2004 Ford Escape Owners Manual

not illuminate when the window lock control is in the LOCKED position.

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One touch down Allows the driver’s window to open fully without holding the control down. Press completely down on AUTO and release quickly. Press again to stop.

Window lock (if equipped) The window lock feature disables all the power windows except the driver’s. To lock out all the window controls except for the driver’s window press the right side of the control. NOTE: The window switches will not illuminate when the window control is in the LOCKED position. Press the left side to restore the window controls.

POWER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS The ignition must be in the ACC or ON position to adjust the power side view mirrors. To adjust your mirrors: 1. Rotate the control clockwise to adjust the right mirror and rotate the control counterclockwise to adjust the left mirror. 2. Move the control in the direction you wish to tilt the mirror. 3. Return to the center position to lock mirrors in place.

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Fold-away mirrors Pull the side mirrors in carefully when driving through a narrow space, like an automatic car wash.

(if equipped)

Heated outside mirrors Both mirrors are heated automatically to remove ice, mist and fog when the rear window defrost is activated. Do not remove ice from the mirrors with a scraper or attempt to readjust the mirror glass if it is frozen in place. These actions could cause damage to the glass and mirrors.

SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED) With speed control set, you can maintain a speed of 48 km/h (30 mph) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. Speed control does not work at speeds below 48 km/h (30 mph).

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery or unpaved.

Setting speed control The controls for using your speed control are located on the steering wheel for your convenience. 1. Press the ON control and release it. 2. Accelerate to the desired speed.

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ON

OFF

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3. Press the SET ACC control and release it. 4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. 5. The indicator instrument cluster will turn on.

light on the

RSM SET ACC

CST

steep hill.

Note: • Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a • If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you • If the vehicle speed decreases more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below

may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.

your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.

Resuming a set speed Press the RSM control and release it. This will automatically return the vehicle to the previously set speed. The RSM control will not work if the vehicle speed is not faster than 48 km/h (30 mph).

RSM SET ACC

CST

Increasing speed while using speed control There are two ways to set a higher speed: • Press and hold the SET ACC control until you get to the desired speed, then release the control. You can also use the SET ACC control to operate the Tap-Up function. Press and release this control to increase the vehicle set speed in small amounts by 1.6 km/h (1 mph).

• Use the accelerator pedal to get to the desired speed. When the

RSM SET ACC

CST

vehicle reaches that speed press and release the SET ACC control.

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Reducing speed while using speed control There are two ways to reduce a set speed: • Press and hold the CST control until you get to the desired speed, then release the control. You can also use the CST control to operate the Tap-Down function. Press and release this control to decrease the vehicle set speed in small amounts by 1.6 km/h (1 mph). • Depress the brake pedal until the desired vehicle speed is reached, press the SET ACC control.

RSM SET ACC

RSM SET ACC

CST

CST

Turning off speed control There are two ways to turn off the speed control: • Depress the brake pedal or the clutch pedal (if equipped). This will • Press the speed control OFF

not erase your vehicle’s previously set speed.

control.

Note: When you turn off the speed control or the ignition, your speed control set speed memory is erased.

ON

OFF

CENTER CONSOLE Your vehicle may be equipped with a variety of console features. These include: • Utility compartment • Cupholders

• Power point • Ashcup

Use only soft cups in the cupholder. Hard objects can injure you in a collision.

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Cell phone use The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However, drivers must not compromise their own or others’ safety when using such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications equipment to avoid negating these benefits. Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to cellular phones, pagers, portable email devices, in vehicle communications systems, telematics devices and portable two-way radios.

A driver’s first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle. The most important thing you can do to prevent a crash is to

avoid distractions and pay attention to the road. Wait until it is safe to operate Mobile Communications Equipment.

MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED) To operate the moon roof: • The moon roof is equipped with an automatic, one-touch, express opening feature. Press and release the rear portion of the control. To stop motion at any time during the one-touch opening, press the control a second time.

open the vent.

• To close, press and hold the front portion of the control. To operate the moon roof vent position: • To open, press and hold the front portion of the control. This will • To close, press and hold the rear portion of the control. If the battery is disconnected, discharged, or a new battery is installed, the moon roof needs to be opened to the vent position to reset the moon roof positions. If you open and close the moon roof repeatedly, the moon roof motor may overheat and shut down for 45 seconds while the motor cools.

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Do not let children play with the moon roof. They may seriously injure themselves.

LIFTGATE To open the rear window, pull the right side of the liftgate handle. To open the liftgate, pull the left side of the liftgate handle. • Do not open the liftgate or

liftgate glass in a garage or other enclosed area with a low ceiling. If the liftgate glass is raised and the liftgate is also opened, both liftgate and glass could be damaged against a low ceiling.

• Do not leave the liftgate or liftgate glass open while driving. Doing so could cause serious damage to the liftgate and its components as well as allowing carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.

Make sure that the liftgate door and/or window are closed to prevent exhaust fumes from being drawn into the vehicle. This

will also prevent passengers and cargo from falling out. If you must drive with the liftgate door or window open, keep the vents open so outside air comes into the vehicle.

CARGO SHADE (IF EQUIPPED) If your vehicle has a cargo shade, you can use it to cover items in the cargo area of your vehicle.

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To install the shade: • Insert the ends of the cargo

shade into the mounting features located behind the rear seat on the rear trim panels.

