2008 Ford Escape Owner's Manual
Year:
2008
Make:
Ford
Model:
Escape
Rating:
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1
Introduction
4
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
4
CONGRATULATIONS
4
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
5
Warning symbols in this guide
5
Warning symbols on your vehicle
5
Protecting the environment
5
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
5
SPECIAL NOTICES
6
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
6
Special instructions
6
Service Data Recording
6
Event Data Recording
7
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
7
Using your vehicle with a snowplow
8
Using your vehicle as an ambulance
8
Cell phone use
8
Export unique (Non–United States/Canada) vehicle specific information
9
Instrument Cluster
12
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
12
GAUGES
17
Entertainment Systems
20
AUDIO SYSTEMS
20
AM/FM/single CD or in-dash CD6/MP3 satellite compatible sound system
20
Auxiliary input jack (Line in)
28
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
30
Satellite radio information (if equipped)
32
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
34
Climate Controls
35
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
35
Operating tips
36
DUAL AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
38
Operating tips
40
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
41
Lights
42
HEADLAMP CONTROL
42
Autolamp control (if equipped)
42
Autolamp delay system (if equipped)
42
Fog lamp control (if equipped)
43
High beams
43
Flash to pass
44
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
44
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
44
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
45
Vertical aim adjustment
45
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL
46
INTERIOR LAMPS
46
Dome lamps and map lamps
46
Cargo and dome lamp
47
BULB REPLACEMENT
48
Headlamp Condensation
48
Using the right bulbs
48
Replacing the interior bulbs
48
Replacing exterior bulbs
48
Replacing headlamp bulbs
49
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulbs
49
Replacing front sidemarker bulbs
50
Replacing tail/stop/turn/backup lamp bulbs
50
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulbs
51
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
52
Replacing fog lamp bulbs (if equipped)
52
Driver Controls
53
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
53
Windshield wiper features (if equipped with Autolamp feature)
53
Rear window wiper/washer controls
54
TILT STEERING WHEEL
54
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)
55
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
55
Storage compartment (if equipped)
55
CENTER CONSOLE
55
AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12VDC)
57
POWER WINDOWS
58
One touch down (AUTO)
58
Window lock
59
Accessory delay
59
INTERIOR MIRROR
59
Automatic dimming rear view mirror (if equipped)
59
Electronic compass (if equipped)
60
Compass zone adjustment
60
Compass calibration adjustment
61
EXTERIOR MIRRORS
61
Power side view mirrors
61
Fold-away mirrors
62
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)
62
SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
62
Setting speed control
62
Disengaging speed control
63
Resuming a set speed
63
Increasing speed while using speed control
64
Reducing speed while using speed control
64
Turning off speed control
65
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)
65
Radio control features
65
MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)
66
MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
67
Selectable features
67
Reset
67
Info menu
68
Odometer/Trip odometer
68
Distance to empty (DTE)
68
Average fuel economy (AFE)
68
Instantaneous fuel economy
69
Setup menu
69
Reset to English (if in another language)
69
System check
70
Oil life
70
Units (English/Metric)
71
Autolamp delay
71
Autolock
71
Autounlock
71
Language
72
Compass zone/Compass calibration
72
System warnings
72
LIFTGATE
74
CARGO AREA FEATURES
75
Cargo shade (if equipped)
75
Cargo management system (if equipped)
76
LUGGAGE RACK
76
76
To adjust the cross-bar (if equipped) position:
77
To remove the cross-bar assembly (if equipped) from the roof rack side rails:
77
To reinstall the cross-bar assembly (if equipped) to the roof rack side rails:
78
Locks and Security
79
KEYS
79
Recommended handling of the Integrated Keyhead Transmitter (IKT)
79
POWER DOOR LOCKS
81
Door key unlocking/locking
81
Unlocking the doors
81
Locking the doors
81
Autolock
81
Deactivating/activating autolock
81
Power door unlock/lock procedure
82
Keyless entry key pad procedure
82
Message center procedure
83
Autounlock
83
Deactivating/activating autounlock
83
Power door lock switch autounlock enable/disable procedure
83
Keyless entry key pad autounlock enable/disable procedure
84
Message center procedure
84
Smart unlocking feature
84
CHILDPROOF DOOR LOCKS
85
REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
85
Two step door unlocking
86
One step door unlocking
86
Switching from two step to one step door unlocking
87
Locking the doors
87
Opening the liftgate (if equipped)
87
Car finder
87
Sounding a panic alarm
87
Replacing the battery
87
Replacing lost Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs)
88
How to reprogram your Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs)
88
Illuminated entry
89
Perimeter lamps illuminated entry
89
Deactivating/activating perimeter lamps illuminated entry
89
Illuminated exit
90
KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
90
Programming your own personal entry code
91
Erasing personal code
91
Anti-scan feature
91
Unlocking and locking the doors and liftgate using keyless entry
92
SECURILOCK™ PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
92
Anti-theft indicator
93
Automatic arming
93
Automatic disarming
93
Replacement Integrated Keyless Transmitters (IKT) and coded keys
93
Programming spare keys
94
Seating and Safety Restraints
96
FRONT SEATS
96
Adjustable head restraints
96
Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)
97
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)
98
Heated seats (if equipped)
99
REAR SEATS
100
Head restraints
100
Folding down rear seats
101
Returning the rear seats to upright position
103
To remove the rear cushion
104
To install the rear cushion
105
SAFETY RESTRAINTS
105
Personal Safety System™
105
How does the Personal Safety System™ work?
