How do I remove the CD player from a 2008 ZD Ford Escape?

This is a bit trickier than removing some stereo systems as the unit was designed specifically to fit in the centre-stack of the car, rather than the more conventional double or single-DIN units that are a bit more universal. Assuming you want to replace the standard Ford stereo with an aftermarket unit, you’ll need to purchase a double-DIN fascia panel that replaces the stock unit and allows for mounting the aftermarket head unit. It’s also extremely unlikely that you’ll be able to separate the CD player from the rest of the stereo, so replacing the whole assembly will be your best option. To remove the standard stereo, you have to disassemble a fair bit of the interior in terms of the plastic trims. This requires some specialised trim-clip removal tools and you need to be careful as these plastic trim pieces are easily damaged or broken. Be aware, too, that in some versions of the Escape, the wiring for the passenger’s air-bag runs behind the stereo panel, so unless you know exactly what you’re doing, this is a job best left to the experts. It also goes without saying that you should disconnect the car’s battery before attempting any of this. If you’re still keen, a workshop manual for your specific car will be able to walk you through the process in detail.

How do I know if it's worth replacing the transmission in my 2008 Ford Escape?

This is a bit of a perennial question when it comes to older second-hand cars that suddenly need expensive repairs. On current values, your Escape is probably worth almost exactly the same as the new transmission will cost you. The problem is that even if you do have the new transmission fitted, you won’t have doubled the value of the car. In fact, you’ll have done nothing for its resale value compared with any other working Escape. And right now, your Escape with a broken transmission is worth – roughly - $300 which is what a scrap merchant will pay for it to be crushed and turned into microwave ovens. However, balancing all that is the question of, if you do scrap the car, how much will you need to spend to get into something that will be reliable and safe? And the answer to that is probably more than $5000. At this point, you also need to assess the condition of the rest of your car. At 170,000km on the clock, it could well be ready for maintenance in other expensive areas. But assuming the rest of your car is in good condition and still works properly, here’s another option: Rather than a brand-new transmission, why not track down a good, second-hand unit from a vehicle recycler. Specialist recyclers have a range of components like these, and you should be able to find one that’s been tested and perhaps even carries a short warranty. It will still cost money to buy the transmission and have it fitted, but it shouldn’t be anything like $5000 and if it keeps your car on the road for another few years, then it’s recycling at its best. The greenest car is the one that’s already been built.

Should I buy a plug-in hybrid or an electric car?

The Ford Escape plug-in should be an interesting vehicle when it arrives, with 165kW of power and something like a 50km electric-only range. It will be here sometime this year, but the exact timing is still a trade secret. The Toyota RAV4, meanwhile, isn’t a plug-in hybrid, so it can’t be recharged form your home solar panels (which the plug-in Escape could be). Frankly, if you’re making four times the power your household needs with your solar array, you’re in the pound seats for owning a plug-in hybrid which could put that excess electricity generation to very good use. That’s especially true if most of your driving is around town within a 20km radius or so of home-base. That said, the new RAV4 Hybrid is gaining rave reviews as well as recording very sharp real-world fuel-economy figures. But a plug-in hybrid in a household with excess solar capacity could almost be run for free.

Ford Escape: replacement key cost

Generally the cost will depend on the variant and year. You can get more information on quick and cheap key replacments from dealers or automotive locksmiths here.

Ford Escape 2018: Is it good in the snow?

The Ford Escape's prowess would be limited in snowy conditions due to its platform as a "soft-roader" limiting grip and traction. It would be adviseable to fit snow chains.

Changing oil on a Ford Escape

Take it to a Ford dealer or qualified mechanic. Some Ford models need to have the oil drained and refilled within 10 minutes or they will suffer low oil pressure when trying to restart. It isn't worth risking your engine to save a few dollars by servicing it yourself.

How do you remove a radio from a Ford Escape?

