Ford Escape Warning Messages
These are the Ford Escape warning messages / error messages that may illuminate on the information display when a fault occurs. When a warning message is available, the information symbol illuminates 
in either amber or red. Use the up and down arrows on the steering wheel to access information messages. Along with the information symbol, other warning lights may illuminate. See Ford Escape dashboard warning lights for the full list.
The red information message symbol indicates a serious malfunction or problem that requires immediate attention.
The amber information message symbol indicates general information is available or that a minor fault has been detected.
| Message | Action |
|---|---|
| Ford Escape Airbag | |
| Airbag fault Service now | Warning message displays when the system requires service due to a malfunction. Arrange to have the airbags serviced by your Ford dealer. |
| Ford Escape Alarm | |
| Alarm Activated Check Vehicle | Warning message displays when the alarm has been triggered due to unauthorized entry. It will be triggered if any door, the luggage compartment or the hood is opened without using the key, remote control or keyless entry keypad. |
| Alarm fault Service required | Warning message displays when the system requires service due to a malfunction. Arrange to have the alarm serviced by your Ford dealer. |
| Ford Escape Automatic Engine Shutdown | |
| Engine Shut Off For Fuel Economy | This information message displays when the engine has shut off to help increase fuel economy. |
| Engine Shuts Off in (seconds displayed) Seconds Press Ok to Override | This information message displays when the engine is getting ready to shut off. You can press OK on the left steering wheel button to override the shut down. |
| Ford Escape Auto Start-Stop | |
| Auto Start Stop Switch ignition off | Switch the ignition off before leaving your vehicle if the Auto Start Stop system has shut down the engine. |
| Auto Start Stop malfunction Service required | The Ford Escape Start Stop system has a fault. Have system serviced by your Ford dealer. |
| Auto Start Stop Press a Pedal to Start Engine | The engine needs to be restarted. Press the clutch pedal to start. |
| Auto Start Stop Manual Restart Required | The system is not functioning. Manually restart the vehicle. |
| Ford Escape Battery and Charging System | |
| Electrical System Over-voltage Stop Safely | An electrical fault has been detected. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and switch off the ignition. Contact your Ford dealer. |
| Battery Low | Warning message displays to warn of a low battery condition. Immediately turn off all unneeded electrical accessories to help conserve battery charge. This condition may be due to vehicle not being used for some time and the battery charge is low. Leaving the battery to charge overnight may benefit. Alternatively, it could be a fault. Have battery and charging system checked at your local Ford workshop. |
| Ford Escape Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert System | |
| Blindspot Low visibility | Warning message displayed when the blind spot information system and cross traffic alert system sensors are blocked. Sensors are located on the rear corners of the bumper. Ensure they are clear from mud, snow, stickers etc. |
| BLIS: X sensor fault Service required | Warning message displayed when a fault with the system has occurred. Have system serviced by your Ford dealer. |
| Blindspot Not Available Trailer Attached | System is not available due to trailer use. |
| Cross Traffic Vehicle coming from X | Warning message displayed when the system detects a vehicle, for example, reversing out from a parking space. |
| Cross Traffic Sensor blocked | Warning message displayed when the blind spot information system and cross traffic alert system sensors are blocked. Sensors are located on the rear corners of the bumper. Ensure they are clear from mud, snow, stickers etc. |
| Cross Traffic fault Service required | Warning message displays when the system requires service due to a malfunction. Have system serviced by your Ford dealer. |
| Cross traffic disabled Trailer attached | System is not available due to trailer use. |
| Ford Escape Collision Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | |
| Front radar sensor blocked | The front radar sensor is blocked due to bad weather, ice, mud or water in front of the radar sensor. The sensor is located on the front grille of the vehicle. Cleaning the sensor will resolve the issue. |
| Adaptive Cruise Not Available | A condition exists that means the system cannot function properly. This may be due to: • A blocked sensor. • High brake temperature. • A failure in the system or a related system. • Bad weather such as heavy rain, snow etc. |
| Collision Warning Fault Service Required | A fault with the system has occurred. Have system serviced by your local Ford dealer. |
