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2003 Ford Escape Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

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TSB Date Problem Area TSB Text
12/02/14 NHTSA ID: 10056443
TSB ID: TSB-14-0143

Ford: the lower control arm (lca) forward attachment will separate from subframe, causing diminishing directional control, due to operating in high corrosion areas for extended period of time. model 2001-2004 escape.
03/13/06 NHTSA ID: 10019382
TSB ID: 04208

Camshaft tick noise - 3.0l 4v engine only.
02/10/06 NHTSA ID: 10019076
TSB ID: 19016

Replace timing belt idler pulley during 2.0l zetec engine cylinder head replacement - service tip.
01/12/06 NHTSA ID: 10018745
TSB ID: 041601

Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
04/18/05 NHTSA ID: 10013396
TSB ID: 042210

Steering gear squeak - when turning the steering wheel during low speed parking maneuvers.
04/15/05 NHTSA ID: 10013366
TSB ID: 04214

Steering drift/pull - improved diagnostic and repair procedure - service tip.
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01/06/05 NHTSA ID: 10011162
TSB ID: 031404

Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. to include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
12/07/04 NHTSA ID: 10010731
TSB ID: 18217

Multiple vehicles - fuel level indication concerns - service tip. various models including 2005 super duty f-series, excursion, expedition, explorer, mountaineer and aviator.
08/09/04 NHTSA ID: 10008598
TSB ID: 16200

V-6 badge discontinued. *mj
08/05/04 NHTSA ID: 10008580
TSB ID: 02176

Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj
07/28/04 NHTSA ID: 10008336
TSB ID: 16405

Brake squeal / engineering contract request. *mj
07/28/04 NHTSA ID: 10008339
TSB ID: 16409

Click on turns. *mj
07/28/04 NHTSA ID: 10008343
TSB ID: 16413

Park brake adjustment / contact request. *mj
07/26/04 NHTSA ID: 10008277
TSB ID: 03252

Engine-cooling system-low coolant warning indicator lamp illuminaion-coolant degas bottle inspection-serice tip. *mj
07/23/04 NHTSA ID: 10008205
TSB ID: 02231

Driveability-intermittent engine quit or idle dip-no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) present-vehicles equipped with 3.0l duratec engine only. *mj
07/23/04 NHTSA ID: 10008217
TSB ID: 17703

Ticking noise from left cylinder head with warm engine.
07/22/04 NHTSA ID: 10008166
TSB ID: 17316

Fuel signal to instrument cluster service tip.
07/22/04 NHTSA ID: 10008192
TSB ID: 17380

A check fuel cap indicator illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0457 or a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with dtc p0455 or p0457.
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07/22/04 NHTSA ID: 10008104
TSB ID: 17532

Low pressure power steering line leak after cold soak in temperatures of -23c (-10) or lower. *mj
06/10/04 NHTSA ID: 10007315
TSB ID: 17457

Excessive front rotor wear and/or brake dust.
11/04/03 NHTSA ID: 10003841
TSB ID: 16964

Excessive brake pad/lining dust and wear.
10/29/03 NHTSA ID: 10003744
TSB ID: 03144

Engine misfire or rough running condition with coil on plug (cop) ignition systems may be more accurately diagnosed using the optional worldwide diagnostic system (wds) coil on plug (cop) kit. 2003 super duty f series included.
10/10/03 NHTSA ID: 10003192
TSB ID: 031513

Tie rod end inspection procedure.
09/17/03 NHTSA ID: 10002780
TSB ID: 0398

Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
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09/09/03 NHTSA ID: 10002642
TSB ID: 16809

The new high flow water pump is not yet listed in the parts catalog but will be soon. the service can be ordered through normal part ordering system.
09/08/03 NHTSA ID: 10002619
TSB ID: 16908

Squeaking noise from the power steering rack when turning.
07/28/03 NHTSA ID: 10001942
TSB ID: 16696

Whining / propeller / helicopter type noise from front wheel / knuckle bearing area. *jb
11/07/02 NHTSA ID: 636245
TSB ID: 16046

Some vehicles may exhibit a rear shock leak and / or noise condition.
11/06/02 NHTSA ID: 636171
TSB ID: 16154

Some vehicles with aluminum wheels may exhibit a clicking noise heard coming from the front of the vehicle during left or right hand turns.
04/28/05 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10014086
TSB ID: 042107

General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
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04/18/05 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10013406
TSB ID: 04232

Wheel speed sensor removal tip. *eh
04/15/05 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10013369
TSB ID: 04217

General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
01/18/05 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10011344
TSB ID: 18173

A final drive whine at 25-45 mph (40-72 km/h).
09/23/04 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10009323
TSB ID: 04141

Transmission control indicator lamp (tcil) on with diagnostic trouble code p1783 and/or p0733 cold climate shift/engagement concerns with a cd4e transaxle.
07/22/04 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10008185
TSB ID: 17366

Final drive whine most noticeable at 25-45 mph during light acceleration or deceleration.
06/22/04 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10007421
TSB ID: 17657

Clutch chatter when cold.
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10/29/03 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10003748
TSB ID: 03148

New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
07/28/03 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10001954
TSB ID: 16717

Automatic transaxle shudder. *jb
11/07/02 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 636254
TSB ID: 16056

