Ford Escape: Vehicle storage

If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time (30 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.

All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for reliable, regular driving. Long term storage under various conditions may lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are taken to preserve the components.

General

• Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
• Protect from sunlight, if possible.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to protect against rust and damage.

Body

• Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.

See the Cleaning chapter for more information.
• Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
• Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is washed. See the Cleaning chapter for more information.
• Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light grade oil. See the Cleaning chapter for more information.
• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.

Engine

• The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the engine is running.

Fuel system

• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.

Note: During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more), fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.

The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.

Cooling system

• Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.

Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the recommended level.

Battery

• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure battery charge is maintained for quick starting.

Note: If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset memory features.

Brakes

• Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.

Tires

• Maintain recommended air pressure.

Miscellaneous

• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate working parts and prevent corrosion.

Motorcraft part numbers

1For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate intervals for changing the spark plugs.

Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraft or equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not used.

Maintenance product specifications and capacities

1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.

2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A and the API Certification mark.

3The power transfer unit is lubricated for life with synthetic lube. Lubricant levels are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required. Replace power transfer unit lubricant with specified synthetic lubricant anytime the unit is submerged in water.

4Fill to 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.

54X4 vehicles exposed for prolonged periods to temperatures less than -40°F (-40°C) should change out the rear axle fluid to Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant, Ford part number XY-75W140-QL meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.

6Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.

7Automatic transmissions that require MERCON LV should only use MERCON LV fluid. Refer to scheduled maintenance information to determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.

8Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.

Engine data

Engine drivebelt routing

• 2.5L I4 Engine

• 3.0L V6 Engine

Identifying your vehicle

Safety Compliance Certification Label

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Regulations require that a Safety Compliance Certification Label be affixed to a vehicle and prescribe where the Safety Compliance Certification Label may be located. The Safety Compliance Certification Label is located on the structure (B-Pillar) by the trailing edge of the driver’s door or the edge of the driver’s door.

Vehicle identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is located on the driver side instrument panel.

Please note that in the graphic, XXXX is representative of your vehicle identification number.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following information:

1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle

Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
Devices and their location

3. Make, vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number

Transmission code designations

You can find a transmission code on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. The following table tells you which transmission each code represents.

Transmission fluid

Ford ESP Extended Service Plans (U.S. Only)