Edmunds Answers questions

I have an 08 Ford Escape Hybrid. In cold weather it takes 10-15 min before the car goes into EV mode. Is this normal?

dstoltze — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:19:28 GMT

I live in Baltimore city. Lately I have noticed that it takes quite a while before my Escape Hybrid goes into EV mode when it is cold outside, even though I am doing city driving. By the time it goes all electric I am out of the city and onto the highways. Should it really take that long for the batteries to warm up. Friends that have Prius' and Camry hybrids tell me that there is no warm up time necessary for their vehicles.

2005 Ford Escape Hybrid -- tight steering and alignment problems

jdmom1 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:25:00 GMT

This car has too much negative camber on both sides and there is no further adjustment. The tight steering came about after routine service at the Ford dealer

I was getting 36 mpg and now getting 32 on my Ford Escape Hybrid. Anyone know why? 2006 and 90,000 miles.

mbogdaniec — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:26:03 GMT

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 90,000 miles 2 door.

I do not have the Navigation Pack. I am wondering if there is a way I can use XM radio using the steering wheel? Ford Escape Hybrid.

allanr1 — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:30:49 GMT

I have had my car for almost 6 months. I have 3 XM radios at home and like to listen to MLB. Since, MLB is only on XM, I was wondering if there was a way to use XM radio on my 2009 Escape Hybrid where all would be hidden and I could still use the sat control on the radio and the buttons on the steering wheel?

Cause of squeaking in rear lift gate of 08 Ford Escape hybrid?

charmander — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:10:16 GMT

Lately, when I'm driving on a road that is not perfectly smooth, my 08 Escape Hybrid has a very annoying squeaking coming from the back liftgate. I'm pretty sure that is where it is coming from, because when I opened the liftgate and drove a short distance with it open, the squeaking stopped.

Can a Ford Escape Hybrid be set up to run on natural gas?

ascjv — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:36:39 GMT

Can a Ford Escape Hybrid be setup to run on natural gas?

Should I buy a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid with 64K miles and 4x4? Any known problems? Looks maintained.

djasinsky — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:53:29 GMT

Used car in good shape body wise, first time buying a hybrid and want to be aware of any issues. Asking $16,000 thinking about offering $12,500/12,000.

Thanks,

optional wheels for a Ford Escape Hybrid

enginecrank — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:21:06 GMT

The Ford Escape Hybrid doesn't come with 17" wheels as an option. Ford's webpage says the 17's require the V6 engine. Is there any engineering reason I can't go ahead with 17" wheels instead of the OEM 16's? (wheel well depth, engine power, awful gas mileage?)

How do you reset the 10% oil life remaining after changing the oil and filter on a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid.

gheimur — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:46:32 GMT

The 10% oil life remaining light came on

08 Ford Escape Hybrid. Receiving an error message when I try to start the car (Light with a lock & a car).

escone — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:47:08 GMT

I unplugged the battery to rewire somethings. Everything wiring is fine. But the car wont start at all. The car is just giving me an error message. Please help.

How do I turn off my change oil message in my Ford Escape hybrid?

alicespivey — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:08:04 GMT

I had my oil changed on time but the change oil message won't go off.

Best rear leg room in small SUV (Ford Escape, Saturn Vue)?

jansch — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:04:49 GMT

Want to know what the best rear leg room is in a small SUV. We need a vehicle which can carry rear seat adults.

What are the maintenance costs on a Ford Escape Hybrid?

cervin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:41:51 GMT

What are the yearly costs on maintenance and repair for the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Ford Fusion Hybrid?

I am looking for a hybrid SUV and in live in snow country- NW PA. The Saturn Vue or the Ford Escape AWD?

brettswan — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:01:18 GMT

I drive about 19000 miles per year in NW PA. I am in sales, 70% city driving and 30% highway. Looking for a Hybrid SUV because I need to be able to haul boxes regularly but I still want good gas mileage.

Does the Toyota rear spoiler impact the mileage of the 2008 Camry hybrid.

rlairdjr — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:57:47 GMT

I recently purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The dealer through in the rear spoiler. It had to be ordered. I am getting 40+ mpg on the highway and averaging about 33m mpg in the city. Does the rear spoiler impact the miles per gallon on the car?

Anything to the mileage claims for hydrogen or HHO generators?

bob185 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:32:48 GMT

There are a lot of people on the internet claiming to have boosted mileage with an onboard hydrogen electrolyzer in their car or truck. Some people making such claims don't appear to be selling anything.

Is there anything to this or is it all a scam?

Any risks to car's engine?

Thank you

How do I change the brakes on a 2006 Ford Escape?

immike — Wed, 07 May 2008 00:47:13 GMT

can i get step by step instuctions so i can changr the brake pads myself

Are the steps on the 07 Ford Escape interchangable with the 08?

wrenchdave — Sat, 10 May 2008 20:49:42 GMT

I want to put 07 steps on an 08, but have heard both sides of they will fit and won't fit. Anyone know for sure?

