Ford 2009 Escape Owner's Manual page 362

Service engine soon: The Service
engine soon indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the on position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the Service engine soon
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the Service
engine soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing. See the Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) testing in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to On
board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Maintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING: Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Check fuel cap fill inlet
(if equipped): Illuminates when
the fuel fill inlet may not be
properly closed. Continued driving
with this light on may cause the
Service engine soon warning light to
come on, refer to Easy Fuel "no cap" fuel system in the Maintenance
and Specification chapter.
If "CHECK FUEL FILL INLET" is displayed in the message center, refer
to Message center in the Driver Controls chapter for more information.
2009 Escape (204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Instrument Cluster
13