Ford Escape

bdyment · October 2006

Thanks for the info. I will check first thing in the morning.

Bruce

bdyment · October 2006

Checked all the items on the message center. Avg. mileage,instant mileage, etc. We don't see a display for the compass. Is it possible that an initializing process has to take place before it will be visible?

mschmal · October 2006

Do you see "C" or "Cal". If you do, you need to go to an empty parking lot and drive in tight circles at less than 5 mph until the Compass is calibrated. You should get a beep when it calibrates. Probably about 3 circles.

Mark.

bdyment · October 2006

Unfortunately there is no "C" or "Cal". Drove in a circle anyway like I have done for another couple of cars we had with a compass. Had the message screen on the one blank screen that is available but nothing happened. Guess it is a trip to the dealer unless we are still not doing something right.

Bruce

mschmal · October 2006

There is always the possibility that your Escape was misbuilt.

This one of the things I hate about Ford making certain pissanti items optional.

I once discovered at delivery that the XLT Explorer I was delivering was corrently built with fog lights but had the headlamp switch from the XLS Explorer which has no fog lights. Accordingly, the fog lights could not be turned on.

If the car is misbuilt. You have a claim against your dealer if compass is listed on the window sticker.

Mark.

bdyment · October 2006

I will find out next week. I will be taking the Escape to the dealer to discus the compass issue. Thank for your info. on this problem.

Bruce

tidester · October 2006

Please go to the group top level and create a discussion that fits your comments/questions or post in an existing discussion.

Ford Escape

tidester · November 2006

Enjoy!

tidester, host

fjb37 · November 2006

The wife got an used 05 Escape Limited from CarMax in Feb. 06. It was a Hertz rental from Los Angeles and how it got to Chicago is something I don't want to know.

It has Leather seats and I would agree that they are miserable. Hard as a rock with little lumbar support. The Leather seats in our 87 Taurus were better.

I drive a 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan with low back leather buckets that are very comfortable. I get better mileage from the GC than the Escape both in the city and on the highway and would dread taking the Escape on a long trip. The gas pedal angle is all wrong for me and I find myself using the cruse control a lot in the city. Don't have to do that in the Dodge. The GC also has a much better steering column. I don't know why Ford bothers to put a tilt feature on the Escape as it has limited movement and is a pain to adjust.

The Ford is OK for short trips in the city and the all wheel drive should be handy in the winter. The wife loves it so if she's happy, I guess I'm happy. Just my $0.02.

FredB

sranger · December 2006

Toyota has the 269hp V6 Rav4 sport.

Chevy is going to make a sporty 263hp V6 Equniox with a six speed trans.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=118840

What does Ford do for 2008? They restyle the interior and exterior and leave the same old drive train options ( including rear drum brakes ). When will Ford catch a clue and put the new 250hp 3.5L V6 and 6 speed trans into their Escape and make a sporty edition???

rcf8000 · December 2006

I feel that the Escape fills an important slot in the product line below the Edge, but that Ford isn't fully capitalizing on it. The 2008 model goes part way in doing what needs to be done to upgrade the design, but there are a lot of other things that they should have done (starting with the 3.5 engine).

mschmal · December 2006

Go drive a 3.0L Escape. This car is a rocket. Now a 5 or 6 speed auto tranny, for better Fuel Econ, that would be a plus!

I would like to see some more recreational type features on the Escape so that it moves more toward the Xterra, FJ Cruiser, Element, kind of vehicle.

Mark.

rcf8000 · December 2006

I just bought my step-daughter a 3.0 Mariner. It is NOT a "rocket". According to Consumer Reports, the 0-60 time is over 10 seconds.

stever · December 2006

"With the redesigned 2008 Ford Escape, Ford has married its corporate truck face with the Escape's palatable price and practicality. Some industry people call this type of revision a "top-half" update, or, in other words, just about everything above the floor-to-body pinch weld is new or redesigned. The engines, drivelines (excluding the hybrid) and wheelbase are carry-overs from the 2007 models which are being highly incentive-ized to make room for the '08 Escapes that will be on dealer lots by April."

