Popular 2017 Ford Escape Problems to Look Out For

The 2017 Ford Escape is an excellent compact SUV with features like lane-keeping assist, automatic parking system, Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, and android auto functionality. It has large cargo and passenger space, agile handling, and precise steering. The cabin is beautifully designed using high-quality materials. That said, the Ford Escape base model has an underpowered engine and low gas mileage. It is also one of the more affordable compact SUVs in the market today.

The Ford Motor Company was established in 1903 by Henry Ford and has manufactured many cars since then. The company makes trucks, SUVs, and even lorries. In addition, it sells the Ford Escape, which the company designed and built with Mazda Japan. The Ford Escape designers used underpinning from the Ford CD2 platform based on Mazda GF underpinnings. Since 2001, Ford has improved on the Escape regularly, and the 2017 iteration is an excellent car for people looking for an affordable compact SUV.

For your vehicle to serve you for a long time, you need to provide regular maintenance and care. Without good vehicle maintenance, your automobile may stop working or even put you and other occupants at risk. If you are planning to buy a 2017 Ford Escape, here is a list of its problems and possible ways to fix them.

Failing Water Pump Pulley

A squeaking sound near the timing belt cover could be due to problems in the water pump pulley. In case the pulley bearings are damaged, they will make noise. If you do not fix it immediately, the water pump will stop working, and your engine will overheat. You will need to remove and replace your water pump pulley. To remove the water pump pulley, follow these easy steps.

Remove any barrier near the water pump; this may be the air compressor belts or the alternator. To remove the belt, depress the belt tensioner. You can remove the engine’s timing belt too, as it blocks the water pump.
Make sure that you mark where each sprocket goes so you do not make mistakes during reinstallation. There are notches to help you during do that.
Remove the water pump belt from the water pump, but you do not have to remove it from all the pulleys as long as you can access the water pump.
You will need to use the pulley removal tool to remove the water pump pulley. Install it by placing its two clips behind the pulley and the screw against the pump rotor. The pulley removal tool will put pressure on the shaft and push the pulley off the pump. Ensure that you do not use a screwdriver to remove the pulley as the pressure could damage other parts of your vehicle. You could also bend the water pump bolts, which would make them harder to remove.
Turn the removal tool’s screw slowly, and it will apply pressure forcing the pulley off the pump without bending it or damaging other vehicle mechanics.
Install your new water pump pulley and put the belts back into place. After that, your 2017 Ford Escape should work as it did before.

V-belt Slipping

A slipping V-Belt produces a loud noise from behind the timing belt cover. If there is nothing wrong with your timing belt, this may be the issue. Belt slipping is usually caused by misalignment and insufficient tension. It is also essential to check your V-belt during maintenance for debris and dust as these can cause problems. To tighten, your V-belt follow these easy steps.

Park your car on a flat surface and allow the engine to cool down, then open the hood.
Check the portion of the v-belt that needs tensioning and find the belt tensioner. The belt tensioner is usually below the alternator and air conditioner compressor or attached to the power steering pump. You will notice a bracket with an adjustable bolt on it; that is the tensioner.
Unfasten the front locking bolt that connects the adjustment bracket to the engine part.
To tighten the belt, turn your adjustment bolt clockwise. When the belt is tight, secure the lock bolt again and make sure it is closed.
You can check belt tension by pushing it in with your hands. It should not have more than ½ inch slack on it. If it does, you will need to repeat the steps above and check again.
After that, switch on the engine and allow it to run for one minute. Then, turn it off and check the tension on your V-belt. If the slack has increased, you will need to adjust it again.

Pulley Misalignment

Improper pulley alignment can cause a squeaking sound from behind your timing belt cover. Also, pulley misalignment can occur when you replace a belt incorrectly. If this happens, inspect the pulleys and find the misaligned ones. Then, remove and reinstall the belt correctly, and that should solve the problem.

Damaged Timing Belt

A timing belt or chain synchronizes the rotation of the camshafts and the crankshafts to ensure that engine valves open and closes at the correct times. If the timing belt is damaged, it will interfere with the operation of your vehicle. Some of the signs that there is something wrong with your timing belt include a ticking noise from the engine, the engine not turning over, and an oil leak near your motor. If you see these problems, use the following steps to replace your timing belt.

