Thursday, April 17, 2014
Alignment Specs for a Ford Escape
Ford introduced the Escape, a compact four-door SUV, in 2001. The 2006 to 2010 Escape came in several front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive trims of both the traditional and hybrid version of the SUV. The front alignment specs are the same for all trims of the 2006 to 2010 Escape. The rear alignment specs differ for the traditional and hybrid versions.
Front Alignment Specs
The caster on the front end can range from +1.1 degrees to +2.1 degrees, but the ideal setting is +1.6 degrees. The camber can ranger from -0.34 degrees to -1.34 degrees, but the ideal setting is -0.84 degrees. The toe-in can range from zero degrees to +0.46 degrees, but the ideal setting is +0.23 degrees.
Rear Alignment Specs for the Rear End of the Traditional Escape
The camber angle can range from -0.65 degrees to +0.65 degrees but is best when it is evened out at zero. The caster is not adjustable on the rear end. The toe can range from -0.20 degrees to -0.16 degrees.
Alignment Specs for the Rear End of the Hybrid Ford Escape
The camber can range from -0.035 degrees to -.75 degrees, but the ideal setting is -0.1 degrees. The caster is not adjustable on the rear end. The toe can range from -0.10 degrees to -0.14 degrees, with the ideal setting being -0.12 degrees.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Ford Escape Catalytic Converter Problems
The catalytic converter in the Ford Escape is the part of the exhaust system, which changes or converts harmful chemicals, such as hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, into cleaner less harmful emissions. Sensor monitor how efficiently these chemicals are converter and when a catalytic converter has problems, the engine in the Ford Escape will not work at its highest performance.
Catalytic Converter Clogs
The Ford Escape has many reports about the catalytic converter clogging. The catalytic converter is honeycomb-shaped and can melt when overheated. This honeycomb generally runs at a temperature of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and when the harmful chemicals begin to build-up in the catalytic converter, the operating temperature increases. When the operating temperature increases in the catalytic converter, the materials which make up the honeycomb shape of the converter begin to melt causing the converter to clog. This clogging does not allow exhaust to be converted and backs up into the engine causing it to stall or choke the engine. The catalytic converter in the Ford Escape must be replaced to correct this problem.
Catalytic Converter Leaks
The catalytic converter has reports about a loud noise developing under the Ford Escape. This loud noise is attributed to the catalytic converter leaking from around the seals or connections. The exhaust system has several connection points which is attached together with gaskets, bolts and nuts. As road debris and pollutants build-up on these connections, the connection begin to deteriorate and fail causing a leak in the exhaust system. This leak creates a loud noise when operating the Ford Escape. The Escape owner must inspect the exhaust system, particularly around the catalytic converter connection, to determine if there is a leak in the exhaust system and replace the gasket or damaged connections in order to correct this problem.
O2 Sensor Failure
One of the most common problems with the catalytic converter in the Ford Escape is an O2 sensor failure. The O2 sensor monitors the performance of the catalytic converter and forwards this information to the Escapes computer system. When the O2 sensor fails, the engine in the Escape will begin to stall, misfire, choke or jerk during acceleration. Replacing the O2 sensor corrects this problem, but the sensor may not last long because the catalytic converter can be the source of the O2 sensor failure. The catalytic converter can fail to convert the harmful chemical over time because of a breakdown or worn filtering system. The catalytic converter must be replaced when this problem develops on the Ford Escape.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Ford Escape Transmission Problems
The Escape is a compact SUV manufactured by Ford since 2001. According to the AutoBeef website, the most frequent complaint by Ford Escape owners involves problems with the transmission. Though transmission problems can result in an expensive replacement, the issue may involve a simpler repair.
Transmission Fluid Leak
Transmission fluid leaks are one common problem with the Ford Escape. Check underneath the car to see if any reddish-brown colored fluid has pooled. This signifies a transmission fluid leak caused by a broken gasket or bearing leak.
Shifting Issues
Ford Escape owners also report problems with erratic or rough shifting, as well as issues relating to the cars failure to shift into reverse. Problems with shifting can indicate wear of the drive shafts joints. Low transmission-fluid levels may also cause erratic shifting.
Transmission Failure
Failure occurs when the transmission does not successfully shift into the correct gear. Though this can signal the need for a transmission replacement, this type of failure may indicate a problem with the Ford Escapes control module. This module is responsible for completing the shift.