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Ford Escape

3071 messages,  Last post on Aug 16, 2012 at 4:59 PM

You are in the Ford Escape Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Escape, SUV




Messages Page 292 of 308

#2905 of 3071 Re: escape v6 xlt 2005 [vrdr9] by vg33e power

Nov 28, 2008 (9:09 am)

Replying to: vrdr9 (Nov 26, 2008 11:35 pm)
Usually a 4x4 light comes on under two circumstances. 1. the 4WD system is on and engaged (working) or 2. malfunctioning or overheated.
 
I see that your Escape is a 2005 which is the first year Ford changed over to their "smart 4WD system" which essentially turns on by itself whenever it senses loss of traction on the front wheels.
 
This is actually the only reason (and the great rebate as well) I opted to buy a 2004 model rather than an 2005. We bought our Escape in Sept. 2004, so they were only 4 2004 Escapes left in the lot, 2 of which were Limited 4WD and out of the two only one was the color we wanted- Dark Shadow Gray/Black (call it luck).
 
2001-2004 Escape have the so-called "smart 4WD system" (although back then Ford did not call it that, who knows why since it works the same way as 2005 and up) as well, however, in addition to that it also has a rotary knob on the dash where you can select 4x4 and lock it on constantly. I loved that feature rather than not having the option to do so on the 2005 and up Escapes.
 
I would have the system checked, unless it only goes on when your driving over slippery roads (black ice, water, etc.) then if thats the case it should be normal and its letting you know that the 4x4 is engaging. If you still have warranty, it would not hurt to get it looked at. Good luck, let us know what you find out.

#2906 of 3071 Re: escape v6 xlt 2005 [vg33e power] by twoplankr22

Nov 28, 2008 (10:44 am)

Replying to: vg33e power (Nov 28, 2008 9:09 am)
in 2005-2008 models the 4x4 light on the dash only comes on if there is a problem with it (overheated usually). there is no way to manually lock it in 4 wheel, and no notification light to tell when it's engaged. this is a MAJOR design flaw, and i wouldn't have purchased this vehicle if i had known this. You should get it checked out asap.

#2907 of 3071 Re: escape v6 xlt 2005 [twoplankr22] by vg33e power

Nov 28, 2008 (11:29 am)

Replying to: twoplankr22 (Nov 28, 2008 10:44 am)
...there you go vrdr9. Light operation clarified. So you should definately get your 4WD system checked out.
 
twoplankr22, sorry about your misfortune, like I mentioned earlier, that was the only reason I chose to buy the 2004 model rather then the 2005. IMHO, if your going to get 4x4 vehicle, then you should also have full control of when to turn it on. I dont want to rely "only" on sensors and electronics to determine when I should have 4WD on or not.

#2908 of 3071 05 escape awd by vrdr9

Nov 30, 2008 (7:18 pm)

thanks. i appreciate everyones input.

#2909 of 3071 Ford Escape = Poor Quality by betsyh1

Dec 05, 2008 (2:08 pm)

I have a 2003 2WD Escape with 30,000 miles. I just replaced my automatic transmission for $4200. Note that this car was never driven in adverse conditions, on-road only, no towing, etc. Complained to Ford and the response was, 'sorry, out of warranty'. So, since apparently Ford is ok with transmissions failing at 30K miles, I will buy from a more reliable manufacturer next time. Ford buyers beware!

#2910 of 3071 2005 Ford Escape XLT auto lock feature by temahi

Dec 19, 2008 (4:42 pm)

I hope someone out there can help me! For over 3 1/2 yrs. I have had the lock feature that auto locks when I reach about 5 miles an hour. It just stopped operating, and has been to 2 dealerships, put on the diagnostic computer, and now I am being told I NEVER had these locks! The email I got from Ford claims that feature was not on vehicles between 2001-2005. How could I have had it and now do not? Ford says to refer to page 78 of owners manual which is the luggage rack page?! I followed the instructions on page 86 for reactivation of the locks but to no avail. So did 3 of the service mechanics. All the salesmen at my dealership agreed that I have this feature. It is a HUGE puzzle to all of them, as well as to me and everyone that has driven in and driven my car. I LOVE this feature and miss it...will anyone be able to help me? Please!!

#2911 of 3071 Re: 2005 Ford Escape XLT auto lock feature [temahi] by explorerx4

Dec 19, 2008 (8:38 pm)

Replying to: temahi (Dec 19, 2008 4:42 pm)
i have never heard of an escape having this feature, but maybe it does exist.
try escape.central.

#2912 of 3071 Escape auto locks by gheimur

Dec 20, 2008 (11:54 am)

our 2001 Ford Escape XLT loaded did not have this feature. Check the manual
of your 2005

#2913 of 3071 Re: Escape auto locks [gheimur] by temahi

Dec 20, 2008 (12:58 pm)

Replying to: gheimur (Dec 20, 2008 11:54 am)
Thank you for answering. I have never done this before, but I am desperate. I have checked the owner's manual and have had this feature for 3 1/2 yrs. since I bought the car.

#2914 of 3071 Re: Escape auto locks [temahi] by vg33e power

Dec 22, 2008 (8:53 am)

Replying to: temahi (Dec 20, 2008 12:58 pm)
...really??? WOW, ours is a 2004 Limited 4WD with all the bells and whistles and it has never had that feature. Maybe it's part of an aftermarket alarm system you have???
 
I know that higher end Ford vehicles have this feature, but Escapes as nice as they are, are still an entry level small SUV. Nevertheless, mine has never had it...although it would be nice if it did.
 
Let us know what you find out.

Messages Page 292 of 308

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