🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Escape

Year Range:

2001-2007

Generation:

First Generation (UN170)

Platform Code:

CY170 (North America), ZA170 (Europe)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking versatile utility and comfortable commuting.

Key Competitors:

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

Ford Escape Advantage:

Often praised for its comfortable ride, strong engine options (especially V6), and practical interior space. More truck-like feel compared to some competitors.

Body Style:

5-door SUV

Seating Capacity:

5 passengers

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Availability:

Available across multiple trim levels (e.g., XLS, XLT, Limited) offering varying feature sets.

📋 Manual Details

Major Systems:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain (FWD/AWD), Brakes (ABS/Non-ABS), Steering, Suspension, HVAC, Body & Chassis, Electrical & Electronics, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), SRS (Airbag System), Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Maintenance Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides, Specifications, Capacities, Tolerances.

Estimated Pages:

1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF or similar electronic format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Full engine overhaul procedures, including disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all gasoline engine variants. Covers cylinder head, block, pistons, rings, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing systems.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starter motor, alternator, battery, wiring harnesses, sensors, actuators, PCM operation, and troubleshooting.

Fuel System:

Fuel delivery, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, evaporative emission control (EVAP), fuel tank servicing, and diagnostic procedures.

Transmission:

Automatic Transmission (AX4N, AX4S) and Manual Transmission (M50) overhaul, repair, adjustments, and fluid service. Includes torque converter, valve body, clutch packs, planetary gears, shifting mechanisms.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including driveshafts, CV joints, differential, transfer case (for AWD models).

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS components, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, and bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, and wheel alignment specifications.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, including struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and shock absorbers.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant charging, component testing, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, and heater core.

Electrical Electronics:

Comprehensive coverage of all electrical components, including lighting, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, interior and exterior lights, fuses, relays, and body control modules.

Body Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, bumper systems, underbody coatings, and chassis component identification.

Safety Srs:

Airbag system components, sensors, control module, and procedures for safe handling and replacement.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid flushes (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid), spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, battery maintenance, tire rotation, brake pad/rotor replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults, including symptom-based troubleshooting and use of diagnostic scan tools.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components, including engine, transmission, braking system, steering, suspension, electrical systems, and bodywork.

Diagnostics:

Methods for diagnosing issues using scan tools, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and specialized testing equipment. Interpretation of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).

Rebuilds:

Complete overhaul and rebuild procedures for engines, transmissions, and other major mechanical assemblies, including torque specifications and critical tolerances.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, system-specific wiring schematics for all electrical circuits, enabling efficient troubleshooting of electrical faults.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and component-level troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Printability:

Printable pages

Image Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.0L DOHC I4 (Duratec)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

127 hp @ 5200 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 1 Code:

OHC (for early models)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.3L DOHC I4 (Duratec)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

145-153 hp (varies by year)

Engine 2 Torque:

150-153 lb-ft (varies by year)

Engine 2 Code:

DOHC

Engine 3 Displacement:

3.0L SOHC V6 (Vulcan/Duratec variants)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

190-200 hp (varies by year)

Engine 3 Torque:

195-200 lb-ft (varies by year)

Engine 3 Code:

Vulcan (older), Duratec (later)

Performance Focus:

Balanced performance for daily driving and light towing/hauling. V6 offers significantly better acceleration and passing power.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 14.5 gallons (55 L)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission (M50) - primarily on 4-cylinder models

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (AX4N, AX4S) - standard on V6, optional on 4-cylinder

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, overdrive, Lock-up torque converter

Manual Features:

Standard clutch operation

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 172.5 - 175.7 inches (4382 - 4463 mm)

Width:

Approx. 71.2 inches (1808 mm)

Height:

Approx. 66.1 - 68.4 inches (1679 - 1737 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 103.1 inches (2619 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.0 inches (203 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 96.9 cubic feet (2.74 m³)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 29.2 cubic feet (0.83 m³)

Cargo Volume Max:

Approx. 67.9 cubic feet (1.92 m³)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3300 - 3700 lbs (1497 - 1678 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 4500 - 4700 lbs (2041 - 2132 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3500 lbs (1588 kg) with optional towing package and V6 engine.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4 Stars (2001-2004 models)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (2001-2004 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

5 Stars (2001-2004 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

5 Stars (2001-2004 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:

4 Stars (2001-2004 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

4 Stars (2001-2004 models)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for tested models)

ABS:

Standard on most trims, optional on some base models.

Traction Control:

Available on AWD models, optional on FWD.

Electronic Stability Control:

Not widely available on first-generation models.

Airbags:

Front airbags standard. Side curtain airbags available on higher trims later in the generation.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts. Pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette player, and optional premium audio systems (e.g., Monsoon).

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on higher trim levels, typically a touch-screen based unit.

Climate Control:

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

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Parking Assist:

Rear parking sensors available on some later models.

Auxiliary Input:

Not typically standard; aftermarket solutions common for iPod/MP3 connectivity.

Bluetooth:

Not available from the factory on this generation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) if using synthetic oil and driving under normal conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

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

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

I4: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium plugs. V6: Varies by plug type, often around 30,000-100,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on driving conditions. AWD fluid service at similar intervals.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (48,000 - 160,000 km) or 2-5 years, depending on coolant type.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific engine and temperature range). API certified.

Engine Oil Capacity:

I4: Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L). V6: Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 L).

Coolant Type:

Ford Premium Engine Coolant (VC-7B) or equivalent, a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and deionized water.

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

MERCON V ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

MERCON ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).

Engine I4 Issues:

Head gasket leaks, coolant leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, occasional oil consumption with the 2.0L OHC engine.

Engine V6 Issues:

Intake manifold gasket failures (older Vulcan engines), ignition coil failures, potential timing chain issues on later Duratec V6s.

Transmission Issues:

Overheating, shifting problems, solenoid failures in automatic transmissions. Clutch wear in manual transmissions.

Suspension Issues:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and strut mounts can lead to noise and steering issues. Rear shock absorber wear.

Electrical Issues:

Window regulator failures, power lock actuator failures, instrument cluster issues (dimming/flickering), blower motor resistor failure.

Exhaust Issues:

Exhaust manifold cracks (especially on V6 engines), catalytic converter issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford SUV Lineup:

Ford has a long history of SUVs, starting with the Bronco, Explorer, and Expedition. The Escape aimed to capture the growing compact SUV market.

First Generation Introduction:

Launched in late 2000 for the 2001 model year. Shared its platform with the Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner.

Mid-Cycle Refresh:

Received a significant refresh for the 2005 model year, featuring updated styling (front and rear fascias, grille), revised interior, and powertrain upgrades (introduction of the 2.3L Duratec engine, updated V6). This manual covers both pre- and post-refresh models.

Manufacturing Locations:

Kansas City Assembly, Missouri, USA; AutoAlliance International (joint venture with Mazda) in Flat Rock, Michigan, USA.

Production Years:

2001-2007

Sales Performance:

Highly successful, becoming one of Ford's best-selling vehicles and a significant player in the compact SUV segment.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reception:

The first-generation Ford Escape was generally well-received upon its debut, praised for its styling, ride comfort, and practicality.

Car And Driver Ranking:

Frequently appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best Trucks' list in its early years.

Safety Awards:

Achieved good safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its time, particularly in side-impact tests.

Fuel Economy Ratings:

EPA estimates varied by engine and drivetrain, generally in the range of 17-21 MPG city and 21-26 MPG highway.

Emission Standards:

Designed to meet prevailing federal and state emission standards for its production years.