2003 Ford Escape

The following information is subject to change without notice. Contact dealer to verify.

What's New

Exterior Changes

Colors added:

Red Fire Clearcoat Metallic
Aspen Green Clearcoat Metallic
Gold Ash Clearcoat Metallic

Colors deleted:

Bright Red Clearcoat Metallic
Dark Highland Green Clearcoat Metallic

Wheellip moldings deleted from XLT series except XLT Sport and when XLT Appearance Package is optioned

New roof rack

Interior Changes

Improved interior fabrics and materials
Revised appearance painted center finish panel and front-door power switch bezels on XLT and Limited
Two-Tone interior color scheme
Illumination added to front door power window and lock switches
Single CD player audio system replaces dual-media system on XLS
Rear cargo power point deleted

Option Changes

The XLS and XLT Sport packages are both carried over into the 2003 model year. The Limited series is new for 2003, as is the XLT Appearance Package.

Limited Model:

Premium leather seating surfaces
Heated sideview mirrors
A-Gloss body color fascias, cladding, door handles and liftgate bezel
Unique 16-inch bright-machined aluminum wheels
Sun visors with Illuminated vanity mirrors
Reverse Sensing System
MACH^® Audio 6-disc in-dash CD player
Heated driver and front passenger seats
Auto-dimming rearview mirror with automatic headlamps
Side-impact airbags

XLT Appearance Package (optional on XLT Premium array):

A-Gloss Dark Shadow Grey fascias, cladding and wheellip moldings
Black side step bars
16-inch unique aluminum wheels

2003 Ford Escape

The following information is subject to change without notice. Contact dealer to verify.

Key Features

In 2003 Ford Escape remains the affordable, fun, entry-level SUV in the Ford Outfitters family. Escape provides a fun driving experience with versatility, and value for customers looking for a 5-passenger, 4-door SUV that's more versatile than a car, but not as big as Explorer. Defining features include front-wheel drive, unibody monocoque construction, 4-wheel independent suspension, exceptional interior roominess, fold-flat rear seats, an available DOHC Duratec V-6 engine and the Control Trac^® II four-wheel drive system.

Performance/Handling

Available 3500-lb. maximum towing capacity
Available 201-horsepower 3.0L DOHC Duratec V-6 engine with automatic transaxle
2.0L DOHC Zetec I-4 engine with 5-speed manual transaxle
Standard front-wheel drive
Available Control Trac^® II four-wheel drive system

Safety/Security

Available four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system
Available front-seat side-impact airbags
LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)

Comfort/Convenience

69.2 cu. ft. maximum rear cargo volume
5-passenger seating capacity
Standard center console with 5 cup holders (XLS)
Sporty white-faced Instrument Cluster

2003 Ford Escape

The following information is subject to change without notice. Contact dealer to verify.

Powertrain Combinations

Powertrain (Engine/Transaxle)	Horsepower (SAE net @ rpm)	Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm)
2.0L DOHC Zetec I-4 5-Speed Manual Overdrive	127@5400	135@4500
3.0L DOHC Duratec V-6 Electronically Controlled 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive	201@5900	196@4700

2003 Ford Escape

The following information is subject to change without notice. Contact dealer to verify.

Engines

2.0L DOHC 16V Zetec I-4 (Escape)

The 2.0L DOHC 16V Zetec I-4 engine is available on Escape. This engine incorporates a fine blend of performance and efficiency. A 5-speed manual transaxle is standard and is the only transaxle available.

Major features and benefits:

A cast aluminum cylinder head reduces weight and provides optimized combustion performance
A precision cast iron cylinder block combines strength with stability
High temperature-resistant aluminum alloy pistons
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection (SEFI) enhances the fuel delivery system by providing fuel at precisely the right moment for optimum performance
9.6:1 compression ratio helps ensure that the engine will run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel
DOHC 16V design improves engine breathing and contributes to higher performance
EEC-V electronic engine controls ensure optimum performance, and quick and easy problem diagnosis

Specifications
Type	4-Cylinder, In-line, Dual Overhead Cam, 16V
Engine Electronics	EEC-V Electronic Engine Controls
Displacement	2.0L (121 CID)
Horsepower (SAE net @ rpm)	127 @ 5400
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm)	135 @ 4500
Compression Ratio	9.6:1
Bore and Stroke (in.)	3.34 x 3.46
Main Bearings	5
Valve Tappets	Hydraulic, Roller Bucket
Fuel Delivery	Sequential Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel	Regular Unleaded
Exhaust	Single, with Catalyst System

