🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Escape Hybrid

Generation:

First Generation (2001-2007), specifically facelifted models focusing on the Hybrid variant.

Model Years Covered:

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Internal Platform Code:

Ford CD2 Platform

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover

Hybrid Variant Significance:

One of the early mainstream hybrid SUVs, offering improved fuel economy in a popular segment.

Key Competitors:

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (later models), Honda CR-V Hybrid (later models).

Hybrid Powertrain:

Combines a gasoline engine with electric motors and a high-voltage battery for enhanced efficiency and performance.

Diy Friendliness:

Explicitly marketed for DIY enthusiasts, indicating comprehensive coverage of common repair and maintenance tasks.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

Comprehensive workshop service and repair for the Ford Escape Hybrid (2005-2008).

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive, typically exceeding 2000 pages for a full factory service manual, though exact digital count can vary.

Manual Classification:

Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language Of Manual:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Emission Control, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle System, Automatic Transaxle System (Hybrid Synergy Drive), Driveshaft and Axle.

Chassis Systems:

Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint System, Brake System.

Body And Electrical:

Body (Interior and Exterior), Body Electrical System, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt inspections/replacement.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul (including hybrid components), brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack overhaul.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, component testing.

Hybrid Specific Procedures:

High-voltage battery system diagnostics and service (with safety precautions), electric motor service, power split device operation and repair, hybrid control module troubleshooting.

Depth Of Information:

Extremely high. Covers everything from basic user maintenance to complete component disassembly, repair, and reassembly, including specialized hybrid system diagnostics and repair. Equivalent to dealer-level technical documentation.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, typically allowing for clear viewing and printing. Likely to be searchable text, enabling quick navigation to specific topics.

Printability:

Designed for printing, with clear diagrams, illustrations, and text. Suitable for creating physical copies for workshop use.

Binding Of Digital File:

N/A (Digital PDF format). If printed, would typically be spiral-bound or tabbed for ease of use.

Paper Quality If Printed:

N/A (Digital PDF format). Original factory manuals are printed on durable, often glossy paper suitable for workshop environments.

Operating Systems:

Windows 95, 98, ME, XP, Vista, 7, Linux, MAC

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

2.3L Atkinson-cycle inline-4 gasoline engine (for the hybrid system).

Engine Code:

Likely MZI-based, modified for hybrid application.

Combined System Horsepower:

Approximately 170-177 hp (combined output of gasoline engine and electric motor).

Gasoline Engine Horsepower:

Approximately 133 hp @ 6000 rpm.

Electric Motor Torque:

Significant, contributing to instant torque delivery.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline.

Hybrid Battery Type:

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH).

Hybrid System Name:

Hybrid Synergy Drive (Ford's implementation, shared with Toyota).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) with integrated electric motor.

Optional Transmission:

N/A for Hybrid models; eCVT is standard.

Transmission Features:

Allows seamless switching between gasoline engine, electric motor, or both; regenerative braking.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Specific hybrid transmission fluid (e.g., Mercon LV or equivalent, consult manual for exact specification).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 174.7 inches.

Width:

Approx. 71.0 inches (excluding mirrors).

Height:

Approx. 67.0 inches.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,700 - 3,800 lbs (heavier than non-hybrid due to battery and electric motor).

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

Approx. 24.6 cubic feet.

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

Approx. 66.3 cubic feet.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-Star (for 2005-2007 models tested).

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-Star (for 2005-2007 models tested).

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5-Star (for 2005-2007 models tested).

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

4-Star (for 2005-2007 models tested).

IIHS Small Overlap Front:

Good (for applicable years).

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for applicable years).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS).

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - often branded as AdvanceTrac.

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional side-curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

Front seat pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH child seat anchors.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base models featured a standard AM/FM/CD player. Optional upgrades included premium audio systems, Sirius satellite radio, and a navigation system.

Advanced Driver Assistance:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily relies on ABS, TCS, and ESC for driver assistance.

Connectivity Features:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free calling (SYNC system) was available on later models of this generation, but not standard on all 2005-2008 hybrids.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 miles or 6 months, or 7,500 miles/6 months under ideal conditions (consult specific manual for details).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 1 year.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum spark plugs typically last up to 100,000 miles. Iridium recommended for best performance and longevity.

Coolant Flush:

Initial flush around 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles (consult manual for exact type and interval).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher, meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A or equivalent. Consult manual for exact specification and capacity (approx. 5.5 quarts).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation).

Power Steering Fluid:

Mercon V or equivalent (if equipped with hydraulic power steering).

Hybrid Battery Degradation:

While generally reliable, NiMH batteries can degrade over time, impacting efficiency and EV-only range. The manual will cover diagnostic procedures.

Engine Oil Consumption:

Some owners reported higher than expected oil consumption, particularly in older models. Regular checks are important.

Suspension Wear:

As with many SUVs of this era, front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings) can wear over time.

Evap Emissions System:

Potential issues with the evaporative emissions system (e.g., purge valve, vent solenoid) can lead to check engine lights.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford SUV History:

Ford has a long history in SUVs, with the Explorer being a foundational model. The Escape was introduced to compete in the growing compact SUV segment.

Escape First Generation:

Introduced in 2001, based on the Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner platform. Received a significant facelift for the 2005 model year, which included the introduction of the Hybrid variant.

Hybrid Introduction:

The Escape Hybrid was one of the first hybrid SUVs offered by a major American manufacturer, launching for the 2005 model year. It utilized a version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology under a licensing agreement.

Assembly Location:

Kansas City, Missouri, USA (for Escape and Escape Hybrid).

Production Years Hybrid:

2005-2012 (first generation hybrid).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Hybrid Technology Awards:

The Ford Escape Hybrid was recognized for its pioneering role in hybrid SUV technology, often cited for its fuel efficiency improvements in the segment.

Fuel Economy Epa Estimated:

Approx. 33 MPG city / 29 MPG highway (for AWD models).

Emissions Certification:

Certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA in many states.