[BreckB]

Does anyone know how to force start the ICE (gasoline) engine without driving the PHEV?

I tow my Escape behind my RV. Before every day of towing, I must run the ICE for 3 minutes, in Drive and Reverse, then use the Neutral Tow option. For some overnight RV park stops, we use "pull thru" sites so we don't have to disconnect the Escape. But if I cannot start the engine, I must disconnect, drive outside of the park, apply heavy accelerator pedal, and then the engine runs. There are 8 distinct connections that I must unhook / re-hook, and if it's raining, it's very inconvenient.

While towing applies to me, think about getting an oil change - "start your engine so I can check for leaks" .... HOW ? ? So this appears to be a significant miss in the design unless someone has the secret. Yes I called my dealer service department (we don't do tech support over the phone) and tried Ford Chat ( it went in many directions but never got an answer). Hoping someone on the forum has a solution.

Thanks!

 

[jpohlman]

Easy way to force a start, put it in sport mode and HVAC on max defrost.

 

[BreckB]

** THANK YOU **

One minor change to your directions ( at least for my car)
1) Start the car normally ( engine doesn't start)
2) Switch to Sport Mode
3) Turn on Max Defrost ( this did not start my car)
4) Press accelerator pedal (started my car )

Step 3 is OPTIONAL on my car - not required as long as I press the accelerator in Sport Mode

You should see the chat stream with Ford who could not answer this question..... you have saved me countless hours of frustration.

 

[jpohlman]

They should know this one, people have been asking it since the CMax was introduced and they wanted to check for leaks after an oil change.....

 

[acd]

What's the purpose of the forward/reverse drive procedure? Is this meant to keep the automatic transmission lubricated before towing?

Better safe than sorry, but your PHEV doesn't have a normal transmission. I wonder if this precaution is still helpful on that particular car.

 

[leonhoganpenske]

What's the purpose of the forward/reverse drive procedure? Is this meant to keep the automatic transmission lubricated before towing?

Better safe than sorry, but your PHEV doesn't have a normal transmission. I wonder if this precaution is still helpful on that particular car.

it doesn't even have a reverse gear! it spins the electric motor backwards to back up. I was wondering why he needs to start it before departing also.

 

[Rangerdavid]

Just power it on and push the gas pedal. That will start it.

 

[Golluk]

Sport mode is my go to, or select charge mode with the EV button if below 80%.

 

[ptjones]

Just power it on and push the gas pedal. That will start it.

In EV Mode on my FEHP will not start the ICE not until the charge is used up.

Paul