2012 Ford Escape Owners Manual

DO NOT ADD

An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage. 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.

Checking transmission fluid level for recreational flat tow operation Before recreational flat towing your vehicle, the transmission fluid level may need to be set to a lower level. These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your transmission. Before you recreational flat tow, your fluid level must be verified by an authorized dealer. This fluid level is within the normal operating fluid range and does not require that you have your fluid level readjusted after recreational flat tow operation. See the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for more information on recreational flat towing.

ADD (CHECK HOT)

DO NOT ADD

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Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped) 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. 2. Engage the parking brake fully – put in first gear. 3. Ensure the vehicle cannot move. 4. Clean the filler plug. 5. Remove the filler plug, located on the lower, forward driver side of the transmission, and inspect the fluid level. 6. Fluid level should be at bottom of the opening. 7. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid level is at the bottom of the opening. 8. Install and tighten the fill plug securely. Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to the Maintenance product specifications and capacities section in this chapter.

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.

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Changing the air filter element 1. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover. • 2.5L I4 engine

• 3.0L V6 engine

2. Pull the air filter housing cover away. 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 void for any damage to the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.

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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.

grade oil. See the Cleaning chapter for more information.

• Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light • 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 • Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal • With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the

engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.

operating temperature.

engine is running.

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Fuel system • Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff

of the fuel pump nozzle.

Note: During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more), fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label. The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the additive throughout the fuel system. Cooling system • Protect against freezing temperatures. • When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level. Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the recommended level.

Battery • Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean. • If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure battery charge is maintained for quick starting.

Note: If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset memory features. Brakes • Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released. Tires • Maintain recommended air pressure. Miscellaneous • Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are • Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate

covered with grease to prevent rust.

working parts and prevent corrosion.

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MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS

Component

Air filter element

2.5L I4 engine

FA-1772

3.0L V6 engine

FA-1893

Battery Oil filter

Spark Plugs

Windshield wiper

blade

FL-910S

BXL-40R

FL-500-S

WW-2001-PF (driver side)

WW-2001-PF (passenger side)

WW-1201-PF (rear)

1For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate intervals for changing the spark plugs. Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraft威 or equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not used.

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