Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles, How your vehicle differs from other vehicles, Basic operating principles – FORD 2005 Escape v.5 User Manual
Page 203: If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, Driving
4WD system messages in Message Center (if equipped)
• SERVICE 4WD: Displayed when 4WD system requires service. Please
bring your vehicle to your local dealer for service.
• 4WD LOCKED TEMPORARILY: Displayed when 4WD system is
locked (i.e. permanent four wheel drive) due to heat protection mode.
• 4WD DISABLED TEMPORARILY: Displayed when 4WD system is
disengaged (i.e. two wheel drive) due to heat protection mode.
• 4WD AUTO RESTORED: Displayed when normal 4WD system
function is restored when heat protection mode is exited.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
• Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
• If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
2005 Escape (204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
203