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Ford Escape 4x4 Help

23 messages,  Last post on May 19, 2013 at 1:57 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Escape, SUV

    

Messages Page 1 of 3

#1 of 23 4x4 help by twoplankr22

Dec 21, 2007 (1:15 pm)

4 wheel doesn't seem to be engaging when it should....got stuck in a few inches of snow. it's an 05 xlt with the 6. the 4x4 light on the dash didn't come on until i was finally out of the snow...took much forward and back.

#2 of 23 Re: 4x4 help [twoplankr22] by qanut

Dec 30, 2007 (10:15 pm)

Replying to: twoplankr22 (Dec 21, 2007 1:15 pm)
Bought my wife a '05 Escape Limited 6 4x4 three months ago. After two snow/ice storms she complained to me about the 4x4 not seeming to engage. The manual states with the ' intellegent 4x4 ' the dash light should not come on unless there is a problem, overheating. I am taking to the dealer Jan 2nd. Will update on the result. My other vehicles.. two wranglers, suburban and Ford P/U are all true 4x4's.

#3 of 23 Re: 4x4 help [twoplankr22] by qanut

Jan 07, 2008 (7:57 pm)

Replying to: twoplankr22 (Dec 21, 2007 1:15 pm)
2nd reply. Had made an appointment as stated in my prior post, dropped off the Escape after hours, did not hear from the dealer the next day or the next. Turns out they were closed by thier lender. Got the Escape back and took it to another Ford dealer. Anyway the dealer told me the 4 x 4 was operating correctly. Said it takes a little while ( ? ) to engage and the vehicle must be moving. I was corrrect about the dash light, only displays when there is a problem, mainly overheating.
Have to wait for the next snow and then I will ride along with the better half.

#4 of 23 Re: 4x4 help [qanut] by kdb01

Jun 10, 2008 (3:44 pm)

Replying to: qanut (Jan 07, 2008 7:57 pm)
I live in Quebec and i've got an escape xlt 2006, the 4*4 is absolute toy grade, i've lost control and/or got stuck multiple times in snowstorms and icy road and even got stuck driving on the beach when the 4*4 engaged too late to help (i've had an Explorer for years and never got stuck before) Using factory suplied tires also, i've since upgraded to yokohama tires and that did help for winter driving, but 4*4 still engages way too slow and late. IMHO.

#5 of 23 Re: 4x4 help [twoplankr22] by vg33e power

Oct 30, 2008 (3:22 pm)

Replying to: twoplankr22 (Dec 21, 2007 1:15 pm)
FYI, on 2005 and newer model year Escapes the "4x4" system changed to what Ford calls an Intelligent 4WD system which turns out to be a less aggresive typical 4x4 system. This 4WD mode will only engage when it senses slippage from the front tires (a la Honda CR-V style), hence, moving forward and reverse did not give the system enought slippage to recognize it need it to engage, thus, engaging momentarily and disengaging right away and overheating the system turning on the 4x4 light on the dash. 2004 and earlier Escapes (like my wifes 2004 Limited 4x4) actually has an active 4WD system that will go on when sensing slippage just like the 2005 and newer models, but, it also has a rotary switch on the dash where we can select the 4x4 and lock the system to be on at all times, making 2004 and older Escapes a bit more off-road capable IMO. Hope this info helps you or anyone that doesn't know.

#6 of 23 Emission and throttle by moosemofo

Nov 01, 2008 (9:48 am)

Hello
 
New here and need help. I have a 01 Escape and it is up for the annual smog check. I drove it down to the station and he said he could not pass it. He said that there were issues with the accelerator. He could not get it to go up in small increments. He said he did not know what is wrong with it. This vehicle has been a pain in the arse. It has 82k on it. I replaced the tranny at 65k, brake master, power booster, front rotors twice, and rear shocks twice. The transmission is starting to slip again. It was on a 12k 1 year warranty. I have a crap manual that does not give the details I need. I could use suggestions or a rout of trouble shooting, say from pedal to ? I have always tried to maintain my vehicles. This one is the last Ford I will every buy.
Thanks for any and all help
 
Moose

#7 of 23 Re: Emission and throttle [moosemofo] by vg33e power

Nov 03, 2008 (9:41 am)

Replying to: moosemofo (Nov 01, 2008 9:48 am)
moosemofo,
 
I don't know if this will help you, but my wife's 2004 Escape Limited 4WD V6 Auto had a recall performed back on February 2005 under Recall# 04S25 in which the Accelerator Cable was replaced because of sticking, sort of like what you described. The part# the installed was 5L8Z-9A758-AA

#8 of 23 Re: Emission and throttle [vg33e power] by moosemofo

Nov 03, 2008 (11:52 am)

Replying to: vg33e power (Nov 03, 2008 9:41 am)
Thanks for the reply. I also notice that when the A/C or heater is on, it tends to run rough and acts like it is hitting some dead spot. Even in park at idle. It is more noticeable when driving. I will check the recall notice. Thanks again.
 
Moose

#9 of 23 new here, and to escape 4wd by abide01

Dec 12, 2008 (5:26 am)

just what are the offroad capabilities of the I4WD. i know i will not be able to go mud bogging, but how rough of terrain can it handle?

#10 of 23 Re: new here, and to escape 4wd [abide01] by vg33e power

Dec 12, 2008 (8:43 am)

Replying to: abide01 (Dec 12, 2008 5:26 am)
I cant speak from experience because it is my wife's vehicle and she does not let me take it off roading as she knows how crazy I can get, although I have wondered how capable it is since we bought it in 2004. However, if I am not mistaken somewhere in this forum someone that works for a Department of Forestry posted that the department opted for a fleet of Escapes in lieu of Libertys I believe??? So that must say that they are at least adequate out in trails. I have used the 4WD out in the mountains when snowing and it worked awesome and felt very sure footed.

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