Ford Escape: How your vehicle differs from other vehicles - Four Wheel Drive (4WD) System (if equipped) - Driving - Ford Escape Owner's ManualFord Escape: 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 differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle differently than an ordinary passenger car.

Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.

Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not grip the spokes.

Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps.

You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.

    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 th ...

    Basic operating principles
    • Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering characteristics of your vehicle. • Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by loose sand, water, gra ...

    See also:

    Demanding driving
    In demanding driving conditions, such as operating the vehicle in hot weather, towing a trailer, or driving for extended periods at higher altitudes than normal, it may be advisable to switch ...

    To engage the service mode
    Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position, depress and hold the brake pedal, then press and release the “” button on the remote control transmitter three times. The system will pau ...

    Off-road driving tips
    When To Use 4L or 4LO (Low) Range When off-road driving, shift to 4L or 4LO for additional traction and control on slippery or difficult terrain, ascending or descending steep hills, and to incre ...