Ford 2008 Escape Hybrid Owner's Manual page 11

Question
Why does my engine never shut
down above 40 mph (64 km/h)?
Why does my engine stay ON
when it's extremely cold outside?
Why does my engine rev up so
high sometimes when I
accelerate?
What does it mean when my
power assist gauge moves to the
right? To the left?
2008 Escape Hybrid (ehv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Introduction
Answer
The engine is required to turn on
above this speed to protect the
transaxle hardware.
In order to ensure that the climate
control system can begin heating the
cabin and/or defrosting the
windshield as soon as a driver
requests it, the engine coolant
temperature has to be kept
sufficiently hot. Keeping the engine
on is required to maintain the
correct minimum temperature.
Your vehicle's engine and
transmission are designed to deliver
the power you need at the most
efficient engine speed. This may be
higher than expected during heavy
accelerations, and may fluctuate
during steady state driving. These
are characteristics of the Atkinson
engine cycle and the eCVT transaxle
technology that help maximize your
hybrid's fuel economy.
Electricity is coming out of the
battery when the gauge moves to
the right. Electricity is going into
the battery when the gauge moves
to the left.
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