New 2013 Ruby Red SEL w/nav... our third Escape ('03, '08, '13).

With the auto-headlamp in the 'on' position, the fogs don't stay on. This may be because the fogs are now a push button instead of a 'pull out' position like it was on older models. I'd like them to be on all time the headlights are on... so is there a way (short of modifying something)?

Thanks...

 

I have a 2013 SE and each time you shut down the engine you have to turn the fog lights on again. I have had other cars that did the same thing. Other than that once turned on they stay on until you turn off the car.

 

Unless something has changed, the fog lights are only supposed to work when the low beams are on.

 

That's correct... and has been for years. My point is that with other models, the fogs had a switch position where they would come on automatically along with the auto headlamps. That doesn't happen now.

Once you turn the fogs on manually, they stay on after you come back to low beam from high... but it you turn the vehicle ogg, the fogs go OFF until you actually turn them on again.

 

It would seem that a relay is energized when you activate the fog lights. When you turn the ignition off the relay opens and has to be reset. There are other possibilities such as special modules to control them that may not be functioning correctly. Have you checked with a dealer service dept? I would think they should be able to give you a more accurate answer.

 

On the older Eccsapes (and other Fords like the 10-12 Mustangs), the fogs 'on' was a pull-out position on the headlight control. On this Escape it's a separate button... so obviously designed to do exactly what it's doing. I just don't understand why they thought that needed 'fixing', unless it's something they do different in Europe and a carry over from that ('One Ford' concept and all).

 

I suspect as most things in a modern car the fog light switch is nearly an input to the computer and isn't a switch in the common sense. That being said, the fog light switch works exactly the same as it does on my 1998 Saturn, my 1999 Olds Intrigue, my 2004 Cadillac CTS. Personally I don't see any reason for them to be whenever the lights are on. However what I would like is that they work independent of the lights. For some reason Ford is one of the manufactures that doesn't include DRLs as standard equipment and it's not even an option. With independent fog lights I could use the, as DRLs