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 help ensure optimal performance
from your new vehicle.
NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION
Starting – Turn the ignition on while the vehicle is in P (Park). The gas engine will turn on,
accompanied by the green “ready indicator” light. Your engine may shut off shortly after
starting, depending on temperature and battery charge level. This is a natural part of the Escape
Hybrid’s fuel-saving features. The “ready indicator” light will stay on and you do not need to
restart the vehicle. Note: You may notice higher engine speeds upon start-up. This temporary
condition is normal and necessary to heat up the cabin for occupant comfort.
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, coming to a stop or standing, the gas
engine normally shuts down and the vehicle operates in electric-only mode. Conditions that
cause the engine to start up or remain running include:
Driver’s request for moderate to rapid acceleration
Vehicle speed above 40 mph (65 km/h)
Ascending a hill
ECON mode not selected (while the climate control is on)
Selection of climate control defrost mode or defrost/floor mode
Charge level of high voltage battery is low
Very high or low outside temperature (to provide system cooling/heating)
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 non-hybrid
vehicle. Your Ford Escape Hybrid’s transmission is designed to do its work seamlessly. Since your
engine speed is controlled by the transmission, it may seem elevated at times. This is normal
hybrid operation and helps deliver fuel efficiency and performance.
Neutral – It is not recommended to idle in N (Neutral) for extended periods of time because this
will discharge your high voltage battery and decrease fuel economy. Also, the engine cannot
provide power to the hybrid system in N (Neutral).
Low Gear – (L) Low gear is designed to mimic the enhanced engine braking available in non-
hybrid vehicles. On long downhill grades, Low gear may result in high engine speeds to provide
necessary engine braking. This is normal and will not damage your vehicle. 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).
UNIQUE HYBRID OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS
Your Ford Escape Hybrid, with its new technology, behaves differently compared to a non-hybrid
vehicle. A description of the major differences follows:
B
attery – Your Ford Escape Hybrid is equipped with a high voltage battery cooling system in the
r
ear of the vehicle. A cool battery ensures battery life and provides the best possible performance.
Y
our hybrid high voltage battery may periodically recondition itself to ensure maximum
efficiency. You may notice slight changes in drivability during this process, but it’s an important
part of your Ford Escape Hybrid’s high voltage battery optimization features. You may hear a
series of clicks from the cargo area when you first turn the key in the ignition. This sound is the
high voltage contactors closing to allow you to start your hybrid.
In addition, you may hear fan noise and a slight tapping sound from the rear as the vent door
operates. This fan may continue to operate for short durations after the vehicle has been turned
off. These noises are a customary part of hybrid operation and do not require service.
Engine – The engine speed in your hybrid is not directly tied to your vehicle speed. Your vehicle’s
engine and transmission are designed to deliver the power you need at the most efficient
engine speed. During heavy accelerations, your hybrid may reach high engine speeds (up to
6000 RPM). This is a characteristic of the Atkinson cycle engine technology helping to maximize
your hybrid’s fuel economy. In prolonged mountainous driving, you may also see the engine
tachometer changing without your input. This is intentional and maintains the battery charge
level. You may also notice during extended downhill driving that your engine continues to run
instead of shutting off. During this “engine braking,” the engine stays on, but it’s not using any
fuel. 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.
Braking – Your hybrid is equipped with standard hydraulic braking and regenerative braking.
Regenerative braking is performed by your transmission and it captures brake energy and stores
it in the high voltage battery.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy – Your fuel economy should improve throughout your
hybrid’s break-in period. As with any vehicle, fuel economy can be significantly impacted by
your driving habits and accessory usage. For best results, keep in mind these tips:
Tire inflation – Keep tires properly inflated and use only the recommended size.
Climate Control – Your hybrid is equipped with an ECON button that offers a more fuel-efficient
operation of your automatic temperature control system. When activated, the ECON feature
allows the engine to shut down at low speeds or when your vehicle is stopped. If cooler
temperature is desired, the ECON button can be turned off, for better interior cooling but lower
fuel economy. ECON mode turns itself off when you select defrost or defrost/floor mode.
Driver Habits – Aggressive driving increases the amount of energy required to move your
vehicle. In general, better fuel economy is achieved with mild to moderate acceleration and
deceleration. Moderate braking is particularly important since it allows you to maximize the
energy captured by the regenerative braking system. Note: Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency – in some cases it is actually more efficient than driving in
electric mode.
Additional Tips –
Do not carry extra loads.
Be mindful of adding external accessories that may increase aerodynamic drag.
Observe posted speed limits.
Perform all scheduled maintenance.
There is no need to wait for your engine to "warm up." The vehicle is ready to drive
immediately after starting.
