Ford Escape (2018 year). Manual — part 28

SITTING IN THE CORRECT
POSITION

WARNINGS

Sitting improperly, out of position or
with the seatback reclined too far
can take weight off the seat cushion

and affect the decision of the passenger
sensing system, resulting in serious injury
or death in the event of a crash. Always sit
upright against your seat back, with your
feet on the floor.

Do not recline the seatback as this
can cause the occupant to slide
under the safety belt, resulting in

serious injury in the event of a crash.

Do not place objects higher than the
seatback to reduce the risk of serious
injury in the event of a crash or during

heavy braking.

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When you use them properly, the seat,
head restraint, safety belt and airbags will
provide optimum protection in the event
of a crash.

We recommend that you follow these
guidelines:
•

Sit in an upright position with the base
of your spine as far back as possible.

•

Do not recline the seatback more than
30 degrees.

•

Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of it is level with the top of your
head and as far forward as possible.
Make sure that you remain
comfortable.

•

Keep sufficient distance between
yourself and the steering wheel. We
recommend a minimum of 10 in
(25 cm) between your breastbone and
the airbag cover.

•

Hold the steering wheel with your arms
slightly bent.

•

Bend your legs slightly so that you can
press the pedals fully.

•

Position the shoulder strap of the
safety belt over the center of your
shoulder and position the lap strap
tightly across your hips.

Make sure that your driving position is
comfortable and that you can maintain full
control of your vehicle.

HEAD RESTRAINTS

WARNINGS

Fully adjust the head restraint before
you sit in or operate your vehicle. This
will help minimize the risk of neck

injury in the event of a crash. Do not adjust
the head restraint when your vehicle is
moving.

The head restraint is a safety device.
Whenever possible it should be
installed and properly adjusted when

the seat is occupied. Failure to adjust the
head restraint properly could reduce its
effectiveness during certain impacts.

WARNINGS

Adjust the head restraints for all
passengers before you drive your
vehicle. This will help minimize the

risk of neck injury in the event of a crash.
Do not adjust the head restraints when
your vehicle is moving.

Note: Adjust the seatback to an upright
driving position before adjusting the head
restraint. Adjust the head restraint so that
the top of it is level with the top of your head
and as far forward as possible. Make sure
that you remain comfortable. If you are
extremely tall, adjust the head restraint to
its highest position.

Front seat head restraint

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Rear seat outboard head restraints

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The head restraints consist of:

An energy absorbing head
restraint.

A

Two steel stems.

B

Guide sleeve adjust and unlock
button.

C

Guide sleeve unlock and remove
button.

D

Fold button

E

Rear center head restraint

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The rear center head restraint consists of:

An energy absorbing head
restraint.

A

Two steel stems.

B

Guide sleeve unlock and remove
button.

C

Adjusting the Head Restraint

Raising the Head Restraint

Pull the head restraint up.

Lowering the Head Restraint

1.

Press and hold button C.

2. Push the head restraint down.

Removing the Head Restraint

1.

Pull the head restraint up until it
reaches its highest position.

2. Press and hold buttons C and D.
3. Pull the head restraint up.

Installing the Head Restraint

Align the steel stems into the guide sleeves
and push the head restraint down until it
locks.

Folding the Head Restraint

1.

Press and hold button E.

2. Pull the head restraint back up to reset.

Tilting Head Restraints

The front head restraints tilt for extra
comfort. To tilt the head restraint, do the
following:

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1.

Adjust the seatback to an upright
driving or riding position.

2. Pivot the head restraint forward toward

your head to the desired position.

After the head restraint reaches the
forward-most tilt position, pivot it forward
again to release it to the rearward, un-tilted
position.

MANUAL SEATS

(If Equipped)

WARNING

Do not adjust the driver seat or
seatback when your vehicle is
moving.

Moving the Seat Backward and
Forward

E163870

WARNING

Rock the seat backward and forward
after releasing the lever to make sure
that it is fully engaged.

Adjusting the Height of the Driver
Seat

E163871

Recline Adjustment

E163872

WARNING

Do not place cargo or any objects
behind the seatback before returning
it to the original position. Pull on the

seatback to make sure that it has fully
latched after returning the seatback to its
original position. An unlatched seat may
become dangerous if you stop suddenly or
have a crash.

POWER SEATS

(If Equipped)

WARNINGS

Do not adjust the driver's seat or
seatback when your vehicle is
moving. Adjusting your seatback

while your vehicle is in motion may cause
loss of control of your vehicle.

Do not place cargo or any objects
behind the seatback before returning
it to the original position.