User manual FORD ESCAPE-2003

[. . . ] Table of Contents Introduction Instrument Cluster Warning and control lights Gauges 4 10 10 13 Entertainment Systems AM/FM stereo with CD AM/FM stereo cassette with CD 15 15 18 Climate Controls Heater only Manual heating and air conditioning 31 31 32 Lights Headlamps Turn signal control Bulb replacement 34 34 37 39 Driver Controls Windshield wiper/washer control Steering wheel adjustment Power windows Mirrors Speed control 44 44 45 49 50 51 1 Table of Contents Locks and Security Keys Locks Anti-theft system 65 65 65 70 Seating and Safety Restraints Seating Safety restraints Air bags Child restraints 75 75 85 96 103 Driving Starting Brakes Transmission operation Trailer towing 115 115 119 121 143 Roadside Emergencies Getting roadside assistance Hazard flasher switch Fuel pump shut-off switch Fuses and relays Changing tires Jump starting Wrecker towing 148 148 149 149 150 157 162 168 Customer Assistance Reporting safety defects (U. S. only) 170 179 2 Table of Contents Cleaning Maintenance and Specifications Engine compartment Engine oil Battery Fuel information Air filter(s) Part numbers Refill capacities Lubricant specifications 180 186 188 190 194 201 215 220 220 223 Accessories Index 229 233 All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation. [. . . ] In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a safety belt. Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car. Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED) Brake-shift interlock This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed. If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in the ON position and the brake pedal depressed: 1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the key. Locate the access cover plate to the brake-shift interlock override. It is located on the top of the steering column. 3. Insert a tool (or a screwdriver) into the right-hand side of the brake-shift interlock access cover and remove the cover. 4. Insert a tool (or screw driver) into the access hole to override the brake-shift interlock. Apply the brake and shift into Neutral while holding down the override tab. If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside emergencies chapter. Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working. 122 Driving Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle. If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. See your dealer or a qualified service technician. Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic operation in either D (Overdrive) or with the O/D OFF switch depressed. Driving with the gearshift lever in D (Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions. [. . . ] The Certification label is located on the front door latch pillar on the driver's side. 227 Maintenance and Specifications Vehicle identification number (VIN) The vehicle identification number is attached to a metal tag and is located on the driver side instrument panel. (Please note that in the graphic XXXX is representative of your vehicle identification number. ) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 1. Brake type and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) 3. Production sequence number Engine number The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission and frame. 228 Accessories FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE A wide selection of genuine Ford accessories are available for your vehicle through your local authorized Ford, Lincoln, Mercury or Ford of Canada dealer. [. . . ]