Hook686

In June my 2009 Escape Hybrid began experiencing ABS light display after the initial startup, and when attempting to drive home, the parking break light came on. I called the dealer. A tow truck was sent(do not drive if ABS and parking brake light both on). I got a loaner car (SUV from Enterprise) and the part was ordered and installed. This took a couple-three days. A week, or two after picking up my Escape the ABS light again stayed on after startup. Only this time no parking break light was showing (means it is safe to drive the car, just slow down). However the Advanced Trac light did stay on also, so I drove to the dealer and once again got a loaner SUV and the part was ordered. Again a couple-three days later I picked up my Escape. A week, or so later the ABS and Advac Trac lights again stayed on. The dealer was really wondering about what I was doing with the SUV. I was asked about the trailer hitch and when I put it on. It was dealer installed when I bought the Escape. Anyway we repeated the scenario of getting a loaner and having the part ordered and installed. only this time it went a little different. The Service Adviser called and said the Escape was ready to pick up. I got there and he said the ABS and Advance Trac lights came on when the Escape was being brought up front. It went back into servic shop for further diagnosis. I got another loaner. A couple days later I got a call from the Service Adviserisor. The battery case was cracked and battery acid had been leaking onto a wiring harness causing all the problems. The parts were ordered and I had another loaner for a week. I finally got my Escape back. The whole scenario ran about three months before the problem was finally resolved. The Pluses: - I drove Chevy, Dodge, Honda, and Hyundai SUVs. I am happy I bought the Ford Escape. - I had one Service Advisor from start to finish and he gets A++ for his work getting this resolved. - This whole scenario did not cost me one penny. The Ford warranty and dealer effort is A++ .. can't be beat. The negatives: - I was without my vehicle for about 15 days, though I did have loaners. - I do not know what the acid really did, or exactly where it leaked. - I spent at least 12 hours in a dealership's waiting room. Bottom line: The Ford warranty was A++, Service Adviserinvolvement was Excellent, the repairs were finally completed (estimate was about $3,000). I had no problems with having to pay for the loaner vehicle, or any of the repairs. I would buy a Ford Escape again, without a blink of the eye.

I have the 2009 Escape Hybrid. Spring and fall I can pretty well count on a tank average of 32-33 mpg. Summer and Winter I can pretty much count on a tank average of 29 mpg. I suspect the 2012 will be very much similar. This is pretty much 50% city-50% freeway. I live in Central California. The travel is pretty level. My current tank is running about 34 mpg I noted today. For 2012 I think I read that Ford is substituting the Kuga for the Escape, so I do not think there will be any 'next generation Escapes'. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Kuga

Thanks for the reply Gary. I had the ScangaugeII located on the dash, against the windshield, in the left center air vent outlet. I had it there for two years and had no problems. I suspect the dealers technician cannot observe the cell phone disconnect scenario and needs an explaination for my problem. Blaming a non-Ford aftermarket attachment might just be the ticket. I don't know, but I will go along with the dealer's technician and reluctently stop using the scangaugeII. A bummer, as I found it a very useful tool. However I sure would hate the dealer to void my warranty because they decided the ScangaugeII caused problems with the Escape Hybrid.

I installed the ScangaugeII in my 2009 Escape hybrid back in September 2008. I connected my Nokia N75 vis bluetooth and everything worked fine for two years. In September 2010 I began experiencing 'Phone disconnected' messages from SYNC. The dealer attributed this to the cell phone, or the AT&T network ... anything except the Escape. I bought a new cell phone (Samsung Captivate) and new AT&T contract. The problem of 'Phone disconnected' continued. The dealership said it probably was a bad Samsung phone, or AT&T network problem. I went to AT&T and was graciously provided a new SIM card and new replacement Samsung Captivate phone. The disconnects continued. This was random and might happen one minute, or one week after the previous one. Even though I recorded one of these disconnections happening, the Ford dealer technician could not get this to happen for him. He kept referring to it as a phone problem, the SYNC system was working fine. I was referred to syncmyride.com technicians. Syncmyride technicians put me through three months of 'Jumping through the hoops' before one technician finally told me it sounded like a problem with the SYNC system. Another technician emailed me asking if I'd like to continue trouble shooting my SYNC system. I went into the dealership and told them it was not my job to trouble shoot the SYNC system and I'd like it fixed. The dealer technician ordered and replaced the SYNC module and wrote it up as the SYNC system working perfectly after the installation. One problem ... the new module has the Vehicle Health Report(VHR)/911 Assist feature built in and it would not do a VHR. I went back and the dealer SYNC technician indicated the ScangaugeII was probably causing interfearence and was behind the disconnections and failure to submit a VHR. The advice was to keep the ScangaugeII disconnected. Hmmmm I thought this ScangaugeII was developed with the help of Ford technicians. Was I wrong in assuming this ? Has anyone else had a problem with the Vehicle Health Report, cell phone Bluetooth disconnects, or any other unusual occurance while using the ScangaugeII ? The older SYNC module required a software upgrade by the dealer. It did not work when done to my Escape Hybrid. The new module did not help either, until the ScangaugeII was removed.

