I bought it Used about 7 months ago from private seller. I'm in Florida, temps here usually never go below 70 degrees except for a couple of weeks ago. Here's the issues: The Escape started giving me a bunch of dash warning lights/messages a couple of months back, including: Hill Start Assist not available; 4 Wheel Drive temporarily disabled; Park Brake Fault - Service Now; red "Brake" warning light; circle with "ABS"; circle with a "lightning bolt"(?) inside; and a picture of a "skidding car"(?). All accompanied by the incessant "ding ding ding" every time I start the vehicle. ODDBALL PROBLEM: The temperatures dropped into the 40's at night and 60's during the day a couple of weeks ago -- during that time, NONE of these warnings popped up. Temps climbed back into the 70's and 80's recently, and suddenly I'm getting all these warnings again. So, when it's cooler, I get no warnings; when it's warm, I do. Anyone ever experience this? BTW, right after I got the Escape, the local Ford dealership did a full diagnostic on the vehicle and found NO problems. And, it runs perfect regardless of temps.Do I need a priest? :-) Seriously, any suggestions appreciated...thanks.

 

When you see random errors on dash that's called light show, usually a problem with your voltage regulator or alternator or its brushes are running out. Other possibility includes a loose or dirty battery terminals or cables.
You will need a capable scanner to retrieve all DTCs, including the ford's specific ones. You also need to monitor your battery voltage during driving, when your voltage regulator is failing, all the electronics with over voltage and are forced to shut off, if not already damaged. Get the bluetooth battery monitor first, it's a must have for any cars on the planet anyway. Check here.
Don't drive it anymore if at all possible until you sort out the problem whether or not it's voltage regulator problem and if that's the case it can damage your electronics, including your PCM then expect to spend $1000+ to get it all fixed.

 

How far do you need to drive for these quirks to appear ?