Ford Escape 2017 Owners Manual

							Note:
Cross Traffic Alert only functions
while your transmission is in reverse (R). Cross Traffic Alert is designed to detect
vehicles that approach with a speed up to
37 mph (60 km/h). Coverage decreases
when the sensors are partially, mostly or
fully obstructed. Reversing slowly helps
increase the coverage area and
effectiveness. In this first example, the left sensor is only
partially obstructed; zone coverage to the
right is nearly maximized.
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							Zone coverage also decreases when
parking at shallow angles. Here, the left
sensor is mostly obstructed; zone coverage
on that side is severely limited.
System Lights, Messages and
Audible Alerts The Cross Traffic Alert illuminates an
amber alert indicator in the outside mirror
on the side of your vehicle the approaching
vehicle is coming from. Cross Traffic Alert
also sounds an audible alert and a
message appears in the information
display indicating a vehicle is coming from
the right or left. Cross Traffic Alert works
with the reverse sensing system that
sounds its own series of tones.  See Rear
Parking Aid (page 161).
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							The system uses radar sensors that are
located behind the bumper fascia on each
side of your vehicle. Do not allow mud,
snow or bumper stickers to obstruct these
areas, this can cause degraded system
performance.  See Blind Spot
Information System (page 185).  If the
Blind Spot Information System is blocked,
Cross Traffic Alert is also blocked. A
corresponding message appears in the
information display as soon as you shift
the transmission into reverse (R).
System Limitations
Cross Traffic Alert has its limitations;
situations such as severe weather
conditions or debris build-up on the sensor
area may limit vehicle detection. The following are other situations that may
limit the Cross Traffic Alert performance:
•
Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
obstructing the sensors.
• Approaching vehicles passing at
speeds greater than 
37 mph
(60 km/h).
• Driving in reverse faster than 
7 mph
(12 km/h).
• Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note: If your vehicle has a tow bar with a
factory equipped trailer tow module and it
is towing a trailer, the sensors will
automatically turn the Cross Traffic Alert
off. If your vehicle has a tow bar but no
factory equipped trailer tow module, it is
recommended to turn the Cross Traffic Alert
off manually. Operating Cross Traffic Alert
with a trailer attached will cause poor Cross
Traffic Alert performance.
There may be certain instances when there
is a false alert by the Cross Traffic Alert
system that illuminates the alert indicator
with no vehicle in the coverage zone. Some
amount of false alerts are normal; they are
temporary and self-correct.
System Errors
If Cross Traffic Alert senses a problem with
the left or right sensor a message will
appear in the information display.  See
Information Messages
 (page 93).
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch Cross Traffic
Alert off in the information display.  See
General Information
 (page 89).  When
you switch Cross Traffic Alert off, you will
not receive alerts and the information
display will display a system off message.
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							Note:
The Cross Traffic Alert switches on
whenever the ignition is switched on and
ready to provide appropriate alerts when
the transmission is in reverse (R). Cross
Traffic Alert will not remember the last
selected on or off setting.
You can also have Cross Traffic Alert
switched off permanently at an authorized
dealer. Once switched off permanently,
the system can only be switched back on
at an authorized dealer.
ECO MODE
This system assists you in driving more
efficiently by constantly monitoring
characteristics of gear changing,
anticipation of traffic conditions and
speeds while driving.
The value of these characteristics is
represented by petals shown in the display,
with five petals being the most efficient.
The more efficiently you drive, the better
the rating, and the better your overall fuel
economy.
Note: These efficiency values do not result
in a defined fuel consumption figure. It might
vary as it is not only related to these driving
habits, but also influenced by many other
factors such as short trips and cold starts.
Note: Frequent short trips, where the engine
does not fully warm up, will also increase
fuel consumption.
The system is accessed using the
information display control.  See General
Information (page 89). Type 1
Anticipation
A
Efficient speed
B
Gear Shifting
Using the highest drivable gear appropriate
for the road conditions will improve fuel
consumption.
Anticipation
Adjust your vehicle speed and the distance
to other vehicles to avoid the need for
heavy braking or acceleration to improve
fuel economy.
Efficient speed
Reduce your cruising speed on open roads
to improve economy. Higher speeds use
more fuel.
Type 2 and 3
The relevant information is shown in the
display.
Resetting Eco Mode
Reset the average fuel consumption by
using the information display control.
Note: New values may take a short time to
calculate.
