🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Escape

Generation:

First Generation

Platform Code:

CD2

Vin Code Year 2001:

1

Vin Code Year 2002:

2

Vin Code Year 2003:

3

Vin Code Year 2004:

4

Vin Code Year 2005:

5

Vin Code Year 2006:

6

Vin Code Year 2007:

7

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV

Positioning:

Ford's entry into the popular compact SUV segment, competing with vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda Tribute. Known for its car-like ride and handling, versatility, and availability with V6 power.

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda Tribute, Chevrolet Tracker, Suzuki Vitara, Nissan Xterra

Versatility:

Offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, providing utility for various weather conditions and light off-road use.

Engine Options:

Available with fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines and a more powerful V6 option for increased performance.

Ride And Handling:

Designed for a comfortable, car-like driving experience, a departure from more truck-like SUVs of the era.

Interior Space:

Offers a practical and adaptable interior with fold-flat rear seats for cargo hauling.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Years Covered:

2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Engine Variants Covered:

2.0L Duratec, 2.3L Duratec, 3.0L Vulcan V6

Regions Covered:

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Engine Management (ECM/PCM), Cooling System, Lubrication System, Automatic Transmission (4F50N), Manual Transmission (M5R1)

Chassis:

Braking System (ABS), Steering System, Suspension System (Front & Rear), Drivetrain (Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive)

Electrical:

Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Instrument Cluster, Lighting System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Audio System, HVAC Control, SRS (Airbag) System, Anti-Theft System

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Glass, Seats, Convertible Top (if applicable)

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical Circuit Diagnostics, Mechanical Component Diagnostics

Repair:

Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement, Body Panel Repair

Specifications And Procedures:

Torque Specifications, Clearances, Alignment Procedures, Diagnostic Scan Tool Procedures, Component Removal and Installation

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic preventative maintenance and routine service to advanced diagnostics and full component rebuilds. Includes detailed wiring diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use

Image Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams and illustrations suitable for clear viewing

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

2.0L DOHC 16-Valve Inline-4 (Duratec)

Engine 1 Displacement:

1998 cc (122 cu in)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

84.2 mm x 90.0 mm (3.31 in x 3.54 in)

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

127 hp @ 5300 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

135 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

Engine 2 Type:

2.3L DOHC 16-Valve Inline-4 (Duratec)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2295 cc (140 cu in)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

87.7 mm x 97.0 mm (3.45 in x 3.82 in)

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

145 hp @ 5250 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

155 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm

Engine 3 Type:

3.0L OHV 12-Valve V6 (Vulcan)

Engine 3 Displacement:

2986 cc (182 cu in)

Engine 3 Bore X Stroke:

81.0 mm x 95.0 mm (3.19 in x 3.74 in)

Engine 3 Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Engine 3 Horsepower:

177 hp @ 5000 rpm (later models 175 hp)

Engine 3 Torque:

190 lb-ft @ 3300 rpm (later models 185 lb-ft)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular Gasoline (87 Octane)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Pump Type:

In-tank electric fuel pump

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1 Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (M5R1)

Transmission 1 Drivetrain:

Available with FWD and AWD

Transmission 2 Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4F50N)

Transmission 2 Drivetrain:

Available with FWD and AWD

AWD System:

Active All-Wheel Drive System with viscous coupling

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Mercon V or equivalent (Check manual for specific grade)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mercon V or equivalent (Check manual for specific grade)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

172.1 - 174.6 in (4371 - 4435 mm)

Width:

71.2 in (1808 mm)

Height:

67.9 - 68.7 in (1725 - 1745 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.1 in (2619 mm)

Front Track:

61.5 in (1562 mm)

Rear Track:

61.2 in (1554 mm)

Ground Clearance:

7.3 - 8.2 in (185 - 208 mm)

Passenger Volume:

95.7 cu ft (2710 L)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

24.4 cu ft (691 L)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

64.3 cu ft (1820 L)

Curb Weight:

3300 - 3600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

4500 - 4700 lbs (2041 - 2132 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) with V6 and appropriate towing package

Payload Capacity:

Approx. 1000-1200 lbs (454-544 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Front Impact:

4 Stars (2001-2004 models)

NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:

4 Stars (2001-2004 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Driver:

5 Stars (2001-2004 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

4 Stars (2001-2004 models)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (2001-2004 models)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (2005-2007 models, varies by equipment)

ABS:

Standard on most trims, Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Optional on some models, especially AWD variants

Electronic Stability Control Esc:

Not available on 2001-2007 models

Airbags Front:

Dual front airbags (driver and passenger)

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags on some trims/years

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners with load limiters for front seats

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems with more speakers and subwoofer available.

Navigation System:

Optional DVD-based navigation system available on higher trim levels, typically introduced after 2004.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control standard, optional automatic climate control on select trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Rear Parking Sensors:

Not commonly available on this generation

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; may require aftermarket installation for modern audio devices

Bluetooth:

Not available on this generation; requires aftermarket integration

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline Engines:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific conditions.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement Duratec 4Cyl:

Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium spark plugs

Spark Plug Replacement Vulcan V6:

Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum spark plugs

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Check manual, typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) for severe conditions or as a proactive measure.

Coolant Flush:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years. Use specific Ford coolant.

Engine Oil Type 4Cyl:

SAE 5W-20 (Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic recommended)

Engine Oil Type V6:

SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity V6:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter

Coolant Type:

Ford Premium Long Life Coolant (Gold Color) or equivalent meeting WSS-M97B51-A1

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Mercon V or specific Ford power steering fluid

Engine Mounts:

Premature wear of engine mounts, particularly on V6 models, leading to vibration and clunking noises.

Transmission Shift Quality:

Some 4F50N automatic transmissions may exhibit harsh shifting or delayed engagement. Fluid changes and filter replacement are critical.

Fuel Pump Failures:

Reports of fuel pump failures, especially in higher mileage vehicles.

Evaporative Emissions Control System Evap:

Problems with EVAP system components (e.g., purge valve, vent solenoid) can cause check engine lights.

Suspension Components:

Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings can lead to steering issues and tire wear.

Rear Hatch Latch Mechanism:

Some reports of issues with the rear hatch latch and lock actuator.

Oxygen Sensors:

Failure of oxygen sensors can trigger check engine lights and affect fuel economy.

Preventative Maintenance Importance:

Adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule is crucial for the longevity and reliability of the Ford Escape, especially the powertrain components.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford SUV Lineage:

Builds upon Ford's experience with SUVs like the Bronco and Explorer, but positions itself as a more car-focused, modern option.

Introduction Year:

2001 Model Year

Major Redesign Midcycle:

Facelift for the 2004 model year, featuring revised exterior styling (grille, headlights, taillights), updated interior, and improved powertrain options (2.3L Duratec introduction).

Manufacturing Locations:

Wayne, Michigan, USA (Ford's Michigan Truck Plant)

Production Span Covered By Manual:

2001-2007

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumers Digest Best Buy:

Selected as a 'Best Buy' by Consumers Digest magazine in its segment for several years during its production run.

Motor Trend SUV Of The Year Contender:

While not winning MotorTrend's SUV of the Year, the Escape was a significant player and often considered a strong contender in the evolving SUV market.

IIHS Ratings Overall:

Generally received good to acceptable ratings from the IIHS for its time, reflecting evolving safety standards.

Fuel Economy Epa Estimates:

Varies by engine and drivetrain. For example, 2.0L FWD EPA estimates were around 21 MPG city / 26 MPG highway.