2003 Ford SUV Powertrain

Engine			2.0L (121) DOHC SEFI I-4
Horsepower	—	(bhp @ rpm)⁽¹⁾	127 @ 5400 (Escape)
Torque	—	(lbs.-ft. @ rpm)	135 @ 4500 (Escape)
Compression Ratio (to 1) Nominal⁽¹⁾			9.6
Type and No. of Cylinders			Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), I-4
Bore and Stroke (in.)			3.34 x 3.46
Displacement Liters (cu. in.)			2.0L (121)
Taxable Horsepower
Engine Mounting			3-Point, Rubber
CYLINDER BLOCK	—	Material	Cast Iron
CYLINDER HEAD	—	Type—Material	Aluminum
CAMSHAFT	—	Type	5 Bearing
Material			Cast Iron
Journal Diameter (in.)			25.97
Cam Lift	—	Intake (in.)	0.350393
Cam Lift	—	Exhaust (in.)	0.342519
CAMSHAFT BEARINGS	—	Type	Hydro
Total Effective Length (in.)			0.961
Total Effective Surface Area (sq. in.)			24.62
CAMSHAFT DRIVE	—	Type	Synchro—Belt
CRANKSHAFT	—	Type	Precision Cast, 5-Bearing, Shell Molded, 8-Counter Weights
Material			Nodular Iron
Length, Overall (in.)			19.071
Crankpin Journals	—	Diameter (in.)	1.846
Length (in.)			0.966
Main Bearing Journals	—	Diameter (in.)	2.283
Length (in.)	—	No. 1	0.907
	—	No. 2	1.002
	—	No. 3	0.978
	—	No. 4	1.002
	—	No. 5	1.100
Journal Overlap (in.)			0.332
MAIN BEARINGS	—	Type	Replaceable Insert—Selective Fit
Material			Aluminum Tin Steel Backed
Effective Length (in.)	—	Nos. 1,2,4,5	0.734
Effective Length (in.)	—	No. 3 (Takes Thrust)	0.706
Total Effective Projected Area (sq. in.)			13.80
CONNECTING RODS	—	Type	I-Beam
Material			Sintered Steel, Hot Formed
Length Center-to-Center (in.)			5.482
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS	—	Type	Replaceable Insert
Material			Aluminum Tin Steel Backed
Effective Length (in.)	—	Each bearing	0.774
Total Effective Projected Area (sq. in.)			10.33
PISTONS	—	Material	Aluminum - Silican Alloy
Finish			Cam Turned, phosphated, special anti-scuff low friction coating
Length (in.)			2.102
PISTON RINGS	—	Number	Three
Top Compression Ring	—	Type	Barrel Face
Material			Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron
Finish			Plasma Sprayed Molly
Second Compression Ring	—	Type	Napier Face
Material			Alloyed Cast Iron
Finish			Phosphate Coated
Oil Control Ring	—	Type	Two Rail — Spacer Expander
Material			Steel
Finish			Chrome-Plated Rails
PISTON PINS	—	Type	Pressed in Rod
Material			Alloy Steel, Heat Treated
Length (in.)			2.283
Diameter (in.)			0.787
VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM
Lash Adjuster	—	Type	Mechanical Graded Tappet
VALVES, INTAKE	—	Type
Material			Forged Steel
Head Diameter (in.)			1.259
Stem Diameter (in.)			0.239
Stem Oil Control			Hi-Temp., Guide Molded Seal
Angle of Seat			45.5° — 45.75°
Valve Lift (in. @ Zero Lash)			0.350
Spring Pressure (lb.) @ Specified Length (in.)			145 @ 1.17 w/Valve Open, 365 @ 1.56 w/Valve Closed
VALVES, EXHAUST	—	Type	Carbon Sprayer
Material			Chrome Plated, No Seat Facing
Head Diameter (in.)			1.26
Stem Diameter (in.)			0.237
Stem Oil Control
Angle of Seat			45.0° — 45.25°
Valve Lift (in. @ Zero Lash)			0.342
Spring Pressure (lb.) @ Specified Length (in.)			170 @ 1.17 w/Valve Open, 400 @ 1.56 w/Valve Closed
COOLING SYSTEM
Radiator	—	Type	Cross-Flow, Fin & Tube
Thermostat			Poppet-Type, Pellet-Operated
Operating Temperature			95° C
Water Pump	—	Type	Centrifugal
Bearing	—	Type	Ball & Roller
Drive			Poly-Vee Belt
Capacity (l/min @ rpm)			30L/min @ 1000
Recirculating Bypass			External w/Diverter Valve For A/C Efficiency
Fan	—	Type	5 Blade LH side and 6 blade on RH side
Material			Plastic
Diameter (in.)			12.59
ELECTRICAL
Ignition System Aluminum (A500)	—	Type	12-Volt Electronic Distributorless Ignition System (EDIS) — Spark Timing Controlled by EEC-V Computer With Integrated EDIS
Spark Plugs	—	Thread Size — No. Used	14mm — 8
Firing Order			1-3-4-2
Starting Motor	—	Type	Positive Engagement
Control			Ignition Key Switch Actuates Solenoid Relay
Alternator	—	Type	Diode Rectified Series Machine
Battery Ground			Negative
FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel Metering System			Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection — Four Port-Mounted Fuel Injectors Electronically Triggered By EEC-V Module—Returnless Fuel System, Intank Pressure By-pass Valve, Fuel Rail Mounted Pressure Damper
Fuel Pump	—	Type	Single Electric
Location			In-Tank High Pressure
Fuel Filter	—	Type — No. Used	In-Line Large Capacity Filter — One
Location			Left Frame Rail
Fuel Reservoir	—	Type — No. Used	One
Location			In-Tank
Air Cleaner	—	Type	Rectangular Flat Dry Element — Fender Mounted
LUBRICATION SYSTEM	—	Type	Pressure to Main, Camshaft, Connecting Rod Bearings; Oil Mist to Piston Pins and Pressure Stream to Cylinder Walls
Oil Pan Plug			Non-Magnetized
Oil Pump	—	Type — Location	Rotor — Frontal Block Mount
Intake	—	Type	Non-Floating, Screen in Sump
Oil Filter	—	Type	Full-Flow, Disposable
Attachment			Block Mounted, Right Side
Oil Refill Capacity (qts.)
With Filter Change			4.49 pints
Without Filter Change			3.96 pints
Normal Oil Pressure			4.3 @ 90 C / 2000 rpm

