This post and video reviews the top 5 most common Ford Escape issues of the 2nd generation, years 2008 to 2012. Learn the typical problems owners are known to have with the 2008 to 2012 Ford Escape and their fixes with these tips.
Top 5 Most Common Problems with the 2nd Gen 2008 to 2012 Ford Escape
1. Bad Ignition Coils
Symptoms of Bad Ignition Coils
- Rough running engine and misfires
- Flashing check engine light for a P0300 misfire code
How to Fix Issues with the Ignition Coils on the 2nd Gen Ford Escape
There are three ignition coils at the front and back of the V6 engine in the 2nd gen Ford Explorer. The coils at the rear are located underneath the intake manifold, so the intake manifold gasket will need to be replaced at the same time to prevent a vacuum leak. We also recommend replacing the spark plugs at the same time.
2. Defective EGR Valve
Symptoms of a Defective EGR Valve
- Engine running rough
- Lack of engine power
- Check engine light for an EGR-related code
Causes of a Bad EGR Valve
The EGR valve allows exhaust gases to be re-burned in the air intake for better performance. It can turn on the check engine light for an EGR-related code if the valve is stuck open or closed.
How to Fix the EGR Valve
The EGR valve on the 2008 to 2012 Ford Escape is located next to the air intake tube. To replace it, steps include disconnecting the wiring harness, removing the bolts, removing the valve with a wrench, and reversing these steps to install the new one.
3. Purge Valve Failure
Symptoms of Problems with the Purge Valve on the 2008 to 2012 Ford Escape
- Check engine light for an EVAP code like P0456
Causes of a Bad Purge Valve
The purge valve can fail on the 2nd gen Ford Escape and cause a check engine light for an EVAP code. Issues with the fuel filler neck will also cause similar symptoms.
How to Fix the Purge Valve
To replace the purge valve, disconnect the vapor-line hose that’s clipped to the valve, disconnect the wiring harness, and remove the two bolts from the valve.
4. Bad Radiator Fans
Symptoms of Bad Radiator Fans
How to Fix Bad Radiator Fans
To replace the radiator cooling fans, steps include removing the front bumper and grille and pulling the radiator forward by disconnecting the brackets to remove the fan.
5. Blower Motor Resistor Failure
Symptoms of a Failing Blower Motor Resistor
- Interior HVAC fan only works on the high setting
Causes of a Defective Blower Motor Resistor
When the 2nd gen Ford Escape blower motor resistor fails, the lower fan settings for the heat and AC won’t work.
How to Fix a Bad Blower Motor Resistor
To replace the blower motor resistor open the glove box and pull the sides down to access the HVAC box. Disconnect the electrical connector from the resistor and then remove the two screws and the resistor. Reverse these steps to install the new blower motor resistor.
More on replacing a blower motor resistor
More Tips
- Top 5 2001 to 2007 Ford Escape Problems
- Top 2007-2014 Ford Edge Problems
- Blower Motor Making Noise?
- P0455 and P0442 Codes? Find Large and Small EVAP Leaks
2nd Generation Ford Escape Model Years
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