check engine FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual

109
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[ST08400(ALL)01/95]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
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[ST08500(ALL)08/95]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
*
[ST08600(ALL)03/95]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
*
[ST08700(ALL)02/92]
3.If you have an automatic transaxle, make
sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is set before you turn the key.
[ST08750(ALL)03/95]
If you have an automatic transaxle, your
vehicle has a special shift-lock safety feature.
It prevents you from moving the gearshift
lever out of the P (Park) position unless the
ignition is in the ON position and your foot
is on the brake. To move the gearshift lever,
you must also depress the thumb button.
*
[ST08800(ALL)07/93]
If you have a manual transaxle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully set, push the
clutch pedal to the floor, and put the
gearshift into Neutral before you turn the
key.(Remember, the starter will operate
only if the clutch pedal is pushed all the
way to the floor.)
[ST09000(ALL)06/95]
4. Before you start your vehicle, you should
check the warning lights on the instrument
panel to make sure that they work. Refer to
theWarning Lights and Gaugeschapter.
%*
[ST09400(ALL)02/95]
Starting Your Engine
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[ST09500(ALL)06/95]
To start your engine:
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[ST09600(ALL)05/95]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
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[ST09650(ALL)03/95]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[ST09720(ALL)06/95]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
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111
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[ST09800(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transaxle, your vehicle has
an interlock that prevents you from
shifting out of P (Park) unless your
foot is on the brake pedal.
%*
[ST09860(ALL)04/95]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
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[ST09880(ALL)03/95]
1. Turn the key to the OFF position and wait
about two minutes.
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[ST09890(ALL)04/95]
2. Press the accelerator all the way to the floor
and hold it.
*
[ST09900(ALL)04/95]
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[ST09910(ALL)04/95]
4. Release the ignition key when the engine
starts.
*
[ST09920(ALL)04/95]
5. Release the accelerator gradually as the
engine speeds up. Then drive away in the
normal manner.
*
[ST09930(ALL)04/95]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been triggered. For
directions on how to reset the switch seeFuel
Pump Shut-Off Switchlater in this chapter.
[ST10200(ALL)06/93]
A computer system controls the engine's idle
RPM. When you start your vehicle, the engine's
idling RPM normally runs higher than when
warm. The engine idle control system should
only be serviced by a qualified technician.
*
[ST10290(ALL)07/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle
for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle
checked.
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114 [ST11150(E )08/95]
half page art:0070153-BLocation of the fuel pump shut-off switch (location on
wagon similar)
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[ST11170(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
*
[ST11180(ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
[ST11190(ALL)03/95]
1. Turn the key in the ignition to LOCK.
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[ST11200(ALL)03/95]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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[ST11210(ALL)03/95]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
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115 [ST11220(ALL)03/95]
4. Turn the ignition key ON for a few seconds,
then turn it to LOCK.
*
[ST11230(ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
%*
[ST12300(ALL)05/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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[ST12400(ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[ST12500(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding
Against Exhaust Fumesin this chapter for
more instructions.
*
[ST12600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
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116
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[ST12700(ALL)01/95]
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems
checked whenever:
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[ST12800(ALL)02/95]
q
your vehicle is raised for service
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[ST12900(ALL)02/95]
q
the sound of the exhaust system changes
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[ST13000(ALL)01/95]
q
your vehicle has been damaged in a collision
*
[ST13200(ALL)01/95]
Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet
vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.
[ST13250(ALL)06/94]
one third page art:0070170-B*
[ST13300(ALL)08/95]
If the engine is idling while you are stopped in
an open area for long periods of time, open the
windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, adjust
the heating or air conditioning system to bring
in outside air.
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120 [LG02549(E )06/94]Safety Belt Warning Light/Chime
(Canadian vehicles equipped with
combination lap and shoulder belts)
[LG02550(E )09/95]
This warning light and chime remind you in two
ways to fasten your safety belt. If you do not
fasten the safety belt before you turn the ignition
key to ON, the chime sounds for four (4) to
eight (8) seconds. Also, each time you turn the
ignition key to ON, the warning light comes on
for one to two minutes to remind you to fasten
your combination lap and shoulder belt.
