2022 Ford Escape Owners Manual - Starting and Stopping the Engine

Starting and Stopping the Engine

STARTING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE – PRECAUTIONS

WARNING:  Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage.    WARNING:  Do not park, idle or drive your vehicle on dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire.    WARNING:  Do not start the engine in a closed garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes are toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.    WARNING:  Do not use starting fluid, for example ether, in the air intake system. Such fluid could cause immediate explosive damage to the engine and possible personal injury.    WARNING:  Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment. If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your vehicle inspected immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

The powertrain control system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field or radio noise.

Note:   If you use your vehicle regularly above the altitude of 5,000 ft (1,524 m) and under the temperature of -4.0 °F (-20 °C), it is recommended to use the alternative engine oil.   See   Capacities and Specifications. 

If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods, we recommend that you do one of the following:

• Open the windows at least 1 in (2.5 cm).
• Set your climate control to outside air.

Ignition Switch



Switching the Ignition Off

Turn the key to position 0.

Switching the Ignition to Accessory Mode

 Turn the key to position I. Electrical accessories, for example the radio, operate without the engine running.

Switching the Ignition On

 Turn the key to position II. All electrical circuits and accessories are operational and the warning lamps and indicators illuminate.

Push Button Ignition Switch

Switching the Ignition Off

When the ignition is on or in accessory mode, press the push button ignition switch once without your foot on the brake pedal.

Switching the Ignition to Accessory Mode

When the ignition is off, press the push button ignition switch once without your foot on the brake pedal.

All electrical circuits and accessories are operational and the warning lamps and indicators illuminate.

Note:   Your vehicle has a battery saver feature that shuts your vehicle off when it detects a certain amount of battery drain, or after approximately 30 minutes of inactivity in accessory mode.

Note:   The system may not function if the remote control is close to metal objects or electronic devices, for example keys or a cell phone.

Note:   You need a valid key inside your vehicle to switch the ignition on and start the engine.

Starting a Gasoline Engine

Vehicles Without Push Button Start

Before starting the engine, check the following:

• Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Make sure the transmission is in park (P).

1. Fully press the brake pedal.

Note:   Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

1. Turn the key to position III.

Note:   The engine may continue cranking for up to 15 seconds or until it starts.

Note:   The engine takes longer to start at lower temperatures. It may crank for several seconds when very cold.

Vehicles With Push Button Start

Before starting the engine, check the following:

• Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Make sure the transmission is in park (P).

1. Fully press the brake pedal.

Note:   Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

1. Press the push button ignition switch.

Note:   The engine may continue cranking for up to 15 seconds or until it starts.

Note:   The engine takes longer to start at lower temperatures. It may crank for several seconds when very cold.

Starting a Hybrid Electric Vehicle System

Before starting your vehicle, check the following:

• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Make sure the transmission is in park (P).

Note:   Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

1. Fully press the brake pedal.

1. Press the push button ignition switch.

  When you start your vehicle, a green indicator appears in the instrument cluster letting you know that your vehicle is ready for driving. Since your vehicle is equipped with a silent key start, the engine may not start when your vehicle starts.

When the engine starts for the first time on your drive, the idle speed increases, this helps warm up the engine. If the engine idle speed does not decrease, have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.

The system does not function if:

• The passive key frequencies are jammed.
• The key battery has no charge.

Restarting the Engine After Stopping it

The system allows you to start the engine within 10 seconds of switching it off, even if it does not detect a valid passive key.

Within 10 seconds of switching the engine off, fully press the brake pedal and press the push button ignition switch. After 10 seconds, you can no longer start the engine if the system does not detect a valid passive key.

When you start the engine, it remains running until you press the push button ignition switch, even if your vehicle does not detect a valid passive key. If you open and close a door when the engine is running, the system searches for a valid passive key.

Engine Block Heater Precautions

WARNING:  Failure to follow engine block heater instructions could result in property damage or serious personal injury.    WARNING:  Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged adapters. There is a risk of electrical shock.    WARNING:  Do not fully close the hood, or allow it to drop under its own weight when using the engine block heater. This could damage the power cable and may cause an electrical short resulting in fire, injury and property damage.

We recommend that you do the following for a safe and correct operation:

• Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). This extension cord must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold temperatures, and be clearly marked Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances. Do not use an indoor extension cord outdoors. This could result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.
• Use as short an extension cord as possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords.
• Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug and engine block heater cord plug connections are free and clear of water. This could cause an electric shock or fire.
• If the engine block heater cord is under the hood, do not remove the wiring from its original location. Do not close the hood on the extension wiring.
• Park your vehicle in a clean area, clear of combustible materials.
• Firmly connect the engine block heater cord and the extension cord.
• Check the extension cord for heat anywhere when the system has been operating for approximately 30 minutes.
• Unplug and properly stow the system before starting and driving your vehicle. The protective cover seals the terminals of the engine block heater cord plug when not in use.
• Check the engine block heater system for proper operation before winter.

How Does the Engine Block Heater Work

The engine block heater warms the engine coolant. This allows the climate control system to quickly respond. The equipment includes a heater element installed in the engine block and a wire harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 220-240 volt AC electrical source.