Can a Ford Escape pull a travel trailer with a GVWR of 3100lbs?

afaccenda — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:52:02 GMT

i want to buy a mini travel trailer which has a dry weight of 2,100ibs, and a GVWR of 3100lbs, but i don't want to go for a large SUV to pull it. I've read on the Ford Towing ratings document that a ford escape will pull 3500lbs. i only intend to tow for a maximum of 10 weeks a year, but i will also need to use the vehicle to drive to and from work, which is 110km each way, so fuel efficiency is important. Larger SUVs like explorer, tahoe, etc have low fuel efficiency, and are too big for me to drive.
can you give me any advise.

Can the 2.5L Ford Escape tow a small 14-15' boat or a small trailer?

wmazi — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:42:48 GMT

Can the ford escape 2.5L engine tow a small 14-15" boat or a small trailer

What does a tow package consist of for a 2005 Ford Escape? Cost to install aftermarket?

lips1963 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:04:40 GMT

I have a 2005 escape xlt V6 all wheel drive and want to tow a pop up trailer and dont have tow package

I have a 2001 Ford Escape. I can't get to the starter bolts very good. What is the best way to change the starter?

jetsfsu — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:27:07 GMT

cant get to the starter bolts to remove starter.

How to adjust the Ford Escape parking brake

bluegoose62 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:52:02 GMT

After I set parking brake vehicle will drive off as if no tension were on cable. The pads/shoes are fine Esacpe is an 07 & out of warranty.

My 2004 Ford Escape has a grinding noise in right front wheel area when turning sharply. Does any one know what that?

dcreamer — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:16:51 GMT

right front wheel noise when turning sharply

I have an 02 Ford Escape that's making a clunking noise in front. Can be felt in steering wheel as well.

lmelly — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:34:09 GMT

I have an 02 Escape that's making a clunking noise in the front at turns, slowing, stopping etc. This can be felt in the steering wheel as well. Just 1.5 months back I had the lower control arms and sway bar links replaced. All was good for several weeks then this started again. It starts the noise after the car has been driven for about 10-15 minutes.

Does anyone know anywhere online that sells Ford Escape accessories at wholesale price? I've looked everywhere.

emmafifer — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:18:10 GMT

I need to find someone who sells Ford Escape accessories at wholesale. I've looked everywhere.

What tool, socket or allen wrench is needed to remove the front brake caliper from an 08 Ford Escape, fwd. 4 cylinder?

jerome320 — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:52:41 GMT

Also does the rotor come right off after caliper and carrier are removed or does it have screws in it, holding it on?

Need tire recommendation for Ford Escape 2002.

zepolphoto — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:49:15 GMT

Need tire recommendation for Ford Escape 2002

How do I replace the rear brake pad on my 2005 Ford Escape v6 4 wheel drive XLT?

chilliepalmer — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:36:33 GMT

I need to replace the rear brake pads on my 2005 Ford Escape XLT, v6, 4 wheel drive. Is the parking brake in the caliper or does it have brake shoes for that?

I kept my Ford Escape '02 idled for 7 months (park-hand braked). I started it but car won't run, maybe the brakes are locked up. Any help?

mencias — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:22:29 GMT

-Ford Escape(manual 4x4-02 model)
-kept engine started every week
-it was on park-hand-brake position(hung with wooden block)
-no changed oil for almost a year
-no gas stabilizer additives

Does anyone know about Toyota's VIN numbers in the car's paint and having to pay for this? What is this.

nyc3 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:45:51 GMT

Camry Hybrid Purchasing and Leasing

Will a Lexus SmartKey card work on a '09 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

cdn_tch — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:53:33 GMT

I'd like to get rid of the keyfob smrtkey off my key chain and use the credit card sized Lexus SmartKey card, but would like to know if it will work.

Thanks

Could my rear brakes on a Honda Civic Hybrid be worn out after only 14,800 miles? Dealer claims they have major wear.

macdellgate — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:34:32 GMT

I have 14,800 miles on the Civic Hybrid. Most of those miles are highway miles. Dealer claims rear brakes are of concern because they show significant wear. I do not ride the brake. I have never heard of brakes on any make of car being almost worn out with such low mileage. I have had no problems with the car, brakes or otherwise. I am very suspicious. I will probably get brakes checked by another dealer.

Does anyone know how you check the transmission & power steering fluids on a 07 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

pcos — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:12:07 GMT

This is my 1st hybrid and I normally do all possible maintenance myself (I usually get over 250K on a car before it's not worth keeping up.

There does not seem to be a resevoir for the PS fluid nor a dipstick for the CVT transmission.

Anybody out their know?