[LG02700(ALL)03/91]
one inch art:0070005-A
The safety belt light
[LG02750(ALL)08/95]
Brake Warning Light
*
[LG02900(ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
[LG03500(ALL)12/89]
This light comes on when you turn the ignition
key to START, but it normally goes off shortly
after the engine starts and you release the
parking brake. If the light stays on or comes on
after you have released the parking brake fully,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
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121 [LG03550(ALL)08/95]
one inch art:0000837-A
The brake system and parking brake light
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[LG03600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
%*
[LG03800(ALL)01/95]
Charging System Light
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[LG03900(ALL)03/95]
This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
*
[LG04300(ALL)07/95]
This light comes on every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[LG04400(ALL)01/95]
If the light stays on or comes on when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
[LG04500(ALL)12/89]
one inch art:0000838-A
The charging system light
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124 [LG07400(ALL)03/93]
one inch art:0070095-AAir bag readiness light
%*
[LG07900(ALL)03/95]
Check Engine Warning Light
[LG08000(ALL)08/95]
The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II)
system consists of the hardware and software
necessary to monitor the operation of the
powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to
check the function of the vehicle's powertrain
control system during normal operation. If an
emission problem is detected, the Check Engine
Warning Light is turned on.
[LG08100(ALL)03/91]
one inch art:0070007-A
The check engine light
[LG08200(ALL)08/95]
Modification or additions to the vehicle may
cause incorrect operation of the OBD II system.
Additions such as burglar alarms, cellular
phones, and CB radios must be carefully
installed. Do not install these devices by tapping
into or running wires close to powertrain control
system wires or components.
[LG08300(ALL)08/95]
The light comes on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to ON, but it should turn off when
the engine starts. If the light does not come on
when you are driving, have your vehicle
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125
serviced as soon as possible. This indicates a
possible problem with one of the vehicle's
emission control systems. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed in.
[LG08400(ALL)08/95]
If the light turns on and off at one (1) second
intervals while you are driving the vehicle, it
means that the engine is misfiring. If this
condition persists, damage could occur to the
engine or catalytic convertor. Have your vehicle
serviced at the first opportunity. You do not
need to have your vehicle towed in.
[LG08500(ALL)08/95]
If the light turns on and off on rare occasions
while you are driving, it means that a
malfunction occurred and the condition corrected
itself.
[LG08600(ALL)08/95]
An example of a condition which corrects itself
occurs when an engine running out of fuel
begins to misfire. In this case, the Check Engine
Warning Light may turn on and will then set a
Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the
engine was misfiring while the last of the fuel
was being consumed. After refueling, the Check
Engine Warning light will turn off after the
vehicle has completed three consecutive warm
up cycles without a misfire condition occurring.
A warm up cycle consists of engine start from a
cold condition (engine at ambient temperature)
and running until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
[LG08700(ALL)08/95]
On the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine
Warning Light will turn off as soon as the
engine begins to crank. It is not necessary to
have the engine serviced.
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126 [LG08800(ALL)08/95]Under certain conditions, the Check Engine
Warning Light may come on if the fuel cap is
not properly installed. If the Check Engine
Warning Light comes on and you suspect that
the fuel cap is not properly installed, pull off the
road as soon as it is safely possible and turn off
the engine. Remove and replace the fuel cap,
making sure it is properly seated.
[LG08900(ALL)08/95]
After completing three (3) consecutive warm up
cycles and on the fourth engine start up, the
Check Engine Warning light should turn off. If
the light does not go off after the fourth engine
restart, have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer or a qualified technician.
[LG10324(ALL)08/95]
Check Coolant Light
[LG10326(ALL)01/92]
This light indicates that the level of the engine
coolant is low and that you should add more
coolant. This light comes on when you turn the
ignition key to START and remains on for a few
seconds after the engine starts, then normally
goes out. SeeEngine coolantin the Index.
[LG10330(ALL)10/89]
one inch art:0000860-A
The check coolant light
[LG10338(ALL)10/91]
If the CHECK COOLANT warning light stays
on, turn the ignition key to OFF and fill the
recovery bottle to the FULL HOT mark. If the
CHECK COOLANT warning light comes on and
stays on after the recovery bottle has been filled,
have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
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