Full Test: 2008 Ford Escape Limited AWD

bdyment · January 2007

Just finished reading the review. Ford has added some good items--stability control, traction control and extra air bags, but why, why for the sake of a few dollars--the backwards step to rear drum brakes, without the option of discs. Manufacturers certainly do some dumb things, sometimes. I will keep my Escape with its disc brakes. Hopefully Ford will change its mind before the 2009 model.

stever · January 2007

I actually prefer rear drums since they last so much longer (in my experience anyway) than disks. But not at the expense of stopping distance.

sranger · January 2007

What a horrable review for the Escape...

What is up with Ford and it's brakes? Both the new Edge and Escape/Mariner seem to have some significant braking issues. 10-15ft might not seem like a big deal, but it is rather significant if the car in front of you can do a panic stop in 10-15ft less that your vehicle...

Ford is going to lose a lot of sales over these braking issues. Any informed customer would have to be more than a little concerned about it...

explorerx4 · January 2007

i wonder if the quiet and comfort of the michelins was traded against the light weight and possibly the traction of the conti's?

mschmal · January 2007

I do not think that Rear Drums are a disadvantage compared to rear discs as long as you are not driving a "sporty" car or intend to tow.

BTW, GM uses rear drums on its full size trucks and supposedly, they can tow 10,500 pounds...I'd be scared though.

I am sure that brake shoe material also has a lot to do with whether drum brakes fade.

Mark.

explorerx4 · January 2007

we all know the front brakes provide about 80% of the stopping power, but from a marketing perspective, it still is a bad mistake.

sranger · January 2007

we all know the front brakes provide about 80% of the stopping power, but from a marketing perspective, it still is a bad mistake.

I would say that a 60-0 that takes 161 feet is also a technical mistake. Everyone has talked about the rear drums, but what the heck did they do to the Front Discs???

The 2007 and earlier Escapes ( even the years with the rear drums ) stopped in around 130ft....

What changed? Did they add a bunch of weight?

palomo · January 2007

I want to find out if the '02 Escape XLS has any OEM 12v wiring under the interior roof cover.

Other Escape trims offer roof-mounted map-lights and electric rearview mirror options. I wonder if the wiring for them is standard on all models and is right there on my 2002, unde the roof trim, unused...

I plan to install a GPS by the rearview mirror and could use a 12v outlet in the roof to reduce cable clutter..

mschmal · January 2007

If the Escape is like the Mustang or the Explorer, the wiring is NOT THERE!

I have had auto dimming mirrors installed for customers and it is a huge project at my dealership only the Master Tech will do this type of install and it takes him 2 hours.

Apparently a "hot wire" has to be run up to the headliner and lord knows where you get it from in the wiring harness.

Mark.

escapenut · February 2007

Just rolled over 105K miles on my '01 Escape V6 2WD XLT. It will be six years old at the end of July. I just replaced my 4th IAC module with a non-Motorcraft equivalent (Borg-Warner), after experiencing same indicator problems as before, hard cold-starts, etc.. Starts just fine now. Mileage is 17 MPG. in town and 21-22 MPG on the highway, and 19 MPG mixed. I've changed all fluid to synthetic, with exception of brake and power steering as of about 65K miles ago. Powertrain (engine and transmission) have Mobil 1 synthetic fluid(s). Both engine and transmission seem strong so far with no oil being lost or gear slipping, etc..
Overall I've done basic maintenance (oil changes-myself), replaced tire(s) twice, changed spark plugs once (mechanic), changed alternator (mechanic), performed recall-repair(s) as notified, changed IAC 4-times (myself), changed PCV once (myself), professionally flushed major fluids 3-times, changed belts once, changed brake booster once (mechanic), changed shifter actuator-cable (mechanic), Changed struts and shocks (mechanic and myself), changed brakes three (3) times (mechanic)
I expect to keep the Escape another couple of years so I will probably be doing some pre-emptive maintenance: change Water-Pump, T-Stat, Starter, change Spark Plugs again, replace control arms, etc..
The Escape has not been perfect, but certainly not any more problematic for me than some other vehicles (including Asian-brands). It has been comfortable so far, but I can tell the body is looser and more clackity than in years past. Overall still a nice ride, other than mileage, which is not good by any stretch.

theronrohr · March 2007

After thinking I'll like the Escape for quite a while I finally rented one this weekend. Its a 2WD XLT 3.0L and its got lots of power and is comfortable and fun to drive.