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							STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation. When a system
error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display. The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation of the electronic
system. When an electronic error is
detected, a message will be displayed in
the information display. If this happens,
stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn
off the engine. After at least 10 seconds,
reset the system by restarting the engine,
and watch the information display for a
steering message. If a steering message
returns, or returns while driving, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. Obtain immediate service if a system
error is detected. You may not notice
any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist.
Failure to do so may result in loss of
steering control. Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power-assisted steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving (or if the ignition is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually,
but it takes more effort. Extreme
continuous steering may increase the effort
it takes for you to steer. This occurs to
prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither
lose the ability to steer the vehicle
manually nor will it cause permanent
damage. Typical steering and driving
maneuvers will allow the system to cool
and steering assist will return to normal.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds
may also make the steering seem to
wander or pull.
COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION WARNINGS
This system is designed to be a
supplementary driving aid. It is not
intended to replace your attention,
and judgment, or the need to apply the
brakes. Failure to press the brake pedal to
activate the brakes may result in a
collision. Never wait for a crash warning. When
driving you are responsible for
maintaining the correct distance and
speed, even when the system is used. Note:
The system does not detect, warn or
respond to potential collisions with vehicles
to the rear or sides of the vehicle.
Note: The collision warning system is active
at speeds above approximately 5 mph
(8 km/h).
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							The system is designed to assist you by
warning you of the risk of a crash with the
vehicle in front of you. The system is
designed to alert you by warning chimes
and a visual warning in the information
display.
The brake support system assists the driver
in reducing the collision speed by charging
the brakes. If the risk of collision further
increases after the warning light
illuminates, the brake support prepares
the brake system for rapid braking. This
may be apparent to the driver. Brake
support may apply if the system
determines that a collision is imminent.
The system may help reduce impact
damage or avoid the crash completely.
Using the Collision Warning System
WARNING
The collision warning system
’s brake
support can only help reduce the
speed at which a collision occurs.
The brake pedal must be pressed just like
any typical braking situation. Distance Alert
If the distance to the lead vehicle
is small, the red warning lamp
will illuminate in the instrument
cluster.
Note: The warning lamp is small and below
the Distance Indication graphic. It does not
flash when Distance Alert is active.
Distance Indication
Distance Indication provides a graphical
indication of the time gap to other vehicles
traveling in the same direction. The
information display will show one of the
graphics below in color. Key: Left to right.
Outline - Stand by.
Grey, no object - No object detected or
object outside of Distance Indication range.
Grey, with object
 - Object detected or
object within Distance Indication range.
Yellow, with object
 - Early Distance
Indication warning threshold.
Red, with object
 - Final Distance
Indication warning threshold.
Note: Distance Alert and Distance
Indication turns off when adaptive cruise
control is switched on. The Distance
Indication graphics do not display in the
information display unless adaptive cruise
control is switched off.
Adjusting Pre-Collision Assist Settings
If collision warnings are perceived as being
too frequent, the warning sensitivity can
be reduced, we recommend using the
highest sensitivity setting where possible.
Setting lower sensitivity would lead to
fewer and later system warnings.
You can adjust the Collision Warning and
Distance Alert sensitivity to one of three
possible settings by using the information
display control. You can also switch the
Distance Indication function off using the
information display controls.  See General
Information
 (page 89).
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							Distance Alert sensitivity
Time gap
Distance gap
Graphic
Sensitivity
Speed
Greater than 0.9seconds
Greater than
82 ft (25 m)
Grey
Normal
62 mph
(100 km/h)
Between 0.6
and 0.9 seconds
Between 56 ft
(17 m) and 82 ft
(25 m)
Yellow
Normal
62 mph
(100 km/h)
Less than 0.6seconds
Less than 
56 ft
(17 m)
Red
Normal
62 mph
(100 km/h)
Blocked Sensors The sensors are located at the center of
the lower grille.
If a message regarding a blocked sensor
appears in the information display, the
radar signals from the sensor have been
obstructed. When the sensors are
obstructed, a vehicle ahead cannot be
detected and the collision warning system
does not function. The following table lists
possible causes and actions for this
message being displayed.
