Ford Escape Hybrid (2012 year). Manual — part 79

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel, properly closing the fuel fill inlet or letting the
electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the service engine soon
indicator should stay off the next time the engine is started. A driving
cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway
driving. No additional vehicle service is required.

If the service engine soon

indicator remains on, have your vehicle

serviced at the first available opportunity. Although some malfunctions
detected by the OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with the service engine soon

indicator on can

result in increased emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced engine and
transmission smoothness, and lead to more costly repairs.

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing

Some state/provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M
test if the service engine soon

indicator is on or not working

properly (bulb is burned out), or if the OBD-II system has determined
that some of the emission control systems have not been properly
checked. In this case, the vehicle is considered not ready for I/M testing.

If the service engine soon

indicator is on or the bulb does not

work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. Refer to On-board
diagnostics (OBD-II) in this chapter.

If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the on position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If the service engine
soon

indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not

ready for I/M testing; if the service engine soon

indicator stays on

solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.

The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:

15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle periods.

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318

Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.

BRAKE FLUID

The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.

Check fluid levels with the ignition
in the on position. Fluid levels
between the MIN and MAX lines are
within the normal operating range;
there is no need to add fluid.

If the fluid levels are outside of the
normal operating range the
performance of your brake system could be compromised; seek service
from your authorized dealer immediately.

TRANSMISSION FLUID

Checking electronically controlled continuously variable
transmission (eCVT)

The eCVT does not have an underhood transmission fluid dipstick.

Your transmission does not consume fluid. It is designed to be filled for
life. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.

Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid
should be added by an authorized dealer.

Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.

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319

AIR FILTER

Refer to scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.

When changing the air filter element, use only the air filter element
listed. Refer to Motorcraft

威 part numbers in this chapter.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air

cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.

Changing the air filter element

1. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.

2. Carefully separate the two halves
of the air filter housing.

3. Remove the air filter element from the air filter housing.

4. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.

5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unfiltered air to enter the engine if not properly
seated.

6. Replace the air filter housing cover and secure the clamps.

Note: Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be voided for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.

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320

VEHICLE STORAGE

If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.

All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for
reliable, regular driving. Long term storage under various conditions may
lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are
taken to preserve the components.

General
• Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
• Protect from sunlight, if possible.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to

protect against rust and damage.

Body
• Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from

exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
See the Cleaning chapter for more information.

• Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
• Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax

to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed. See the Cleaning chapter for more information.

• Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light

grade oil. See the Cleaning chapter for more information.

• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
• The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used

engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.

• Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal

operating temperature.

• With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the

engine is running.

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321