with the full extension of the clutch pedal. Failure to fully press the clutch pedal to the floor may cause increased shift efforts, prematurely wear transmission components or damage the transmission. 215 2009 Escape (204) Owners Guide (own2002), 3rd Printing USA (fus)