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							Action
Cause
Clean the grille surface in front of the radar
or remove the object causing the obstruc-
tion
The surface of the radar in the grille is dirty
or obstructed in some way
Wait a short time. It may take several
minutes for the radar to detect that it is no
longer obstructed
The surface of the radar in the grille is clean
but the message remains in the display
The collision warning system is temporarily
disabled. Collision warning should automat-
ically reactivate a short time after the
weather conditions improve
Heavy rain, spray, snow, or fog is interfering
with the radar signals
The collision warning system is temporarily
disabled. Collision warning should automat-
ically reactivate a short time after the
weather conditions improve
Swirling water, or snow or ice on the surface
of the road may interfere with the radar
signals
System Limitations WARNING
The collision warning system
’s brake
support can only help reduce the
speed at which a collision occurs.
The brake pedal must be pressed just like
any typical braking situation. Due to the nature of radar technology,
there may be certain instances where
vehicles do not provide a collision warning.
These include:
•
Stationary vehicles or vehicles moving
below 6 mph (10 km/h).
• Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
• Oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
• Severe weather conditions (see
blocked sensor section).
• Debris build-up on the grille near the
headlamps (see blocked sensor
section). •
Small distance to vehicle ahead.
• Steering wheel and pedal movements
are large (very active driving style).
If the front end of the vehicle is hit or
damaged, the radar sensing zone may be
altered causing missed or false collision
warnings. See your authorized dealer to
have your collision warning radar checked
for proper coverage and operation.
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							REAR UNDER FLOOR
STORAGE
Cargo Management System (If
Equipped) The system is located in the floor of the
cargo area. Lift the handle to open.
Adjustable Load Floor
 (If Equipped)
Vehicles with the standard size spare tire
can adjust the load floor to two positions.
The front of the load floor can be placed
either on (for high position) or below (for
low position) the ledges behind the rear
seats. The rear of the load floor always sits
on the two small shelves located on the
liftgate trim. LUGGAGE COVERS WARNINGS
Make sure that the posts are properly
latched in mounting features. The
cover may cause injury in a sudden
stop or accident if it is not securely
installed. Do not place any objects on the
cargo area shade. They may obstruct
your vision or strike occupants of
your vehicle in a sudden stop or crash. Use the cargo shade to cover items in the
cargo area of your vehicle.
Insert the ends of the cargo shade into the
mounting features located behind the rear
seat on the rear trim panels to install the
cargo shade.
To operate the cargo shade:
1. Pull the rear edge of the cargo shade
rearward.
2. Secure both ends of the support rod into the retention slots located on the
rear quarter trim panels.
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							ROOF RACKS AND LOAD
CARRIERS
WARNING
When loading the roof racks, we
recommend you evenly distribute the
load, as well as maintain a low
center of gravity. Loaded vehicles, with
higher centers of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Take
extra precautions, such as slower speeds
and increased stopping distance, when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle. The maximum recommended load, evenly
distributed on the crossbars, is:
•
100 pounds (45 kilograms) for vehicles
without a moonroof
• 45 pounds (20 kilograms) for vehicles
with a moonroof.
Note: Never place loads directly on the roof
panel. The roof panel is not designed to
directly carry a load.
For correct roof rack system function, you
must place loads directly on crossbars
affixed to the roof rack side rails. When
using the roof rack system, we recommend
you use Ford Genuine Accessory crossbars
designed specifically for your vehicle.
Make sure that you securely fasten the
load. Check the tightness of the load
before driving and at each fuel stop. Adjusting the Crossbar (If Equipped)
Note: For less wind noise and better
aerodynamics, only install the crossbars
when you need them for carrying cargo. If
you prefer to keep the crossbars installed,
the front crossbar has two positions. The
front position is quieter for wind noise. The
rear position may help to reduce wind noise
from an open moonroof. Follow the steps
to reposition or remove the front crossbar.
You can remove the rear crossbar fasteners
by unscrewing the assembly. 1.
Remove the crossbar thumbwheels at
both sides of the front crossbar by
turning them counterclockwise.
Note: If you cannot loosen the thumbwheel
with your hand, loosen the fastener head.
You can also use a small screwdriver or
similar tool to loosen the thumbwheel by
inserting the shaft between the two paddles
of the thumbwheel and rotating it loose.
2. Remove the crossbar by sliding the ends off of the shoulder bolts in the
side rails.
3. Move the crossbar to the new side rail position and slide the crossbar onto
the shoulder bolt at that position.
4. Replace and tighten the thumbwheels
at both sides of the crossbar by turning
them clockwise until tight. You can use
a small screwdriver or similar tool to
tighten if necessary.
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