Ford Escape Hybrid (2012 year). Manual — part 1

PERCHLORATE MATERIAL

Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, seat belt
pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material
– Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.

Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.

Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. See Engine oil in the
Maintenance and Specifications chapter for more information on oil
usage.

HYBRID OPERATION

This hybrid vehicle combines electric and gasoline propulsion without
compromise, to provide breakthrough performance and efficiency. It
requires no special fuels and never has to be plugged in. Familiarizing
yourself with these unique characteristics will help ensure optimal
performance from your new vehicle.

Normal vehicle operation

Starting: Turn the ignition key to the start position while your vehicle is
in P (Park). A green vehicle symbol (called the Ready Indicator Light)
will appear in the lower right corner of the instrument cluster to indicate
the vehicle is on. This indicator will remain on while the vehicle is on,
whether the engine is running or not, to indicate the vehicle is capable of
movement (using its electric motor, engine, or both). The message
center on the cluster will also momentarily display

⬙Ready to Drive⬙

when the vehicle is successfully started. The vehicle’s computer will
determine if an engine start is required. Typically, the engine will not
start unless the vehicle is cold, a climate control change is requested, or
the accelerator is depressed.

Note: You may notice higher engine speeds upon start-up. This
temporary condition is normal and necessary to heat up the cabin and
minimize emissions.

Introduction

6

Driving: The gas engine automatically starts and stops to provide power
when it’s needed and to save fuel when it’s not. While coasting at low
speeds, coming to a stop, or standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and the vehicle operates in electric-only mode. Conditions that
may cause the engine to start up or remain running include:
• Considerable vehicle acceleration
• Vehicle speed above 40 mph (65 km/h)
• Ascending a hill
• Charge level of high voltage battery is low
• Very high or low outside temperature (to provide system

cooling/heating)

• Engine not warm enough to provide passenger requested cabin

temperature

Stopping: The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel as you come to
a stop. Restarting the vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.

Transmission Operation: Due to the technologically advanced,
electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transaxle (eCVT) you will
not feel shift changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle. Your hybrid’s
transmission is designed to do its work seamlessly.

Since engine speed is controlled by the transmission, it may seem
elevated at times. This is normal hybrid operation and helps
deliver fuel efficiency and performance.

Neutral: It is not recommended to idle the vehicle in N (Neutral) for
extended periods of time because this will discharge your high voltage
battery and decrease fuel economy. Because of the unique nature of the
hybrid vehicle, the engine will not start in the N (Neutral) position. Also,
the engine cannot provide power to the hybrid system in N (Neutral).

Low Gear: L (Low gear) is designed to mimic the enhanced engine
braking available in non-hybrid vehicles. L (Low gear) will produce high
engine speeds to provide necessary engine braking. This is normal and
will not damage your vehicle.

Reverse: (R) Reverse Gear vehicle speed is limited to 22 mph
(35 km/h).

Introduction

7

Unique Hybrid operating characteristics

Your Hybrid, with its new technology, behaves differently compared to a
non-hybrid. Here is a description of the major differences:

Battery: Your Hybrid is equipped with a high voltage battery. A cool
battery ensures battery life and provides the best possible performance.
Your hybrid high voltage battery may periodically re-condition itself to
ensure maximum efficiency. You may notice slight changes in drivability
during this process, but it’s an important part of your hybrid’s high
voltage battery optimization features.

The high voltage battery is cooled by cabin air drawn from vent holes in
the driver-side cargo trim panel. Avoid placing objects over the vent
holes which block air flow to the high voltage battery.

If the vehicle is left inoperative for over 31 days, it may be necessary to
jumpstart the vehicle. For more information, refer to Jump starting
(Low voltage [underhood] battery only) in the Roadside Emergencies
chapter and also refer to Low and high voltage battery — storage in
the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

Engine: The engine speed in your hybrid is not directly tied to your
vehicle speed. Your vehicle’s engine and transmission are designed to
deliver the power you need at the most efficient engine speed. During
heavy accelerations, your hybrid may reach high engine speeds (up to
6000 RPM). This is characteristic of the Atkinson cycle engine
technology helping to maximize your hybrid’s fuel economy.

In prolonged mountainous driving, you may see the engine tachometer
changing without your input. This is intentional and maintains the
battery charge level. You may also notice during extended downhill
driving that your engine continues to run instead of shutting off.

During this “engine braking”, the engine stays on, but it’s not using any
fuel. You may also hear a slight whine or whistle when operating your
vehicle. This is the normal operation of the electric generator in the
hybrid system.

During certain events (such as vehicle servicing) your low voltage
(underhood) battery may become disconnected or disabled. When this
occurs, and after reconnecting the low voltage (underhood) battery and
driving the vehicle, the engine may continue to operate for 3-5 seconds
after the key is turned to the off position. This is a normal condition, as
the vehicle’s computers are relearning the operating characteristics of
your particular engine in order to operate it at maximum efficiency.

Braking: Your hybrid is equipped with standard hydraulic braking and
regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake energy and stores it in your high
voltage battery.

Introduction

8

Driving to optimize fuel economy

Your fuel economy should improve throughout your hybrid’s break-in
period. As with any vehicle, fuel economy can be significantly impacted
by your driving habits and accessory usage. For best results, keep in
mind these tips:

Tire Inflation: Keep tires properly inflated and only use recommended
size.

Drive Habits: Aggressive driving increases the amount of energy
required to move your vehicle. In general, better fuel economy is
achieved with mild to moderate acceleration and deceleration. Moderate
braking is particularly important since it allows you to maximize the
energy captured by the regenerative braking system.

NOTE: Having your engine running is not always an indication of
inefficiency – in some cases it is actually more efficient than driving in
electric mode.

Additional Tips:
• Do not carry extra loads
• Be mindful of adding external accessories that may increase

aerodynamic drag

• Observe posted speed limits
• Perform all scheduled maintenance
• There is no need to wait for your engine to “warm up”. The vehicle is

ready to drive immediately after starting

Refer to Essentials of good fuel economy in the Maintenance and
Specifications chapter for more fuel saving tips.

Introduction

9