check engine FORD ESCAPE 2003 1.G Owner's Manual

Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated“cleaner-burning”gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•The
indicator may come on. For more information on the“Check
Engine”indicator, refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles)
of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km–5,000 km (2,000 miles-3,000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
Maintenance and Specifications
203

If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a“not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
Maintenance and Specifications
208

during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
Maintenance and Specifications
210

Item Ford Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Automatic
transaxle
2Motorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Rear axle (4X4)
4Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Power
Take-off(PTO)
(4X4-Manual
Transaxle)Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Power
Take-off(PTO)
3
(4X4-Automatic
Transaxle)Motorcraft SAE
75W-140
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W140–QL WSL-M2C192-A
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
1DO NOT USE Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant F6AZ-19544-AA,
meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D (orange in color) Refer to
Adding engine coolant,in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONand MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONand MERCONV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
3The Power Take-off(PTO) is lubricated for life with synthetic lube.
Lubricant levels are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or repair required. Replace Power Take-off(PTO) lubricant
with specified synthetic lubricant anytime the unit is submerged in
water. Never engage the 4X4 feature while on dry pavement.
Maintenance and Specifications
222

Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission and frame.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Maintenance and Specifications
226

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ....................................95, 99
and child safety seats ..............97
description ..........................95, 99
disposal ....................................101
driver air bag ....................97, 100
indicator light ...................98, 101
operation ...........................97, 100
passenger air bag .............97, 100
side air bag ................................99
Air cleaner filter ...............212, 218
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................128
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................194
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................118
Anti-theft system ........................72
arming the system ....................72
disarming a triggered system ..73
Audio system
(see Radio) ................15, 18, 22, 26
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................209
fluid, checking ........................209
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................122
fluid, refill capacities ..............218
fluid, specification ..................223
Auxiliary power point .................47
Axle
lubricant specifications ..221, 223
refill capacities ........................218
B
Battery .......................................192acid, treating emergencies .....192
jumping a disabled battery ....159
maintenance-free ....................192
replacement, specifications ...218
servicing ..................................192
BeltMinder ...................................90
Brakes ........................................118
anti-lock ...................................118
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................118
fluid, checking and adding ....209
fluid, refill capacities ..............218
fluid, specifications .........221, 223
lubricant specifications ..221, 223
parking ....................................119
shift interlock ..........................120
Bulbs ............................................38
C
Calculating load ........................141
Capacities for refilling fluids ....218
Cargo area shade ........................54
Cassette tape player .............15, 22
CD-single premium ...............18, 26
Cell phone use ............................52
Certification Label ....................225
Changing a tire .........................154
Child safety restraints ..............102
child safety belts ....................102
Child safety seats ......................105
attaching with tether straps ..109
in front seat ............................107
in rear seat ..............................107
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............178
instrument panel ....................180
interior .....................................181
Index
231

interior trim ............................180
plastic parts ............................179
washing ....................................177
waxing .....................................177
wheels ......................................178
wiper blades ............................180
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......30–31
Clutch
fluid ..................................209, 212
operation while driving ..........125
recommended shift speeds ....126
Console ........................................52
overhead ....................................45
Controls
power seat .................................75
Coolant
checking and adding ..............194
refill capacities ................198, 218
specifications ..................221, 223
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................49
Customer Assistance
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................182
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................169
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............173
Getting the service you
need .........................................167
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................174
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................170
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................173D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................33
Defrost
rear window ..............................32
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................209
engine oil .................................188
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........221
Driving under special
conditions ..................124, 131, 133
sand .........................................132
snow and ice ...........................134
through water .................132, 138
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................159
Emission control system ..........206
Engine ........................................223
cleaning ...................................178
coolant .....................................194
idle speed control ...................192
lubrication
specifications ..................221, 223
refill capacities ........................218
service points ..................185–186
starting after a collision .........146
Engine block heater .................117
Engine oil ..................................188
checking and adding ..............188
dipstick ....................................188
filter, specifications ........191, 218
recommendations ...................191
refill capacities ........................218
specifications ..................221, 223
Index
232

J
Jack ............................................154
positioning ...............................154
storage .....................................154
Jump-starting your vehicle ......159
K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........114
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................33
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................38
cargo lamps ...............................34
daytime running light ...............33
fog lamps ...................................33
headlamps .................................33
headlamps, flash to pass ..........34
instrument panel, dimming .....34
interior lamps .....................36–38
replacing bulbs ....... 38–39, 41–42
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................36
Liftgate ........................................53
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........118
Load limits .................................139
GAWR ......................................139
GVWR ......................................139
trailer towing ..........................139
Loading instructions .................140
Locks
childproof ..................................65
Lubricant specifications ...221, 223
Lumbar support, seats .........76–77M
Manual transaxle .......................125
fluid, checking and adding ....211
reverse .....................................126
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................218
lubricant specifications ..........223
Mirrors .........................................46
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................47
fold away ...................................49
heated ........................................49
side view mirrors (power) .......49
Moon roof ....................................53
Motorcraft parts ................203, 218
O
Octane rating ............................202
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................188
Overdrive ...................................122
P
Parking .......................................127
Parking brake ............................119
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....218
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................151
Power door locks ........................63
Power point .................................47
Power steering ..........................119
fluid, checking and adding ....208
fluid, refill capacity ................218
fluid, specifications .........221, 223
Power Windows ...........................48
Index
234