106
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints
106
Front crash severity sensor
106
Driver’s seat position sensor
106
Front passenger sensing system
107
Front safety belt usage sensors
107
Front safety belt pretensioners
108
Front safety belt energy management retractors
108
Determining if the Personal Safety System™ is operational
108
Safety restraints precautions
108
Combination lap and shoulder belts
110
Energy Management Feature
110
Vehicle sensitive mode
110
Automatic locking mode
111
When to use the automatic locking mode
111
How to use the automatic locking mode
111
How to disengage the automatic locking mode
111
Safety belt height adjustment
112
Safety belt pretensioner
112
Safety belt extension assembly
113
Safety belt maintenance
113
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime
114
Conditions of operation
114
Belt-Minder
114
One time disable
117
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder feature
117
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
119
Important SRS precautions
119
Children and airbags
121
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?
121
Front passenger sensing system
123
Determining if the system is operational
128
Seat-mounted side airbag system
128
How does the side airbag system work?
129
Determining if the system is operational
130
Safety Canopy™ system
131
How does the Safety Canopy™ system work?
132
Determining if the system is operational
133
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners)
134
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN
134
Important child restraint precautions
134
Children and safety belts
135
Child booster seats
135
When children should use booster seats
135
Types of booster seats
136
The importance of shoulder belts
137
SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN
138
Child and infant or child safety seats
138
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts
139
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps
142
Attaching safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments for child seat anchors
144
Tires, Wheels and Loading
146
NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS
146
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
146
4WD and AWD Systems (if equipped)
146
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
147
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
148
Treadwear
149
Traction AA A B C
149
Temperature A B C
149
TIRES
150
Glossary of tire terminology
150
INFLATING YOUR TIRES
151
TIRE CARE
153
Inspecting your tires
153
Tire wear
153
Damage
153
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
154
Tire replacement requirements
155
Safety practices
156
Highway hazards
156
Tire and wheel alignment
157
Tire rotation
157
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL
158
Information on “P” type tires
159
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires
162
Information on “T” type tires
163
Location of the tire label
163
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
164
Understanding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
165
When your temporary spare tire is installed
166
When you believe your system is not operating properly
166
When inflating your tires
168
How temperature affects your tire pressure
168
SNOW TIRES AND CABLES
169
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
169
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and utility-type vehicles
175
TRAILER TOWING
175
Preparing to tow
177
Hitches
177
Safety chains
178
Trailer brakes
178
Trailer lamps
178
Driving while you tow
178
Servicing after towing
179
Trailer towing tips
179
Launching or retrieving a boat
180
RECREATIONAL TOWING
180
Driving
182
STARTING
182
Positions of the ignition
182
Preparing to start your vehicle
182
Important safety precautions
183
Starting the engine
185
Guarding against exhaust fumes
185
Important ventilating information
185
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
185
BRAKES
187
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
188
Using ABS
188
ABS warning lamp
188
Parking brake
189
ADVANCETRAC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) WITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC)
190
STEERING
194
PREPARING TO DRIVE
195
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
195
Brake-shift interlock
195
Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle
197
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic transaxle
198
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
200
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
201
Using the clutch
201
Recommended shift speeds
202
Reverse
202
Parking your vehicle
202
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
203
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
205
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
205
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
205
Basic operating principles
205
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
206
If your vehicle gets stuck
206
Emergency maneuvers
207
Sand
207
Mud and water
208
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
209
Driving on snow and ice
210
Maintenance and Modifications
210
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
211
Roadside Emergencies
212
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
212
Getting roadside assistance
212
Using roadside assistance
213
Roadside coverage beyond basic warranty
213
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
214
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
215
FUSES AND RELAYS
215
Fuses
215
Standard fuse amperage rating and color
216
Passenger compartment fuse panel
216
Power distribution box
219
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
222
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
223
Stopping and securing the vehicle
224
Removing the jack and tools
225
Removing the spare tire or spare tire and tether (if equipped)
226
Tire change procedure
227
Stowing the jack and tools
230
Stowing the flat/spare tire
230
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
232
JUMP STARTING
233
Preparing your vehicle
233
Connecting the jumper cables
234
Jump starting
235
Removing the jumper cables
236
WRECKER TOWING
238
Emergency Towing
239
Customer Assistance
240
