check engine FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owner's Manual

284 [SV04175(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Read and understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of
this chapter before opening the hood.
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[SV04500(ALL)04/95]
Engine Compartment
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[SV04600(ALL)09/93]
Your vehicle has one of these types of engines:
[SV05710(ALL)07/93]
q
a 1.9L SFI engine
[SV05725(ALL)07/93]
q
a 1.8L DOHC MFI engine
[SV05800(ALL)09/89]
The following pages show diagrams of each
engine type and where to find items that you
should regularly service. The items most
frequently checked or serviced by the owner will
be highlighted in yellow.
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[SV13710(ALL)03/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
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[SV13750(ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
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[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
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[SV13900(ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
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[SV14000(ALL)02/95]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
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[SV14050(ALL)05/94]
2. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transaxle) or 1 (First)
(manual transaxle).
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[SV14100(ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
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[SV14200(ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
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[SV14300(ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
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one inch art:0000970-AEngine oil dipstick (1.9L engine)
[SV14450(ALL)06/94]
one inch art:0070030-B
Engine oil dipstick (1.8L engine)
[SV14500(ALL)07/93]
6. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the
oil level is below the ªAdd 1 qt.º or ªLº
line, add engine oil as necessary. If the
engine oil is beyond the letter ªFº or the
ªFULLº line, engine damage or high oil
consumption may occur and some oil must
be removed from the engine.
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[SV14600(ALL)01/95]
7. Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is
fully seated.
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Adding engine oil
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[SV14800(ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil
changes. Make sure you use a CERTIFIED
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Your
vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if
engine damage is caused by the use of improper
engine oil.
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[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap
highlighted in yellow. To add oil, remove the
filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil into the
opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Recheck the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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10-1/2 pica art:0060618-C
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[SV17275(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil
has caused cancer in laboratory mice.
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[SV17280(ALL)07/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and
water.
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Engine Coolant
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Checking the Engine Coolant
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[SV17360(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understand
Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
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[SV17400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
[SV17450(ALL)09/95]
Check the engine coolant level in the engine
coolant recovery reservoir at least once a month.
The coolant should be between the Full Hot and
Full Cold marks on the reservoir. To locate the
reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's
engine underEngine compartmentin this chapter.
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[SV17455(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
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[SV17460(ALL)09/95]
If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
[SV17475(ALL)05/94]
NOTE: Additional illumination may be needed
to see the coolant reservoir markings
clearly.
[SV17500(ALL)06/94]
one third page art:0070033-D
The engine coolant reservoir
[SV17560(ALL)08/95]
If the engine coolant has not been checked for a
long period of time the engine coolant reservoir
may eventually empty. If the engine coolant
reservoir empties, check the engine coolant level
in the radiator. Read the following instructions
before removing the radiator cap. If it is
necessary to fill the radiator, refer to theRefill
Capacitieschart later in this chapter.
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[SV17565(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions could
result in serious personal injury from hot
engine coolant or steam blowout and/or
damage to the engine cooling system or
engine.
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[SV19480(ALL)04/93]
Leave the engine coolant in all year. Make sure
that the coolant will not freeze at the
temperature level in which you drive during
winter months. Keep an engine coolant in your
engine that has a protection rating of at least
-20ÊF (-29ÊC), orwhatever protection rating is
appropriate for the climate in which you live.
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[SV19900(ALL)02/95]
You may add water by itself only in an
emergency, but you should replace it with a
50/50 mixture as soon as possible.
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[SV20000(ALL)01/95]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add a quart
(liter) of engine coolant more than once a month.
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[SV20210(ALL)08/95]
Checking Hoses
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[SV20220(ALL)01/93]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for
deterioration, leaks and loose clamps before
adding or replacing engine coolant. Make
whatever repairs or replacements are necessary
using Motorcraft parts or their equivalents.
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Windshield Washer Fluid and
Wipers
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Washer Fluid
[SV22100(ALL)01/95]
The windshield washer reservoir is located in
the engine compartment.
