🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Escape

Year:

2003

Generation Code:

First Generation (UN177)

Chassis Code:

UN177

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2003 Ford Escape was positioned as a compact SUV, entering a rapidly growing segment. It competed with vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda Tribute (with which it shared a platform).

Competitors:

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

Features:

Offered a blend of car-like handling with SUV utility. Available with four-wheel drive, providing capability for varied conditions. Introduced with modern safety features for its time.

Purpose:

To provide comprehensive, professional-level diagnostic, repair, and maintenance information for the 2003 Ford Escape, catering to both professional technicians and skilled DIY mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Full Service Repair and Maintenance

Estimated Page Count:

N/A (Digital PDF, length varies based on specific content and compression)

Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive coverage of both 4-cylinder and V6 engine variants, including diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and component testing.

Transmission:

Detailed procedures for automatic transmissions (AX4N, AX4S), including removal, installation, internal component repair, and fluid service.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including differentials, axles, driveshafts, and transfer case (if applicable).

Suspension:

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

Steering:

Power steering system, including pump, hoses, steering gear/rack, and troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc front, drum or disc rear depending on configuration), including hydraulic components, ABS, rotor/pad replacement, and bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Comprehensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including starting and charging systems, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body controls, and detailed wiring diagrams.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant handling, component testing, and repair procedures.

Body:

Exterior and interior body panels, doors, latches, hinges, glass, and trim component removal/installation.

Chassis:

Frame and body structure, jacking and lifting points, and corrosion protection.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug service, and inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Extensive troubleshooting guides for diagnosing common issues and performance problems across all major systems.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for virtually every component and system of the vehicle.

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic procedures utilizing onboard diagnostic (OBD-II) systems, including common trouble codes (DTCs) and their interpretations.

Rebuild:

Procedures for rebuilding major components like engines and transmissions.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter replacements to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, and intricate electrical system diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Printability:

Full Printable - All pages can be printed.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Reader Software:

Adobe PDF Reader

Compression Software:

WinRAR (for extraction)

Operating Systems:

Compatible with all versions of Windows and macOS.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.0L Zetec-E (4-cylinder) and 3.0L Duratec 30 (V6)

2.0L Power:

127 hp @ 5,300 rpm

2.0L Torque:

135 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm

3.0L Power:

200 hp @ 6,000 rpm

3.0L Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

2.0L Code:

Zetec-E (DOHC)

3.0L Code:

Duratec 30 (DOHC)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission (typically with 2.0L engine)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (AX4N/AX4S, typically with 3.0L V6 and available with 2.0L)

AWD System:

Optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (i-AWD) system for enhanced traction.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

103.1 inches (2619 mm)

Length:

173.1 inches (4397 mm)

Width:

70.4 inches (1788 mm)

Height:

67.1 inches (1704 mm)

Curb Weight Min:

3,329 lbs (1510 kg) (2.0L FWD Manual)

Curb Weight Max:

3,706 lbs (1681 kg) (3.0L AWD Automatic)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4 stars (driver and passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5 stars (front), 4 stars (rear) (without side airbags)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Standard front airbags; optional front-seat side airbags.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Options:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio system, cassette player, and Sirius Satellite Radio readiness.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most trims.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors typically available depending on trim level.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Extended intervals may apply for synthetic oil usage, consult manual.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles under dusty conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

2.0L Zetec: 100,000 miles. 3.0L Duratec: 100,000 miles (Long-life spark plugs).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or SAE 5W-30. Meets Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-H or equivalent.

Engine Oil Capacity:

2.0L: 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter. 3.0L: 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) with filter.

Coolant Type:

Ford Premium Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent. Do NOT mix coolant types.

Transmission Fluid Type:

MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 Brake Fluid

Common Problems:

Potential for interior water leaks around windshield and door seals, issues with rear differential pinion seal (AWD models), ignition coil pack failures (3.0L V6), and occasional transmission solenoid failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Heritage:

Ford Motor Company, established in 1903, is one of the world's largest automakers with a long history of innovation and mass production.

Escape Evolution:

The first-generation Ford Escape (2001-2007) was Ford's first compact SUV, designed to compete in the burgeoning crossover market. The 2003 model year saw minor updates but retained the core platform and powertrain options.

Manufacturing Locations:

Assembled in North America (Kansas City, Missouri, USA) and North America (Avon Lake, Ohio, USA - for Mercury Mariner).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Top Safety Pick:

While not always explicitly awarded 'Top Safety Pick' status by IIHS in the earliest years of this segment, the 2003 Escape performed respectably in crash tests for its time, as reflected in NHTSA ratings.