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Unique Hybrid Operating Characteristics
Battery: The Ford Escape Hybrid is equipped
with a high voltage battery temperature
management system in the rear of the
vehicle. This system cools the battery in order
to ensure battery life and optimize high
voltage battery performance. You may hear a
slight tap sound as the vent door operates. In
addition, you may hear a fan noise in the rear
of the vehicle. This is the temperature
management fan. These noises are a
customary part of hybrid operation and do not
require service. The hybrid high voltage
battery may go through a self–reconditioning
process from time-to-time, to optimize high
voltage battery performance.
You may notice
slight changes in drivability during the
reconditioning process. This is an important part
of the Escape Hybrid's high voltage battery
optimizing features.
Engine: The engine speed in a hybrid is not
directly tied to the vehicle speed. Under
certain conditions the engine speed, as
indicated on the tachometer while driving,
may appear much higher than that of a
conventional automobile. This is caused by
engine speed optimization to maximize fuel
economy. In prolonged mountainous driving,
you may also see the engine tachometer
slowly moving up and down. This is done to
maintain the battery. 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.
If your 12V battery should become
disconnected, you may experience engine
spin for 3-5 seconds after the key is turned
to the OFF position, for the next key cycle
only. The computer is relearning the start up
characteristics of your vehicle.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
As with any vehicle, fuel economy can be
significantly impacted by your driving habits
and accessory usage. To maximize fuel
economy, try to extend the length of
time you run in electric mode by lightly
accelerating the vehicle. The longer you keep
the engine from starting, the better the fuel
economy you will achieve.
Please be aware of the following
vehicle functions which reduce fuel
economy performance:
Tire Inflation: Keep tires properly inflated and
use only recommended size.
Climate Control: With the climate control system
set to MAX A/C, defrost and defrost/floor mode
(the orange graphics on your climate control),
the gas engine will run continuously, reducing
fuel economy. The A/C mode is more
fuel-efficient than the MAX A/C mode.
Driver Habits: Rapid starts (jackrabbit starts),
towing, and heavy loads all impact the
amount of energy required to move the
vehicle. In general, better fuel economy is
achieved during moderate acceleration and
deceleration, as opposed to aggressive
acceleration and deceleration. This is true
regardless of the mode in which you're operating.
Do not carry extra loads
Do not decrease aerodynamics
Use speed control
Observe posted speed limits
Keep engine tuned
Normal Vehicle Operation
Starting:
Turn the ignition key to the ON position
while the vehicle is in Park (P). The gas engine
will turn on, but may shut off shortly after
starting, depending on temperature and battery
state of charge. This is a natural part of the
Escape Hybrid's fuel-saving features. You do not
need to restart the vehicle. NOTE: If the vehicle
is left inoperative for over 31 days — it may
(but probably won’t) be necessary to jump-start
the vehicle. Your Escape Hybrid is equipped
with a high voltage battery jump-start feature in
addition to the traditional 12V system. Consult
your Owner’s Guide for jump-start instructions.
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, idling, or coming to a stop,
the gas engine typically shuts down to
conserve fuel and the vehicle operates in
electric-only mode. The gas engine will kick
in upon acceleration. Conditions that cause
the engine to start up include:
High voltage battery recharge required
Driver acceleration demands
additional power
Overly hot or cold outside temperature,
or
if the battery is overly hot or cold, the
engine may engage sooner than usual
Ascending a hill, accelerating quickly,
or when driving conditions require
additional power
The gasoline engine will not shut off if
the climate control is set to MAX A/C,
defrost mode or defrost / floor mode
Stopping: The gas engine may shut off as you
come to a stop to conserve fuel. 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 traditional vehicle. The Escape
Hybrid's transmission is designed to do
its work seamlessly.
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.
Low Gear: Slowing down in (L) Low gear may
cause a sensation of engine braking during
deceleration. Response during acceleration
should be the same as in (D) Drive position.
Reverse: (R) Reverse gear vehicle speed is
limited to
22 mph (35 km/h) until shifted to
a non-reverse gear.
In most cases, the vehicle
will operate in electric-only mode while
in (R) Reverse.
Hybrid Operation > The Ford Escape Hybrid is a whole new kind of SUV that 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 ensure optimal performance from your new vehicle.
1 Fog Lamp Control:
Press the control to
activate the fog lamps during headlamp
operation. Press the control again to deactivate
the fog lamps. The fog lamps will not operate
when the high beams are activated.
2 Power Side View Mirrors:
Rotate clockwise to
adjust the right mirror or counterclockwise to
adjust the left mirror. Then, move the control in
the direction you wish to tilt the mirror. Return
the control to the center position to lock the
mirror in place. To adjust the power side view
mirrors, ignition must be in the RUN position.
3 Speed Control: To operate, the speed control
must be ON and the vehicle’s speed must be
over 30 mph (48 km/h). To set a speed, press
SET ACC. To set a higher speed, press SET
ACC again. To set a lower speed, press CST.
Pressing RSM will return to the previously set
speed.
To disengage the speed control, press the
CAN button or depress the brake pedal. To turn
off the speed control, press the OFF button.