| Collision Warning Not Available | A condition exists that means the system cannot function properly. This may be due to: • Stationary vehicles or vehicles moving below 6 mph (10 km/h). • Pedestrians or objects in the roadway. • Oncoming vehicles in the same lane. • A blocked sensor. • Bad weather such as heavy rain, snow etc. • Small distance to vehicle ahead. |
| Collision Warning Fault Service Required | A fault with the Ford Escape Collision Warning system has occurred. Have system serviced by your local Ford dealer. |
| Ford Escape Doors | |
| X door open | Warning message displays when the door(s) listed is not completely closed and/ or when the vehicle is moving. |
| Trunk Ajar | Warning message displays when the luggage compartment is not completely closed and/or when the vehicle is moving. |
| Hood Ajar | Warning message displays when the hood is not completely closed and/or when the vehicle is moving. |
| Ford Escape Engine | |
| Engine fault Service now | Engine service is required. Have vehicle engine services at your local Ford dealer. |
| High Engine Temperature Stop Safely | Message and red warning indicator displays when the Ford Escape engine temperature is too high. Stop the vehicle in a safe place and allow to engine to cool. |
| Power Reduced to Lower Engine Temp | The Ford Escape has entered reduced engine power mode in order to help reduce high coolant temperature. Normal power will resume when engine has cooled. |
| Ford Escape Four-Wheel Drive | |
| 4WD fault Service required | The 4WD system is not functioning correctly and defaulted to front-wheel drive. Have system serviced by a Ford workshop. |
| 4WD Off | Warning message displays when the system disables automatically and enters front-wheel drive only mode to protect driveline components. |
| 4WD temporarily disabled | The system has overheated and defaulted to front-wheel drive. This condition may occur if you operate your vehicle in extreme high load conditions or with excessive wheel slip. Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and allow the system to cool. 4WD will resume when the system has cooled. |
| 4WD restored | Warning message displays when system operation has been restored. |
| Ford Escape Hill Start Assist | |
| Hill Start Assist Not Available | Warning message displays when hill start assist is not available. Issues can range from faulty ABS wheel speed sensors to very low battery charge. Diagnostic equipment is usually required to pull up fault codes. |
| Ford Escape Keyless Vehicle | |
| Ford KeyFree Key inside vehicle | Warning message displays to remind you that the key is in the trunk. |
| Ford KeyFree No key detected | Warning message displayed if the key is not detected by the system. The keyless starting system may not function if the key is close to metal objects or electronic devices such as cellular phones. |
| Switch ign. off Press ENGINE Start/Stop button | Warning message displayed as a reminder to turn off the vehicle. |
| Press brake to start | Warning message displayed as a reminder to press the brake while starting the vehicle. |
| Ford KeyFree Key not inside car | Warning message displayed when a valid key is not detected within the vehicle. The keyless starting system may not function if the key is close to metal objects or electronic devices such as cellular phones. |
| Key Battery Low Replace Soon | Warning message displays when the key battery is low. Change the battery as soon as possible. |
| Ford Escape Lighting | |
| Brake Lamp Bulb Fault | Warning message displays when the brake lamp bulb has failed. Replace or contact your local Ford dealer. |
| Low Beam Bulb Fault | Warning message displays when the low beam headlamp bulb has failed. Replace or contact your local Ford dealer. |
| Headlamp fault Service required | Warning message displays when an electrical system problem occurs with the Ford Escape headlamp system. Have system serviced at your local Ford dealer. |
| Ford Escape Maintenance | |
| Engine oil change due | Warning message displays when the engine oil life is depleted and requires a change. Continually running the engine on exhausted oil can reduce engine life. Have oil changed as soon as possible. |
| Brake fluid level low Service now | Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Brake fluid level between the MAX and MIN lines is within the normal operating range. Top up with Ford recommend brake fluid only. Brake fluid level falls over time as brake pads become low. It may also be a sign of a leak. If levels fall frequently, have brake system checked urgently. |
| Ford Escape MyKey | |
| MyKey active Drive Safely | Warning message displays when MyKey is active. |
| MyKey Speed Limited to XX MPH/km/h | Warning message displays when starting the vehicle and MyKey is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. |
| MyKey Vehicle Near Top Speed | Warning message displays when a MyKey is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is approaching 80 mph (130 km/h). |