Cd4e transaxle may exhibit a final drive whine / warble type noise mostly in the 25-45 mph speed range on light throttle acceleration or deceleration.
11/05/02 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 636139
TSB ID: 16116

Subject regarding throttle body service replacement / transmission vent hose bracket instructions.
07/18/06 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10020067
TSB ID: 0693

Pcm failure - electrical accessories intermittent - inoperative.
12/14/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10018063
TSB ID: 04244

Restraint system - safety belt buckle and pretensioner diagnostic trouble code (dtc) b1877 and/or b1881.
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12/07/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10017904
TSB ID: 05419

False parking aid warnings.
05/05/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10014671
TSB ID: 04262

False parking aid warnings. update.
04/29/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10014302
TSB ID: 042612

Side air bag diagnostic trouble code (dtc) b1994 or b1998.
04/27/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10014062
TSB ID: 04189

Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
04/18/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10013423
TSB ID: 18281

Condensation inside the foglamps. *eh
04/18/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10013426
TSB ID: 18284

High airflow from defroster vents when in floor or floor defrost modes. *eh
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04/18/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10013422
TSB ID: 18280

Air bag warning lamp on . *eh
04/08/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10013116
TSB ID: 04174

Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. various models including 2004 f-series.
04/07/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10013077
TSB ID: 16308

Various 2003 vehicles equipped with premium cd-6 radios - cd-6 shuffle feature between discs not available.
04/07/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10013067
TSB ID: 16266

False alarm activation.
04/07/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10013060
TSB ID: 02208

Climate control a/c service tech tips. *eh
01/04/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10011159
TSB ID: 041514

Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
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09/23/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10009321
TSB ID: 031501

Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
08/09/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10008599
TSB ID: 16209

Cimate control system odor. *mj
07/28/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10008340
TSB ID: 16410

Trailer tow harness installation / service tip. *mj
07/23/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10008201
TSB ID: 0471

Warning indicators-parking aid-reverse sensing system (rss) and forward sensing system (fss)-false activation of warning tone-service tips. *mj update.
07/22/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10008144
TSB ID: 16447

Musty odor from climate control system.
01/14/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10004886
TSB ID: 03203

Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system.
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01/14/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10004894
TSB ID: 032011

Airbag lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) b1877 (driver pretensioner circuit open) or b1881 (passenger pretensioner circuit open). this bulletin supersedes tsb 03-20-11 dated 2003.
11/14/03 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10004027
TSB ID: 03181

Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
09/10/03 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10002676
TSB ID: 16811

Intermittent electrical conditions with power windows, locks, fobs, radio, lighting, cruise control or other electrical accessories.
09/10/03 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10002663
TSB ID: 16779

Perceived condition of no entry or unable to manually unlock the door. this may occur when the battery is allowed to become discharged or completely dead and the remote keyless entry (keyfob) is used while the battery is in this state.
04/29/05 Other NHTSA ID: 10014265
TSB ID: 042513

Serviceability of instrument panel register vents.
04/28/05 Other NHTSA ID: 10014138
TSB ID: 042421

Safety belt retraction speed.
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04/27/05 Other NHTSA ID: 10014052
TSB ID: 04191

Safety belt buckle and pretensioner diagnostic trouble code (dtc) b1877, b1881, b1885 or b1886.
04/05/05 Other NHTSA ID: 10012954
TSB ID: 05310

Safety belt web stop button service. *eh
07/28/04 Other NHTSA ID: 10008347
TSB ID: 16420

Squeak, creak or rattle type noise from rear liftgate area.
07/22/04 Other NHTSA ID: 10008176
TSB ID: 17343

Front safety belt slow to retract and/or missing web stop button.
10/09/03 Other NHTSA ID: 10003175
TSB ID: 17067

Front seatbelt slow to retract.
11/05/02 Other NHTSA ID: 636122
TSB ID: 16103

This bulletin states that the rear underbody heat shield is discontinued.

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Ford Escape TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins)

Some things are often misunderstood about recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs). Plus a disclaimer.

  1. Recalls do not have to be issued only because something is prone to failure. NHTSA (a government agency) can only require a recall if a failure will affect safety, emissions, fuel economy, or compliance with some other regulation or law. Manufacturers can voluntarily recall cars for problems that do not affect these, though.
  2. Recalls often apply to only some cars of a specific model year, rather than all of them. You should receive a letter from the manufacturer if your car has been recalled. You can also check with the dealer, which will know which (if any) recalls pertain to your car.
  3. The primary purpose of TSBs is to inform dealers about known problems with a car and how to fix them. They are not the same as recalls. As with recalls, TSBs often only apply to some cars, not the entire model year.
  4. Dealers often will not provide a preventive repair just because a problem described in a TSB might happen to your car. They'll usually want to observe symptoms that the problem is already affecting your car.
  5. Even if there are symptoms, a manufacturer doesn't have to pick up the cost of a TSB repair if the car is out of warranty, though sometimes they do.

We provide the text of recalls and TSBs as provided by NHTSA. There can be errors in the text. If you sign up for notifications in My Garage, we will try to get these to do, but for various reasons (some beyond our control) cannot guarantee you will receive them. When in doubt about a recall or TSB, contact the dealer.