My dad always told me, "Life is tough, and then you die." I am surprised anyone expects warranty to apply after it has expired. I've never even thought such would apply. When I purchased my 2009 FEH Limited, I also bought the extended warranty, just because the 2009 was a new makeover of the FEH pretty much. Thus far I've averaged 32.5 mpg driving about 50% city, 50% highway. City driving I pretty much keep it in EV mode. On the highway I usually drive 60-65 mph. Summer with A/C in Economy Mode, Winter with defrost and heater used. I've had no problems with any aspect of the vehicle and have it serviced by the dealer on a regular basis. I expect gasoline to continue to rise in price. I figure China is going to be demanding a lot more of the oil the U.S. currently uses not too long from now. When gasoline hit $4.00 per gallon before the big meltdown, I saw predictions of $10 a gallon in a couple years. Well the big meltdown delayed that prediction, but I figure it will happen. I drove a 2.3 liter in a 1991 Ford Tempo and it was a loud, noisey slow to accelerate dog, and something always seemed to need servicing. The electric motors in the FEH seem to give the little Escape Hybrid the zip of a six cylinder with the fuel ecomony of a four cylinder. I must say to get best fuel economy required me to adjust my driving habits somewhat, but when I need a little pep to merge with freeway traffic, it is there. After one full year, I am still very happy I chose the 2009 FEH. The only thing the 2010 that attracts me is the 45 mph in EV mode Vs the 40 mph with the 2009. Good luck with your choice.

Problem solved ... thanks GaryG. I still have not got a solution from the vendor ... The responses I have received thus far seem to be focusing on a loose connection. Your solution was quick and painless. You da man.

GaryG you are good. That was the situation. I reset those parameters and I will find out if the display stays on for more than 10 seconds on my next trip out and about.

I pickedup up my 2009 Escape Hybrid September 12, 2008. I got the ScanGauge II that week and connected it using GaryG data. I found it a great tool for monitoring the fuel economy of the FEH. One might say I got addicted to monitoring the readouts. In June the SOC stopped showing a value. It was displayed in the lower right quadrant. I modified the data parameter shown in each quadrant and got the four parameters I watch (State of Charge, Water Temp., MPH and MPG) to display continuously. Everything seemed just fine until August, when the display would just go dark. A press of the 'Home' button and the display would once again show itself. Unfortunately this only lasts about ten seconds before going dark again. When the display is lit, it seems to function correctly, but only for ten seconds. One odd thing is one the first start of the day it works normally for about 3 minutes, the goes into the 'ten seconds and shut off' sequence. I am finding this quite frustrating. I am wondering if anyone, especially GaryG, has ever noticed this problem. If so, what might be the cause and a solution ? I have tried restoring the factory defaults and contacting the ScanGauge vendor. Any ideas ?

Gary I have gotten ICE shut-off at 40 mph a handful of times, but never over 40 mph. Are you saying you can get ICE shut-off over 40 mph ? If so, how high a mph can that be achieved ? I've gotten the 40 mph situation by tapping the brakes at roughly 40 mph. The ICE shuts off and I remains off until a change in motion is required (hill, stop sign ...). I have not noticed what the SoC was at these times, and I will be watching that now. Thanks for the information.

There sure seem to be a lot of whiners on this site.

I ordered a 2009 FEH last July (about the 10th). I picked it up at the dealership on September 12th. As I recall the plant was shut down those last two weeks of July last year, so I figure roughly 6 weeks from order to delivery, which is what the salesman told me (6-8 weeks). Good luck. I think it worth the wait.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=185050,00.html http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=172857,00.html

I recall GaryG indicating that when the FEH is warming up and in ICE mode, that was the time (usually first drive in the morning in colder climates) to drive in L mode, as in that mode, in addition to regeneratic=ve breaking, the battery is charged at a greater rate.

