Ford Escape Quiz
Starting and Stopping the Engine

Starting and Stopping the Engine – Troubleshooting

In this manual: Starting and Stopping the Engine
Introduction — 1Symbol Glossary — 1Data Privacy — 7At a Glance — 1Child Safety — 11Seat Belts — 9Personal Safety System™ — 1Airbags — 8Pedestrian Warning System. 911 Assist — 1Keys and Remote Controls — 8MyKey™ — 5Doors & Locks — 5Keyless Entry — 6Easy Entry and Exit — 1Liftgate - Vehicles With: Manual Liftgate — 3Liftgate - Vehicles With: Power Liftgate — 6Safety — 4Steering Wheel — 1Wipers and Washers — 7Exterior Lighting — 8Interior Lighting — 4Windows — 3Interior Mirror — 1Exterior Mirrors — 1Sunroof (if equipped) — 4Instrument Cluster — 16Instrument Cluster Display — 14Trip Computer — 3Head-Up Display (If Equipped) — 1Remote Start — 5Climate Control — 7Cabin Air Quality — 1Front Seats — 5Rear Seats — 1Rear Seat Reminder — 1Memory Function — 1Garage Door Opener — 7USB Ports — 3Power Point - Vehicles With: 12V Outlet — 1Wireless Accessory Charger — 1Storage — 1Starting and Stopping the Engine — 9Hybrid Electric Vehicle Information — 6Auto Start-Stop — 1Fuel and Refueling — 10Catalytic Converter — 1High-Voltage Battery — 1Charging Your Vehicle – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) — 7Automatic Transmission — 8All-Wheel Drive — 1Brakes — 4Electric parking brake — 1Hill Start Assist — 1Auto Hold — 1Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 1Steering — 1Park Aid — 7Rearview Camera — 1Active Park Assist — 5Cruise Control — 1Adaptive Cruise Control — 10Drive Mode Control — 5Lane Keeping System — 6Blind Spot Information System — 5Cross-Traffic Alert — 5Pre-Collision Assist — 9Driver Alert — 4Traffic Sign Recognition — 4Loading — 6Cargo Area — 1Trailer Hitch Connection — 3Towing a Trailer — 4Trailer Sway Control — 1Driving Tips — 4Breakdown and Emergency Information — 7Towing Your Vehicle — 4Fuses — 4Maintenance — 14Vehicle Care — 5Body Styling Kits — 1Storing Your Vehicle — 1Wheels and Tires Information — 6Tire Care — 4Tire Sealant and Inflator Kit — 8Tire Pressure Monitoring System — 4Road Wheel Replacement — 1Capacities and Specifications — 16Vehicle Identification — 1Connected Vehicle — 4Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot — 3Audio System — 8SYNC™ (if equipped) — 9SYNC™ 3 (if equipped) — 41Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 4Customer Information — 23Appendices — 3
10steps
~60min
3/5difficulty
Done 0 of 10

Starting and Stopping the Engine – Indicator Lights

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Ford Escape. Starting and Stopping the Engine – TroubleshootingIf it illuminates while the engine is running, the onboard diagnostic system has detected a malfunction in the vehicle emissions control system.

If it flashes, this may indicate engine misfire. Excessive exhaust gas temperature can damage the catalytic converter or other vehicle components. Avoid rapid acceleration and braking, and have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Powertrain Warning Lamp

Ford Escape. Starting and Stopping the Engine – TroubleshootingIf it illuminates while the engine is running, this indicates a transmission or all-wheel drive system fault. If it flashes while driving, reduce vehicle speed immediately. Avoid rapid acceleration and braking, and have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

If both lamps illuminate while the engine is running, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Continuing to drive your vehicle may result in reduced power or engine stall. Turn the ignition off and try to restart the engine. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Engine Start and Stop – Information Messages

Ford Escape. Starting and Stopping the Engine – Troubleshooting

Engine Start and Stop – Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the engine idle speed high when I start the engine?

The engine idle speed immediately after starting is optimized to minimize vehicle emissions and maximize cabin comfort and fuel economy.

Why does the engine not start?

You can only attempt to start the engine for a limited period of time before the starting system temporarily shuts down. If you exceed the initial limited time, a message may appear and you must not attempt to start the engine for at least 15 minutes.

Why do I notice different driving characteristics?

If you disconnect the battery, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual driving characteristics for approximately 8 km (5 miles) after you reconnect it. This is because the engine control system must relearn itself with the engine. You may disregard any unusual driving characteristics during this period.

Why can't I start the engine?

If you cannot start the engine after 3 attempts, wait 10 seconds and perform the following:

Vehicles Without a Push Button Start

  1. Fully press the brake pedal.
  2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
  3. Turn the key to the III position and wait until the engine stops cranking.
  4. Release the accelerator pedal.
    Ford Escape. Starting and Stopping the Engine – Troubleshooting
  5. Turn the key to the III position.

Vehicles with Push Button Start

  1. Fully press the brake pedal.
  2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
  3. Press the ignition switch.
  4. Release the accelerator pedal.
    Ford Escape. Starting and Stopping the Engine – Troubleshooting
  5. Press the ignition switch.

Why does the system not detect the intelligent key?

If the system does not detect the intelligent key and you cannot start the engine, place the intelligent key against the push button start switch in the backup position and press the push button start switch to start the engine.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Escape quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.