4 ABS Warning Lamp:
Illuminates briefly when ignition is turned
to the RUN position. If the light remains
on for more than a few seconds, an ABS
fault is indicated. Normal braking is still
functional unless the brake warning light
is also illuminated.
5 Battery Gauge:
The battery gauge provides
information about your vehicle’s energy usage.
When the pointer is directed at ASSIST, this
means the battery is providing extra power to
boost the vehicle’s acceleration. When it’s
pointing to CHARGE, extra energy is being
stored in the battery while idling, coasting or
slowing down. When you press the brake pedal,
the pointer swings counterclockwise into the
CHARGE zone to report that regenerative
braking is underway. If the needle does not
move when braking, the battery is fully charged.
6 Tachometer: Engine RPMs are indicated by
the tachometer. When the vehicle operates in
pure electric mode, the tachometer pointer
drops
below the zero mark where it points
at a special symbol labeled EV for electric
vehicle. Driving with your tachometer pointer
continuously at the top of the scale may
damage the engine.
7 Message Center: When the ignition is in the
RUN position, the message center in your
vehicle’s instrument cluster will display
information on your vehicle’s operating
functions, as well as warning messages. There
are two selectable features, located on the
center console, for your message
center: SET
and INFO. SET is used to select and reset
various functions shown in the INFO menu.
INFO displays a menu which consists of
average fuel economy (if equipped), distance
to empty, instantaneous fuel economy
(if equipped), high voltage battery status, units
(english/metric), language, system check and
INFO display on/off.
8 Tilt Steering Wheel Lever: Push the tilt
steering wheel lever downward to unlock the
steering wheel. Then move the steering wheel
up or down. Pull the lever
up into the
original position to lock the steering
wheel.
Never adjust the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving.
9 Ready Indicator:
Illuminates after the vehicle has successfully
started. The vehicle is ready to
drive even if
you don't hear the engine running.
10 Service Soon:
Illuminates when the vehicle has detected
a malfunction. Report the fault to your Hybrid
certified dealer at the earliest opportunity.
11
Master Vehicle Electrical Hazard Warning Lamp:
Indicates a major hybrid component failure
or other major vehicle failure that will cause
the vehicle to shut down or fail to start.
Please see your Owner’s Guide for
additional information.
12 Service Engine Soon Lamp:
Illuminates briefly when ignition is turned to
the RUN position. Solid illumination after start
indicates the on board diagnostics system has
detected a malfunction. Have your
vehicle
serviced immediately at a Hybrid certified dealer.
13
Front and Rear Wiper / Washer Control:
Front:
Move the control down one position for
intermittent operation. Rotate the speed control
up for fast intervals and down for slow intervals.
Move the control down two positions from OFF for
normal or low-speed wiper operation. Move the
control down three positions from OFF for high-
speed wiper operation. Pull the control toward you
to activate the windshield washer. Release the
control to stop washer fluid spray. Move the
control up and release for one wipe with mist.
Rear: Rotate the end of the control upward to
the position for intermittent operation. Adjust
the speed control for fast or slow intervals. Rotate
the control upward to ON for normal-speed
operation. Rotate the control down to the
position and release to activate the rear washer.
14 Auxiliary Power Point (12V): The 12V power
point outlet, located to the left of the 110
VAC outlet, is designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not insert any other object; damage
will occur and blow the fuse. This power
outlet will require an adapter in order to plug
in an electric device.
15 Rear Window Defroster Control: Push to
clear the rear window of thin ice and frost.
The rear window defroster turns off
automatically after 15 minutes or when the
ignition is turned off. To manually turn off the
defroster, push the control.
16 Power Point - 110 VAC (if equipped): This
outlet, located on the floor console in front of
the gearshift, is used for powering electrical
devices that require up to 150W. Exceeding
this limit will cause the power point to cut off
the power temporarily to provide overload
protection. The green indicator light will
illuminate when the power point is ready to
supply power, will blink when it is in fault
mode, and will turn off when the power supply
is off (ignition is not in the RUN position).
This outlet does not require an adapter in
order to plug in an electrical device.
17 Passenger Airbag Off: The passenger airbag
off indicator, located just below the radio,
will illuminate when the passenger’s frontal
airbag is off. Please see your Owner’s Guide
for additional information.
Instrument Panel Features >
INSTRUMENT PANEL
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THE FORD ESCAPE HYBRID is 100% SUV and
100% Hybrid. It requires no special fuels and never
has to be plugged in. All you have to do is get in
and drive.
With all the confidence of an authentic Ford SUV
combined with the benefits of a full hybrid system,
every Ford Escape Hybrid is equipped to help you go
anywhere and do anything — now more efficiently than
ever and in an environmentally conscious manner.
In order to help you fully appreciate the
features of your new vehicle and its unique
characteristics, we invite you to explore this
easy-to-use Quick Reference Guide.
This vehicle has unique driving characteristics to
maximize its hybrid operation. Drive with care and wear
a seatbelt at all times. Ford urges you to read the
Owner’s Guide and the Driving Your SUV or Truck
Supplement for further information on safe driving
precautions and instructions.