Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2012 Ford Escape Hybrid, AWDFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Visual Checks
WARNING:
TO PREVENT THE RISK OF HIGH-VOLTAGE SHOCK, ALWAYS FOLLOW PRECISELY ALL WARNINGS AND SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS, INCLUDING INSTRUCTIONS TO DEPOWER THE SYSTEM. THE HIGH-VOLTAGE HYBRID SYSTEM UTILIZES APPROXIMATELY 300 VOLTS DC, PROVIDED THROUGH HIGH-VOLTAGE CABLES TO ITS COMPONENTS AND MODULES. THE HIGH-VOLTAGE CABLES AND WIRING ARE IDENTIFIED BY ORANGE HARNESS TAPE OR ORANGE WIRE COVERING. ALL HIGH-VOLTAGE COMPONENTS ARE MARKED WITH HIGH-VOLTAGE WARNING LABELS WITH A HIGH-VOLTAGE SYMBOL. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
- Inspect the air cleaner and inlet duct.
- Check all engine vacuum hoses for damage, leaks, cracks, kinks and correct routing.
- Check the powertrain control module (PCM) or transaxle control module (TCM) wiring harness for correct connections, bent or broken pins, corrosion, loose wires and correct routing.
- Examine all high voltage cables and connectors for secure connection, damaged, burned or overheated insulation and loose or broken condition.
- Verify the traction battery high voltage service plug is correctly connected.
- Verify the front and rear inertia fuel shutoff (IFS) switches are not tripped.
- Check the PCM, sensors, and actuators for physical damage.
- Check the engine coolant for correct level and mixture.
- Check the motor electronics coolant for correct level and mixture.
- Check the transaxle fluid level and quality. Refer to the appropriate Automatic Transmission/Transaxle article.
- Make all necessary repairs before continuing with the quick test. Refer to QUICK TEST DESCRIPTION
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.