Thks
pcos

Fuel ratings for Saturn Vue Hybrid?

toolenalong — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:54:32 GMT

Want to compare the mileage between the 2006, 2007, and 2008 4 cyl and the Hybrid Saturn Vue

I want to tow my 06 Highlander Hybrid with all 4 wheels down. You can with the Vue and Explorer. why not the Toyota?

144 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:37:45 GMT

I have been told that the vue & explorer use the old toyota technology whats up

I want to tow my 06 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with all 4 wheels down.

144 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:50:43 GMT

Toyota states that the highlander hybrid cannot be towed with all wheels down. I have the 2wd version so luckily I can use a tow dolly,but what a pain compared to using a tow bar. I understand that the ford explorer as well as the saturn vue use toyotas old hybrid technology;in fact I've been told that their systems are in fact toyotas products. Ford as well as saturn approve of their hybrids being towed with all wheels down. Do I dare attempt to tow my hybid in such a manner? Could toyota just be trying to avoid consumer dissatification in case of possible failures or is it truly a different system than the other two? Thank-You Very Much

Strong gas odor coming from my Toyota Camry Hybrid.

sarag — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:01:22 GMT

I bought my 2009 TCH 6 months ago. It has been a great car so far, until last Saturday. After another refueling in the morning I parked the car in my garage and went out for the day. I came home around 7 at night, went into the garage and could not breathe. The garage smelled like a gas chamber. I found out that the smell of raw gasoline was coming from the Toyota’s gas cap. I turned the cap on and off several times thinking that the problem will go away. But, no, the smell did not go away. I took the car to a dealer, they found nothing wrong either with the car or the gas cap. However the smell is still there. I do not know what to do. Please HELP!

Concerned about hybrid battery in my Nissan Altima Hybrid.

johnwu — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:13:22 GMT

If I have not driven my hybrid for about a year and have only periodically started it, will my hybrid's battery be affected or the life span be reduced?

Is the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, automatic car, flat towable?

lynda4 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:38:28 GMT

Is the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, automatic car flat towable?

Ford Escape AWD - how does it work?

bogusman — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:05:52 GMT

How does the AWD in a 2007 Ford Escape XLT works? The salesman said that it didn't use brakes the way some older systems did but couldn't explain how it worked. I've looked on the net and really can't find an explanation of the type of AWD being used in an Escape, can anyone help out?

Which aftermarket navigation system should I get?

glenwatkins — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:04:18 GMT

I bought a new Ford Escape and wanted to get a portable nav system to use in any of the three cars we own. Any recommendations on which navigation systems to look at?

how do you change a front wheel bearing on a 2005 Ford Escape?

angela0774 — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 10:03:56 GMT

I changed the cv joint last night. but that did not fix the problem I have. Is there anything special I should know on changing the Wheel bearing I have not done one on a front wheel drive car before? Thanks for you help

How do I remove a stuck CD from a 6 disc changer auto CD/Radio player Ford Escape SUV. 2003?

3796 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:06:02 GMT

How do I remove a stucked CD from a 6 disc changer auto CD/Radio player...Ford Escape 2003 S.U.V.??

Where is the OBD-II connector on a 2002 Ford Escape?

ibigdaddyme — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:29:44 GMT

I have looked around the drivers side compartment under the dash and all and I can't find it any where.

Ford Escape Transmission Selector Locked In Park?

danderfluff — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:31:24 GMT

I have a 2002 Escape automatic w/V6. Yesterday while driving the trans went into neutral. The selector was still in drive. Indicator showed 'N'. Put the selector to 'P'. Trans still in neutral, indicator in 'N' and selector will not move out of park.

Check fuses in conventional location. All are good.

2002 Ford Escape idle start problem on hot days

fsteele — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:07:02 GMT

my four cylinder escape seems to have no idle speed control when starting after previous use on a hot day. It runs fine but i have to control the idle speed with the foot feed during this problem. after a longer cool down period all is well. There are no check engine light problems.
any help would be appreciated

I have a Ford Escape, automatic, all the gears work fine except drive. Drive wants to pull but mainly just revs up.

jeremy18 — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:41:04 GMT

Until today its been just fine. its a 2001 6 cylinder 4x4.

2004 Ford Escape with a horrible vibration in the passenger side dash.

monk3 — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:40:22 GMT

My 04 Escape has developed a vibrating/rattling noise inside the dash, on the passenger side. It started sporatically and is now constant. Nothing appears lose. The dealer said that they would have to take the dash apart to find the cause. Any ideas as to cause/cure?

Warped rear differential in Ford Escape?

bluescape02 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:45:53 GMT

My '02 Ford escape has a leak in the rear differential, and my mechanic told me I'll have to replace the entire differential because Ford used aluminum differentials in the Escape, and they warp, so a new seal wouldn't "seal." Anybody know if that's accurate and, if so, whether Ford has done -- or will do -- anything about it?