To operate the shade: 1. Grasp the pull tube at the rearward edge of the shade and pull rearward. 2. Secure both ends of the pull tube in the retention slots located on the rear trim panels.

Ensure that the posts are properly latched in mounting features. The cover may cause injury in a sudden stop or accident if it is

not securely installed.

Do not place any objects on the cargo area shade. They may obstruct your vision or strike occupants of vehicle in the case of

a sudden stop or collision.

LUGGAGE RACK Your vehicle may be equipped with a roof rack. The maximum load for the roof rack is 44 kg (100 lbs), evenly distributed on the crossbars. If it is not possible to evenly distribute the load, position it in the center or as far forward on the crossbars as possible. Always use the adjustable tie down loops to secure the load. Do not use the vehicle’s door handles as tie down loops.

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To adjust the cross-bar (if equipped) position: 1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar (both cross-bars are adjustable). 2. Slide the cross-bar to the desired location. 3. Tighten the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.

To remove the cross-bar assembly (if equipped) from the roof rack side rails: 1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar (both cross-bars are adjustable).

2. Slide the cross-bar to the end of the rail.

3. Use a long, flat object to depress the tongue in the endcaps on both sides of the cross-bar. 4. Slide the cross-bar assembly off the end of the rail.

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To reinstall the cross-bar assembly (if equipped) to the roof rack side rails: 1. Ensure that both cross-bar assemblies are installed with the F (front) arrow facing towards the front of the vehicle.

2. Use a long, flat object to depress the tongue in the endcaps on both sides of the cross-bar. 3. Slide the cross-bar assemblies over the end cap tongue and into the side rails.

4. Tighten thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.

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NO BOUNDARIES RACK SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional roof rack. This unique feature allows you to carry cargo on an inner roof rack as well as on the conventional roof rack. The maximum load for the conventional roof rack is 45 kg (100 lbs). The inner rack can also hold 45 kg (100
lbs) if in the down and locked position. Distribute the loads as evenly as possible on both the roof and inner rack, when extended or stowed. Always secure loads by using the tie down loops or rack accessories available from your local Ford Dealership. For example, a bike rack holder (PN: 2L8Z-7855100-AB) is now available to mount bikes on the vertical section of this rack. To extend the inner rack: 1. Rotate the handle on the lift bar of the inner rack in the direction of the arrows on the handle.

2. Lift the bar straight up (about two inches).

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3. Slide the inner rack rearward, with an initial pull to release the rack from its stowed position, until it has completely extended and stops.

4. Lower the inner rack by pivoting at the hinges of the rack. Do not pivot the inner rack downward until it has been completely extended. Failure to fully extend the inner rack could result in improper positioning of the rack and possible damage to your vehicle.

5. Insert the feet into the receivers on the bumper. Push the rack into the bumper until the feet click into place.

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6. Figure shows foot (A) clicked into place correctly.

Driver Controls

7. With the locking tab (B) exposed on the foot, this figure shows the rack is not installed correctly. Repeat steps 3 through 5 and secure the rack before loading cargo.

Do not drive the vehicle if the inner roof rack is extended and loaded with cargo but is not secured into the receivers. This can

cause dangerous driving conditions.

Do not attempt to move or store the inner rack when loaded. This can cause personal injury and damage to your vehicle that

may not be covered by warranty.

Do not use the inner rack as a ladder. This could result in

personal injury and damage to your roof rack.

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To stow the inner rack: 1. Rotate the handle on the lift bar of the inner rack in the direction of the arrows on the handle and pull the inner rack away from the bumper.

2. Lift the inner rack (pivoting at the hinges).

3. Continue lifting the inner rack until it is parallel with the roof. 4. Slide the rack forward onto the roof, pushing the rack into its final stowed position.

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5. Lift the feet over the side rails and lock them into place.

Driver Controls

6. Ensure both feet are locked and secured into place. To adjust the cross-bar assembly on the inner rack: 1. Loosen the screws on the cross-bar with a T-25 Torx driver. 2. Move the cross-bar to the desired location, keeping the cross-bar parallel with the upper bar. 3. Tighten the screws with the T-25
Torx driver. 4. Ensure that the cross-bar is tightened and secured into place before attempting to load cargo. Loading cargo: Only load cargo in the approved area (1) shown above. Do not load cargo outside of the designated area (2). Distribute the load as evenly as possible. Always use tie downs to secure the load.

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Always stow the inner rack on the roof when using an automated car wash. Do not attempt to open the liftgate or rear window when the rack is in the down position. This may damage the rack or your vehicle. To ensure proper sliding function of your rack, keep the rack clear of debris. If debris is visible inside the roof c-channels or side rails, spray the items clear with a water hose.

Do not load large or bulky items (i.e., plywood, mattresses) on the rear of the vehicle so that they extend above the roof line. In

addition to blocking your rear view, they can also cause dangerous driving situations and possibly cause damage to your vehicle. Use additional care when driving with reduced visibility.

Only load cargo in the designated area. Loading outside of the approved area could result in personal injury as well as vehicle

damage that may not be covered by warranty.

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a

lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sport cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increase risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

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Locks and Security

KEYS The key operates all locks on your vehicle. In case of loss, replacement keys are available from your dealer. You should always carry a second key with you in a safe place in case you require it in an emergency. Refer to SecuriLock娂 Passive Anti-Theft System for more information.

POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED) The power door lock controls are located on the driver and front passenger door panels. Pressing the doors. Pressing the the doors.

will unlock all the will lock all

Door key unlocking/locking Unlocking the doors 1. Turn the key in the door cylinder to unlock the driver’s door. Note: The interior lamps will illuminate, if the control on the overhead lamp is in the DOOR position, the flashers will flash twice, and the perimeter alarm system (if equipped) will deactivate. 2. Turn the key in the door cylinder again within three seconds to unlock the passenger doors, the liftgate and liftgate glass. This two step unlocking feature activates the illuminated entry feature. This feature turns on all the interior lamps for 30 seconds or until the ignition is turned to the 3 (RUN) position. If the dome lamp control (if equipped) is in the off position, the illuminated entry feature will not work. The inside lights will not turn off if: • they have been turned on using the dome lamp control or • any door is open. The battery saver feature will turn off the interior lamps 30 minutes after the ignition is turned to the 1 (LOCK) position.

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Locking the doors Turn the key in the door cylinder to lock all the doors. The park lamps will flash once and the perimeter alarm (if equipped) will start the arming process. For more information concerning the perimeter alarm, refer to Perimeter alarm system (if equipped) later in this chapter. If any of the doors or the hood are not properly closed the park lamps will not flash.

Childproof door locks • When these locks are set, the

rear doors cannot be opened from the inside.

• The rear doors can be opened

from the outside when the doors are unlocked.

The childproof locks are located on rear edge of each rear door and must be set separately for each door. Setting the lock for one door will not automatically set the lock for both doors. • Rotate lock control in the

direction of arrow to engage the lock.

• Rotate control in the opposite

direction to disengage childproof locks.

REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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The typical operating range for your remote entry transmitter is approximately 10 meters (33 feet). A decrease in operating range could be caused by: • weather conditions, • nearby radio towers, • structures around the vehicle, or • other vehicles parked next to your vehicle. The remote entry system allows you to lock or unlock all vehicle doors without a key. The remote feature will only operate when the ignition is in the 1 (LOCK) or 2 (ACC) position. If there is a problem with the remote entry system make sure to take ALL remote entry transmitters with you to the dealership, this will aid in troubleshooting the problem.

and release again within three seconds to unlock the

and release to unlock the driver’s door. Note: The interior

Unlocking the doors 1. Press lamps will illuminate, if the control on the overhead lamp is in the DOOR position, the flashers will flash twice, and the perimeter alarm system (if equipped) will deactivate. 2. Press passenger doors, the liftgate and liftgate glass. The remote entry system activates the illuminated entry feature. This feature turns on all the interior lamps for 30 seconds or until the ignition is turned to the 3 (RUN) position. If the dome lamp control (if equipped) is in the off position, the illuminated entry feature will not work. The inside lights will not turn off if: • they have been turned on using the dome lamp control or • any door is open. The battery saver feature will turn off the interior lamps 30 minutes after the ignition is turned to the 1 (LOCK) position.

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and release to lock all the doors. The park lamps will flash

Locking the doors 1. Press once and the perimeter alarm (if equipped) will start the arming process. For more information concerning the perimeter alarm, refer to Perimeter alarm system (if equipped) later in this chapter. 2. Press doors are closed and locked. Note: The doors will lock again and the horn will chirp once. If any of the doors or the hood are not properly closed the horn will not sound and the park lamps will not flash.

and release again within three seconds to confirm that all the

to activate the alarm. To deactivate the feature, press the

Sounding a panic alarm Press control again or wait for the alarm to time out in approximately 3
minutes. Note: The panic alarm will only operate when the ignition is in the 1
(LOCK) or 2 (ACC) position.

Replacing the battery The remote entry transmitter uses one coin type three-volt lithium battery CR2032 or equivalent. To replace the battery: 1. Twist a thin coin between the two halves of the remote entry transmitter near the key ring. DO NOT TAKE THE RUBBER COVER AND CIRCUIT BOARD OFF THE FRONT HOUSING OF THE REMOTE ENTRY TRANSMITTER.

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2. Do not wipe off any grease on the battery terminals on the back surface of the circuit board.

3. Remove the old battery. 4. Insert the new battery. Refer to the diagram inside the remote entry transmitter for the correct orientation of the battery. Press the battery down to ensure that the battery is fully seated in the battery housing cavity. 5. Snap the two halves back together. Note: Replacement of the battery will not cause the remote transmitter to become deprogrammed from your vehicle. The remote transmitter should operate normally after battery replacement.

Replacing lost remote entry transmitters If you would like to have your remote entry transmitter reprogrammed because you lost one, or would like to buy additional remote entry transmitters, you can either reprogram them yourself, or take all remote entry transmitters to your authorized dealer for reprogramming. How to reprogram your remote entry transmitters You must have all remote entry transmitters (maximum of four) available before beginning this procedure.

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To reprogram the remote entry transmitters:

1. Ensure the vehicle is electronically unlocked. 2. Put the key in the ignition. 3. Turn the key from the 1 (LOCK) position to 3 (RUN). 4. Cycle eight times rapidly (within 10 seconds) between the 1 (LOCK) position and 3 (RUN). Note: The eighth turn must end in the 3 (RUN) position. 5. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that the programming mode has been activated. 6. Within 20 seconds press any button on the remote entry transmitter. Note: If more than 20 seconds have passed you will need to start the procedure over again. 7. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that this remote entry transmitter has been programmed. 8. Repeat Step 6 to program each additional remote entry transmitter. 9. Turn the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position after you have finished programming all of the remote entry transmitters. 10. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that the programming mode has been exited.