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[SV22350(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
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[SV22500(ALL)01/95]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
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Battery
[SV29220(ALL)03/95]
If the original equipment maintenance-free
battery is replaced, it may be replaced by a
low-maintenance battery. SeeMotorcraft Partsat
the end of this chapter for the proper
replacement battery.
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[SV29230(ALL)03/95]
The low-maintenance battery has removable vent
caps for checking the electrolyte level and
adding water. The electrolyte level should be
checked at least every 24 months or 24,000 miles
(40,000 km) in temperatures up to90ÊF (32ÊC)
and more often in temperatures above90ÊF
(32ÊC). Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up
to the level indicator. Do not overfill.
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[SV29240(ALL)03/95]
If the level gets low, refill the battery with
distilled water. If necessary, you can add tap
water to the battery, provided the water is not
hard or does not have a high mineral or alkali
content. If the battery needs water quite often,
have the charging system checked for a possible
malfunction.
[SV29245(ALL)03/95]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeStarting your vehicle's fuel-injected
enginein the Index.
[SV29250(ALL)02/94]
If the battery has been disconnected, you will
have to reset the clock and the preset stations on
your radio once the battery is reconnected.
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
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[SV29310(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your
vehicle does not use up transaxle fluid. Refer to
theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle
is not working properly Ð for instance, the
transaxle may slip or shift slowly, or you may
notice some sign of fluid leakage Ð the fluid
level should be checked.
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[SV29335(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds, driven
in city traffic during hot weather, or
has been pulling a trailer, the vehicle
should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow the fluid to cool
before checking.
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[SV29340(ALL)02/93]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
[SV29345(ALL)03/95]
It is preferable to check the transaxle fluid level
at normal operating temperature after
approximately 20 miles (32 km) of driving.
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[SV29350(ALL)02/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake
pedal fully applied, start the engine and move
the gearshift selector through all of the gears.
Allow sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gearshift selector in the P
(Park) position. Fully set the parking brake and
leave the engine running.
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[SV29370(ALL)01/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap and pull the dipstick
out. Wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
[SV29392(ALL)12/89]
When checking fluid at the normal operating
temperature, the fluid level should be within the
normal operating temperature marks on the
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[SV29425(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
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[SV29800(ALL)01/89]
Manual Transaxle Fluid
[SV29900(ALL)01/92]
The lubricant level and quality should not
deteriorate under normal driving conditions.
However, you should have the fluid level
checked occasionally. If lubricant is required, see
Lubricant specificationsin the Index.
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[SV30200(ALL)02/95]
Brake Fluid
[SV30250(ALL)02/94]
If you have a manual transaxle, the brake fluid
reservoir in your vehicle includes the clutch
fluid reservoir.
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[SV30300(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake pads wear.
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[SV30400(ALL)06/93]
You should check the brake fluid at every
scheduled engine oil change, but be sure to
check it at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic reservoir
on the master cylinder. (SeeThe Engine Typesin
this chapter to locate the master cylinder.) The
fluid level should be at or near the MAX mark.
[SV30425(ALL)03/95]
If the brake fluid level is low, the brake warning
light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
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[SV30450(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
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[SV31100(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
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[SV31200(ALL)02/95]
Power Steering Fluid
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[SV31300(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
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[SV31400(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
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[SV31500(ALL)02/95]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
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[SV31600(ALL)01/95]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
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[SV31700(ALL)05/95]
3. Turn the engine off.
[SV31850(ALL)02/94]
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. The
fluid level should be in between the F (Full)
and L (Low) markings on the reservoir.
[SV32100(ALL)02/94]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level until you reach the F (Full) range. Do
not overfill. To find out how much fluid
your vehicle's reservoir for the power
steering fluid will hold, seeRefill capacitiesin
the Index.
[SV32150(ALL)03/95]
6. When you are finished, put the reservoir cap
back on and make sure that it fits snugly.
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