FORD 2009 Escape Hybrid v.2 - Manual (Page 10)

Frequently asked questions
Question Answer
What are the series of clicks
from the cargo area when I first
turn the key in the ignition? The high voltage battery is electrically
isolated from the rest of the vehicle
when the key is OFF. When the key is
turned ON, high voltage contactors
inside the battery are closed to make
the electricity available to the
motor/generator and enable the
vehicle to drive. The clicks are the
sound of these contactors as they
close and open during start up and
shut down.
Why does the engine always
start at key-on? Your engine is started at key-on
because the emission components
need to be warm in order to minimize
tailpipe emissions, and in cooler
climates for cabin heating and
windshield defrost performance.
After I start my car in the
morning, why does it take a
long time before the engine
shuts down? There are several reasons the engine
stays on for an extended amount of
time when it is first started. One
common reason is to ensure that the
emissions components are warm
enough to minimize tailpipe
emissions. As the climate gets cooler,
this “engine-ON” time is extended.
Why does my engine never shut
down above 40 mph (64 km/h)? The engine is required to turn on
above this speed to protect the
transaxle hardware.
Why does my engine stay ON
when it’s extremely cold
outside? In order to ensure that the climate
control system can begin heating the
cabin and/or defrosting the windshield
as soon as a driver requests it, the
engine coolant temperature has to be
kept sufficiently hot. Keeping the
engine on is required to maintain the
correct minimum temperature.
2009 Escape Hybrid (ehv)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)
Introduction
10