How To Open The Hood Of A 2017 Ford Escape

Gaining access under the hood of a 2017 Ford Escape is a fundamental maintenance task, yet understanding the nuances of its design and implementation offers valuable insight for automotive professionals. While seemingly simple, the hood release mechanism and its associated components represent a specific engineering choice with both advantages and disadvantages when compared to alternative designs.

The 2017 Ford Escape Hood Release System: A Deep Dive

The 2017 Ford Escape utilizes a cable-actuated hood release system. This is a common design, but its specific implementation deserves scrutiny. The process involves two distinct steps: first, activating the interior hood release lever, and second, manually actuating the secondary hood latch located under the front edge of the hood. Let's break down each step:

Interior Release Lever: The lever is typically located on the lower left side of the driver's side dashboard, near the footwell. Pulling this lever releases the primary hood latch via a steel cable that runs from the lever, through the firewall, and to the latch mechanism under the hood.
Secondary Hood Latch: After releasing the primary latch, the hood will pop up slightly. Reaching under the front edge of the hood, you'll find a secondary safety latch. This latch, usually yellow or marked with an arrow, needs to be manually moved to the side (or upward, depending on the specific design variation) to completely release the hood.

Engineering Choices and Comparisons

The cable-actuated system is a cost-effective solution. Compared to electronic hood releases, it's significantly cheaper to manufacture and install. However, this cost-effectiveness comes with certain drawbacks. Consider these alternative designs:

Electronic Hood Release: Some luxury vehicles utilize an electronic hood release activated by a button inside the cabin. Pros: Convenient, eliminates cable wear. Cons: More complex, relies on the vehicle's electrical system, potential for failure due to electrical issues, higher cost.
Hydraulic Hood Release: While less common in passenger vehicles, hydraulic systems provide a smooth and powerful release. Pros: Powerful, reliable (when properly maintained). Cons: Complex, expensive, potential for leaks.

Ford's choice of a cable-actuated system balances cost and functionality. The inclusion of a secondary latch is a crucial safety feature, preventing accidental hood opening while driving – a critical consideration for all automotive manufacturers. The placement and actuation method of this secondary latch, however, can vary slightly between model years and trim levels. The 2017 Escape's placement typically requires the user to feel around under the hood, which can be difficult in inclement weather or low-light conditions.

Real-World Performance and Reliability

The most common issues with the 2017 Ford Escape's hood release system stem from cable stretching, corrosion, or debris accumulation in the latch mechanisms. Cable stretching can prevent the primary latch from fully releasing, requiring excessive force on the interior lever or making it difficult to locate and actuate the secondary latch. Corrosion, particularly in areas with road salt exposure, can seize the latches entirely. Debris, such as leaves and dirt, can interfere with the proper movement of the latch components.

In terms of reliability, the system is generally robust. However, regular maintenance is essential to prevent issues. A seized or broken cable could leave you stranded, or unable to perform necessary maintenance.

Maintenance Tips for Automotive Professionals

Here are some maintenance tips specifically for automotive professionals dealing with the 2017 Ford Escape hood release system:

Regular Lubrication: Periodically lubricate the primary and secondary latches with a quality penetrating oil or grease. Pay particular attention to the cable ends and pivot points.
Cable Inspection: Inspect the hood release cable for signs of fraying, kinks, or corrosion. Replace the cable if any damage is found.
Latch Cleaning: Clean the latches and surrounding areas to remove debris. A small brush and solvent can be helpful.
Adjustment: If the hood is difficult to close or appears misaligned, check the hood latch adjustment. The latch typically has slotted mounting holes allowing for slight adjustments.
Diagnosis: When diagnosing a hood release issue, start by checking the cable tension and the movement of the latches. If the cable feels loose, it may be stretched or broken. If the latches are seized, try lubricating them and working them back and forth.

Future Trends

The automotive industry is moving towards more sophisticated and integrated systems. While the simple cable-actuated hood release may remain prevalent in budget-conscious vehicles, we can expect to see more electronic and even sensor-activated hood releases in higher-end models. Integration with vehicle diagnostics systems will also allow for early detection of potential hood release issues, improving safety and reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, with increased focus on pedestrian safety, electronically activated pop-up hoods, triggered by pedestrian detection systems are already being implemented by some manufacturers. This technology will likely become more commonplace.

The continued integration of ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) and the rise of autonomous driving will further influence hood design and access. Sensors and cameras mounted behind the grille, previously easy to access by simply opening the hood, may require new and innovative access solutions. We may see modular front-end designs that allow easier access to these crucial components without fully opening the hood.

Conclusion

Understanding the 2017 Ford Escape's hood release mechanism and its underlying engineering principles is crucial for automotive professionals. While a seemingly simple system, its reliability and performance are directly tied to proper maintenance and a clear understanding of potential failure points. Looking ahead, the automotive industry is poised for significant changes, with advanced safety systems and autonomous driving technologies driving innovation in hood design and access. Staying informed about these trends is vital for continued success in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.