To replace your timing belt, you will need to remove the old one first. To do that, you must first remove the power steering belt and the fan belt. These belts are right beside the timing belt housing.
Unfasten the bolts that hold the alternator in place and tap it gently to remove the fan belt.
Use the same process to loosen and remove the power steering belt and slide it away from the crankshaft pulley and the timing case.
After that, unfasten the crankshaft pulley. Then, you can use a long arm wrench to reach the bolt and loosen it.
The timing case covers the timing belt and is accessible after removing the belts and the crankshaft pulley untightened. You can remove the timing case by unscrewing the bolts holding the mount in place. Loosen the screws on the upper part of the cover and then the ones securing the bottom and remove them. You should see the timing belt.
Before you remove the timing belts, take time to mark the cogs with chalk, Tip-Ex, or white paint. That will make reassembly easy as the cogs must align perfectly for optimal engine performance. Mark the top cam and the bottom cam, ensuring the marks line up with the gasket and the cog. Ensure that you mark the cogs to ensure accuracy during reassembly in case something slips.
To remove the Timing belt, unfasten the middle tensioner cog, which has a bolt on it.
While loosening that bolt, press down on the spring as you move it downwards. Tighten the bolt back into place, which will unfasten the belt and allow you to remove it quickly.
Slide the belt off carefully to ensure that you do not turn the cogs.
Install your new belt carefully, paying attention to the markings that you made earlier. Then, replace the timing case, fasten the crankshaft pulley and replace the belts.
You can turn on the engine to ensure that your new timing belt is working correctly.

Damaged Fuel Injector

Fuel Injectors are an essential part of your car and its operation. The injector, fuel filter, and pump work together to ensure that your engine gets the right mixture of air and fuel. Your fuel pump delivers gas to the injector and sprays it into the intake manifold at the right angle; in the manifold, fuel and air mix. Then, in the combustion chamber, the mixture is compressed, creating the chemical reaction required to power your car.

Dirty fuel injectors can result in rough idling, gas mileage suddenly dropping, and poor performance. Follow these steps to clean your fuel injector.

Start by filling the gas tank in your Ford Escape
Park it on even ground such that you can reach the gas cap side easily.
Open the gas cap and pour a bottle of injector cleaner into the gas tank.
Close it and turn on your car. Drive for 2 minutes and then allow the vehicle to idle for 20 minutes. That ensures that the cleaner cycles and does not sink to the bottom of the gas tank.

If the injector on your vehicle is damaged, not dirty, you can replace it using these easy steps.

First, you will need to determine the fuel injector to buy for your 2017 Ford Escape. Check the one you have or your manual for specifications. It is essential to buy the right one as different vehicles use different ones.
Disconnect the negative cable from the battery and relieve fuel system pressure. You can do this easily with a socket wrench. Next, disconnect the air breather and engine coolant along with the throttle cable. It should be easy to remove the throttle body now.
Using your socket wrench, disconnect the brake booster vacuum hose and the positive ventilation valve. Remove fuel injector cover and disengage fuel injector electrical harness and the high-pressure fuel hose.
Detach the fuel delivery pipe and the intake manifold, then lift the fuel delivery pipe with the pressure regulator and the injectors still attached. You can then separate the delivery pipe and the fuel injector.
Now you need to install your new fuel injector. Start by applying gasoline on the injector O-ring and place it into the delivery pipe. Make sure that you turn it right and left to make sure that the O-ring is not jammed.
Reinstall the fuel delivery pipe, using a torque wrench to fasten the mounting bolts to about 13 to 18-foot pounds. Then, reverse the rest of the process and put everything else back the way it was.
Turn the engine on and make sure that everything works correctly.

Failing Battery

Batteries in 2017 Ford Escapes last for 3-5 years, but that is dependent on the battery type, weather conditions, and driving habits. Good maintenance can also improve the longevity of your Ford Escape battery. Signs that your battery is not working include dim lights, clicking noises when you turn the key, slow crank, and backfiring. You can easily replace your battery with a new one by following these easy steps.

Turn off your car and open the hood to find the battery. Your car battery will be easy to locate as it is in the back of the driver’s side. It is usually covered, and the cover has a battery symbol on it.
Remove the cover and find the two battery cables, a red one and a black one. The black cable is the ground terminal, while the red is the positive terminal.
Unfasten the bolts that hold the cables in place using an adjustable wrench. Always remove the black one before the red one to avoid sparking.
Carefully remove the battery, which should weigh about 41 pounds. Ensure that you are careful lifting it out or ask for help to ensure that you do not damage the car or hurt yourself. If your battery has noticeable leakage, make sure that you wear gloves to protect your skin from acid burns. It is advisable to take your old battery to an auto parts dealership to recycle it.
Use a wire brush to clean the terminals to ensure you have a good electrical connection. You can use a baking soda solution to clean off any acid residue.
Install your new battery, and do not forget that car batteries are heavy. Be careful not to damage your car or injure yourself.
Reconnect the terminals and remember to start with the black cable followed by the red one. Cover the terminals with battery grease to prevent corrosion. Test it by starting your car.