But unexpectedly I think its making me carsick! Its higher off the ground than I'm used to and there is a subtle but constant movement underneath me. I think its a combination of the tall center of gravity, the fairly short wheelbase and the tall tires that causes this. After I've driven a little bit at 40 or more mph I start to get slightly carsick. Anybody else feel this way? Or am I just getting the flu?!

bdyment · March 2007

No problem with ours. I would bet on the flu. Take care.

stever · March 2007

There could be something going on with that particular rental. Mismatched tires, incorrect inflation, too many curbs jumped, or maybe there's an exhaust leak.

don4341, "Chevy Tahoe" #1499, 15 Oct 2001 6:48 pm

Best try another for a few hours just to make sure!

drems · April 2007

You obviously take great care of your car. I have a 2001 Ford Escape XLS 2wd with 88,000 miles. Most everythng has been fine with it until I got stuck on a snow bank and ruined my reverse clutch and reverse band trying to rock out. The Ford mechanics here in New York city say I should get a remanufactured transmission and install it. About $3,500. Another Ford mechanic elsewhere has said I could replace those parts and spend about half that amount. I've not had ANY transmission problems thusfar so I'm leaning toward the cheaper alternative. I'm wondering if you've had problems.
Also, this is my wife's car and I don't think she has had much in the way of service beyond the customary oil change. What do you recommend at this point to keep the car in good running order. I figure if I'm going to lay down money to fix the transmission I shoudl forestall any other catastrophes.
Thanks.

bmoerke · April 2007

Hi, I have a 2005 Ford escape and just LOVE it. So does my husband. Must be the flu.

tomsr1 · April 2007

I have a Toyota Highlander and only ride in it on weekends
but I have experienced a pitch and bobbing effect on non
smooth roads.It is the nature of tall wagons and soft
springs.I used to have a Kia Sorento and did not notice it.
Must be something to do with weight. My other car is a new
Civic coupe and I don't experience that feeling. The only problem with it is very low and a struggle for an old man to
enter and exit.When I rented an escape years ago I thought
it was noisy,thirsty,and the automatic transmission never seem to be in the right gear.I think the 3.0 produces it's torque at high rpm so to make it peppy you have to use D2
which kills your MPG.I was driving a mountain road then.

mschmal · April 2007

Basically, you noticed the difference between a car with a stiff structure, the body on frame Sorento, vs. the not so stiff unibody Highlander.

The stiffer the platform the car is built from, the better the suspension tuning can be.

Bendyflexy cars tend to have softer suspensions to get the same feel as a stiff car with a hard suspension.

Mark

twain · May 2007

But unexpectedly I think its making me carsick!
--------------------------------

I have poor balance from an inner ear condition and I've noticed our new Mariner has a "jouncy" ride on pavement that isn't perfectly smooth. Our previous Saturn Vue didn't have it and neither does my much smaller Suzuki Aerio.

I'm sensitive to "bounce" and if our Mariner is typical, you're right; there is a constant movement. It's my wife's car and she drives it 90% of the time, so I can live with the bounce.

mbrick · October 2007

I know you originally posted this a couple of years ago but could this IAC be the problem with our '01 XLT that hesitates and bucks when shifting? It seems like when it shifts out of overdrive is when the problem is occurring but it seems to be getting worse.

nvbanker · October 2007

The Mercury line purposely softens up the ride of their cars, as they appeal to the low end Country Club crowd, and to women generally, who prefer a little more luxury and a little less harshness in the ride. If the Mariner is too bouncy, try the Tribute or the Escape. Might be better.

arunm · October 2007

Have a vibration problem!!
Taken to Ford dealers and am told it is a 'characteristic' of the vehicle.
Initially had a vibration at idle which was taken care of with 2 replaced engine mounts after great difficulty with the dealer.
Now whenever the car is trying to go to the lower gear and is between 1200-1400 RPM the car has a grinding thru the steering annoying vibration. It goes away once the overdrive function kicks in. Comes back everytime in that REV range.
Has anyone else expreience such an issue?
Please someone HELP!
No more F O R D for me (even if this is a Mazda Tribute/Escape). Its the after sales which suck!

gheimur · December 2007

I have a 2001 Ford Escape that is used by other family members. This morning I
noticed after I started it that the Rear Defroster was still on. It also does not auto shut off after a short time of being off. The button must be manually pushed to shut it off so it does not come on after starting again. Is this normal? I have seen other posts with this problem. This morning I looked at the manual and it did say that it should not come on after restarting, however it does.

