Ford Escape Hybrid (2012 year). Manual — part 78

Filling the tank

When the fuel gauge indicates empty, there is still a small reserve of fuel
in the fuel system. When refueling your vehicle after the fuel gauge
indicates empty, you might not be able to refuel the full amount of the
advertised capacity of the fuel tank due to the empty reserve still
present in the tank. The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve
varies and should not be relied upon to increase driving range.

For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
• Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling;

an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.

• Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.
• Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
• Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.

Calculating fuel economy

1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in miles or kilometers).

2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in
gallons or liters).

3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.

4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.

5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:

Calculation 1: Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.

Calculation 2: Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.

Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, very hot or very cold temperatures give lower fuel
economy.

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Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits

Since it is able to operate in electric mode and to collect braking energy,
your hybrid vehicle may get better fuel economy in city driving than on
the highway. This is contrary to conventional vehicles. However, many of
the same actions that improve fuel economy in a conventional vehicle
will also improve fuel economy in this vehicle.

Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to
improve your fuel economy.

Habits
• Avoid aggressive driving. Quick acceleration and deceleration decrease

fuel economy.

• Drive at a smooth, constant speed. Excessive variation in pedal input

causes more operating mode changes and reduces efficiency.

• Drive at reasonable speeds. Traveling at 60 mph (96 km/h) uses

approximately 20% less fuel than traveling at 70 mph (113 km/h).

• Minimize A/C and defroster usage. Your vehicle is equipped with an

electric A/C system, which can provide cooling for passenger comfort
or defrost without running the engine. However, the A/C system uses
battery energy when the engine is off, which reduces fuel economy.
Using Auto mode, minimizing use of defrost and Max A/C, and
choosing a higher temperature setting when cooling can help reduce
energy usage. See the Climate Control chapter for more information.

• Minimize temperature extremes when the vehicle is parked, for

example by storing in a garage to avoid extreme cold in winter and
extreme sun loads in summer. The high voltage battery operates more
efficiently in moderate temperatures, and less energy will be spent
returning the passenger compartment to a comfortable temperature.

• Combine errands. Your vehicle is more fuel efficient when the engine

is warm. Driving to your farthest destination first will warm the engine
more quickly and may improve fuel economy for the rest of the trip.

Maintenance
• Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
• Keep wheels properly aligned.
• Use recommended engine oil. Refer to Maintenance product

specifications and capacities in this chapter.

• Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the

recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in scheduled maintenance information.

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315

Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy

at any speed.

• Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately

1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 300 lb [136 kg] of weight carried).

• Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example; bug

deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks, flags)
may reduce fuel economy.

• Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to

driving on mountainous terrain.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
• Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at

high speeds.

• Have the items listed in scheduled maintenance information

performed according to the specified schedule.

The scheduled maintenance items listed in scheduled maintenance
information are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.

If other than Ford, Motorcraft

威 or Ford-authorized parts are used for

maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.

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.

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316

Illumination of the service engine soon

indicator, charging system

warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.

An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.

WARNING: Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.

Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal also lists engine displacement.

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the
on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II). The OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When the service
engine soon

indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected

a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause the service engine
soon

indicator to illuminate. Examples are:

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the engine may misfire or run
poorly.

3. The fuel fill inlet may not have been properly closed. See Easy Fuel

威

“no cap” fuel system in this chapter.

4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.

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