Note:   The engine block heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below 0 °F (-18 °C). We recommend the use of engine block heater to improve engine cold start performance.

Using the Engine Block Heater

Make sure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. Clean them with a dry cloth if necessary.

The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. The system does not have a thermostat. It achieves maximum temperature after approximately three hours of operation. Using the engine block heater longer than three hours does not improve system performance and unnecessarily uses electricity.

Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Stationary

Vehicles Without Push Button Start

1. Shift into park (P).

1. Apply the parking brake.

1. Wait until the engine reaches idle speed.

1. Turn the key to position 0.

Vehicles With Push Button Start

1. Shift into park (P).

1. Apply the parking brake.

1. Wait until the engine reaches idle speed.

1. Press the push button ignition switch.

Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Moving

WARNING:  Switching off the engine when your vehicle is still moving results in a significant decrease in braking assistance. Higher effort is required to apply the brakes and to stop your vehicle. A significant decrease in steering assistance could also occur. The steering does not lock, but higher effort could be required to steer your vehicle. When you switch the ignition off, some electrical circuits, for example airbags, also turn off. If you unintentionally switch the ignition off, shift into neutral (N) and restart the engine.

Vehicles Without Push Button Start

1. Turn the key to position 0.

1. Shift into neutral and use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a safe stop.

1. Shift into park (P).

1. Apply the parking brake.

Vehicles With Push Button Start

1. Press and hold the push button ignition switch until the engine stops, or press it three times within two seconds.

1. Shift into neutral and use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a safe stop.

1. Shift into park (P).

1. Apply the parking brake.

What Is Automatic Engine Stop

Automatic engine stop is a feature that switches the engine off if it has been idling for an extended period to help you save fuel.

How Does Automatic Engine Stop Work

Automatic engine stop turns the engine off. The ignition also turns off in order to save battery power. Before the engine shuts down, a message appears in the information display showing a timer counting down. If you do not intervene within 30 seconds, the engine shuts down. Another message appears in the information display to inform you that the engine has shut down in order to save fuel. Start your vehicle as you normally do.

SWITCHING AUTOMATIC ENGINE STOP ON AND OFF

1. Press Settings on the touchscreen.

1. Press Vehicle Settings.

1. Switch 30min Max Idle on or off.

Note:   You cannot permanently switch off the automatic shutdown.If you switch it off, it turns on each time you switch the ignition on.

OVERRIDING AUTOMATIC ENGINE STOP

You can stop the engine shutdown, or reset the timer, at any point before the 30-second countdown has expired by doing any of the following:

• Pressing the brake pedal or accelerator pedal.
• Pressing the OK or RESET button during the countdown.

Note:   You cannot permanently switch off the automatic engine shutdown feature.When you switch it off temporarily, it turns on at the next ignition cycle.

STARTING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE – WARNING LAMPS

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

If it illuminates when the engine is running, the on-board diagnostics system is detecting a malfunction of the vehicle emission control system. If it flashes, engine misfire could be occurring. Increased exhaust gas temperatures could damage the catalytic converter or other vehicle components. Avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration, and have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Powertrain Warning Lamp

If it illuminates when the engine is running, this indicates a powertrain or four-wheel drive fault. If it flashes when you are driving, immediately reduce the vehicle speed.Avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration, and have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.  If both lamps illuminate when the engine is running, stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.Continuing to drive your vehicle could cause reduced power or the engine to stop. Switch the ignition off and attempt to restart the engine. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

 STARTING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE – INFORMATION MESSAGES

 STARTING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is the engine idle speed high when I am starting the engine?The speed at which the engine idles immediately after starting is optimized to minimize vehicle emissions and maximize cabin comfort and fuel economy.Why does the engine not crank?You can only attempt to start the engine for a limited amount of time before the starting system temporarily disables. If you exceed the starting time limit, a message may appear and you cannot attempt to start the engine for at least 15 minutes.Why do I experience different driving characteristics?If you disconnect the battery, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual driving characteristics for approximately 5 mi (8 km) after you reconnect it. This is because the engine management system must realign itself with the engine. You can disregard any unusual driving characteristics during this period.Why can I not start the engine?If you cannot start the engine after 3 attempts, wait 10 seconds and do the following:

Vehicles Without Push Button Start

1. Fully press the brake pedal.

Note:   Make sure that the parking brake is applied.

Note:   Make sure that the transmission is in park (P).

1. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.

1. Turn the key to position III and wait until the engine stops cranking.

1. Release the accelerator pedal.

1. Turn the key to position III.

Vehicles With Push Button Start

1. Fully press the brake pedal.

Note:   Make sure that the parking brake is applied.

Note:   Make sure that the transmission is in park (P).

1. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.

1. Press the push button ignition switch.

Note:   The engine cranks for a short period of time and then it stops.

1. Release the accelerator pedal.

1. Press the push button ignition switch.

Why does the system not detect a passive key?If the system does not detect a passive key and you are unable to start the engine, insert the passive key into the backup position and press the push button ignition switch to start the engine.