User manual FORD ESCAPE-2001

[. . . ] Contents Before driving Introduction Instrumentation Controls and features Seating and safety restraints Starting and driving Starting Driving Roadside emergencies Servicing Maintenance and care Capacities and specifications Index 196 247 270 137 142 173 2 8 19 98 All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation. Copyright © 2001 Ford Motor Company 1 Introduction The following warning may be required by California law: CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. [. . . ] If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of the following: · underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s) · uneven vehicle loading · high crown in center of road 144 Driving · high crosswinds · wheels out of alignment · loose or worn suspension components PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Your vehicle has special design and equipment features to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of circumstances. These special design features, such as larger tires and increased ground clearance, give the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car. Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Your vehicle has the capability to haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling people and cargo may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle. Know the capabilities and limitations of both you as a driver and your vehicle. 145 Driving AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED) Brake-shift interlock This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is depressed. If the gearshift lever cannot be moved from P (Park) with the brake pedal depressed, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not operating properly. Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working. If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transaxle may occur. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage to the transaxle and tires may occur or the engine may overheat. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle Your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an adaptive learning strategy. [. . . ] Box 07150 Detroit, Michigan 48207 Or call: For a free publication catalog, order toll free: 1-800-782-4356 Monday-Friday 8:00 a. m. EST (Items in this catalog may be purchased by credit card holders only. ) Obtaining a French owner's guide French Owner's Guides can be obtained from your dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P. O. Box 1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3. 267 Customer assistance IN CALIFORNIA (U. S. ONLY) California Civil Code Section 1793. 2(d) requires that, if a manufacturer or its representative is unable to repair a motor vehicle to conform to the vehicle's applicable express warranty after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer shall be required to either replace the vehicle with one substantially identical or repurchase the vehicle and reimburse the buyer in an amount equal to the actual price paid or payable by the consumer (less a reasonable allowance for consumer use). [. . . ]