(1) Representative 2003 horsepower and torque ratings adjusted to SAE J-1349 net. Ratings shown are typical and not precise for every model/engine calibration.

3.0L DOHC 24V Duratec V-6 (Escape)

The 3.0L DOHC 24V Duratec V-6 engine is available on Escape. An electronic 4-speed automatic overdrive transaxle is standard.

Major features and benefits:

Cast aluminum cylinder head and cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners are lightweight, but strong
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection (SEFI) enhances the fuel delivery system by providing fuel at precisely the right moment for optimum performance
10.0:1 compression ratio helps ensure that the engine will run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel
DOHC 24V design improves engine breathing and contributes to higher performance
EEC-V electronic engine controls ensure optimum performance, and quick and easy problem diagnosis
The valvetrain features self-adjusting hydraulic valve lash adjusters with roller finger followers and quiet chain-driven camshafts
Variable induction intake with dual tuned runners for each cylinder optimizes low-speed torque and
high-rpm horsepower
Composite cam covers for lighter weight
Coil-on-plug ignition system to eliminate spark plug wires and provide a stronger spark to the plug for improved reliability and durability
Composite intake manifold for lighter weight

Specifications
Type	6-Cylinder, 60° V, Dual Overhead Cam, 24V
Engine Electronics	EEC-V Electronic Engine Controls
Displacement	3.0L (181 CID)
Horsepower (SAE net @ rpm)	201 @ 5900
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm)	196 @ 4700
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Bore and Stroke (in.)	3.5 x 3.14
Main Bearings	4
Valve Lash Adjusters	Hydraulic with Roller Finger Followers
Fuel Delivery	Sequential Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel	Regular Unleaded
Exhaust	Single with Catalyst System

