Ford Escape: Automatic Transmission / Grade Assist - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
What Is Grade Assist
Provides additional grade braking with a
combination of engine motoring and
high-voltage battery charging to help
maintain vehicle speed when descending
a grade.
Switching Grade Assist On and Off
Press the grade assist button to activate
grade assist. The grade assist lamp
appears in the instrument cluster. Press
the button again to switch it off.
Your vehicle determines the amount of
engine motoring and high-voltage battery
charging. You could notice the engine
speed increasing and decreasing to help
maintain your vehicle speed when
descending a slope.
Grade Assist Indicators

What Is Automatic Return to Park (P)
Your vehicle shifts into park (P) if you
attempt to exit your vehicle without the
transmission in park (P).
How Does Automatic Return to Park (P) Work
Your vehicle shifts into park (P) when your
vehicle is stationary and any of the
following occur:
You switch the vehicle off...
Manual Park Release - Gasoline
What Is Manual Park Release
Manual park release is used to move your
transmission from the park (P) position in
the event of an electrical malfunction or
emergency...
Other information:
Locating the Brake Fluid Reservoir
See Under Hood Overview.
Checking the Brake Fluid
WARNING: Do not use any fluid
other than the recommended brake fluid
as this will reduce brake efficiency. Use
of incorrect fluid could result in the loss
of vehicle control, serious personal injury
or death...
Checking the Wiper Blades
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of
the blade to check for roughness.
Replacing the Front Wiper Blades
Lift the wiper arm and then press the
wiper blade locking buttons together.Note: Do not hold the wiper blade to
lift the
wiper arm...