Ford Escape: Preparing to start your vehicle
WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against
exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.
WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute (RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in order to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and Safety Restraints chapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.
If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission:
• Make sure the parking brake is set.
• Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park).
If starting a vehicle with a manual transmission:
• Make sure the parking brake is
set.
• Press and hold the clutch pedal
to the floor and put the gearshift
lever in N (Neutral).
3. Turn the key to 3 (on) without turning the key to 4 (start).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information regarding the warning lights.
Positions of the ignition
1. Off— locks the gearshift lever
and allows key removal. Note: In
order to switch off the engine while
the vehicle is in motion, shift to
neutral and use the brakes to bring
the vehicle to a s ...
Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 3 (on) without
turning the key to 4 (start). If there
is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
...
See also:
Coupling up a trailer
Observe the maximum permissible trailer dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces require by law:
safety chains between the towing vehicle and the trailer. The ch ...
Handling
• Check that the battery cables are correctly
connected and tightened.
• Never disconnect the battery when the
engine is running (for example, when
replacing the battery).
• If the batte ...
Rear windows side seating position
Rear windows side seating position
1) Head restraint
2) Release button
To remove:
While pressing the release button, pull out
the head restraint.
To install:
Install the head restraint into ...