Ford Escape Hybrid (2012 year). Manual — part 73

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.

Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specifications. Do not use any
special washer fluid such as windshield water repellent type fluid or bug
wash. They may cause squeaking, chatter noise, streaking and smearing.
Refer to the Maintenance product specifications and capacities
section in this chapter.

State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.

WARNING: If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure

to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.

Note: Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.

Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate

Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.

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294

CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES

1. Pull the wiper blade and arm
away from the glass.

2. Squeeze the locking tabs to
release the blade from the arm and
pull the blade away from the arm to
remove it.

3. Attach the new blade to the arm and snap it into place.

Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.

Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield. Refer to Windows and wiper blades in the Cleaning
chapter.

To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.

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295

Changing rear window wiper blade

The rear wiper arm is designed without a service position. This reduces
the risk of damage to the blade in an automatic car wash.

To replace the wiper blade:

1. Grab the wiper arm with one
hand close to the arm/blade joint
and pull it as far away from the
glass as possible. Do not use
excessive force because it can break
the wiper arm at the heel. Hold it
there until the next step.

2. Grab the primary structure of the
blade with the other hand close to
the arm/blade joint.

3. Grip tightly and press on the arm/blade joint from beneath and
separate the blade from the arm.

4. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.

If you find this procedure too
difficult, please see your dealer.

ENGINE OIL

Checking the engine oil

Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.

1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.

2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.

3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).

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296

4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.

5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level dipstick.

6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.
• If the oil level is within the lower and upper holes/lines, the oil level is

acceptable. DO NOT ADD OIL.

• If the oil level is below the lower hole/line, engine oil must be added

to raise the level within the normal operating range.

• If required, add engine oil to the engine. Refer to Adding engine oil

in this chapter.

• Do not overfill the engine with oil. Oil levels above the upper

hole/line may cause engine damage. If the engine is overfilled,
some oil must be removed from the engine by an authorized dealer.

7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.

Adding engine oil

1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to Checking the engine
oil in this chapter.

2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.

3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
full mark on the engine oil level dipstick.

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