Ford Escape (2018 year). Manual — part 62

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK

The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick.

Have an authorized dealer check and
change the transmission fluid at the
correct service interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 449). Your
transmission does not consume fluid.
However, if the transmission slips, shifts
slowly or if you notice a sign of leaking
fluid, contact 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.

BRAKE FLUID CHECK

WARNINGS

Do not use any fluid other than the
recommended brake fluid as this will
reduce brake efficiency. Use of

incorrect fluid could result in the loss of
vehicle control, serious personal injury or
death.

Only use brake fluid from a sealed
container. Contamination with dirt,
water, petroleum products or other

materials may result in brake system
damage or failure. Failure to adhere to this
warning could result in the loss of vehicle
control, serious personal injury or death.

Do not allow the fluid to touch your
skin or eyes. If this happens, rinse the
affected areas immediately with

plenty of water and contact your physician.

WARNINGS

A fluid level between the MAX and
MIN lines is within the normal
operating range and there is no need

to add fluid. A fluid level not in the normal
operating range could compromise the
performance of the system. Have your
vehicle checked immediately.

E170684

To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoir
cap must remain in place and fully tight,
unless you are adding fluid.

Only use fluid that meets Ford
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 297).

POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK

Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering (EPS) system. There is no
fluid reservoir to check or fill.

WASHER FLUID CHECK

WARNING

If you operate your vehicle in
temperatures below 41.0°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: The front and rear washer systems
are supplied from the same reservoir.

Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is
low. Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 297).

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.

FUEL FILTER

Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime
fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel
tank. Regular maintenance or replacement
is not needed.

CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY

WARNINGS

Batteries normally produce explosive
gases which can cause personal
injury. Therefore, do not allow

flames, sparks or lighted substances to
come near the battery. When working near
the battery, always shield your face and
protect your eyes. Always provide correct
ventilation.

When lifting a plastic-cased battery,
excessive pressure on the end walls
could cause acid to flow through the

vent caps, resulting in personal injury and
damage to the vehicle or battery. Lift the
battery with a battery carrier or with your
hands on opposite corners.

Keep batteries out of reach of
children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or

clothing. Shield your eyes when working
near the battery to protect against possible
splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of
15 minutes and get prompt medical
attention. If acid is swallowed, call a
physician immediately.

Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after

handling.

This vehicle may have more than one
battery. Removing the battery cables
from only one battery does not

disconnect your vehicle electrical system.
Make sure you disconnect the battery
cables from all batteries when
disconnecting power. Failure to do so may
cause serious personal injury or property
damage.

Your vehicle is fitted with a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery which normally
does not require additional water.

When a battery replacement is required,
you must use a recommended
replacement battery that matches the
electrical requirements of the vehicle.

Note: After cleaning or replacing the
battery, make sure you reinstall the battery
cover or shield.

Note: If you add electrical accessories or
components to the vehicle, it may adversely
affect the low voltage battery performance
and durability. This may also affect the
performance of other electrical systems in
the vehicle.

For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the
top of the battery clean and dry.

If you see any corrosion on the battery or
terminals, remove the cables from the
terminals and clean with a wire brush. You
can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water.

Because your vehicle’s engine is
electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained
by power from the battery. When the
battery is disconnected or a new battery
is installed, the engine must relearn its idle
and fuel trim strategy for optimum
driveability and performance. Flexible fuel
vehicles (FFV) must also relearn the
ethanol content of the fuel for optimum
driveability and performance.

To restore the settings, do the following:

1.

Apply the parking brake.

2. Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).

3. Switch off all accessories.

4. Press the brake pedal and start your

vehicle.

5. Run the engine until it reaches normal

operating temperature. While the
engine is warming up, complete the
following: Reset the clock. Reset the
power windows bounce-back feature.
See Windows and Mirrors (page 81).
Reset the radio station presets. See
Audio System (page 317).

6. Allow the engine to idle for at least one

minute.

7.

Drive the vehicle at least 10 mi (16 km)
to completely relearn the idle trim and
fuel trim strategy.

Note: If you do not allow the engine to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy, the
idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the engine computer
eventually relearns the idle trim and fuel
trim strategy.

Note: For flexible fuel vehicles, if you are
operating on E85, you may experience poor
starts or an inability to start the engine and
driveability problems until the fuel trim and
ethanol content have been relearned.

Make sure that you dispose of old batteries
in an environmentally friendly way. Seek
advice from your local authority about
recycling old batteries.

If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery, we
recommend that you disconnect the
battery cables to maintain battery charge
for quick starting.

Battery Management System

(If

Equipped)

The battery management system monitors
battery conditions and takes actions to
extend battery life. If excessive battery
drain is detected, the system temporarily
disables some electrical systems to
protect the battery.

Systems included are:
•

Heated rear window.

•

Heated seats.

•

Climate control.

•

Heated steering wheel.

•

Audio unit.

•

Navigation system.

A message may appear in the information
displays to alert you that battery
protection actions are active. These
messages are only for notification that an
action is taking place, and not intended to
indicate an electrical problem or that the
battery requires replacement.

After battery replacement, or in some
cases after charging the battery with an
external charger, the battery management
system requires eight hours of vehicle sleep
time to relearn the battery state of charge.
During this time your vehicle must remain
fully locked with the ignition switched off.

Note: Prior to relearning the battery state
of charge, the battery management system
may temporarily disable some electrical
systems.

Electrical Accessory Installation

To make sure the battery management
system works correctly, do not connect an
electrical device ground connection
directly to the battery negative post. This
can cause inaccurate measurements of
the battery condition and potential
incorrect system operation.

Note: If you add electrical accessories or
components to the vehicle, it may adversely
affect battery performance and durability.
This may also affect the performance of
other electrical systems in the vehicle.

CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES

E142463

Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of
the blade to check for roughness.

Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid
or water applied with a soft sponge or
cloth.

CHANGING THE WIPER
BLADES

You can improve poor wiper quality by
cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield.

Replace the wiper blades at least annually
for optimum performance.

Front Wiper Blades

E129990

1

1

2

1.

Lift the wiper arm and then press the
wiper blade locking buttons together.