Ford Escape Hybrid (2012 year). Manual — part 71

WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES

The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, water repellent
coatings, tree sap, or other organic contamination; these contaminants
may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and streaking and
smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow these tips:
• The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with

a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft

威 Ultra-Clear Spray Glass

Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your authorized dealer.

• The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or

Motorcraft

威 Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32-A) in

the U.S., or Premium Quality Windshield Washer Fluid [CXC-37-(A, B,
D, or F)] in Canada, available from your authorized dealer. This
washer fluid contains special solution in addition to alcohol which
helps to remove the hot wax deposited on the wiper blade and
windshield from automated car wash facilities. Be sure to replace
wiper blades when they appear worn or do not function properly.

• Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
• Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.

Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.

INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS

Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a
clean, damp, white cotton cloth, then use a clean and dry white cotton
cloth to dry these areas.
• Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase the gloss of the upper portion

of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.

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• Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in

contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.

• Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the

finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.

• Do not allow air fresheners and hand sanitizers to spill on interior

surfaces. If a spill occurs, wipe off immediately. Damage may not be
covered by your warranty.

WARNING: Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid

contamination of the airbag system.

If a staining liquid like coffee/juice has been spilled on the instrument
panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:

1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean, white, cotton cloth.

2. Wipe the surface with a damp, clean, white cotton cloth. For more
thorough cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution. If the spot cannot
be completely cleaned by this method, the area may be cleaned using a
commercially available cleaning product designed for automotive
interiors.

3. If necessary, apply more soap and water solution or cleaning product
to a clean, white, cotton cloth and press the cloth onto the soiled
area–allow this to set at room temperature for 30 minutes.

4. Remove the soaked cloth, and if it is not soiled badly, use this cloth to
clean the area by using a rubbing motion for 60 seconds.

5. Following this, wipe area dry with a clean, white, cotton cloth.

INTERIOR

For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
airbags:
• Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
• Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft威 Professional Strength

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54).

• If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first

with Motorcraft

威 Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14). In Canada, use

Motorcraft

威 Multi-Purpose Cleaner (CXC-101).

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• If a ring forms on the fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area

immediately (but do not oversaturate) or the ring will set.

• Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can

stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.

WARNING: Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the
vehicle’s safety belts, as these actions may weaken the belt

webbing.

WARNING: On vehicles equipped with seat-mounted airbags, do
not use chemical solvents or strong detergents. Such products

could contaminate the side-airbag system and affect performance of
the side airbag in a collision.

LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
• Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
• Clean spills and stains as quickly as possible.
• For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For

more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap and water
solution. In Canada, use Motorcraft

威 Vinyl Cleaner (CXC-93). Dry the

area with a soft cloth.

• If the leather cannot be completely cleaned using a mild soap and

water solution, the leather may be cleaned using a commercially
available leather cleaning product designed for automotive interiors.

• To check for compatibility, first test any cleaner or stain remover on

an inconspicuous part of the leather.

• Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or

cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based
leather conditioners. These products may cause premature wearing or
damage to the leather.

UNDERBODY

Flush the complete underside of your vehicle frequently. Keep body and
door drain holes free from packed dirt.

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FORD AND LINCOLN CAR CARE PRODUCTS

Your Ford or Lincoln authorized dealer has many quality products
available to clean your vehicle and protect its finishes. These quality
products have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive
needs; they are custom designed to complement the style and
appearance of your vehicle. Each product is made from high quality
materials that meet or exceed rigid specifications. For best results, use
the following products or products of equivalent quality:

Motorcraft

威 Bug and Tar Remover (ZC-42)

Motorcraft

威 Custom Bright Metal Cleaner (ZC-15)

Motorcraft

威 Detail Wash (ZC-3-A)

Motorcraft

威 Dusting Cloth (ZC-24)

Motorcraft

威 Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (U.S. only) (ZC-20)

Motorcraft

威 Engine Shampoo (Canada only) (CXC-66-A)

Motorcraft

威 Multi-Purpose Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-101)

Motorcraft

威 Premium Glass Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-100)

Motorcraft

威 Premium Quality Windshield Washer Fluid (Canada only)

[CXC-37-(A, B, D or F)]

Motorcraft

威 Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (U.S. only)

(ZC-32-A)

Motorcraft

威 Professional Strength Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54)

Motorcraft

威 Spot and Stain Remover (U.S. only) (ZC-14)

Motorcraft

威 Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23)

Motorcraft

威 Vinyl Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-93)

Motorcraft

威 Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37-A)

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