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. SPEED CONTROL – To set the speed control, press and release ON. Accelerate to the desired
speed. Press and release the SET + control. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. The speed
control indicator light will illuminate in the cluster. To set a higher speed: press and hold
SET+ until the desired speed is reached, or briefly press SET+ to increase the speed by small
amounts. To set a lower speed: press and hold SET- until the desired speed is reached, or briefly
press SET- to decrease the speed by small amounts. Press RSM to return to the previously set
speed. To turn speed control off, press OFF.
5. LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT – This light illuminates when the ignition is turned
on. If the light does not turn on or begins to flash, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. For more information, please refer to Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in the
Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter of your Owner’s Guide.
6. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT – Illuminates briefly when ignition is turned on. Solid
illumination after start indicates the On-Board Diagnostics System has detected a malfunction.
Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
7. MESSAGE CENTER – The message center displays important vehicle information through a
constant monitoring of vehicle systems. The system will also notify you of potential vehicle
problems with a display of system warnings followed by long indicator chime. Please refer to
your Owner’s Guide for more information.
8. ABS WARNING LIGHT – The ABS light illuminates briefly when the ignition is turned on.
If the ABS light remains on or continues to flash, a malfunction has been detected. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Normal braking (less ABS) is still functional unless the
brake warning light is also illuminated.
9. 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.
10. TILT STEERING WHEEL LEVER – To adjust the steering wheel, push the lever down to unlock
the steering column. While the lever is down, tilt the steering wheel to your desired position.
Then, while holding the steering column in place, pull the lever up to its original position to lock
the steering column.
11. MASTER VEHICLE ELECTRICAL HAZARD WARNING LIGHT – Indicates a hybrid component
failure or fault that will cause the vehicle to shut down or fail to start. For additional information,
please see your Owner’s Guide.
12. READY INDICATOR – Illuminates after the vehicle has successfully started. The vehicle is ready
to drive even if you don’t hear the engine running.
13. AUXILIARY POWER POINTS (12V) – The 12V power point outlets, located on the instrument
panel and the rear of the center console, are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not insert
any other object; damage may occur and blow the fuse.
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4. PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF – The passenger airbag off indicator light will illuminate when
the passenger’s front airbag is off. For additional information, refer to your Owner’s Guide for
safety information and more details.
15. REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM – (if equipped) This system sounds a tone to warn the driver of
large obstacles near the rear bumper when R (Reverse) is selected and the vehicle is moving at
speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). As you move closer to the obstacle, the rate of the tone
increases. When an obstacle is less than 10 inches (25 cm) away, the tone sounds continuously.
The system is not effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain angular
or moving objects. With the ignition on, press the RSS control, located below the climate control
system, to turn the RSS off. An indicator light will illuminate when the system is off. Refer to
your Owner’s Guide for safety information and more details.
16. POWER POINT – 110 VAC This outlet 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 and will blink when it is in fault mode. You do not need an adapter to
plug in an electrical device.
17. AUXILIARY INPUT JACK – The auxiliary input jack provides a way to connect your portable
music player to the in-vehicle audio system. This allows the audio from a portable music player
to be played through the vehicle speakers. For additional information, please see your
Owner’s Guide.
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INSTRUMENT PANEL
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2009 ESCAPE HYBRID
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 safety belt 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.
1. HEADLAMPS AND (FOG LAMPS [if equipped]) – Turn the control one position to the right
to turn on the parking lamps, instrument panel lamps, license plate lamps and tail lamps. Turn
the control to the second position on the right to turn on the headlamps. Turn the control
one position to the left to activate the autolamp feature, which automatically turns the
exterior lamps on and off, based on available daylight. Pull the control toward you to activate
the fog lamps (if equipped). (The fog lamps will not operate when the headlamps are turned off
(O) or when the high beams are on).
2. MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER – Rotate the end of the control up to increase the speed of the
wipers and rotate down to decrease the speed of the wipers. Briefly press the end of the stalk
for a single swipe of the wipers without washer fluid. A quick push and hold results in three
swipes with washer fluid while a longer push and hold activates the wash pattern for up to five
seconds. A ‘courtesy wipe’ will automatically occur after the washing cycle to ensure that any
drips have been cleared from your windshield. For better visibility, your vehicle will also
automatically turn on your headlights (during daylight hours) if your windshield wipers and
autolamps (if equipped) are on. To operate your rear window wiper, turn the rear wiper
control to 1 (intermittent speed), 2 (normal speed), or off. For a rear wash cycle, turn the rear
wiper control to the position. To turn on the highbeams, push the lever away from you. Pull
the lever toward you to deactivate. Pull the lever toward you slightly to activate the ‘flash to
pass’ feature and release.
3. THROTTLE CONTROL/POWERTRAIN – Illuminates when the vehicle has detected a malfunction.
Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Use extreme caution when using any device
or feature that may take your attention off
the road. Your primary responsibility is the
safe operation of the vehicle. Only use non-
essential features and devices when it is safe
to do so.
