Ford Escape Hybrid- Preliminary Information (Part 2 of 3)
TORQUE MONITOR
A strategy within the PCM, the “Torque Monitor” looks for certain PCM computer faults as well as monitoring to see if the overall powertrain torque delivered to the drive wheels exceeds what the driver is requesting. There are 3 gross errors the torque monitor is looking for, they are:
1. Unintended vehicle motion when the powertrain accelerates the vehicle when it should not or provides movement in the wrong direction.
2. Excess acceleration when the vehicle accelerates at a greater rate than the driver of speed control requests.
3. Excess powertrain deceleration when the powertrain braking exceeds driver demand.
When any of the gross errors are detected by the torque monitor, the PCM will initiate the appropriate LOS mode
The hybrid monitor indicates the state of drivability for the hybrid system
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HYBRID FLUID SERVICE
Remove the splash guard and the ATF drain plug. Once the drain plug is installed, tighten to 30 LB
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Check/Fill Plug
COOLANT SERVICE
Under the hood you will find two cooler tanks. The most forward tank is for the engine while the one immediately behind it is called the Inverter Coolant Tank (Degas Bottle). This is part of the Motor Electronics Cooling System (MECS) which includes an MECS Radiator and plumbing to the inside of the transmissions to cool the internal motors. Removing the MECS cooling hoses from the transaxle will drain the system.
The hybrid coolant system is filled through the Inverter Degas Bottle. Coolant dry fill is 3.7 Qts. (3.5L) of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant or newer (check with parts counter). Be sure to remove the Chrome Bleeder bolt to purge the air when refilling the system.
It is absolutely necessary to use the manufacturer’s recommended coolant so as to avoid catastrophic damage resulting in near bankruptcy repair costs.
Chrome Bleeder Bolt
There is a bulletin issued by Ford/Mercury concerning an overheating problem (TSB 08-24-5). The issue it addresses is that some 2005-2008 Escape Hybrid and 2006-2008 Mariner Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a red triangle light and codes indicating a transaxle overtemp. This condition may result in reduced power as the system activates fail safe operation. Codes P1A0E, P1A0F, P0A3E, P0A7C and P1A0D may also be set.
If coolant levels are proper and the condition of the fluid is good, more than likely there is an issue with the MECS pump. This pump is easily accessible with the vehicle up on the hoist. It is located near the engine oil filter just below and behind the radiator. The part number currently for this pump is 5M6Z-8C419-A.
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