Wheeeee ! I suggest you follow Ford's guidance for the 1st 500 miles.

Gary I tend to agree with: akirby who wrote: I consider myself a 'Quasi-hypermiler' in that I do not do things I consider dangerous for me, such as drafting, turning off the engine, checking the ScanGauge II too closely, or often, or even worrying about tire pressure, or vehicle loading. I do really appreciate your information simply because I have caught myself using the P&G, the speed control operation and the ScanGauge II in order to improve my mileage at times. The ScanGauge II is really a solid device for monitoring fuel economy, and I thank you for your input on that.

I suspect the 'Tank mpg' reference has to do with the ScanGauge II (SG II). The mpg display I find only on the SG II is: Tank, Today, Current, & Previous Day. The NAV system display seems to display the mpg from the last reset point. It seems to me it can be used as any one of the 4 that the SG II displays, but not all 4 at anyone time. That is the way I have been viewing it. If any of the knowledgable folks here can clearify this, please do.

Bummer about your difficulty. I understand the Escape Hybrid is not typically sold for under MSRP, and usually sold over MSRP. This might not be fair, but it is a very fine vehicle and gets very good gas mileage. I am very happy with mine after a month of driving it, which included a couple of trips to the mountains and to the seacoast. I think Ford built a real winner with this FEH. I agree with the above ... if you are that upset, cut your line and seek a different dealer. I am constantly amazed at the frustration and effort folks go through in battling to get a $30,000 vehicle.

Do you have the current settings, after 5 tanks of gas, that you are using ? You indicated the Scan Gauge, as well as the NAV 2, was reading high.

I took my FEHL on a trip from Central California up to South Lake Tahoe, California. The drive up hill, a change in elevation of about 7300 feet, at a speed mostly of 55 mph, using cruise control, no A/C resulted in 31 mpg average. Driving around South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding region, all week, I pretty much kept my speed below 40 mph, used A/C, or heating/defrost, econ mode and found I averaged 37 mpg. In econ mode it seemed that when the compressor shut off so did the ICE. When using heat, or defrost I noticed that below 40 mph the rpm was about 1100 and the Scan Gauge II indicated 9999 mpg. Coming down the hill back to the valley I got about 68 mpg, no A/C, though used cruise control. Average for entire trip was indicated as 46 mpg. I really like this FEHL.

Yup. This all strikes me as pretty pretentious.

My 2009 FEHL has those 'patches' as shown in your picture mmdlcab. I have not got a clue what they might be.

hmmmm I do not blame you and the CT may be correct that fighting the dealer is within your right. None of this changes my opinion of your behavior in this matter ... I still think you behaved as a BH.

I setup the Scan Gauge II as GaryG suggested. In driving around town/residential I got 38.4, 43.1 and 40.6 on three different trips. All were within 20 miles and on two lane roads with top speed limit of 45 mph. Being two lane roads, no one seems to want to pull a gun and shoot me, for driving below the posted speed limit ... they simply go around me. What I discovered was that if I set the cruise control and +set up to 40 mph I will be in the ICE. If then hold speed for a second, then press the -set and drop to 37-39 mph the ICE shuts off and I am in EV mode. As long as the road is fairly level, the EV mode holds. If the FEHL goes up a grade the ICE cuts in to hold the set speed, then on the down grade side the ICE cuts out and the set speed is maintained, still in EV mode. I found this really simplified things for me and the drivers around me did not seem to be irritated with this slow driver (How can anyone in California not drive at least 65, even on surface streets ?). This FEHL is really a joy. 40'ish mpg, where I was getting 16-18 with the Taurus. I am really pleased. You folks waiting for your hybrid will be delighted I'm thinking. I also followed GaryG's suggestion and added SOC (State of Charge) for the big battery. So far it has held (one day) to a range of 44.0 - 45.9 %. I wonder why this is so low ... or at least seems low to me.

:shades: Nah they would not lie any more than you would lie. If you are going to pull less than 1000 #, why would you want a class III hitch ? One thing I wonder is whether or not the cargo liner might result in increased heat retention in the hybrid battery pack. Would this condition result in premature failure in the battery pack ? As I understand it, this is a $10,000 battery pack.

Re: towing: The 2009 FEH has no Ford option for a hitch, nor is there sheet metal cutout present for such. Any hitch will be after market from my view. The Owner's Manual pages I looked at indicate a 1000 pound trailer load. My dealer will install a class 1 hitch, but I doubt a class 2, or 3. Other aftermarket goodies will be along I'm sure.