Illuminated entry The interior lamps illuminate when the remote entry system is used to unlock the door(s). The illuminated entry system will turn off the interior lights if: • the ignition switch is turned to the 3 (RUN) position, or • the remote transmitter lock control is pressed, or • the doors are locked by key in the door cylinder, or 70

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• after 30 seconds of illumination. The dome lamp control (if equipped) must not be set to the off position for the illuminated entry system to operate. The inside lights will not turn off if: • they have been turned on with the dome lamp control, or • any door is open. The battery saver will shut off the interior lamps 30 minutes after the ignition has been turned to the 1 (LOCK) position.

SECURILOCK姟 PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM SecuriLock娂 passive anti-theft system is an engine immobilization system. This system is designed to prevent the engine from being started unless a coded key programmed to your vehicle is used. The use of the wrong type of coded key may lead to a “no-start” condition. Your vehicle comes with two coded keys; additional coded keys may be purchased from your dealer. The dealer can program your spare keys to your vehicle or you can program the keys yourself. Refer to Programming spare keys for instructions on how to program the coded key. Note: The SecuriLock娂 passive anti-theft system is not compatible with non-Ford aftermarket remote start systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting problems and a loss of security protection. Note: Large metallic objects, electronic devices that are used to purchase gasoline or similar items, or a second coded key on the same key chain may cause vehicle starting issues. You need to prevent these objects from touching the coded key while starting the engine. These objects will not cause damage to the coded key, but may cause a momentary issue if they are too close to the key when starting the engine. If a problem occurs, turn the ignition off, remove all objects on the key chain away from the coded key and restart the engine.

Theft indicator The theft indicator is located in the instrument cluster. • When the ignition is in the 1 (LOCK) position, the indicator will flash

once every 2 seconds to indicate the SecuriLock娂 system is functioning as a theft deterrent.

• When the ignition is in the 3 (RUN) position, the indicator will glow for 3 seconds, then turn off to indicate normal system functionality.

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If a problem occurs with the SecuriLock娂 system, the indicator will flash rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the ON position. If this occurs, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer for service.

Automatic arming The vehicle is armed immediately after switching the ignition to the 2
(ACC) position. The THEFT indicator will flash every two seconds when the vehicle is armed.

Automatic disarming Switching the ignition to the 3 (RUN) position with a coded key disarms the vehicle. • The THEFT indicator will illuminate for three seconds and then go • If the THEFT indicator stays on for an extended period of time or

out.

flashes rapidly, have the system serviced by your dealer.

Replacement keys If your keys are lost or stolen and you don’t have an extra coded key, you will need to have your vehicle towed to a dealership. The key codes need to be erased from your vehicle and new coded keys will need to be programmed. Replacing coded keys can be very costly. Store an extra programmed key away from the vehicle in a safe place to help prevent any inconveniences. Please visit an authorized dealer to purchase additional spare or replacement keys.

Programming spare keys You can program your own coded keys to your vehicle. Tips: • A maximum of eight keys can be coded to your vehicle. • Only use Securilock娂 keys. 72

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• You must have two previously programmed coded keys (keys that already operate your vehicle’s engine) and the new unprogrammed key(s) readily accessible.

• If two previously programmed coded keys are not available, you must

take your vehicle to your dealer to have the spare key(s) programmed.

Please read and understand the entire procedure before you begin. 1. Insert the first previously programmed coded key into the ignition.

2. Turn the ignition from the 1 (LOCK) position to the 3 (RUN) position. Keep the ignition in the 3 (RUN) position for at least three seconds, but no more than 10 seconds. 3. Turn the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position and remove the first coded key from the ignition. 4. Within ten seconds of turning the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position, insert the second previously coded key into the ignition. 5. Turn the ignition from the 1 (LOCK) position to the 3 (RUN) position. Keep the ignition in the 3 (RUN) position for at least three seconds, but no more than 10 seconds. 6. Turn the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position and remove the second previously programmed coded key from the ignition. 7. Within twenty seconds turning the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position and removing the previously programmed coded key, insert the new unprogrammed key (new key/valet key) into the ignition. 8. Turn the ignition from the 1 (LOCK) position to the 3 (RUN) position. Keep the ignition in the 3 (RUN) position for at least three seconds but not more than 10 seconds. 9. Remove the newly programmed coded key from the ignition. If the key has been successfully programmed it will start the vehicle’s engine and the theft indicator light will illuminate for three seconds and then go out.

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If the key was not successfully programmed, it will not start your vehicle’s engine and the theft indicator light will flash on and off, and you may repeat Steps 1 through 5. If failure repeats, bring your vehicle to your dealer to have the new key(s) programmed. To program additional new unprogrammed key(s), wait twenty seconds and then repeat this procedure from Step 1.

PERIMETER ALARM SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) The perimeter anti-theft system will warn you in the event of an unauthorized entry to your vehicle. If there is any potential perimeter anti-theft problem with your vehicle, ensure ALL remote entry transmitters are taken to the dealership to aid in troubleshooting.

Arming the system When armed, this system will respond if unauthorized entry is attempted. When unauthorized entry occurs, the system will flash the headlamps and parking lamps, and will sound the horn. The system is ready to arm whenever key is removed from the ignition. Either of the following actions will prearm the alarm system: • Press the • Lock the doors with the key in the key cylinder. • Open a door and press the power door lock control to lock all the

control on the remote entry transmitter.

doors, and then close the door.

