This is normal. Once you hit 40mph the engine always restarts. Good news with the 2009 FEH is that as long as you leave your foot off the accelerator you will not be using any fuel in most cases.

Rick

 

I read that in the owner's manual - how does an engine run and use no fuel? I always thought it was the fuel combustion that made the pistons go up/down - if there is no fuel combustion how can the engine be running?

 

See the thread "2009 Escape Hybrid changes at 40 mph" in which gpsMan1 says:
"There is also deceleration fuel cutoff, such as when coasting down a hill at higher speeds. At high speeds, the gas engine is turning, but the fuel injectors are off and you are getting infinate MPG... which is sort of like electric only driving."

I was also wondering the same thing! Nice to know that even though the RPM guage shows the engine turning, it isn't using gas! Who whould know?

Too bad that FORD doesn't freely give out this tech information in their owner's manual, nor on their web site. They should be proud of their cars and hybrid technology, not keep it in mystery.

 

It's complicated and that's why if you do a search, you'll find patents on the process through the years.