Ford Escape (2018 year). Manual — part 37

SelectShift in drive (D):
•

Provides a temporary manual mode
for performing more demanding
maneuvers where extra control of gear
selection is required (for example,
when towing or overtaking). This mode
will hold a selected gear for a
temporary period of time dependent
on driver inputs (for example, steering
or accelerator pedal input).

SelectShift in sport (S):
•

Provides a permanent manual gear
selection where full control of gear
selection is required.

To exit SelectShift mode, shift the
transmission into drive (D).

Upshift to the recommended shift speeds
according to the following chart:

Upshifts when accelerating (recom-

mended for best fuel economy)

Shift from:

15 mph (24 km/h)

1 - 2

25 mph (40 km/h)

2 - 3

40 mph (64 km/h)

3 - 4

45 mph (72 km/h)

4 - 5

50 mph (80 km/h)

5 - 6

The instrument cluster displays your
currently selected gear. If a gear is
requested but not available due to vehicle
conditions (low speed, too high engine
speed for requested gear selection), the
current gear will flash three times.

Note: At full accelerator pedal travel the
transmission will auto downshift to ensure
maximum performance.

Note: In low traction conditions, you can
pull away in second gear using SelectShift.
To perform this operation select drive (D)
or sport (S) mode and press the + toggle (if
equipped) or pull the + paddle (if equipped)
until 2 is displayed on the cluster. Your
vehicle is now ready to move in 2nd gear.

Brake-Shift Interlock Override

WARNINGS

Do not drive your vehicle until you
verify that the stoplamps are
working.

When doing this procedure, you need
to take the transmission out of park
(P) which means your vehicle can

roll freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always fully apply the parking
brake prior to doing this procedure. Use
wheels chocks if appropriate.

If the parking brake is fully released,
but the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, the brakes may not be

working properly. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.

Use the brake shift interlock lever to move
the gearshift lever from the park position
in the event of an electrical malfunction or
if your vehicle has a dead battery.

Apply the parking brake and turn your
vehicle off before performing this
procedure.

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1.

Remove the shifter boot using a
suitable tool

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2. Using a screwdriver or similar tool,

depress the brake shift interlock
override until the blocker moves.

3. Move the transmission selector from

park (P) to neutral (N).

4. Install the shifter boot.

5. Apply the brake pedal, start the vehicle

and release the parking brake.

Note: See your authorized dealer as soon
as possible if this procedure is used.

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud
or Snow

Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.

Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
it may be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

This system is a proactive system. It has
the ability to anticipate wheel slip and
transfer torque to the rear wheels before
slip occurs. Even when wheel slip is not
present, the system is continuously making
adjustments to the torque distribution, in
an attempt to improve straight line and
cornering behavior, both on and off road.

The system automatically turns on every
time you switch the ignition on.

All components of the system are sealed
and do not require maintenance.

USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE

Note: When a system malfunction is
present, a warning message will be
displayed in the information display. See
General Information (page 92). This
means the system is not functioning
correctly and has defaulted to front-wheel
drive only. Have your vehicle checked by an
authorized dealer.

Note: A message will be displayed in the
information display when the system
overheats and switches to front-wheel drive.
This condition may occur if you operate your
vehicle in extreme high load conditions or
with excessive wheel slip, (i.e. deep sand).
To resume four-wheel drive function as soon
as possible, stop your vehicle in a safe
location and switch the ignition off. After
the system cools and normal four-wheel
drive functionality resumes, a message will
be displayed for approximately five seconds.

Note: If a warning message appears in the
information display when using the spare
tire, it should turn off after reinstalling the
repaired or replaced road tire and you switch
the ignition on.

Note: It is recommended that you reinstall
the repaired tire or replace the tire as soon
as possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes
between the front and rear axles could
cause system damage or default the system
to front-wheel drive.

The system gives your vehicle some limited
off-road capabilities. Operating your
vehicle in conditions other than moderate
sand, snow, mud or rough roads could
subject it to excessive stress and heat
which could result in system damage. This
will not be covered by your vehicle
warranty.

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A graphic will be displayed in the
information display to advise you of the
power distribution between the front and
rear wheels. The more the area is filled the
more power is being distributed to that
wheel.

Driving in Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel Drive

Four-wheel drive vehicles are suitable for
driving on sand, snow, mud and rough
roads and have operating characteristics
that are somewhat different from
conventional vehicles, both on and off the
freeway.

Note: It may be useful to switch Traction
control off. This allows for more wheel spin
and engine torque in certain off road
conditions or if your vehicle becomes stuck.

(If Equipped)

When driving at slow speeds off road under
high load conditions, use a low gear when
possible. Low gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling
capability.

Under severe operating conditions, the air
conditioning may cycle on and off to
prevent the engine from overheating.

Basic Operating Principles

•

Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.

•

When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.

If Your Vehicle leaves the Road

If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed has been reduced
ease your vehicle back onto the road. Do
not turn the steering wheel sharply while
returning your vehicle to the road.

It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.

It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should be
your primary concern.

Emergency Maneuvers

In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be made,
remember to avoid over-driving your
vehicle (i.e. turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as required to avoid the
emergency). Excessive steering can result

in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth
pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal when changes in vehicle speed are
required. Avoid abrupt steering,
acceleration and braking. This could result
in an increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss
of vehicle control and personal injury. Use
all available road surface to bring your
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.

In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.

If your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e. from concrete to
gravel) there will be a change in the way
your vehicle responds to a maneuver (i.e.
steering, acceleration or braking).

Sand

When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid excessive wheel slip.

Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand for
an extended period of time. This will cause
the system to overheat. A message will be
displayed in the information display. See
General Information (page 92).

To resume operation, switch the ignition
off and allow the system to cool down for
a minimum of 15 minutes. After the system
has cooled down, a message will be
displayed briefly in the information display.
See General Information (page 92).

When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.

(If Equipped)