NOTE: The hood, each door and the liftgate arm individually, and if any of them are open, they must be closed in order to be armed. When you lock the vehicle using any of the three methods above: • the park lamps will flash once to indicate the hood, each door and the • the park lamps will not flash if the hood, any door or the liftgate are open. Once all doors, hood and liftgate are closed, the park lamps will flash to confirm the alarm has been set.

liftgate are closed.

When you press the within three seconds, the horn will chirp once to confirm the doors, hood and liftgate are closed and locked and the alarm is set.

control on the remote entry transmitter twice

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Disarming the system When you disarm the system, the park lamps will flash twice to indicate the system has been disarmed. You can disarm the system by any of the following actions: • Unlock the doors by pressing the • Unlock the doors with a key. Turn the key full travel (toward the front

control on your remote entry

transmitter.

of the vehicle) to ensure the alarm disarms.

Triggering the anti-theft system The armed system will be triggered if any door, liftgate or the hood is opened without using the key or the remote entry transmitter.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

FRONT SEATS Notes:

Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal injuries in the

event of a collision.

Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to reduce the risk of injury in a collision or sudden stop.

Adjustable head restraints (if equipped) The purpose of these head restraints is to help limit head motion in the event of a rear collision. To properly adjust your head restraints, lift the head restraint so that it is located directly behind your head or as close to that position as possible. The head restraints can be moved up and down.

Push side control and push down on head restraint to lower it.

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Adjusting the front manual seat Lift handle to move seat forward or backward.

Pull lever up to adjust seatback.

Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped) The control is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion. Press to raise or lower the front portion of the seat cushion.

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Press to raise or lower the rear portion of the seat cushion.

Press the control to move the seat forward, backward, up or down.

Heated seats (if equipped) To operate the heated seats: • Push the control located on the • Push again to deactivate.

seat to activate.

The heated seats will activate when the ignition is in the RUN position. When activated, they will turn off automatically after 10 minutes or when the ignition is turned to the OFF position.

Rear seats

Head restraints The purpose of these head restraints is to help limit head motion in the event of a rear collision. To properly adjust your head restraints, lift the head restraint so that it is located directly behind your head or as close to that position as possible.

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The head restraints can be moved up and down. Lift the head restraint so that it is located directly or as close as possible behind your head.

Push control to lower or remove head restraint.

Reclining the second row seatback Locate the release strip located on the outboard side of the seat cushion bottom and lift gently to allow the seatback to be adjusted to the desired position.

Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal injuries in the

event of a collision.

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Folding down rear seats 1. Raise the rear seat head restraint and remove.

2. Place the head restraint under the front seat for storage.

3. Pull the seat release control.

NOTE: Make sure the floor is clear of all objects before folding the seat.

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4. Flip seat forward.

5. Pull the seatback release strap toward the front seat. Make sure the seat belt buckle heads are fully extended towards the front of the vehicle and are away from the seatback. NOTE: When the seatback release strap is pulled use your other hand to guide the seatback.

6. Rotate seatback down into load floor position.

Make sure seat belt buckle heads are not trapped

underneath the seatback and that the seat belt buckle heads are fully extended towards the front of the vehicle. Seat belt buckle heads may break if they are trapped underneath the seatback as the seatback is rotated down.

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Returning the rear seats to upright position 1. Pull seatback up and into upright position making sure seatback locks into place. While holding the seatback, pull the release and push seatback backward into the desired position.

2. Rotate seat cushion down into the seating position making sure that the seat cushion is locked into place and that the seat belt buckles are exposed.

3. Remove the head restraint stored under the front seat and return it to the original position on the seat back.

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To remove the rear cushion 1. Pull the Yellow tab 2. Pull the cushion to the outboard side of the vehicle.

To install the rear cushion 1. Push the cushion to the inboard side of the vehicle. 2. Make sure that the hinges are locked into place.

Folding down rear bench seats (if equipped) 1. Raise the rear seat head restraint and remove.

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2. Place the head restraint under the front seat for storage.

3. Pull the seat release control on each side of the seat to release the locks.

4. Flip the seat forward.

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5. Pull the seatback release strap toward the front seat. Make sure the seat belt buckle heads are fully extended towards the front of the vehicle and are away from the seatback. 6. Rotate seatback down into load floor position. NOTE:When the seatback release strap is pulled use your other hand to guide the seatback. Returning the rear seats to upright position 1. Pull seatback up and into upright position making sure seatback locks into place. While holding the seatback, pull the release and push seatback backward into the desired position. 2. Rotate seat cushion down into the seating position making sure that the seat cushion is locked into place and that the seat belt buckles are exposed.

3. Remove the head restraint stored under the front seat and return it to the original position on the seat back.

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Make sure that the seat is firmly locked into position and the seat belt buckles are exposed.

To remove the rear cushion 1. Pull the Yellow tab. 2. Pull the cushion so that the rods remove from the locking tabs.

To install the rear cushion 1. Push the cushion so that the rods fit into the locking tabs. 2. Make sure that the hinges are locked into place.

SAFETY RESTRAINTS

Safety restraints precautions

Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

To reduce the risk of injury, make sure children sit where they can be properly restrained.

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Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from

injury in a collision.

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag (SRS) is

provided.

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas

are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a safety belt.

Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one tongue that

are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing the safety belt around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person.

Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat and always properly use appropriate child restraints.

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check

seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them.

Energy Management Feature • This vehicle has a safety belt system with an energy management

feature at the front seating positions to help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on collision.

