Ford 2002 Escape Owner's Manual page 64

Climate Controls
(Defrost) – Distributes outside air through the windshield
defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield.
Operating tips
In humid weather, place the climate control system in DEF before
driving. This will reduce fogging on your windshield. Once the
windshield has been cleared, select any desired position.
To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
climate control system in the OFF position.
Under normal weather conditions, your vehicle's climate control
system should be left in any position other than OFF position when
the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to "breathe" through the
outside air inlet duct.
Under snowy or dirty weather conditions, your vehicle's climate
control system should be left in the OFF position when the vehicle is
parked. This allows the climate control system to be free from
contamination of outside pollutants.
Do not place objects under the front seat which may interfere with
the airflow to the rear seats.
Remove any snow, ice, or leaves from the air intake area (at the base
of the windshield and underneath the hood).
Do not place objects over the defroster outlets. These objects may
block airflow and reduce your visibility through the windshield. Avoid
placing small objects on top of the instrument panel. These objects
can fall into the defroster outlets and block airflow, in addition to,
damaging your climate control system.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel, as these
objects may become projectiles in instances of sudden impact or
a sudden stop.
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