Ford Escape: Starting and Stopping the Engine / Starting and Stopping the Engine – Troubleshooting

Starting and Stopping the Engine – Warning Lamps

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

If it illuminates when the engine is running, the on-board diagnostics system is detecting a malfunction of the vehicle emission control system.

If it flashes, engine misfire could be occurring. Increased exhaust gas temperatures could damage the catalytic converter or other vehicle components. Avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration, and have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Powertrain Warning Lamp

If it illuminates when the engine is running, this indicates a powertrain or four-wheel drive fault. If it flashes when you are driving, immediately reduce the vehicle speed. Avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration, and have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

If both lamps illuminate when the engine is running, stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Continuing to drive your vehicle could cause reduced power or the engine to stop. Switch the ignition off and attempt to restart the engine. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Starting and Stopping the Engine – Information Messages

Starting and Stopping the Engine – Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the engine idle speed high when I am starting the engine?

The speed at which the engine idles immediately after starting is optimized to minimize vehicle emissions and maximize cabin comfort and fuel economy.

Why does the engine not crank?

You can only attempt to start the engine for a limited amount of time before the starting system temporarily disables. If you exceed the starting time limit, a message may appear and you cannot attempt to start the engine for at least 15 minutes.

Why do I experience different driving characteristics?

If you disconnect the battery, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual driving characteristics for approximately 5 mi (8 km) after you reconnect it. This is because the engine management system must realign itself with the engine. You can disregard any unusual driving characteristics during this period.

Why can I not start the engine?

If you cannot start the engine after 3 attempts, wait 10 seconds and do the following:

Vehicles Without Push Button Start

1. Fully press the brake pedal.

   Note: Make sure that the parking brake is applied.

   Note: Make sure that the transmission is in park (P).

2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
3. Turn the key to position III and wait until the engine stops cranking.
4. Release the accelerator pedal.

   

5. Turn the key to position III.

Vehicles With Push Button Start

1. Fully press the brake pedal.

   Note: Make sure that the parking brake is applied.

   Note: Make sure that the transmission is in park (P).

2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
3. Press the push button ignition switch.

   Note: The engine cranks for a short period of time and then it stops.

4. Release the accelerator pedal.

   

5. Press the push button ignition switch.

Why does the system not detect a passive key?

If the system does not detect a passive key and you are unable to start the engine, insert the passive key into the backup position and press the push button ignition switch to start the engine.