| MyKey Vehicle at Top Speed | Warning message displays when a MyKey is in use and the MyKey speed limit is reached. |
| MyKey Check Speed Drive Safely | Warning message displays when MyKey is active. |
| MyKey Buckle Up to Unmute Audio | Warning message displays when a MyKey is in use and seatbelt reminder is activated. |
| MyKey Park aid cannot be deactivated | Warning message displays when a MyKey is in use and park aid is activated. |
| Key is Already a MyKey | Warning message displays when trying to create a MyKey with a key already designated as a MyKey. |
| Hold key next to symbol on steering column | Warning message displays when you are programming a MyKey. |
| MyKey ESC cannot be deactivated | Warning message displays when you are programming a MyKey. |
| Ford Escape Park Aid | |
| Parking aid malfunction Service required | Warning message displays when the system has detected a condition that requires service. In order for optimal operation, keep the bumper clear of dirt, snow etc. If your vehicle sustains a knock to the bumper, the sensors may be damaged or become misaligned and not operate accurately. |
| Ford Escape Park Brake | |
| Park brake applied | Warning message displays when the parking brake has been applied, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph (5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the parking brake is released, it may indicate a fault. Contact your local Ford dealer. |
| Ford Escape Power Steering | |
| Steering loss Stop safely | The power steering system is not working. Steering may not operate as expected. Stop the vehicle a safe place and contact a Ford workshop. |
| Steering assist fault Service required | The power steering system is not working. Stop the vehicle a safe place and contact a Ford workshop. |
| Steering fault Service now | The power steering system has detected a condition within the power steering system or passive entry or passive start system requires service. Contact your local Ford dealer. |
| Ford Escape Remote Start | |
| Remote Start Active | Warning message displays as a reminder that the engine is running after a remote start. |
| Press Brake and ENGINE Start/Stop | Warning message displays as a reminder to apply the brake and press the Start/Stop button to start the engine when you have used the remote start. |
| Ford Escape Starting System | |
| Press brake to start | Warning message displays when starting the vehicle as a reminder to apply the brake. |
| Cranking time exceeded | Warning message displays when the vehicle fails to start. |
| Ford Escape Tire Pressure Monitoring System | |
| Tire Pressure Low | Warning message displays when one or more tires on your vehicle have low tire pressure. Stop the vehicle by gradually reducing speed and avoiding any harsh steering movements. Check tire pressures or change affected wheel for spare. |
| Tire Pressure Monitor Fault | Warning message displays when the tire pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning. This may be due to a wheels being fitted that does not have pressure sensors such as the spare. Or the pressure sensor battery is dead. |
| Tire Pressure Sensor Fault | Warning message displayed when a tire pressure sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. This may be due to a wheels being fitted that does not have pressure sensors such as the spare. Or the pressure sensor battery is dead. |
| Ford Escape Traction Control | |
| Traction Control Off | Warning message displays when the traction control system has been switched off. In most circumstances it's beneficial to keep traction control switched on. If stuck in mud or snow, it may help to switch it off. |
| Ford Escape Trailer | |
| Trailer Sway Reduce Speed | Warning message displays when the trailer sway control has detected a trailer sway. |
| Ford Escape Transmission | |
| Transmission malfunction Service now | Have vehicle serviced by a Ford workshop. |
| Transmission Over Temperature Stop Safely | The transmission is overheating. Stop as soon as possible to allow to transmission to cool. Warning message will go off when cooling is complete. |
| Transmission Service Required | Have vehicle serviced by a Ford workshop. |
| Transmission Hot Stop or Speed Up | Transmission is getting hot. To avoid the transmission from overheating, either stop the vehicle to let it cool or speed up vehicle. |
| Transmission Hot Wait XX mins | The transmission id too hot. Before continuing, wait for the displayed amount of time. |
| Transmission not in Park Select P | Warning message displays as a reminder to shift the gear selector into park. |
| Press brake to unlock gearshift lever | Warning message displays to request the driver to apply the brake as needed by the transmission. |
| Gearshift lever unlocked | Warning message displays when the transmission shift lever is unlocked and free to select gears. |
| More about the Ford Escape |
|---|
 Ford Escape Warning Messages |
| Ford Escape Dashboard Warning Lights |
| Ford Escape Start Stop Not Working |