Also the light is out on the gear indicator, Anyone change the bulb or whatever it
needs to fix it. It looks like an LCD display as it also houses the odometer.

basimalb · January 2008

when i start my car it will give more sound & vibrate. some one pls help me how can i solve this , do you think from eng mount ?

stever · January 2008

Could be - if you have a bad motor mount and rev the engine, it can cause the car to shake and vibrate. Sometimes you can see excessive movement of the engine when someone gives the car a little gas. And you may notice more vibration in the steering wheel as well.

It wouldn't hurt to check the transmission mounts too as well as the exhaust system hangers (they can vibrate and rattle too).

basimalb · January 2008

I PURCHASED 2005 LIMITED FORD ESCAPE . AND I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH IT SINCE AT FIRST I FELT LIKE THERE WAS NO POWER AND IT WAS GOING TO STALL OUT & THERE IS SOME LOUD SOUND LIKE IT COLD BUTS ITS NOT

PLEASE I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF ANY ONE HAVE EXPERIENCED .

jweqaver50 · February 2008

Battery and lights OK. Truck will not turn over in park or neutral. Not even a clicking sound from the starter. Lights do not dim when key is engaged.

rapidrick · February 2008

Try another key--might have dropped it's code.

davc1985 · February 2008

1 General rule for all cars... Inspect all fuses and relays associated with the problem. key thing is a good idea... or bad solenoid/starter. :confuse:

spereira · February 2008

I just bought a 2004 Ford Escape and the steerling wheel vibrates when I am stopped at a red light. The dealer tells me it is an idle and a tune up will take care of it, but it only has 55,000 miles on it and really should not need a tune up til 100,000 miles. Some tell me it is also charastic of the vehicle. Not sure what it is or who to believe but it is annoying...

spereira · February 2008

I actually went in to a dealership by myself and laid it all down on the line. I told the salesman I was a single recent divorced mom. What I was looking for, how much I wanted to my car payments to be. I knew what the car should go for...I did my research before I went. I believe in the end I got a good deal and was not taken advantage of. I even got more for my car that it was worth even in retail. That was my first experience in buying a car by myself and I believe it actually went well.

rapidrick · March 2008

" just bought a 2004 Ford Escape and the steerling wheel vibrates when I am stopped at a red light. The dealer tells me it is an idle and a tune up will take care of it, but it only has 55,000 miles on it and really should not need a tune up til 100,000 miles. Some tell me it is also charastic of the vehicle. Not sure what it is or who to believe but it is annoying..."

Put it in neutral at the light. Keeps the tranny cooler over the long haul and will get rid of your vibrating wheel.

lost · March 2008

Do you know the history of this vehicle? It is very likely that something was ignored if it was a lease vehicle and the previous driver knew that they were going to turn it in after the lease expired. Human nature being what it is dictates this.
Did you test drive the vehicle or have it inspected before your purchase?

glen_05 · March 2008

My 2005 Escape XLT, with 45,600 miles, has been experiencing engine cut off''s
when at a corner or a stop, with no other notable signs of trouble. Yesterday
the dealer was able to determine that the torque converter was "toast". Car was
new when purchased as it was the last on the lot for that model year, with little
dealer miles.

ibigdaddyme · March 2008

Where in the car is this OBD2 connector located? I have looked all over the drivers side compartment and under the dash and so far I do not see it.

ccfupdate · June 2008

I too have a 2005 Ford Escape Limited which experiences the same problem of no power. It will slowly ramp up to full speed. Did you ever get an answer to what causes it?

emharris82 · September 2008

I also had this problem. I took it to a friend who owns a mechanic shop and he replaced my idle control valve. Now my 01 Escape runs like new!

Ford Escape

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