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED
240
At home
240
Away from home
240
Additional Assistance
241
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
242
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)
243
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)
244
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN
244
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA
245
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE
246
Obtaining a French owner’s guide
246
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)
246
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)
247
Cleaning
248
WASHING THE EXTERIOR
248
WAXING
249
PAINT CHIPS
249
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS
249
ENGINE
250
2.3L I4
250
3.0L DOHC V6 DURATEC ENGINE
251
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
251
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
251
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
252
INTERIOR
253
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
253
UNDERBODY
254
FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS
254
Maintenance and Specifications
256
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
256
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
256
Working with the engine off
256
Working with the engine on
257
OPENING THE HOOD
257
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
258
2.3L I4 engine
258
3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
259
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
260
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
260
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
261
Changing rear window wiper blade
262
ENGINE OIL
262
Checking the engine oil
262
Adding engine oil
264
Engine oil and filter recommendations
265
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil
265
BATTERY
266
ENGINE COOLANT
268
Checking engine coolant
268
Adding engine coolant
269
Recycled engine coolant
271
Coolant refill capacity
272
Severe climates
272
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (2.3L I4 engine only)
273
How fail-safe cooling works
273
When fail-safe mode is activated
273
FUEL FILTER
274
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
274
Important safety precautions
274
Refueling
276
Fuel Filler Cap
276
Choosing the right fuel
277
Octane recommendations
278
Fuel quality
278
Cleaner air
278
Running out of fuel
279
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
279
Measuring techniques
279
Filling the tank
279
Calculating fuel economy
280
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
280
Habits
281
Maintenance
281
Conditions
281
EPA window sticker
282
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
282
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
283
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
284
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID
285
TRANSMISSION FLUID
285
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
285
Low fluid level
286
Correct fluid level
286
High fluid level
286
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
287
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
287
AIR FILTER
288
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
289
MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
290
ENGINE DATA
293
Engine drivebelt routing
293
IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
294
Safety Compliance Certification Label
294
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
294
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS
295
Accessories
296
GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
296
Exterior style
296
Interior style
296
Lifestyle
296
Peace of mind
297
Index
298
2008 Ford Escape Overview
Introduction
The 2008 Ford Escape is a compact SUV that combines practicality with a spirited driving experience. With its rugged design and approachable size, the Escape is perfect for urban dwellers as well as outdoor enthusiasts. This versatile vehicle is designed for families and individuals who require a reliable and efficient mode of transportation without sacrificing style or comfort.
Powertrains
The 2008 Escape offers a choice of two capable engines. The base model is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 171 horsepower, providing a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. For those seeking more power, a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 200 horsepower is available, delivering a more robust driving experience. Both powertrains come with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, while an all-wheel-drive option enhances traction and stability in various driving conditions.
Trims
The 2008 Ford Escape is offered in three distinct trims: XLS, XLT, and Limited. The XLS is the base model, equipped with essential features such as air conditioning, keyless entry, and an audio system with a CD player. The XLT adds popular amenities including alloy wheels, chrome grille accents, and an upgraded audio system. The top-of-the-line Limited trim enhances luxury with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and premium sound quality, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort and style.
Features
Standard features of the 2008 Escape contribute to a comfortable and connected driving experience. Options include a power moonroof, GPS navigation, and an available rearview camera for added safety. The spacious interior can accommodate five passengers and offers ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families. Safety ratings are favorable, with standard features such as front airbags, anti-lock brakes, and available electronic stability control.
Owner's Manual
For new owners, the 2008 Ford Escape comes with a comprehensive owner's manual designed to provide essential information about vehicle operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This manual serves as a valuable resource, detailing everything from routine maintenance schedules to safety features, ensuring drivers can enjoy their Escape to its fullest potential.
User manual download
The Ford Escape owner manual for the 2008 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2008 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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