Ford Escape: Warning lights and chimes - Instrument Cluster - Ford Escape Owner's ManualFord Escape: Warning lights and chimes

Base instrument cluster shown in standard measure. Metric similar.

Optional instrument cluster shown in standard measure. Metric

Optional instrument cluster shown in standard measure. Metric similar.

Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may

Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.

Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the respective system warning light for additional information.

Service engine soon: The service

Service engine soon: The service engine soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the on position to check the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for inspection/maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the service engine soon light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the service engine soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. See the Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.

temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel WARNING: Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

Check fuel cap fill inlet (if equipped): Illuminates when the fuel fill inlet may not be properly closed. Continued driving with this light on may cause the Service engine soon warning light to come on, refer to Easy Fuel “no cap” fuel system in the Maintenance and Specification chapter.

If CHECK FUEL FILL INLET is displayed in the message center, refer to

If CHECK FUEL FILL INLET is displayed in the message center, refer to Message center in the Instrument cluster chapter for more information.

Brake system warning light: To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the on position when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on

position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this

position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system malfunction and the brake system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.

light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.

Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of personal injury.

Anti-lock brake system: If the ABS light stays illuminated or continues to flash, a malfunction has been detected, have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is illuminated.

Airbag readiness: If this light fails

Airbag readiness: If this light fails to illuminate when the ignition is turned to on, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will sound when there is a malfunction in the indicator light.

Safety belt: Reminds you to fasten

Safety belt: Reminds you to fasten your safety belt. A Belt-Minder chime will also sound to remind you to fasten your safety belt. Refer to the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minder chime feature.

Charging system: Illuminates when

Charging system: Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly.

If it stays on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related component.

Engine oil pressure: Illuminates

Engine oil pressure: Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range, refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

AdvanceTrac : Flashes

AdvanceTrac : Flashes momentarily when the AdvanceTrac /traction control is active. If the light remains on, have the system serviced immediately, refer to the Driving chapter for more information.

AdvanceTrac off: Illuminates solid

AdvanceTrac off: Illuminates solid when the traction control has been disabled by the driver. Flashes for 3 seconds and turns solid when trailer sway is disabled by driver.

Refer to the Driving chapter for more information.

Low tire pressure  WARNING:

Low tire pressure WARNING:

Illuminates when your tire pressure is low. If the light remains on at start up or while driving, the tire pressure should be checked. Refer to Inflating your tires in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter. When the ignition is first turned to on, the light will illuminate for three seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does not turn on or begins to flash, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer. For more information on this system, refer to Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.

Low fuel: Illuminates when the fuel

Low fuel: Illuminates when the fuel level in the fuel tank is at or near empty (refer to Fuel gauge in this chapter).

Speed control: Illuminates when

Speed control: Illuminates when the speed control is engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is disengaged.

Overdrive cancel and grade

Overdrive cancel and grade assist: Illuminates when the overdrive function of the transmission has been turned off and the grade assist function has been turned on, refer to the Driving chapter.

Anti-theft system: Flashes when

Anti-theft system: Flashes when the SecuriLock Passive Anti-theft System has been activated.

Throttle control/Powertrain:

Throttle control/Powertrain:

Illuminates when a powertrain fault has been detected. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Door ajar: Illuminates when the

Door ajar: Illuminates when the ignition is in the on position and any door is not completely closed.

Turn signal: Illuminates when the

Turn signal: Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. If the indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.

High beams: Illuminates when the

High beams: Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

Key-in-ignition warning chime: Sounds when the key is left in the

Key-in-ignition warning chime: Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the off or accessory position and the driver’s door is opened.

Headlamps on warning chime: Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.

Parking brake on chime: Sounds when the parking brake is left on and the vehicle is driven. If the warning stays on after the park brake is off, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Message center activation chime (if equipped): Sounds when a warning message (except PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED while parked) appears in the message center display for the first time.

    Gauges
    Base instrument cluster shown in standard measure. Metric similar. Optional instrument cluster shown in standard measure. Metric similar. Speedometer: Indicates the current vehicle speed. ...

    See also:

    Cruise control indicator light
    This light illuminates when the “CRUISE” main switch is pressed. If you press the main switch button while turning the ignition switch “ON”, the cruise control function is deactivat ...

    Play file
    Refer to “Play file”. ...

    Checking and Replacing Fuses
    If something electrical in your vehicle stops working, check for a blown fuse first. Determine from the chart on pages, or the diagram on the fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses control that d ...