2021 FORD Escape Engine Oil and Fluids Owner’s Manual
For optimum performance, the 2021 Ford Escape needs particular engine fluids and oil. Engine performance, longevity, and overall vehicle dependability all depend on using the right kind, viscosity, and fluid levels of oil. Maintenance must be done regularly.
2023 Ford Escape Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Video: 2021 FORD Escape Engine Oil and Fluids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_KWpjDzlgY
FORD ENGINE OIL Guide
Engine Oil Dipstick Overview
- Minimum.
- Maximum.
Checking the Engine Oil Level
- Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
- Check the oil level before starting the engine, or switch the engine off after warming up and wait 10 minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
- Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Reinstall the dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
- Remove the dipstick again to check the oil level.Note
If the oil level is between the maximum and minimum marks, the oil level is acceptable. Do not add oil. - If the oil level is at the minimum mark, immediately add oil.
- Reinstall the dipstick. Make sure it is fully seated.
Note
The oil consumption of new engines reaches its normal level after approximately 3,000 mi (5,000 km).
Adding Engine Oil
WARNING
Do not remove the filler cap when the engine is running.
WARNING
Do not add engine oil when the engine is hot. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives because they are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that the vehicle warranty may not cover.
- Clean the area surrounding the engine oil filler cap before you remove it.
- Remove the engine oil filler cap.
- Add engine oil that meets our specifications. See Capacities and Specifications (page 396).
- Reinstall the engine oil filler cap. Turn it clockwise until you feel a strong resistance.
Note
Do not add oil further than the maximum mark. Oil levels above the maximum mark may cause engine damage.
Note
Immediately soak up any oil spillage with an absorbent cloth.
Resetting the Engine Oil Change Reminder
Use the information display controls on the steering wheel to reset the oil change reminder.
From the main menu scroll to:
| Message | Action and description |
| Settings | Press the right arrow button, then from this menu scroll to the following message. |
| Conveni- ence | Press the right arrow button, then from this menu scroll to the following message. |
| Oil Life Reset | Press the right arrow button, then from this menu scroll to the following message. |
| Hold OK to Reset | Press and hold the OK button until the instrument cluster displays the following message. Reset Successful |
| When the oil change reminder resets the instrument cluster displays 100%. Remaining Life {00}% | |
| If the instrument cluster displays one of the following messages, repeat the process. Not Reset Reset Cancelled |
Engine Oil Capacity and Specification
For filling information, please refer to the Capacities and Specifications section of your owner’s manual. See Engine Oil Capacity and Specification (page 396).
CHECKING THE COOLANT
When the engine is cold, check the concentration and level of the coolant at the intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance information. See Scheduled Maintenance (page 487).
Note
Make sure that the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum marks on the coolant reservoir.
Note
Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the MAX mark. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant immediately. Maintain coolant concentration within 48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze point between -29°F (-34°C) and -35°F (-37°C). Coolant concentration should be checked using a refractometer. We do not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test strips for measuring coolant concentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING
Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap when the engine is on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10 minutes for the cooling system to cool down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap with a thick cloth to prevent the possibility of scalding and slowly remove the cap. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING
Do not add engine coolant when the engine is on or the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING
Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark.
WARNING
Do not put coolant in the windshield washer reservoir. If sprayed on the windshield, coolant could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
Note
Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling system sealants, or non-specified additives as they can cause damage to the engine cooling or heating systems. Resulting component damage may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable. It is very important to use prediluted coolant approved to the correct specification in order to avoid plugging the small passageways in the engine cooling system. Do not mix different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or using an incorrect coolant may harm the engine or cooling system components and could void the vehicle Warranty.
Note
If prediluted coolant is not available, use the approved concentrated coolant diluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. Using water that has not been deionized may contribute to deposit formation, corrosion and plugging of the small cooling system passageways. To top up the coolant level do the following:
- Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
- Add enough prediluted coolant to reach the correct level.
Note
We do not recommend the use of recycled coolant. - Replace the coolant reservoir cap. Turn the cap clockwise until it contacts the hard stop.
- Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the next few times you drive your vehicle. If necessary, repeat step 2.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) of engine coolant per month, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage. In case of emergency, you can add a large amount of water without engine coolant in order to reach a vehicle service location. Service your vehicle as soon as possible. Water alone, without engine coolant, can cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing. Do not use the following as a coolant substitute, as they can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing:
- Alcohol.
- Methanol.
- Brine.
- Any coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the coolant.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates, you may need to increase the coolant concentration above 50%.
Note
A coolant concentration of 60%provides improved freeze point protection. Coolant concentrations above 60%decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the coolant and could cause engine damage. If you drive in extremely hot climates, you may need to decrease the coolant concentration to 40%.
Note
Coolant concentrations below 40%decrease the freeze and corrosion protection characteristics of the coolant and could cause engine damage.
Coolant Change
Change the coolant at specific mileage intervals. Refer to the scheduled maintenance information. See Normal Scheduled Maintenance (page 490).
Note
Appropriately dispose of used coolant. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily drive your vehicle before any incremental component damage occurs. The fail-safe distance depends on ambient temperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
A warning lamp illuminates and a message may appear in the information display.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine automatically switches to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine. When this occurs, your vehicle still operates, however:
- Engine power is limited.
- The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the engine temperature, causing the engine to completely shut down. Your steering and braking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you can re-start the engine. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible to minimize engine damage.
LOCATING THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
See Under Hood Overview (page 335).
2023 Ford Escape Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
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.
WARNING
Only use brake fluid from a sealed container. Contamination with dirt, water, petroleum products or other materials may result in brake system damage or failure. Failure to adhere to this warning could result in the loss of vehicle control, serious personal injury or death.
WARNING
Do not allow the fluid to touch your skin or eyes. If this happens, rinse the affected areas immediately with plenty of water and contact your physician.
WARNING
The brake system could be affected if the brake fluid level is below the MIN mark or above the MAX mark on the brake fluid reservoir.
- Park your vehicle on a level surface.
- Look at the brake fluid reservoir to see where the brake fluid level is relative to the MIN and the MAX marks on the reservoir.
Note
To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoir cap must remain in place and fully tight, unless you are adding fluid. Only use fluid that meets our specifications. See Capacities and Specifications (page 407).
BRAKE FLUID SPECIFICATION
See Brake Fluid Specification (page 407).
Useful Links:
2021 FORD Escape Fuel and Refueling User Guide
2021 FORD Escape Specifications User Guide
2023 Ford Escape Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Video: 2021 FORD Escape Engine Oil and Fluids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_KWpjDzlgY