Pop the top cover above the screen up, then remove the two fasteners holding the screen to the dashboard. Using a trim removal tool lever out the trim panel holding the vents beside the screen, working down around the base of the touchscreen unit. Unplug the wiring from this piece and set it aside. Remove the four fasteners holding the unit to the dash structure. The screen can then be lifted forward, out and unplugged.

Ford Escape 2018: How do you open the hood?

Open the driver's door and look on the side of the dashboard near the door hinges. There should be a bonnet release lever. Pull that and then walk to the front of the car. Stand in front of the middle of the bonnet and lift the bonnet panel while pulling the secondary catch lever, which is near the middle of the Escape, mounted on the radiator top panel to the left of the middle. Hold that lever while lifting the bonnet and it will open up.

Ford Escape 2018: How to lift it and how much does it weigh?

The standard scissor jack lives under a lift-up panel in the cargo area flooring. If using this to lift the Ford Escape you should lock it in the factory jacking point, located approximately 30cm behind the front wheels or approximately 30cm in front of the rear wheels, as marked in the owner's manual. Laying on the ground you should be able to see a small arrow marked on the vehicle's sills pointing inwards, which is the factory jacking point. Locate the scissor jack on the vehicle's pinch weld (the thin metal strip running along the car under the sill) at the jacking point, ensuring the jack is positioned on flat, stable ground, and the handbrake is on. For floor jacks, otherwise known as trolley jacks, you should position the jack under the centre of the front or rear suspension cradles, lifting from the approved factory lift point as listed in the owner's manual. Ford Escape models weigh between 1670kg (two-wheel drive) and 1750kg (all-wheel drive) depending of the model and trim.

Ford Escape 2012 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Ford Escape 2012 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Ford Escape review: 2001-2012

6 Oct 2016 · by Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy reviews the Ford Escape as a used buy. The Ford Escape is one of the last old-school small 4WDs. It was designed as a genuine SUV not a crossover, meaning it has upright styling and ...

Best used compact SUV?

Answered by CarsGuide 12 Aug 2016

You will get great value and a classy car in the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The CR-V also goes well and is slightly better value than a RAV4.

Ford Escape 2012: Coolant and brake fluid replacement

Answered by CarsGuide 5 Oct 2015

If it's not on the service schedule, in the owner's manual, then it's not necessary. Lots of dealers are trying to fluff-up on their servicing to improve their profits, including replacing the likes of coolant and brake fluid at inflated prices.

Used Ford Escape ZD review: 2008-2012

19 Feb 2015 · by Graham Smith

Graham Smith reviews the used Ford Escape ZD SUV 2008-2012, its fine points, its flaws and what to watch for when you are buying it.

Ford Escape 2012: Dripping oil after service

Answered by CarsGuide 13 Dec 2013

It's unlikely, but you could drain the oil and refill it with the correct volume of oil and see if it goes away. But I would take it to a mechanic and have them tell you what the problem is.

Engine

Mazda waited a week for recall

13 Nov 2012 · by Joshua Dowling

Mazda’s slogan might be “zoom zoom” but it took seven days longer than Ford to announce an identical recall for a jammed throttle -- for a car made on the same production line.Mazda is recalling 26, ...

Ford recalls close to 9000 SUVs

5 Nov 2012 · by Stuart Martin

The Australian car maker has issued the safety recall for 8798 of its imported Escape - models with the 3-litre V6 with cruise control only - built between November 1st 2001 and February 1st 2006, ...

Ford Escape 2007: Another cracked wheel

Answered by CarsGuide 23 Nov 2007

IN DEFENCE of Ford, it sometimes happens that an owner will hit a kerb or a hole in the road and damage the wheel, but they should check the wheel themselves to verify if the crack has been caused by driver error or not. That they dismissed your claim without checking isn't good enough, even if your car is out of warranty. It's even more disappointing that they have chosen not to act when the dealer supports your claim. If the dealer is prepared to make a report on its findings I would use it and pursue Ford for compensation.

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