Segment:
Compact SUV / Hybrid Vehicle
Significance:
One of the first mass-produced hybrid SUVs in North America, pioneering the segment.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Highlander Hybrid (later model), potentially some conventional compact SUVs with better fuel economy than non-hybrid Escapes.
Powertrain Type:
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
Fuel Efficiency:
Significantly improved MPG compared to its gasoline-only counterpart, especially in city driving.
Drivetrain:
Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Technology Integration:
Early integration of hybrid technology and sophisticated power management systems.
Powertrain:
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Hybrid System (HS), Electric Motors, Power Split Device, High Voltage Battery System, Regenerative Braking System, Power Control Unit (PCU), Inverter/Converter
Transmission:
Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT)
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), Steering, Brakes (including ABS and Hybrid regenerative braking), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Hybrid Control Module (HCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC Ducts, Exterior/Interior Lighting
Hybrid Specific:
High voltage system safety, Battery diagnostics, Hybrid system component testing, Regenerative braking calibration
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, Filter replacements (air, oil, fuel), Spark plug replacement, Coolant flush, Brake fluid flush, Tire rotation, Battery checks
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, Transmission repair/replacement, Hybrid system component replacement (e.g., battery, inverter), Suspension component replacement, Brake system overhaul, Electrical system diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC interpretation, Component testing procedures, Wiring diagrams, Diagnostic tool usage
Specifications:
Torque specifications, Fluid capacities, Gap specifications, Electrical resistance values, Performance benchmarks
Hybrid Procedures:
High-voltage disconnect procedures, Battery pack diagnostics and service, Hybrid control module programming/initialization, Regenerative braking system troubleshooting
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and major component overhaul, including specific hybrid system repair procedures.
Engine Type:
Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder gasoline engine
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2300cc)
Engine Code:
Ford Duratec 23L
Combined Horsepower:
Approximately 155-160 hp (combined output from gasoline engine and electric motor)
Gasoline Engine Horsepower:
133 hp @ 5200 rpm
Electric Motor Horsepower:
Approximately 94 hp (peak)
Combined Torque:
Approximately 150-170 lb-ft (combined output)
Gasoline Engine Torque:
144 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Capacity:
15.1 gallons (57.2 L)
Transmission Type:
Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT)
Transmission Operation:
Utilizes a power-split device (planetary gear set) to blend power from the gasoline engine and electric motor, creating a seamless variable ratio.
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Only eCVT available for Hybrid models)
Hybrid Integration:
Manages electric-only propulsion, gasoline-only propulsion, and combined propulsion. Facilitates regenerative braking energy capture.
Transmission Fluid:
Specialized CVT fluid (refer to manual for specific type and part number, e.g., Mercon LV or equivalent for hybrid systems)
Length:
175.7 inches (4463 mm)
Width:
71.1 inches (1806 mm)
Height:
66.5 inches (1689 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.1 inches (2619 mm)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 36.5 cu ft (1033 L)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approx. 69.3 cu ft (1962 L)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg), varies by FWD/AWD
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4700 lbs (2132 kg)
NHTSA Front Driver:
5-Star (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
5-Star (2004 Model Year)
IIHS Front Impact:
Good (2004 Model Year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (2004 Model Year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), integrated with hybrid regenerative braking.
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESP) or AdvanceTrac
Airbags:
Front airbags, Front-side airbags, Available Curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts, Pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD audio system. Higher trims may include premium audio or an in-dash 6-disc changer. Auxiliary input jack may be present.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Display Features:
Unique hybrid display in the instrument cluster showing energy flow, battery charge, and fuel economy data.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external music players.
Hybrid System Name:
Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) derivative.
Battery Type:
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery pack.
Modes Of Operation:
Electric-only driving (EV mode), Hybrid mode (blending ICE and electric), Regenerative braking, Engine braking.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles (iridium tipped spark plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Initial 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter for the hybrid system coolant.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect periodically; replacement typically at higher mileage or if degraded. Refer to manual for specific intervals and procedures for eCVT.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic blend or full synthetic (refer to manual for exact specification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Ford Super Premium Engine Coolant (VC-7B) or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Hybrid Battery Degradation:
As with any hybrid, the high-voltage battery pack can degrade over time, impacting range and efficiency. Replacement can be costly.
Inverter Failure:
While less common in early models, inverter failures can occur, leading to a complete loss of hybrid functionality. Diagnosing and replacing these units requires specialized knowledge.
Cvt Concerns:
Some early eCVT systems may exhibit occasional clunking or rough engagement, though generally considered robust.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan seals on the 2.3L Duratec engine, common with age and mileage.
Evap System Codes:
Can be prone to Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) codes, often due to faulty vent or purge valves, or a loose gas cap.
Ford Hybrid History:
Ford was an early adopter and developer of hybrid technology, with the Escape Hybrid being a landmark product following their licensing agreement with Toyota.
First Generation Launch:
The first generation Escape was introduced for the 2001 model year. The Hybrid variant debuted for the 2005 model year.
Hybrid Powertrain Development:
Leveraged Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) technology, adapting it to the Ford Escape platform. This partnership was crucial for Ford's early hybrid entry.
Manufacturing Location:
Kansas City Assembly Plant, Claycomo, Missouri, USA
Production Years Covered:
2004-2007 (for this manual's scope, though Escape production started earlier)