Radiator Failure

If you notice that your car is overheating, leaking coolant, or there is sludge build-up in the radiator, you have a problem with your radiator. A lousy radiator can cause extensive damage to your engine. Follow these steps to replace your radiator if you notice any of the issues mentioned above.

Before you start, allow your engine to cool to ensure you do not get burned by coolant.
Place a pan under the radiator and open the drain plug to drain the coolant out of the radiator.
Use a flat head screwdriver to loosen hose clamps and remove the lower and upper radiator hoses.
Remove the radiator fan connectors and put them aside.
Use a ratchet to remove the two radiator fans. These fans are fastened with four bolts, so make sure you remove them all.
Remove the radiator. The radiator is attached to the radiator core using four bolts. Pull it out and replace it with the new radiator, then tighten its bolts using your ratchet.
Put the radiator fans back where they were and reattach the electrical connectors.
Reattach the lower and upper radiator pipes to your new radiator and fasten the hose clamps.
Fill your new radiator with coolant.

Ac Compressor Failure

Sometimes the AC compressor can stop working either because it is defective or old. Signs that your AC compressor is failing include odd sounds, fluid leaks, and a stuck clutch. Repair jobs using Stop Leak only work for a short time, so replace the AC compressor if you have any problems. Use these easy steps to replace your AC compressor.

Visit a local auto repair shop and have a technician remove the refrigerant in your system. It is not advisable to do it yourself, and it is illegal to release air conditioning refrigerant into the air.
Remove the serpentine belt to improve access to the AC compressor.
Disconnect the compressor from the AC hose assembly. Remove all the bolts that connect to the oil pan and put the compressor on the ground.
Fill your new compressor with air conditioning oil while turning it by hand. Install it into your vehicle, bolt it into place and reattach the AC lines. Slip the serpentine belt carefully into place and make sure everything is where it was.
Add refrigerant, referring to your vehicle manual to ensure that you use the right amount.

Brake Problems

There are a variety of brake issues that Ford Escape owners have to deal with. These include worn brake pads, warped brake rotors, leaking brake system, worn brake rotors. If you suspect that there are problems with your brakes, check for the following signs of brake failure. First, grinding sounds signify that your brake pads are worn out, and the metal-metal contact is the cause of the grinding sound. Second, if your brake goes to the floor when you press it, that is a sign that you may have a leaking brake line.

Replacing Brake Pads

Follow these steps to Replace your 2017 Ford Escape brake pads.

Remove the wheel by loosening the lug nuts first, then jacking up the vehicle and placing a high-quality jack under the car. Make sure the weight of the car rests on the jack stand. Now remove the lug nuts entirely along with the wheel to reach the area under your car.
The caliper is held in place by two bolts, sometimes called pins. You do not have to remove the top one, just the lower one. It is long, but after you loosen it, it comes off easily.
After you remove the bottom pin, the caliper will pivot up as the hydraulic line will flex. Ensure that you do not disconnect it, as that will not happen if you do. Next, you can check the brake pad thickness. If the metal tabs are visible or the brake pad is less than an eighth of an inch thick, it needs replacement.
Slide out the worn-out brake pads
New brake pads come with fresh retaining clips. Remove the old retaining clips and replace them with the new ones. These are right and left-handed, so make sure you change one at a time. They do not have screws and will simply snap into position.
Apply grease on each side of the brake pad on the metal tab, then slide the new brake pads into place. New brakes may feel tighter than the old ones you removed because they are thicker.
Retract your pistons before lowering the caliper into place to ensure that they clear the thick new brake pads. Ensure that you push on both pistons at once, for instance, using a 2×4 piece of wood. If you do one at a time, the other will pop out.
Check the brake fluid levels regularly, especially when you start working on the second brake. Remember, when you push the pistons, it slowly raises the fluid levels. Checking ensures that the brake fluid does not overflow. If it looks like it may overflow, use a turkey baster to suck some out.
Reposition your caliper, which should slip over the brake pads easily if you retracted the piston correctly.
Put the slider bolt back and tighten it. Next, replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts. Finally, repeat the process with other brake pads.

Transmission Problems

Transmission problems can occur in any car, including the 2017 Ford Escape. Troubleshooting your transmission will help save you the money you could have spent at the garage.

