Ford 2011 Escape Hybrid Owner's Manual page 10

Introduction
Question
After I start my car in the
morning, why does it take a
long time before the engine
shuts down?
Why does my engine never
shut down above 40 mph
(65 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?
10
2011 Escape Hybrid (ehv)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Answer
There are several reasons the engine
stays on for an extended amount of time
when it is first started. One common
reason is to ensure that the emissions
components are warm enough to
minimize tailpipe emissions. As the
climate gets cooler, this "engine-ON" time
is extended.
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.