The Ford Escape is a compact SUV designed for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Like most vehicles that come equipped with smart technology, the Escape has various beeps and chimes and what’s causing the noise can sometimes be unknown.
In this article we’ll help you figure out what’s causing your Escape to beep.
Table of Contents
Ford Escape Beeping
A common cause of beeping on a Ford Escape is due to a fault with the SRS (airbag system) and it usually means the airbag warning lamp has blown in the gauge cluster and the problem is not necessarily related to the airbags themselves.
There is a quick and simple way to check this:
- Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position.
- Observe the gauge cluster
- All lamps should illuminate, including the airbag lamp
- If it doesn’t you will hear the beeping noise
The gauge cluster refers to the collection of driving instruments behind the wheel and includes things such as speedometer, fuel gauge, warning lights and tachometer.
If there is no light for the airbag warning in the dash when you turn the key on, then you’ll need to replace the bulb and the beeping should stop, be sure to also check for loose connections.
You will need to remove the instrument cluster, open it and in the back it will have all the little light bulbs.
If changing the faulty bulb didn’t do the trick or you’re not confident to change the bulb yourself, we advise contacting your local Ford dealership.
From the Ford Escape Owners Manual:
Note: The information below is related to the SRS which is the Supplementary Restraint System which is essentially the vehicle’s airbags.
The readiness of the safety system is indicated by a warning indicator light in the instrument cluster or by a backup tone if the warning light is not working.
Routine maintenance of the airbag is not required.
A difficulty with the [SRS] system is indicated by one or more of the following:
- The readiness light (airbag light in the instrument cluster) will not illuminate immediately after you switch the ignition on.
- The readiness light either flashes or stays lit.
- A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat periodically until the problem, the light or both are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the supplemental restraint system serviced at an authorized dealer immediately.
Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a crash.
Ford Escape Beeps Twice
If your Ford Escape beeps or honks twice when you lock it this can be caused by a second set of keys being left in the car, a door being left open or not shut properly, keys left in the ignition, the engine is running or if the hood is open.
One of the main reasons why Ford installed the double beep / honk is to prevent scenarios such as:
- You drive you and your passenger to a destination.
- You get out to go to an appointment.
- The passenger gets in the driver seat and drives away.
- Unknowingly you forgot you have the key fob in your pocket.
The double honk is to remind you, you have the key.
You may also notice two honks if you leave a phone or iPad or accessory plugged in the charging port and walk away from the vehicle, for example, to a gas station.
It’s never a good idea to leave valuables on display especially in an unlocked vehicle.
Ford Escape Beeps While Driving
If you are experiencing beeping whilst driving your Ford Escape this may be caused by a faulty door latch, if you have a ‘door ajar’ light on the dashboard then this is almost certainly the case, these latches can often become stuck.
Faulty latches are quite common – you may need to have it replaced although you should first try lubricating it with something like WD-40.
If it’s not related to the door sensor/latch then it could be caused by a damaged wire.
A lot of mysterious beeps and electrical issues can be traced back to damaged wire(s) in the boot between the body and the driver’s door.
It could also be related to a faulty door ajar switch.
The beeping could also be caused by a burnt-out SRS lamp as previously mentioned.
Parking Aids: False Beeps
The parking aid feature senses obstacles within a certain range of your Escape and gives detection warnings. However, certain add-on devices installed around the bumper or fascia may create false beeps.
For example:
- Large trailer hitches
- Bike or surfboard racks
- License plate brackets
- Bumper covers
- Or any other device that may block the normal detection zone of the system.
Related: Ford Escape Alarm Going Off? (8 Causes & Solutions)
Ford Escape Beeping When Door Open
If your Ford Escape beeps when a door is open this can be caused by a faulty headlight switch, a faulty ignition switch or damaged wires. Since the headlights being on, or the key being in the ignition will cause the chime to sound, one of these switches may have a loose connection or be faulty.
It is normal to hear beeping when the driver door is open if you have done any of the following:
- Left your key in the ignition and the driver door is open
- Left you lights on and the driver door is open
If you are experiencing a beep or a ding noise and you have not done any of the above, then it might be caused by a certain blue wire.
- Remove the steering column shrouds
- You will see a blue wire that enters the key switch assembly itself
- This wire is responsible for causing the ‘ding’ noise for leaving the key in the ignition
- It grounds the wire when the key is inserted thus shutting off the alarm
- If the wire comes loose it will never ground out
- So the ding will activate when ever the door is open, key or no key.
- You can use a small zip tie to make sure its kept firmly in place.
- This shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes.
Other Possible Causes of Beeps
In some instances weight on the passenger seat from a bag, groceries or even a pet can cause the seatbelt chime to go off, in which case you can try fastening the passenger seat belt.
Checking for things like a blown headlight or burnt-out brake light bulb is also a good idea.
Low fluid levels may also trigger a warning beep, so it’s worth checking things like windshield washer etc.
You may also be interested in our article: Ford Escape Tune-Up & Maintenance Costs (Complete Guide)
Resources
https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/09204og3e.pdf