FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual

231 [DR08700(ALL)06/93]
For cruising, you should upshift at the following
speeds:
[DR08800(ALL)06/93]
ten pica chart:0070155-A[DR09400(ALL)08/95]
Upshift indicator light (If equipped)
[DR09500(ALL)09/93]
After the engine warms up, the upshift light will
come on if you could get better fuel economy by
shifting to the next higher gear. The vehicle will
not be harmed if the transaxle is not shifted
when the light comes on, but the vehicle will
use more fuel.
[DR09600(ALL)09/93]
The shift indicator light can be ignored when
you are downshifting, on steep hills, using the
engine to ºbrakeª the vehicle, or need more
power for a difficult acceleration.
%*
[DR09700(ALL)05/95]
Downshifting
*
[DR09800(ALL)03/95]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill,
always downshift before the engine starts to lose
power. Downshifting reduces the chance of
stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration
to increase speed again.
*
[DR09900(ALL)03/95]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting
helps you keep a safe speed and helps prevent
unnecessary wear on the brakes.
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995

232 [DR10200(ALL)02/92]Do not attempt to shift into 1 (First) gear with
the clutch pedal depressed at speeds higher than
10 mph (16 km/h). If you do, it could cause a
complete clutch failure, making your vehicle
inoperative.
%
*
[DR15600(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
[DR15700(ALL)07/93]
Your vehicle may be equipped with power
steering. Power steering uses energy from the
engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR15800(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[DR16000(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
%
*
[DR16200(ALL)03/95]
Brakes
%*
[DR16300(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR16350(ALL)07/93]
Your vehicle has power-assisted brakes that
adjust automatically as the brake pads or linings
wear down.
[DR16400(ALL)08/95]
Your vehicle may have four-wheel anti-lock disc
brakes which adjust automatically through
everyday use. Refer to section on anti-lock
brakes later in this chapter.
*
[DR16700(ALL)05/95]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ºsqueezeª technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995

233
*
[DR16800(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes,
extreme braking can make the wheels lock and
slide, causing you to lose control of the steering.
If the wheels lock, release the brake pedal and
repeat the ºsqueezeª technique.
*
[DR16900(ALL)05/95]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicle's stopping distance. Brake rotor
damage may also eventually occur.
*
[DR17000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep
hill, shift to a lower gear. Do not apply
your brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
*
[DR17100(ALL)02/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes annoyingly loud or increases
significantly in frequency of occurrence, return
the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
[DR17200(ALL)09/89]
The high-mount brakelamp will light when you
apply the brakes.
[DR17300(ALL)05/95]Anti-lock Brake System
(If equipped)
*
[DR17325(ALL)11/94]
Your vehicle may come with the optional
anti-lock brake system. Whenever your wheels
start to lock (which could result in a skid) the
anti-lock brake system prevents the lock-up by
automatically releasing and re-applying the
brakes. The brake pedal will pulsate as a result
of the automatic releasing and re-applying of the
brakes. In spite of this improvement in braking
performance, you should continue to be cautious
in all hazardous driving situations, especially
when driving on hazardous road surfaces. Even
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995

234with your anti-lock brake system, you may not
have total control of your vehicle when braking
on roads with loose surfaces such as snow or
gravel, holes in the pavement, or alternating
patches of slippery and dry surfaces.
[DR17350(ALL)04/94]
Each time you turn the ignition key to the ON
position, the anti-lock brake system will function
through one test cycle. When this happens, the
anti-lock light (ABS) will come on for up to six
seconds. If the light stays on longer than six
seconds, shut off the engine and restart. If it
remains on, it means the anti-lock brake system
is disabled and should be serviced immediately
to restore the benefits of the anti-lock feature.
Normal braking is not affected unless the red
brake warning light is also lit.
[DR17400(ALL)02/94]
The anti-lock brake system has self-check
capabilities. As described above, the system
turns on the anti-lock light each time you start
your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light turns off, the system performs
another test the first time the vehicle reaches
7 mph (11 km/h). The system turns on the ABS
pump motor for approximately 1/2 second. At
this time, a mechanical noise may be heard. This
is a normal part of the self-check feature. If a
malfunction is found during this check the
anti-lock light will come on.
*
[DR17500(ALL)08/95]
Ford Motor Company has not found any
negative effects of mobile radio transmitting
equipment installed on vehicles with the ABS
system providing that the radio is installed
according to the radio manufacturer's
instructions. However, if you have had a mobile
radio transmitter installed and the ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995