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Seating and Safety Restraints • The front outboard safety belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to extend the seat belt webbing in a controlled manner. This helps reduce the belt force acting on the user’s chest.

BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED if the safety belt assembly automatic locking retractor feature or

any other safety belt function is not operating properly when checked according to the procedures in Workshop Manual. Failure to replace the Belt and Retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

Combination lap and shoulder belts 1. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

2. To unfasten, push the release button and remove the tongue from the buckle.

The front outboard and rear outboard safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. The front outboard passenger and rear seat outboard safety belts have two types of locking modes described below: Vehicle sensitive mode This is the normal retractor mode, which allows free shoulder belt length adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle

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movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of approximately 8 km/h (5
mph) or more, the combination safety belts will lock to help reduce forward movement of the driver and passengers.

Automatic locking mode In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt. This mode should be used any time a child safety seat is installed in a passenger front or outboard rear seating position (if equipped). Children 12 years old and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible. Refer to Safety restraints for children or Safety seats for children later in this chapter. How to use the automatic locking mode • Buckle the combination lap and

shoulder belt.

• Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is pulled out.

• Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the automatic locking mode.

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How to disengage the automatic locking mode Disconnect the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the automatic locking mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.

After any vehicle collision, the safety belt systems at all outboard seating positions (except the driver position, which doesn’t have

this feature) must be checked by a qualified technician to verify that the automatic locking retractor feature for child seats is still functioning properly. In addition, all seat belts should be checked for proper function.

BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED if the seat belt assembly “automatic locking retractor” feature or any other seat belt function is not operating properly when checked according to the procedures in Workshop Manual. Failure to replace the Belt and Retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

Front safety belt height adjustment Adjust the height of the shoulder belt so the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. To adjust the shoulder belt height, push the button and slide the height adjuster up or down. Release the button and pull down on the height adjuster to make sure it is locked in place.

Position the safety belt height adjusters so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust the safety

belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision.

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Safety belt pretensioner Your vehicle is equipped with safety belt pretensioners at the driver and front passenger seating positions. The safety belt pretensioners are designed to activate during certain frontal or near-frontal collisions with sufficient longitudinal deceleration. A safety belt pretensioner is a device which tightens the webbing of the lap and shoulder belts in such a way that they fit more snugly against the body. The driver and front outboard passenger safety belt system (including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be replaced if the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in the activation of the safety belt pretensioners. Refer to the Safety belt maintenance section in this chapter.

Failure to replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of

a collision.

Lap belts

Adjusting the center lap belt The lap belt does not adjust automatically.

The lap belt should fit snugly and as low as possible around the hips, not across the waist.

Insert the tongue into the correct buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from). To lengthen the belt, turn the tongue at a right angle to the belt and pull across your lap until it reaches the buckle. To tighten the belt, pull the loose end of the belt through the tongue until it fits snugly across the hips.

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Shorten and fasten the belt when not in use.

Safety belt extension assembly If the safety belt is too short when fully extended, there is a 20 cm (8
inch) safety belt extension assembly that can be added (part number 611C22). This assembly can be obtained from your dealer at no cost. Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended.

Do not use extensions to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

Safety belt warning light and indicator chime The safety belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts. Conditions of operation If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position... The driver’s safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding...

Then... The safety belt warning light illuminates 1 minute and the warning chime sounds 6 seconds.

The safety belt warning light and warning chime turn off.

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Then... The safety belt warning light and indicator chime remain off.

If... The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position...

BeltMinder The BeltMinder feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides additional reminders to the driver that the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning lamp in the instrument cluster. If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled approximately 5
seconds after the safety belt warning light has turned off and vehicle speed exceeds 8km/h (3 mph)...

Then... The BeltMinder feature is activated - the safety belt warning light illuminates and the warning chime sounds for 6 seconds every 30
seconds, repeating for approximately 5 minutes or until safety belt is buckled. The BeltMinder feature will not activate.

The driver’s safety belt is buckled while the safety belt indicator light is illuminated and the safety belt warning chime is sounding... The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position...

The BeltMinder feature will not activate.

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The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts: (All statistics based on U.S. data) Reasons given... ⬙Crashes are rare events⬙

Consider... 36700 crashes occur every day. The more we drive, the more we are exposed to ⬙rare⬙ events, even for good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be seriously injured in a crash during our lifetime. 3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25
miles of home. Ford designs its safety belts to enhance comfort. If you are uncomfortable - try different positions for the safety belt upper anchorage and seatback which should be as upright as possible; this can improve comfort. Prime time for an accident. BeltMinder reminds us to take a few seconds to buckle up. Safety belts, when used properly, reduce risk of death to front seat occupants by 45% in cars, and by 60% in light trucks. Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in single-vehicle crashes, many when no other vehicles are around. Possibly, but a serious crash can do much more than wrinkle your clothes, particularly if you are unbelted.

⬙I’m not going far⬙

⬙Belts are uncomfortable⬙

⬙I was in a hurry⬙

⬙Seat belts don’t work⬙

⬙Traffic is light⬙

⬙Belts wrinkle my clothes⬙

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Reasons given... ⬙The people I’m with don’t wear belts⬙

⬙I have an air bag⬙

⬙I’d rather be thrown clear⬙

Seating and Safety Restraints

Consider... Set the example, teen deaths occur 4
times more often in vehicles with TWO or MORE people. Children and younger brothers/sisters imitate behavior they see. Air bags offer greater protection when used with safety belts. Frontal airbags are not designed to inflate in rear and side crashes or rollovers. Not a good idea. People who are ejected are 40 times more likely to DIE. Safety belts help prevent ejection, WE CAN’T ⬙PICK OUR CRASH⬙.

Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt to avoid the Belt Minder chime. Sitting on the safety belt will increase the risk of

injury in an accident. To disable (one-time) or deactivate the Belt Minder feature please follow the directions stated below.

One time disable Any time the safety belt is buckled and then unbuckled during an ignition ON cycle, the BeltMinder will be disabled for that ignition cycle only. Deactivating/activating the BeltMinder feature Read steps 1 - 9 thoroughly before proceeding with the deactivation/activation programming procedure. The BeltMinder feature can be deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure: Before following the procedure, make sure that: • the parking brake is set • the gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral • the ignition switch is in the OFF position • all vehicle doors are closed

position (manual transmission).

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Seating and Safety Restraints • the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled • the parklamps/headlamps are in OFF position (If vehicle is equipped

with Autolamps, this will not affect the procedure.)

To reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate the Belt Minder feature while driving the vehicle.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN (or ON) position. (DO NOT START THE ENGINE) 2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off. (Approximately 1–2
minutes) • Steps 3–5 must be completed within 60 seconds or the procedure will

have to be repeated.

3. Uncoil then retract the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt retracted. This can be done before or during BeltMinder warning activation. 4. Turn on the parklamps/headlamps, turn off the parklamps/headlamps. 5. Uncoil then retract the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt retracted. • After step 5 the safety belt warning light will be turned on for three

seconds.

6. Within seven seconds of the safety belt warning light turning off, uncoil then retract the safety belt. • This will disable BeltMinder if it is currently enabled, or enable

BeltMinder if it is currently disabled.

7. Confirmation of disabling BeltMinder is provided by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds. 8. Confirmation of enabling BeltMinder is provided by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds, followed by three seconds with the safety belt warning light off, then followed by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds again. 9. After receiving confirmation, the deactivation/activation procedure is complete.

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Safety belt maintenance Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, tears or cuts. Replace if necessary. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle assemblies, buckle support assemblies (slide bar-if equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), shoulder belt guide on seatback (if equipped), child safety seat LATCH and tether anchors, and attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford Motor Company recommends that all safety belt assemblies in use in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe

personal injuries in the event of a collision.

Refer to Interior in the Cleaning chapter.

AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)

765

RPM X 1000

ON

OFF

60

80

100 120

40

80

60

40

20

20
MPH

140

100

160

180
km/h 120

4x4

RSM SET ACC

CST

VOL - PUSH ON

SEEK

TUNE

AM FM

CD

BASS

TREB

FM1

ST

BAL

FADE

DISC

SCN

AUTO SET

EJ

COMP

CD

CD

SHUFFLE

4X4 AUTO ON

A/C

MAX A/C

AC

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Important SRS precautions The SRS is designed to work with the safety belt to help protect the driver and right front passenger from certain upper body injuries. Air bags DO NOT inflate slowly; there is a risk of injury from a deploying air bag.

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag (SRS) is

provided.

Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat and always properly use appropriate child restraints.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a minimum distance of at least 25 cm (10 inches)

between an occupant’s chest and the driver air bag module.

Never place your arm over the air bag module as a deploying air bag can result in serious arm fractures or other injuries.

To properly position yourself away from the air bag: • Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the • Recline the seat slightly one or two degrees from the upright position.

pedals comfortably.

Do not put anything on or over the air bag module. Placing objects on or over the air bag inflation area may cause those

objects to be propelled by the air bag into your face and torso causing serious injury.

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Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag supplemental restraint systems or its fuses. See your Ford or

Lincoln Mercury dealer.

Modifications to the front end of the vehicle, including frame, bumper, front end body structure, tow hooks and B-pillar

surrounding parts may affect the performance of the air bag sensors increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify the front end of the vehicle.

Additional equipment may affect the performance of the air bag sensors increasing the risk of injury. Please refer to the Body

Builders Layout Book for instructions about the appropriate installation of additional equipment.

Children and air bags Children must always be properly restrained. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Air bags can kill or injure a child in a child seat.

NEVER place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active air bag. If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back.

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How does the air bag supplemental restraint system work? The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains a longitudinal deceleration sufficient to cause the air bag sensors to close an electrical circuit that initiates air bag inflation. The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not sufficient enough to cause activation. Front air bags are designed to inflate in frontal and near-frontal collisions, not rollover, side-impact, or rear-impacts unless the collision causes sufficient longitudinal deceleration. The air bags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After air bag deployment, it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell the burnt propellant. This may consist of cornstarch, talcum powder or sodium compounds which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic. While the SRS is designed to help reduce serious injuries, contact with a deploying air bag may also cause abrasions, swelling or temporary hearing loss. Because air bags must inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is the risk of death or serious injuries such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of air bag deployment. It is extremely important that occupants be properly restrained as far away from the air bag module as possible while maintaining vehicle control. The SRS consists of: • driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and

air bags)

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• one or more impact and safing sensors • a readiness light and tone • a diagnostic module • and the electrical wiring which connects the components The RCM (restraints control module) monitors its own internal circuits and the supplemental air bag electrical system wiring (including the impact sensors, the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air bag back up power and the air bag ignitors).

Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

If the air bag has deployed, the air bag will not function again and must be replaced immediately. If the air bag is not

replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Determining if the system is operational The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to indicate the status of the system. Refer to Air bag readiness section in the Instrument cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the air bag is not required. A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following: • The readiness light will either • The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on.

flash or stay lit.

• A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

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Side air bag system (if equipped)

Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the air bag cover on the side of the seatbacks of the front seats or in front

seat areas that may come into contact with a deploying air bag. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.

Do not use accessory seat covers. The use of accessory seat covers may prevent the deployment of the side air bags and

increase the risk of injury in an accident.

Do not lean your head on the door. The side air bag could injure you as it deploys from the side of the seatback.

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag SRS, its fuses or the seat cover on a seat containing an air bag. See your

Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.

All occupants of the vehicle should always wear their safety belts even when an air bag SRS is provided.

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How does the side air bag system work? The side air bag system consists of the following: • An inflatable nylon bag (air bag) with a gas generator concealed behind the outboard bolster of the driver and front passenger seatbacks. • A special seat cover designed to allow airbag deployment. • The same warning light,

electronic control and diagnostic unit as used for the front air bags.

• The two side sensors are located

on the lower portion of the b-pillar.

Side air bags, in combination with seat belts, can help reduce the risk of severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision. The side air bags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the front seats. In certain lateral collisions, the air bag on the side affected by the collision will be inflated, even if the respective seat is not occupied. The air bag was designed to inflate between the door panel and occupant to further enhance the protection provided occupants in side impact collisions. The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains lateral deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit that initiates air bag inflation. The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Side air bags are designed to inflate in side-impact collisions, not roll-over, rear-impact, frontal or near-frontal collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral deceleration.

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Several air bag system components get hot after

inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

If the side air bag has deployed, the air bag will not function again. The side air bag system (including the seat) must

be inspected and serviced by a qualified technician in accordance with the vehicle service manual. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Determining if the system is operational The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Air bag readiness section in the Instrument cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the side air bag is not required. A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following: • The readiness light (same light as for front air bag system) will either • The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is • A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

flash or stay lit.

turned on.

periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners) See your local dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.

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SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety restraints for children. Also see Air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) in this chapter for special instructions about using air bags.

Important child restraint precautions You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S. and Canada. If small children (generally children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less) ride in your vehicle, you must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Many states require that children use approved booster seats until they are eight years old. Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of children in your vehicle. When possible, always place children under age 12 in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position.

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from

injury in a collision.

Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or child restraint you might use.

Children and safety belts If the child is the proper size, restrain the child in a safety seat. Children who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by your child safety seat manufacturer) should always wear safety belts. Follow all the important safety restraint and air bag precautions that apply to adult passengers in your vehicle. If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can be positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit.

Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets unattended in your vehicle.

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Child booster seats Children outgrow a typical convertible or toddler seat when they weigh 40 pounds and are around 4 years of age. Although the lap/shoulder belt will provide some protection, these children are still too small for lap/shoulder belts to fit properly, which could increase the risk of serious injury. To improve the fit of both the lap and shoulder belt on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford Motor Company recommends use of a belt-positioning booster. Booster seats position a child so that safety belts fit better. They lift the child up so that the lap belt rests low across the hips and the knees bend comfortably. Booster seats also make the shoulder belt fit better and more comfortably for growing children. When children should use booster seats Children need to use booster seats from the time they outgrow the toddler seat until they are big enough for the vehicle seat and lap/shoulder belt to fit properly. Generally this is when they weigh about 80 lbs (about 8 to 12 years old). Booster seats should be used until you can answer YES to ALL of these questions: • Can the child sit all the way back against the vehicle seat back with knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat without slouching?

• Does the lap belt rest low across the hips? • Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest? • Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

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Types of booster seats There are two types of belt-positioning booster seats: • Those that are backless.

If your backless booster seat has a removable shield, remove the shield and use the lap/shoulder belt. If a seating position has a low seat back and no head restraint, a backless booster seat may place your child’s head (top of ear level) above the top of the seat. In this case, move the backless booster to another seating position with a higher seat back and lap/shoulder belts.

• Those with a high back.

If, with a backless booster seat, you cannot find a seating position that adequately supports your child’s head, a high back booster seat would be a better choice.

Both can be used in any vehicle in a seating position equipped with lap/shoulder belts if your child is over 40 lbs. The shoulder belt should cross the chest, resting snugly on the center of the shoulder. The lap belt should rest low and snug across the hips, never up high across the stomach. If the booster seat slides on the vehicle seat, placing a rubberized mesh sold as shelf or carpet liner under the booster seat may improve this condition. The importance of shoulder belts Using a booster without a shoulder belt increases the risk of a child’s head hitting a hard surface in a collision. For this reason, you should never use a booster seat with a lap belt only. It is best to use a booster seat with lap/shoulder belts in the back seat- the safest place for children to ride.

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2004 Escape (204) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Seating and Safety Restraints

Follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer of the booster seat.

Never put the shoulder belt under a child’s arm or behind the back because it eliminates the protection for the upper part of

the body and may increase the risk of injury or death in a collision.

Never use pillows, books, or towels to boost a child. They can slide around and increase the likelihood of injury or death in a

collision.

SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN

Child and infant or child safety seats Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision. When installing a child safety seat: • Review and follow the information

presented in the Air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) section in this chapter. • Use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from).