How to Jump Start a Ford Escape

1. Pull the red rubber boot backward and clamp the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery.
2. Connect the other end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the booster vehicle battery.
3. Connect the negative (-) jumper cable to the negative (-) terminal of the booster vehicle battery.
4. Make the last connection of the negative (-) cable to exposed metal on the disabled vehicle's engine, away from the battery and fuel injection system, or to a ground point if available.
5. Start the booster vehicle and keep engine speed between 2000 and 3000 RPM, then start the disabled vehicle.
6. Run both engines for an additional three minutes, then remove the cables in the reverse order of connection.

• Do not switch the headlamps on when disconnecting the cables; the peak voltage could blow the bulbs.
• On the 2.5L Duratec hybrid (FHEV/PHEV), do not connect the negative cable to any other part of the vehicle; use the ground point.
• If you use a jump pack or booster box, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Source: 2024 Ford Escape owner's manual, PDF pages 333, 334. Steps are summarized in our own words (AI-assisted, checked against the cited pages 2026-10-18). Other model years can differ; your manual has the final word.