235
after turning the key to the ON position) have
your mobile radio dealer inspect the radio
installation. Also, if the ABS system is activated
other than during maximum braking, have your
mobile radio installation checked.
%*
[DR17800(ALL)03/95]
Parking Brake
*
[DR17900(ALL)01/95]
The parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
[DR17950(ALL)06/93]
half page art:0070057-B
The parking brake lever (automatic transaxle shown)
*
[DR18100(ALL)11/93]
The parking brake lever is located between the
front seats. To set the parking brake, put your
foot on the brake pedal while pulling the
parking brake handle fully and firmly upward.
*
[DR18300(ALL)12/89]
To release the parking brake, put your foot on
the brake pedal, pull the handle upward and
push the button. Then lower the handle to the
released position while holding the button in.
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995

236
*
[DR18400(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).
*
[DR18475(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
*
[DR18600(ALL)03/95]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
*
[DR18700(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[DR18800(ALL)11/91]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
*
[DR19000(ALL)06/95]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995

237
%*
[DR19100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR19200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR19300(ALL)07/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[DR19400(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
[DR19500(ALL)02/95]
q
Extreme acceleration can cause the front
wheels to spin, perhaps resulting in reduced
steering control.
[DR19550(ALL)01/95]
q
If you do not have anti-lock brakes, extreme
braking can cause wheels to lock and slide,
making it difficult to control the direction of
the vehicle. Use the ºsqueezeª technique by
pushing on the brake pedal with steadily
increasing force. This allows the wheels to
brake yet continue to roll so that you may
steer in the direction you want to travel. If
you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal
and repeat the squeeze technique.
*
[DR19700(ALL)02/95]
q
If you abruptly release the accelerator or
brake hard while going too fast around a
severe curve, your vehicle may change
direction. Avoid application of the brakes, if
possible. If braking is necessary, it should be
done by using the ºsqueezeª technique
described above.
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995

238 %
*
[DR19750(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR19800(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR19900(ALL)03/95]
On some slippery road surfaces, front-wheel
drive may provide better acceleration than
rear-wheel drive. However, this does not mean
that your vehicle can stop any faster or any
better than a vehicle with rear-wheel drive.
Exercise the same caution while driving on
slippery roads with your front-wheel drive
vehicle as you would with a rear-wheel drive
vehicle.
*
[DR20000(ALL)03/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[DR20100(ALL)03/95]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[DR20200(ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR20400(ALL)01/95]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
*
[DR20500(ALL)03/92]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your wheels. (Does not apply
to vehicles with anti-lock brakes.)
*
[DR20600(ALL)02/93]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR20700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into 1 (First) with the
automatic transaxle when moving faster
than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not downshift
into 1 (First) with the manual transaxle
when moving faster than 10 mph
(16 km/h).
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995

239
*
[DR20750(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
If your vehicle has speed control, do not
use it on slippery roads. You could lose
control of your vehicle and could injure
someone.
*
[DR20800(ALL)01/95]
If you have an automatic transaxle and your
vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or
snow), you may try to ºrockª it out of the spot.
Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward and
reverse gears. While in each gear, press lightly
on the accelerator and release.
*
[DR20900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
*
[DR21000(ALL)03/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the
tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two
of rocking, call for a tow truck.
%*
[DR21200(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR21300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel rims.
*
[DR21400(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR21500(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995

240 %
*
[DR21600(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR21700(ALL)03/94]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry. The total weight of your
vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers and
cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
%*
[DR21800(ALL)01/95]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left front door lock facing or on the door
latch post pillar.
[DR21900(ALL)10/91]
Usage of replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than originals does not increase GVWR or
GAWR. Usage of lower capacity replacement
tires may lower GVWR and GAWR limitations
and is not recommended.
*
[DR22000(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR30525(ALL)03/91]
Towing Behind Another Vehicle Ð
Recreational Vehicle
[DR30530(ALL)03/91]
Towing an automatic transaxle vehicle behind
another vehicle, such as a Recreational Vehicle
(RV), is not recommended unless a front wheel
dolly is used. Do not tow your automatic
transaxle with the front wheels on the ground or
transaxle damage may occur.
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995