All I can think of is, the particular person who rode with you, may not have been an expert with the engine. He or she could have specifically been in charge of computer programming, or 100 other things hybrid specific, but not engine specific. I told MY engineer on the Dearborn ride-along ( I was there Sunday, and stayed from 8am to 4pm ) that the 2005 was not powerful enough to back over a curb in reverse, if the wheels were resting against the curb, like "chocks". The engineer, one of the "lead guys" told me this was certainly false, and the 2005 FEH had plenty of power in reverse to do this.

I told him "So lets go out and try it. Maybe it's just my car?"

In the ENGINEER's 2005 FEH, with about 5 other Ford guys watching, he backed into a stall with rear wheels touching the curb. An average, probably 4" curb. Stopped fully, then tried to back over the curb. The car wouldn't budge. The 5 guys in the parking lot watching with me turn to each other and one says: "I thought we fixed this."

I'm not saying I'm smarter than Ford engineers.
I am saying not everyone is an expert in all aspects, so places like this forum are great places to get the "whole story".

-John- 54 MPG with 5 adults in the car on the Dearborn "Test Track".

 

The purpose of the downstream o2 sensor in a OBDII car is to judge the catalyst effeciency and adjust long term fuel trim. The middle O2 sensor is used to judge "light-off" on Ford PZEV. I wonder if/when the cat starts to go bad will the ICE stay running and not go into EV mode?

The reason a block heater has the potential to reduce the ICE time is a cold engine must run richer than 14.7 to 1 a/f ratio to warm the engine. The cat will not light off with a richer mixture that is required to start and run a cold engine. Once the a/f reaches 14.7 to 1 the cat will light off quickly. Ergo, if you can avoid the cold start enrichment period or reduce it substantially the cat will light off sooner. Most engines with HEGOs will go into closed loop when the O2s start working not when the cat lights off.

 

Was this yesterday (6-24-07?) I'm asking in an attempt to learn more about the capabilities of my 2005 AWD Ford Escape Hybrid. Maybe a post in a different thread can further explain this experience.

 

No, the hybrid event that Ford hosted in Dearborn was nearly two years ago. I don't think they've done another one. They had discussed doing a road-trip of a few events around the country but I don't think that ever happened.

 

It was Sat/Sun October 8/9 of 2005. Sorry.

 

Sorry to disagree, but your "expert" seems to be clueless on hybrids work.

After just going thru my first winter, I can tell you that cold temperature is certainly a problem for the hybrid. The hybrids burn gas, LOTS OF GAS, just to warm up the system in the winter. With that, the hybrid's gas mileage drops thru the floor.

I know that for me, and I sure lots of others here, the interest in the Engine Block Heater, is an attempt to find a way to pre-warm the system so that it does NOT have to burn LOTS OF GAS after each cold start in the winter.

 

Warmer engines lubricate better more quickly, as well as emit less of the stuff we don't want them to emit. A timed heater system (not one that stays on all night) would be a plus for these cars, just like others, realizing of course that there are things about the FEH that make it less affected by cold than normal cars.......like the fact it would frequently be moving off under electric power rather than putting full load on the cold ICE.

For normal vehicles, warmers are suggested at 20 degrees.....not exactly just the frigid climes. If you want to minimize emissions......you plug in around there for a couple of hours before driving.

I would also suggest an oil pan heater....flat, flexible....glues to the bottom of the pan, and makes your oil flow fast from the get-go. This is mainly for pampering your ICE....not much else.

On the other hand, ours went through an Anchorage winter without any of this stuff and never skipped a beat, so clearly, it's a choice. And many of us seem to like to pamper our little beasts.....

 

From an old post. I just had my engine block heater installed at the somewhat local Bergstrom Ford Dealership. I was at the dealership for 2.5 hours for an oil change (Mobil 1 5w-20), locking lug nuts installed on each wheel and the engine block heater. The extended time frame at the dealership caused some anxiety on my part but I was charged $80.00 for installation of the engine block heater. You can not see the "electrical cord outlet" for this device unless you look hard for it. I asked if the service department called Ford Motor Company prior to installing this device and they claimed no. I bet the dealership had little or no experience with this installation on an Escape Hybrid and that was the reason for the extended time frame.

 

My 08 FEH should have one, but I have not found the cord yet. Is it on the passenger side, near the coolants or is it near the 12v battery?

 

ok, found it.
Reach up under lower grill.