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2013 Ford Escape

663 messages,  Last post on Jun 18, 2013 at 2:32 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Escape, Car Buying, Car Comparisons, SUV

Messages Page 57 of 67

#559 of 663 trailer towing by dan5678

Feb 10, 2013 (7:17 pm)

Don't see a specific recommendation in the owners' manual .... suppose I could ask the dealer, but where's the fun in that?
 
vehicle is 2013 2.0L AWD + factory tow package.
 
I read thru the "~towing selector~" document on ford.com and both it and the owners' manual mention "tow/haul" positions on automatic transmissions. Wonder why they decided to put that verbiage in these documents if the Escapes' transmission doesnt actually include it.
 
That being said, any opinions as to what's the best position to put the shifter into while towing? I'm jumping the gun a bit, don't actually have a trailer at the moment, but will eventually need to figure this out.
 
Still in the <1000mi break-in period, so no towing yet, but I've already noticed improved driving response in the hilly areas hereabouts with the trans in 'S'. The towing chapter from the owners' manual mentions "...provides enging braking and helps eliminate excessive transmission shifting..." and the transmission chapter says the "S" position "... provides additional grade(engine) braking and ....enhance performance for uphill climbs...". Those statements would tend to point me toward sticking the transmission in 'S' for towing. Opinions? Facts?

#560 of 663 Re: trailer towing [dan5678] by automelon48

Feb 10, 2013 (9:50 pm)

Replying to: dan5678 (Feb 10, 2013 7:17 pm)
I will give you my opinion based on experience with other vehicles and general knowledge. I too have an 2.0 but FWD with tow package. I have not towed with it yet, but will be in a few months. I have a 5x8 enclosed trailer which weighs about 1800 lbs loaded.
In the past, with a 4.0L engine and 6 speed auto, I would leave tranny in Drive while accellerating, and then I would shift over to manual once in 5th gear (on hwy). I would never allow tranny in 6th gear while towing.
 
In the Escape, I think S mode would work well. If S mode allows the tranny to shift into 6th, then I would use the manual mode to keep it in 5th on the highway. While under any amount of load, I think the RPM's should be kept OVER 2000 RPM's (at least). (maybe 2500 RPM) With the amount of torque these engines put out, it still has pulling power way down low in the RPM range, but that is hard on the engine internals and the tranny. It is equivalent to "lugging" then engine, which ANY manufacturer will tell you to avoid.
 
My first try will likely be in S mode, just to see how it works. Bottom line is to keep your RPM's up and your engine and transmission will thank you.
Climbing hills with a reasonably heavy trailer, then maybe 3000 to 3500 RPM?
Hard to tell, until I try.
My $0.02
 
By the way, the manual does say to ask your dealer for a "towing guide."

#561 of 663 Radio by escape13

Feb 11, 2013 (9:55 pm)

I am moving to Europe and heard stories about the radio being incompatible with the frequencies there. Does anyone know if the radio in the titanium will work in europe?

#562 of 663 Re: Radio [escape13] by robr2

Feb 12, 2013 (5:53 am)

Replying to: escape13 (Feb 11, 2013 9:55 pm)
IIRC, Europe separates the FM frequencies by 100 kHz so stations can end in a positive decimal ie 104.2. Unless a radio can tune those positive frequencies, then the reception will be poor. The radio in your Escape probably cannot be tuned to the positive ending frequencies.

#563 of 663 Re: Radio [robr2] by escape13

Feb 13, 2013 (9:52 pm)

Replying to: robr2 (Feb 12, 2013 5:53 am)
By doing some research on the web, I know it is possible in some cars to change the computer settings to european settings. I will check with the dealer whether this is possible. Does anyone know model number of the sony radio? The information in the booklets is very limited.

#564 of 663 How to Drop the HeadLiner in a 2013 Escape by coldnfrosty

Feb 17, 2013 (11:24 am)

I accidentally snapped off the antenna on the roof of the 2013 Escape while backing into a garage packing space - yeah - ugh! I ordered a new base and antenna (part #18813 and 18936). As the antenna bent forward it pushed the front of the base down and made an ever so slight depression just forward of the base - yeah - ugh! I think it will rebound with a little thumb pressure from underneath. However, I am curious if anyone knows how to drop the rear portion of the head liner so that I can access the connectors to the base? Many thanks.

#565 of 663 Re: How to Drop the HeadLiner in a 2013 Escape [coldnfrosty] by tim156

Feb 17, 2013 (4:20 pm)

Replying to: coldnfrosty (Feb 17, 2013 11:24 am)
Bummer. I'm just spitballin' here, but isn't the headliner attached to the insulation with adhesive and the insulation is somehow attached to the roof? I ask about the adhesive and insulation because folks on the Focus forum were posting that the glue was seeping through the headliner material. My guess is that you have to remove the plastic trim pieces in the cargo area and very carefully try to separate the headliner from the insulation as far back as needed. Apply a modest amount (so it doesn't seep through) of spray adhesive and try to reattach the headliner. The plastic trim is probably attached with push pins and pull straight out. I believe there are tools for removing interior trim, but you may have to replace the fastening pins if they are ribbed and tapered.
 
The only time I smoke and the only time I smoke in the car is when I travel on my blue highway road trips. Last year, I had a cig in my hand, was trying to orientate a map and I brushed the cig against the headliner. It melted the fabric instantly and left three small burn marks and a slight stain I can't get out. I looked into replacing the headliner and if I'm looking at the correct part on fordparts.com, it's $645.00 for the fabric headliner alone. I looked online for repair kits and nothing seemed right to me. I'm going to take it to an upholsterer this summer to see if anything can be done to fix it up.

#566 of 663 Re: How to Drop the HeadLiner in a 2013 Escape [tim156] by coldnfrosty

Feb 19, 2013 (9:05 am)

Replying to: tim156 (Feb 17, 2013 4:20 pm)
When the dealer told me $200+ just for labor, I decided to take a closer look at the headliner. There are two trim pieces on either side in the rear that appear to hold the edges of the headliner. The rear edge is held in place by the rubber gasket at the top of the left gate. Slipping my hand in there I felt no glue and the headliner and insulation appear to be one piece. So, I'm optimistic that I'll be able to do it myself.

#567 of 663 Re: How to Drop the HeadLiner in a 2013 Escape [coldnfrosty] by tim156

Feb 19, 2013 (3:44 pm)

Replying to: coldnfrosty (Feb 19, 2013 9:05 am)
Sounds like over $800 to swap the headliner, ouch. I wonder if you can pull the trim to the rear doors and that will give you enough space to get your hands and tools in there to change out the antenna and pop the dent. Good luck.

#568 of 663 Re: How to Drop the HeadLiner in a 2013 Escape [coldnfrosty] by explorerx4

Feb 19, 2013 (7:41 pm)

Replying to: coldnfrosty (Feb 17, 2013 11:24 am)
How does the base attach? Maybe you can remove it and push the indent up.

Messages Page 57 of 67

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