Ford Escape: 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:
• the front wheels are turned.
• a front wheel is against the curb.
2. Turn the key to 4 (start), then release the key as soon as the engine begins cranking. Your vehicle has a computer assisted cranking system that assists in starting the engine. After releasing the key from the 4 (start) position, the engine may continue cranking for up to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
Note: Cranking may be stopped at any time by turning the key to the off position.
3. After idling for a few seconds, release the parking brake, apply the brake, shift into gear and drive.
Note: If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the key to the off position, wait 10 seconds and try Step 2 again. If the engine still fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try Step 2 again, keeping the accelerator on the floor until the engine begins to accelerate above cranking speeds; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
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 ...
Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only)
The starting characteristics of all grades of E85 ethanol make it
unsuitable for use when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C).
Consult your fuel distributor for the availability of winte ...
See also:
Keys
WARNING
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons.
Children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the
power windows or other ...
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder
while driving. Follow these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the ...
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light
The light illuminates when the Vehicle
Dynamics Control OFF switch is pressed
to deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably malfunctio ...