Ford Escape: Four Wheel Drive (4WD) System (if equipped)
WARNING: For important information regarding safe operation of this type of vehicle, see Preparing to drive your vehicle in this chapter.
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent 4WD System that continuously monitors vehicle conditions and automatically adjusts the power distribution between the front and rear wheels. It combines transparent all-surface operation with highly capable four-wheel drive.
The 4WD system is always active and requires no driver input. It is capable of handling all road conditions, including street and highway driving as well as off-road and winter driving.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
- How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
- Basic operating principles
- If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
- If your vehicle gets stuck
- Emergency maneuvers
- Sand
- Mud and water
- Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
- Driving on snow and ice
- Maintenance and modifications
Blind spot mirrors
Blind spot mirrors have an integrated convex spotter mirror built into the upper outboard corner of the outside mirrors. They are designed to assist the driver by increasing visibility along the sid ...How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without getting hung up or damaging underbody components. The d ...See also:
Booster seat installation
Do not use the lap/shoulder belt Automatic
Locking Retractor (ALR) mode
when using a booster seat with the
seat belts.
Refer to all Warnings and Cautions in the “Child
safety”, “Chi ...
Important safety notes
WARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action.
This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's
ABS will not preve ...
New Tires
Remember that tires are perishable goods. As
of 2000, the manufacturing week and year
(Department of Transportation (DOT) stamp)
will be indicated with 4 digits (e.g., 1510 means
that the ti ...