Ford Escape: Preparing to start your vehicle - Starting - Driving - Ford Escape Owner's ManualFord Escape: Preparing to start your vehicle

very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, 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.

or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the 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.

other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open 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.

your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you 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

• Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park).

If starting a vehicle with a manual

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

3. Turn the key to 3 (on) without turning the key to 4 (start).

Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and

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:

    Cleaning the Mirror
    Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with water. ...

    Towing with a Stability Control System
    When towing, the sound of the stability control system might be heard. The system is reacting to the vehicle movement caused by the trailer, which mainly occurs during cornering. This is normal wh ...

    Headlight aiming control (if so equipped)
    Headlight aiming control (if so equipped) Depending on the number of occupants in the vehicle and the load it is carrying, the headlight axis may be higher than desired. If the vehicle is tra ...