Ford Escape: General Information / Description and Operation

General Service Warnings

Carefully read the information below before starting any repair. These warnings are followed by a list of specific system warnings that must be reviewed before beginning work on any of the listed systems.

Warning

Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) have remote start technology and the engine may start at any time. When working in close proximity to rotating engine parts, make sure the remote start system is disabled by holding the hood open or disconnecting the battery. The remote start function is turned on/off through the instrument cluster. Refer to the Owner's Manual, Information Displays, Settings. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Wear eye and ear protection when servicing the vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Wear protective gloves when working with components or parts that have pointed or sharp edges. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Chemicals or materials specified in this manual may be hazardous to health if used improperly. Always consult the material safety data sheet before using any material specified in this manual. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Do not work under the hood of a vehicle with a damaged cooling fan, as it may detach during operation. With the ignition off, inspect all cooling fans for damage, cracks or delamination and replace with a new fan as necessary. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Cooling fans may operate with the ignition off. Disable the fans before working nearby. On electric vehicles, disconnect the charging cable to prevent unexpected fan operation. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.

Vehicles with automatic engine start technology may start automatically with the ignition on. Make sure the ignition is off when servicing or working in close proximity to rotating engine parts. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Unintentional engine start may cause serious injury to other persons during service work. Remove the key from the vehicle to prevent unauthorized starting. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Before raising the vehicle with a jack, make sure the jack capacity meets the vehicle weight, including any vehicle load or modifications. Determine the correct jacking points in Section 100-02 of this manual. Place the vehicle on a firm, level surface. After raising the vehicle with a jack, always support the vehicle with jack stands. Never get under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Apply the parking brake and chock all wheels that remain on the ground. Failure to follow these instructions may result in unintended vehicle movement and serious injury or death.

Before raising the vehicle on a hoist, make sure the hoist capacity meets the vehicle weight, including any vehicle load or modifications. Always position the hoist lift arms as shown in Section 100-02 of this manual. Do not use the engine to drive a wheel unless all drive wheels are raised off the ground. Incorrect hoist arm position or contact of drive wheels with the ground may result in unintended vehicle movement. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury or death.

Removing heavy components (such as engines, transmissions or axles) while the vehicle is raised on a hoist may create a hazardous weight imbalance. Secure the vehicle to the hoist with chains or straps to prevent vehicle movement. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury or death.

Always secure the transmission, transfer case and axle assemblies to their service jack. Avoid obstructions when lowering and raising the jack. Improperly secured assemblies or contact with obstructions may cause the assembly to fall from the jack, which may result in serious injury.

Always secure engines, transmissions, and other heavy components to the support fixture with straps and wooden support blocks. Improperly secured assemblies may fall from the fixture, which may result in serious injury.

Never support the engine by the intake or exhaust manifolds. The engine may suddenly lose its balance. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury.

Turn off (disable) power running boards (if equipped) before jacking, lifting, or placing any object under the vehicle. Never place your hand between a power running board and the vehicle. Extended power running boards retract when the doors are closed. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

Keep solvents away from ignition sources. Solvents may be easily ignited and may ignite or explode if mishandled. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury.

Use tools, not fingers, to hold nuts. Nuts may slip or rotate unexpectedly when removing fasteners. Failure to follow this instruction may result in finger injury.

Carefully review the safety warnings for each system using the references below before performing any service or repair.

For additional information, refer to: High Voltage System Safety and Precautions - Overview (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

For additional information, refer to: Climate Control System Safety and Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

For additional information, refer to: Battery and Charging System Health and Safety Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

For additional information, refer to: Brake and Clutch Systems Health and Safety Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

For additional information, refer to: Body Repair Health and Safety and General Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

For additional information, refer to: Engine Cooling System Safety and Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

For additional information, refer to: Gasoline and Gasohol Fuel Systems Health and Safety Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

For additional information, refer to: Diesel Fuel System Safety and Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

For additional information, refer to: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fuel Systems Health and Safety Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

For additional information, refer to: Pyrotechnic Devices Safety and Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

For additional information, refer to: Wheels and Tires Safety and Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

Description and Operation. Health and Safety Precautions

General Service Warnings

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