Ford Escape Hybrid (2012 year). Manual — part 74

4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.

5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until it is seated.

To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.

Engine oil and filter recommendations

Look for this certification
trademark.

Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil

Only use oils certified for gasoline engines by the American Petroleum
Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms to the
current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.

To protect your engine and engine’s warranty, use Motorcraft

威 SAE

5W-20 or an equivalent SAE 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C945-A. SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and
durability performance meeting all requirements for your
vehicle’s engine. Refer to Maintenance product specifications and
capacities later in this section for more information.

Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.

Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in scheduled maintenance information.

When changing the oil filter on the 2.5L engine, you must also replace
the filter cap O-ring. Reuse of the O-rings may cause engine oil leakage
and may result in severe engine damage. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if the O-rings are not replaced.

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298

Ford production and Motorcraft

威 replacement oil filters are designed for

added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.

It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft

威 oil filter or

another with equivalent performance for your engine application.

LOW VOLTAGE (UNDERHOOD) BATTERY

Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft

威 maintenance-free

battery which normally does not
require additional water during its
life of service.

If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.

For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.

If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.

Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to
the vehicle by the dealer or the owner (e.g. spot lights, electric
winch, etc.) may adversely affect vehicle performance and
durability.

WARNING: Batteries normally produce explosive gases which
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks

or lighted substances to come near the battery. When working near the
battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide
proper ventilation.

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299

WARNING: When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the

vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or
battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners.

WARNING: Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries
contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.

Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect against
possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or
eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and
get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician
immediately.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.

Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically-controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:

1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.

2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
vehicle. Step on the accelerator to start the engine.

3. Run the vehicle until the engine reaches normal operating
temperature.

4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

5. Step on the accelerator to start the engine. While the engine is
running, shift the vehicle to neutral.

6. Allow the vehicle to run for at least one minute by pressing on the
accelerator pedal.

7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
• The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to

relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.

• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle

quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.

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300

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
• Always dispose of automotive

batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.

Low and high voltage battery – storage

Your vehicle must be started and run for a minimum of 10 minutes once
a month in order to maintain the high voltage battery charge. This will
maintain the high voltage battery but it is not enough to maintain the
low voltage (underhood) battery and additional low voltage (underhood)
battery charging may be required after 60 days.

If your vehicle is to be stored for 30 days or longer, the low voltage
(underhood) battery negative terminal must be disconnected. Failure to
do this could damage your vehicle’s batteries.

ENGINE COOLANT AND MOTOR/ELECTRONICS COOLANT

Your vehicle is equipped with two separate coolant systems. One is for
engine cooling and the other is for various electric motors and other
components that are specific to the hybrid operating systems.

L

E

A

D

RETURN

RECYCLE

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