Check the ground below your car for reddish-brown fluid. If you find it, it is a sign that you have a transmission leak. That could be due to a bearing leak or a broken gasket. Replace the faulty bearing or gasket, and that should resolve the leak.

Check on how your vehicle shifts; erratic or rough shifting is a sign of an issue in the drive shaft’s joints. This problem could also be a sign of low levels of transmission fluid. Check the fluid levels using a dipstick and if it is too low, add more transmission fluid so it is at the correct level. If there is a problem with your driveshaft joints, you need to change them.
In case you notice that your transmission does not shift entirely into the correct gear, that is a sign that you need to replace it. However, bear in mind that that could also signal problems with your car’s control module.

Maintenance Tips For The 2017 Ford Escape

It is essential to remember that good maintenance can help prevent many of the problems mentioned above. In addition, correct maintenance procedures help enhance the longevity of your engine and keep it running correctly. Here are essential maintenance tips for your 2017 Ford Escape.

Drive Carefully

The first thing you need to do to take care of your car is to drive it with care. Avoid accelerating during start-up as this can accelerate engine wear. Instead, make sure that you accelerate when you start to move and shift gears to neutral at stoplights to ensure your engine rests. The more carefully you drive, the longer your car will serve you.

Clean Your Car Regularly.

Ensure that you clean both the inside and the outside of your car at least once a week. Particles can be abrasive and damage your vehicle’s body, and spills such as juice and soda can be corrosive. Wipe the car lenses with a damp cloth to remove dust and particles. Dirt on your mats can wear them out quickly, so make sure that you hose them down too. Then, dry them out in the sun and put them back in the car when they are completely dry. Cleaning will also ensure that your car looks shiny and new and will ensure that you get a reasonable price if you choose to sell it.

Wax Your Car

Wax is essential because it protects your car’s paint job and ensures that it looks shiny and new. In addition, it creates a barrier against bird droppings, pollution and slows oxidation. Consider using products that contain carnauba wax.

Always Park In The Shade.

Parking your 2017 Ford Escape in the shade protects the car’s paint job and ensures that UV rays do not damage the interior. In addition, a shaded area will ensure that the interior does not look faded due to the effects of the sun.

Change Filters And Engine Oils Regularly.

Frequently changing your oil helps flush abrasive metal and dirt particles out of your engine. That is because they increase the rate of wear of your machine and reduce its longevity. Make sure that when you change your oil, you also replace the oil filters. That will ensure that particles lodged in the filters do not mix in with your new oil. You should change your oil every 5000 to 10000 miles.

Check Your Tires Regularly.

Keep your tires at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Your 2017 Ford Escape has a tire monitoring system that will tell you when the pressure is too high or too low. If you do not maintain good tire pressure, your tires will wear out unevenly. If you experience uneven wear with good tire pressure, then you need to realign your wheels. It is essential to check your wheel alignment every 50,000Kms or if you hit a pothole. An incorrect wheel alignment will reduce the longevity of your tires and cause steering problems.

Clean Your Engine Bay

Make sure that you clean your 2017 Ford escape engine at least once annually. A clean engine will ensure that you can easily spot leaks and run cooler than a dirty one. You can choose to clean your machine or have it professionally steam cleaned. First, ensure that you cover the distributor, air intake, and electrical parts with plastic before starting. Then, you can use a brush and grease-cutting detergent to clean your engine. Ensure that you rinse all soap off when you finish.

Change Spark Plugs

Change the spark plugs every 50,000km, ensuring good engine performance and fuel mileage. To change the spark plugs on your car, follow these easy steps.

Allow the car to cool down, open the hood and locate the spark plugs on your 2017 Ford Escape.
Grip the wire plug as close to the bottom as possible and pull to reveal the spark plug. Do not yank the wire as you could damage it and increase the work you will have to do. Now that the spark plug is revealed, using a socket wrench, remove it.
Make sure that you buy the same type of spark plug that you had before. Do not buy a cheaper one or replace one made of platinum with one made of copper.
Insert your new spark plugs and tighten them but make sure that you do not overtighten.

Maintain Your Car Battery

Check your car battery regularly for corrosion, even if it is labeled maintenance-free. Clean the battery terminals regularly and check for bulges and cracks.

Check Your Drive Belts.

Your drive belts are responsible for carrying power from your engine to other parts of the car, including the air conditioner compressor, alternator, air pump, power steering pump, and water pump. The 2017 Ford Escape uses a serpentine belt to connect and rotate. Drive belts are usually made of rubber and can wear out quickly with everyday use. Make sure that you regularly inspect your serpentine belt for cracks or any other issue. Problems can affect the performance of your 2017 Ford Escape.

