Positioning:
The Ford Escape Hybrid was a pioneering compact SUV in the hybrid segment, offering improved fuel economy while retaining SUV practicality. This manual caters to owners and technicians working on these early adopters of hybrid technology.
Competitors:
Competed with other early hybrid SUVs and fuel-efficient compact SUVs, but its unique hybrid powertrain set it apart. Its closest contemporary competitor in concept was the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, though in a different size class.
Features:
Pioneering hybrid SUV, combined Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with electric motor for enhanced efficiency, available All-Wheel Drive, practical SUV utility.
Value:
Provides a cost-effective solution for maintaining and repairing the Ford Escape Hybrid, empowering DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics with factory-level data and procedures.
Engine:
Engine overhaul and rebuilding, engine performance, firing orders, serpentine belt routings, timing belt service procedures, detailed engine specifications.
Transmission:
Transmission removal and installation, in-car servicing, features specific to the hybrid's power split device/CVT.
Brakes:
Brake servicing procedures, ABS system (likely integrated with hybrid braking), complete torque specifications for brake components.
Suspension Steering:
Suspension systems, front end alignment procedures and specifications, U-joint and CV-joint service procedures.
Electrical Electronics:
Complete wiring diagrams, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, computer diagnostic codes, troubleshooting and diagnostics for electrical systems.
Body Chassis:
Sunroof service, body and chassis repair procedures, vacuum diagrams.
Hybrid Powertrain:
Specific procedures for the hybrid system components, battery management, electric motor integration, regenerative braking diagnostics.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning service and capacities.
Maintenance:
Factory maintenance schedules and charts, routine servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements.
Diagnostics:
Trouble codes, computer diagnostic codes, troubleshooting and diagnostics, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine overhaul and rebuilding, transmission in-car servicing, U-joint and CV-joint service, repair procedures for all covered systems.
Timing Belt:
Timing belt replacement and service procedures.
Driveability:
Driving concerns, engine performance tuning and troubleshooting.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete disassembly and rebuilding, including advanced diagnostics and electrical schematics.
Compatibility:
All versions of Windows & Mac, Linux OS, iPhone, iPad, Android etc.
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip
Quality:
High-quality, complete, and intact; searchable and bookmarked for easy navigation.
Type:
Digital Download (can be burned to CD-ROM or saved to hard-drive).
Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Engine Type:
2.3L DOHC 16-Valve Atkinson-Cycle I-4 (Hybrid System)
Engine Code:
Likely '232' suffix for hybrid variant (verify specific model year in manual).
Combined Horsepower:
Approximately 153 hp (combined system output).
Gasoline Horsepower:
Approximately 133 hp @ 6000 rpm.
Electric Motor Horsepower:
Approximately 94 hp (peak output, may vary with operating conditions).
Combined Torque:
Not typically quoted as a single figure; electric motor contributes significant low-end torque.
Gasoline Torque:
Approximately 144 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.0 quarts (refer to manual for exact specification and type).
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 quarts (with filter) of SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend or synthetic oil (verify with manual).
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-20
Oil Specification Standard:
API SN or API SP certified, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6 (verify with manual).
Type:
Hybrid Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) with Power Split Device.
Type:
N/A (eCVT is standard for the hybrid model).
Hybrid Integration:
Seamless integration of gasoline engine and electric motor, regenerative braking capabilities.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Refer to manual for specific eCVT fluid capacity and type (often proprietary).
Recommended Transmission Fluid:
Specific Mercon LV or equivalent (verify with manual for hybrid application).
Length:
Approximately 173.8 inches
Width:
Approximately 71.7 inches
Height:
Approximately 66.3 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 103.1 inches
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,700 - 3,850 lbs (depending on FWD/AWD and trim).
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 25.1 cubic feet
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approximately 67.3 cubic feet
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
4 out of 5 stars (typical for this era's SUVs).
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good (typical for this era).
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Traction Control (TCS).
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Airbags Front:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags.
Airbags Side:
Available front side-impact airbags and available Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags (check specific trim).
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioner seat belts, rear seat belts.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, available premium audio systems, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Audio controls on steering wheel available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Available rear parking sensors.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack.
Display:
Instrument cluster displays hybrid system status, energy flow, and fuel economy.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, or per the 'Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor' system. Refer to the manual for the most accurate guidance based on driving conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Check at every oil change, replace as needed (typically 15,000-30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 15,000 miles or annually.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (verify with manual).
Power Steering Fluid:
Likely uses Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or a specific power steering fluid (verify with manual).
Common Problems:
Potential issues can include degraded high-voltage battery (though generally reliable for this era), electric motor/generator issues, inverter problems, and standard wear-and-tear on suspension and brakes. Some owners reported HVAC system issues. Diagnostic trouble codes related to hybrid system components are crucial to address.
Hybrid Specific Concerns:
The hybrid system requires specialized diagnostic tools and knowledge. The manual is essential for understanding fault codes related to the hybrid system, such as battery temperature sensor issues or power split device anomalies.
Ford Heritage:
Ford Motor Company, established in 1903, is one of the world's leading automakers with a long history of innovation and production of a wide range of vehicles.
Escape Lineage:
The Ford Escape was first introduced for the 2001 model year as a compact SUV. The hybrid variant debuted for the 2005 model year, marking Ford's significant entry into the hybrid vehicle market.
Manufacturing Location:
Kansas City Assembly Plant, Claycomo, Missouri, USA.
Production Years:
2005-2008 for this specific manual's coverage.