Escape Hybrid (2007) Engine Runs on start

Greetings,

We just bought a 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid and I've got a couple of questions:

- Why upon starting the vehicle does the engine 'always' run for a few minutes even if your not moving? Is it 'warming the engine' in case it needs to use it?

- I can't believe there is no outside temperature reading anywhere - am I missing something? All my previous vehicles in the past 10 years have always had a small console above the rearview mirror that gave you avg mileage, miles to empty, compass heading, and outside temperature. As the Escape Hybrid has a combined Stereo / Nav system, the miliage is there, the compass heading is in the NAV system, but what about the temperature?

Thanks,

Tim

The engine will alway run regardless. It's there for power when needed.
Now you know why it is called a "Hybrid".

The engine will alway run regardless. It's there for power when needed.
Now you know why it is called a "Hybrid".

Not quite... the combustion engine only runs 'when needed'. When the torque or speed isn't needed, it runs off electric only (and thats what its called hybrid). My question is why the gas engine fires up on startup when a) the battery is fully charged b) the vehicle is not moving. It shuts off in a few minutes as long as its not needed (driving or not).

The Toyota highlanders I'm told don't fire up the engine right off the bat like this...

Tim

The oil or water temp I can't remember which has to reach like 165 degrees then the ice will shut off.