2003 Ford SUV Powertrain

Engine (Model)			3.0L (182) Duratec SEFI V-6
Horsepower	—	(bhp @ rpm)⁽¹⁾	201 @ 5900 (Escape)
Torque	—	(lbs.-ft. @ rpm)⁽¹⁾	196 @ 4700 (Escape)
Compression Ratio (to 1) Nominal⁽¹⁾			10.0
Type and No. of Cylinders			60° Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), V-6
Bore and Stroke (in.)			3.50 x 3.14
Displacement Liters (cu. in.)			3.0L (182)
Taxable Horsepower			29.4
Engine Mounting			3-Point, Rubber
CYLINDER BLOCK	—	Material	Aluminum Alloy
CYLINDER HEAD	—	Material	Cast Aluminum Alloy
CAMSHAFT	—	Type	4-Bearing
Material			Steel
Journal Diameter (in)			Nominal 1.0609
Maximum Engine RPM (limiting factor)			6450 RPM (valve spring relaxation)
Valve Design			Poppet
Maximum Valve Lift (int/ext)			8.727 mm / 9.53 mm
Valve Head Diameter (int/ext)			Internal - 35.0 mm / 34.87 mm; External - 30.12 mm / 29.87 mm
Valve Stem Diameter (int/ext)			6 mm / 6 mm
Valve Length (int/ext)			113.03 mm / 113.67 mm
Valve Weight (int/ext)			45 g / 41.6 g
Stem Oil Control			Grade 2
Angle of Seat			45 degrees
Rocker Arms		Type	Hydraulic
Valve Spring Weight			47.2 g
Spring Retainer Weight			9.5 g
Lash Adjuster Weight			47.3 g
Finger Follower Weight			79.9 g
Intake and Exhaust Valve Spring Loads (open/closed)			240 +/- 11 N / 693 +/- 31N
Valve Stem Clearance (int/ext)			.020 - .069 mm / .045 - .094 mm
Type of Collet Grooves			3 Bead
Valve Timing @ 0.000" lift
Intake Opening			4 degrees BTDC
Intake Closing			48 degrees ABDC
Exhaust Opening			56 degrees BBDC
Exhaust Closing			12 degrees ATDC
CAMSHAFT BEARINGS	—	Type	Replaceable Bushing—Steel-Backed
Material			Babbitt
CAMSHAFT DRIVE	—	Type	Chain Drive
Sprocket Material			Powdered Metal
CRANKSHAFT	—	Type	4 Bearing
Weight			19026 grams
Number of Counter Weights			9
Balance Factor			175.46
Main Bearing Journal Diameter			62.98 mm
Main Bearing Width			17.8
Radial Main Bearing Clearance			0.013-0.025 mm
Radial Oil Seal Front Diameter			47.73-47.60
Radial Oil Seal Front Width			8.66 mm (min)
Radial Oil Seal Rear Diameter			107.7 mm
Radial Oil Seal Rear Width			9.525 mm
CONNECTING RODS	—	Type	I-Beam
Material			Coplanar
Length Center-to-Center (in.)			5.44
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS	—	Type	Replaceable Insert
Small End Bearing Diameter			0.0828
Small End Bearing Width			0.0839
Big End Bearing Diameter			2.0879
Big End Bearing Width			0.7039
PISTONS	—	Material	Aluminum Alloy
Length (in.)			2.63
Design			Barrel Profile
Weight			348 mm
Piston Conrod Assembly Weight			1027.1
Compression Height			30 mm
Topland Height			4.0 mm
First Land Height			4.08 mm
Second Land Height			4.42 mm
Skirt Length			33.6775
Radial Clearance met to met			-12 to 22 microns (with coating); 18 to 42 microns (without coating)
Crevice Volume			6295 cc
PISTON RINGS	—	Number	Three
Top Compression Ring	—	Material—Finish	Steel / Moly
Design			Barrel Face; Radius Back
Axial Width			1.2 mm
Radial Thickness			3.5 mm
Tangential Load			21.05 N
Second Compression Ring	—	Material	Cast Iron
Design			Napier
Axial Width			1.5 mm
Radial Thickness			4.05 mm
Tangential Load			25.5 N
Oil Control Ring	—	Type	3 Piece
Material			Stainless Steel
Axial Width			2.5 mm
Radial Thickness			3.2 mm
Tangential Load			31.15 N
Piston Rings (Leaded)			Unique ring pack for leaded applications
VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM
Tappets	—	Type	Hydraulic—Roller
Push Rods	—	Material	Steel
Push Rods	—	Length (in.)	5.36
Rocker Arms	—	Material	Stamped Steel
Rocker Arms	—	Type-Adjustment	None
VALVES, INTAKE	—	Type	Flat Head
Material			Chrome Plated
Head Diameter (in.)			1.661
Stem Diameter (in.)			0.313
Stem Oil Control			Guide Mounted/Steel-Rubber
Angle of Seat			45°
Valve Lift	—	Valve Lash (in. @ Zero Lash)	.416
Rotator Type			Three-Bead Key
Spring Pressure (lb.) @ Specified Length (in.)			65.0 @ 1.577 w/Valve Closed
VALVES, EXHAUST	—	Type	Flat Head
Material	—	Head	21-2N Austenitic Steel
Material	—	Stem	Heavy Chrome Welded Wafer Tip
Head Diameter (in.)			1.37
Stem Diameter (in.)			0.313
Stem Oil Control			Guide Mounted/Steel Rubber
Angle of Seat			45°
Valve Lift	—	Valve Lash (in. @ Zero Lash)	.404
Rotator Type			Three-Bead Key
Spring Pressure (lb.) @ Specified Length (in.)			65.0 @ 1.577 w/Valve Closed
COOLING SYSTEM	—	Type	Pressurized Series Flow
Radiator	—	Type	Cross-Flow, Fin & Tube
Thermostat			Poppet-Type, Pellet-Operated
Operating Temperature			95°C
Water Pump	—	Type	Centrifugal
Bearing	—	Type	Ball & Roller
Drive			Poly-Vee Belt
Capacity (l/min @ rpm)			30L/min @ 1000
Recirculating Bypass			External To Lower Radiator Hose
Fan	—	Type	5 Blade LH side and 6 Blade on RH side
Material			Plastic
Diameter (in.)			12.59
ELECTRICAL
Ignition System	—	Type	12-Volt Electronic Distributorless Ignition System (EDIS) — Spark Timing Controlled by EEC-V Computer With Integrated EDIS
Spark Plugs	—	Thread Size	14mm
Firing Order			1-4-2-5-3-6
Starting Motor	—	Type	Positive Engagement
Control			Ignition Key Switch Actuates Solenoid Relay
Alternator	—	Type	Diode Rectified Series Machine
Battery Ground			Negative
FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel Metering System			Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection — Six Port-Mounted Fuel Injectors Electronically Triggered by EEC-V Module
Fuel Pump	—	Type	Single Electric
Driven By			Fuel Pump Relay
Location			In-Tank, High Pressure
Fuel Filter	—	Type—No. Used	In-Line Paper (Primary), Metal and Plastic Screen Media—Two
Location			Left Frame Rail (Primary)
Air Cleaner	—	Type	Dry Element (Remote)
LUBRICATION SYSTEM	—	Type	Pressure to Main, Camshaft, Connecting Rod Bearings & Tappets; Oil Mist to Timing Chain
Oil Pan Plug			Non-Magnetized
Oil Pump	—	Type—Location	Rotor Type @ Rear Main Cap
Intake	—	Type	Non-Floating, Shrouded Screen in Sump
Oil Filter	—	Type	Full-Flow, Disposable
Attachment			Direct to Block, Left Side
Oil Refill Capacity (qts.)			-
With Filter Change			4.5
Without Filter Change			4
Normal Oil Pressure (psi @ rpm-hot)			40-60 @ 2500

