Ford Escape: Brake-shift interlock - Driving - Ford Escape Owner's ManualFord Escape: Brake-shift interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the on position unless brake pedal is pressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

Note: For some markets, this feature will be disabled. If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:

1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to off, then remove the key.
2. Using a screwdriver or similar tool, carefully pry out the small Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) cover cap located to the right of the gearshift lever.
3. Insert a screwdriver or similar tool straight down into the access hole and press downward while pulling the gearshift lever out of the P (Park) position and into the N (Neutral) position.
4. Remove tool and reinstall the BTSI cover cap.
5. Start the vehicle and release the parking brake.

WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the

brakelamps are working. WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working.

vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To WARNING: When doing this procedure, you will be taking the vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.

warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

    Preparing to drive
    WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a perso ...

    Automatic transmission operation (if equipped)
    Automatic transmission adaptive learning Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and provide ...

    See also:

    Exhaust Gas Warning
    WARNING: Avoid breathing exhaust gases. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a potentially lethal gas that is colorless and odorless. Since carbon monoxide is difficult to detect by itself, b ...

    Adding Washer Fluid
    Open the cap with the washer symbol on it and add washer fluid until full. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10‑6 for reservoir location. Notice ○ When using concentrated washe ...

    About iPod
    ●“Made for iPod” and “Made for iPhone” mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod, or iPhone, respectively, and has been certified by the dev ...