Know The Meaning Of Different Warning Lights

The 2017 Ford Escape comes with a wide array of lights to help you know when something in your car is not working correctly. Make sure that you take the time to learn the meaning of each of these lights. You can use your owner’s manual to check the purpose of different lights. These include seat belt, tire pressure, engine oil, fuel, and service engine warning lights. These will help you find and prevent expensive repairs in the future.

Check Your Cooling System.

To work efficiently, your radiator and cooling system should be clean. Dirt and dust particles can build up on your radiator with regular use. Inspect it regularly and flush the radiator to ensure that your cooling system works correctly. Make sure that you flush the radiator once every one or two years.

Inspect The Air Filter

If your air filter is loose or clogged, you may have various problems with your car. Air filters are essential because they keep pollen, dust, and other particles out of your engine. If they get dirty, it reduces airflow to your engine, which can affect your 2017 Ford Escape performance. It will reduce fuel economy and power. You must replace your air filter every 12000 miles for optimal performance.

Protect The Headlights

Inspect your headlights regularly, along with your turn signals and parking lights. As mentioned above, clean them using a soft, damp cloth once every week. Then, park your car in front of a flat surface every month and ensure the lights are working correctly. You can also ask a friend to stand behind your vehicle while you brake to check that your brake lights are working correctly.

Check Windshield And The Wipers

A dirty windshield is inconvenient as you will not be able to see clearly through it. Make sure that you regularly clean your windshield using soap and water and rinse thoroughly. You should clean the windshield both on the inside and the outside. Remember particles on your windshield can scratch and damage it. Check your wipers and ensure that you replace them if they are not working correctly.

Check Coolant Levels

The coolant levels in your car are essential to its health. Your vehicle generates a large amount of heat when running and the coolant in your radiator helps keep it cool. If your radiator is low on coolant or it is not there, your engine will overheat. Therefore, it is essential to check coolant levels regularly. When your engine overheats, it can warp cylinder heads, result in misfiring, decrease engine power, and cause excessive oil burning. Your 2017 Ford Escape has a translucent coolant reservoir that makes it easy to check the coolant levels in your vehicle. You will not have to open it to find out that you need more coolant in your car.

Replace Your Cabin Air Filter

It is essential to regularly replace your cabin air filter, especially if you or your family have allergies. Manufacturers recommend replacing this filter every 12000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. It will ensure that the air in your car is breathable and enhance your comfort. To replace your cabin air filter, follow these easy steps.

Park your car on a flat and dry surface and ensure your parking brake is on. Since the filter could be dirty, make sure you wear gloves and a face mask if you have dust allergies.
You need to remove the glove box to reach the air filter.
Remove the air filter and all debris, noting the positions of the filter. Then, you can clean the area using a vacuum.
Install your new filter matching the direction of the old filter and reinstall the glove box.

Vehicle Noises That Indicate Car Problems

Here is a list of noises that indicate problems in your car.

High-pitched Squeal

If you hear a high-pitched squeal every time you accelerate, that is a sign of a loose or worn-out fan belt. Inspect the fan belt and replace it.

Thudding Noise From The Tires

If your tires are making a thudding noise and you do not have a flat, it is a sign that your tire pressure is low or uneven. Your tires could also be misaligned. Make sure that you check your tire pressure and alignment before your next drive. Remember improper alignment and tire pressure can shorten tire lifespan and reduce gas mileage.

Metallic Scraping Sound

Scraping sounds from the brake signifies that your brake pads are old and need replacement. Brakes are a crucial safety feature and should be working correctly at all times. If your brake pads are worn out, replace them immediately.

Hissing Sound While Idling

If you hear this sound, it means that a hose is cracked or loose. Inspect your car and repair it immediately, especially if there is steam from the hood or your engine is overheating.

Check this too: Ford Backup Sensors Troubleshooting & How To Guide

Whining Noise From The Front

Whining noises from the front of your car signify that your vehicle is low on power steering fluid. You can use your manual to find out how to increase your power steering fluid.

Recalls On The 2017 Ford Escape

There was only one safety recall issued on the 2017 Ford Escape. It involved SE and Titanium vehicles made between October 2015 and May 2016. The setting on the windows allowed it to close on an object before the windows auto reversed. That meant that they could close on a body part and injure car users. The company rectified the problem, and users can comfortably buy those cars.