(1) Representative 2003 horsepower and torque ratings adjusted to SAE J-1349 net. Ratings shown are typical and not precise for every model/engine calibration.

2003 Ford Escape

The following information is subject to change without notice. Contact dealer to verify.

Transmissions

5-speed manual overdrive transaxle (G5M)

This 5-speed manual overdrive transaxle is standard with the 2.0L engine on Escape.

Features and benefits:

A synchronizer in each gear acts as a clutch, speeding up or slowing down the selected gear to match the speed of the previous gear for smooth shifting
First four gears provide optimum performance
An overdrive fifth gear reduces engine rpm at highway speeds for improved fuel economy and quiet highway performance

2003 Ford SUV Powertrain

Electronically controlled 4-speed automatic overdrive transaxle (CD4E)

Escape is available with the electronically controlled 4-speed automatic overdrive transaxle (CD4E) with the 3.0L engine.

Features and benefits:

A torque converter with bypass clutch for optimum efficiency
Silent chain and planetary gear design provide quiet operation
Overdrive lowers engine rpm at highway speeds and contributes to reduced fuel use
Fully electronically controlled shifting matches engine performance and driver demands
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) compensates shift points for altitude and temperature variations
Offers 6500 rpm shift capability
"Home-safe" mode allows limited function in second and third gears if electronic control is lost
CD4E has a transaxle control switch (TCS) or "overdrive lockout" for use on hilly terrain and when towing a trailer