Ford Escape: Automatic Transmission / Manual Park Release - Gasoline. Automatic Transmission Audible Warnings

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.

Manual Park Release Precautions

WARNING: When doing this procedure, you need to take the transmission out of park (P) which means your vehicle can roll freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully apply the parking brake prior to doing this procedure. Use wheels chocks if appropriate.

WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the stoplamps are working.

Using Manual Park Release

Activating the Manual Park Release Cable

1. Apply the parking brake.

   Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, for example, no electrical power is available, you could use an external power source to apply the parking brake.

   

2. Locate the manual park release cable access cover on the lower instrument panel dash to the bottom left hand side of the steering column.
3. Using a tool, carefully open the access cover.

   Note: Do not pull the tether until you are in the driver seat.

4. Switch the ignition on, but do not start your vehicle.
5. Once in the driver seat, fully press the brake pedal and hold. Do not release. Pull the orange tether towards the driver seat until the tether gets locked in the override position. Then leave the tether.
6. If done correctly a message should display on the instrument cluster screen.

   Note: Your vehicle is now out of the park (P) position and is free to roll.

7. With your foot still fully applied on the brake pedal, disengage the parking brake.
8. Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) for emergency towing purposes.
9. Switch off the ignition.
10. Once safe to do so, and there is no risk that your vehicle will roll, disconnect the negative (black) battery cable from the battery.

    Note: If the vehicle detects wheel movement before the battery is disconnected, the electric parking brake could apply.

Returning Your Vehicle to Normal Mode

1. Once it is safe to do so, reconnect the negative (black) battery cable to the battery.
2. Apply the parking brake.

   Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, for example, no electrical power is available, you could use an external power source to apply the parking brake.

3. Fully apply the brake pedal and hold. Do not release. Pull the orange tether outward towards the driver seat to release it from the override position.
4. The cable will release and retract back to its original rest position.
5. Stow the manual park release cable tether back inside the instrument panel dash hole, install the access cover by pressing it back in position.
6. With your foot fully applied on the brake pedal, start your vehicle. Confirm that your vehicle is in the park (P) position and that the instrument cluster indicates park (P).
7. If the instrument cluster is not displaying the park (P) position or a message displays on the instrument cluster screen, make sure you apply the parking brake before exiting your vehicle. Contact an authorized dealer for service.

Automatic Transmission Audible Warnings

Transmission Not In Park (P) Audible Warning

Sounds if you open the driver door before shifting into park (P).