Ford Escape: Auto-Start-Stop

What Is Auto-Start-Stop

The system helps reduce fuel consumption by stopping and restarting the engine when your vehicle has stopped. The engine restarts when you release the brake pedal.

In some situations, your vehicle could restart before you release the brake pedal, for example:

• To maintain interior comfort.
• To recharge the battery.

Auto-Start-Stop Precautions

WARNING: Apply the parking brake, shift into park (P), switch the ignition off and remove the key before you leave your vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.

WARNING: Apply the parking brake, shift into park (P), switch the ignition off and remove the key before you open the hood or have any service or repair work completed. If you do not switch the ignition off, the engine could restart at any time. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.

Switching Auto-Start-Stop On and Off

The system turns on when you switch the ignition on.

Press the button to switch the system off.

Note: OFF illuminates in the switch.

Note: Deactivating the system using the button lasts only one key cycle.

Press the button again to switch the system back on.

Note: The system turns off if it detects a malfunction. If the system malfunctions, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Stopping the Engine

Stop your vehicle, keep your foot on the brake pedal and the transmission in drive (D).

Note: Power assist steering turns off when the engine stops.

Restarting the Engine

Release the brake pedal or press the accelerator pedal.

A message appears in the information display if the system requires you to take action.

Auto-Start-Stop Indicators

WARNING: The system may require the engine to automatically restart when the auto-start-stop indicator illuminates green or flashes amber. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.

The Auto-Start-Stop indicator illuminates green when the engine stops. It flashes amber and a message appears when you need to take action.

The Auto-Start-Stop indicator illuminates gray with a strikethrough when the system is not available.

Note: You can display the reason why the system is not available in the information display.

Auto-Start-Stop – Troubleshooting

Auto-Start-Stop – Information Messages

A message appears in the information display if the system requires you to take action.

Auto-Start-Stop – Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the engine not always stop when I expect it to?

The system is designed to work in a way that complements other vehicle systems, allowing them to operate at optimum performance.

The system does not stop the engine if:

• The driver door is open.
• Your vehicle is at high altitude.
• The heated windshield is on.
• The engine is warming up.
• The outside temperature is too low or too high.
•  The battery charge is low.
• The battery temperature is outside the optimal operating range.
• The engine is required to run to maintain interior climate and reduce fogging.

Why does the engine sometimes restart when I do not expect it to?

The system is designed to work in a way that complements other vehicle systems, allowing them to operate at optimum performance.

The system restarts the engine if:

• You switch the heated windshield on.
• You switch maximum defrost on.
• Your vehicle starts to roll downhill in neutral.
• The engine is required to run to maintain adequate brake system assistance.
• The engine is required to run to maintain interior climate and reduce fogging.

Can I permanently switch the system off?

No. The system plays an important role in reducing the fuel consumption and the CO₂ emissions.

Will the frequent engine starts cause parts to wear out?

Your vehicle has an enhanced battery and starter motor that are designed for the increased number of engine starts.