wheel FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owner's Guide

282
*
[SV02700(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
*
[SV02825(ALL)04/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or Neutral (manual
transaxle).
*
[SV02850(ALL)03/95]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV03000(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
%*
[SV03100(ALL)03/95]
Opening the Hood
%*
[SV03200(ALL)01/95]
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
handle located under the bottom left corner
of the instrument panel.
%*
[SV03300(ALL)02/95]
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the
auxiliary latch that is located under the hood
at the center of the vehicle.
[SV03350(ALL)09/89]
3. Lift the hood and secure it in the open
position with the prop rod.
*
[SV04100(ALL)11/90]
When you close the hood, make sure the prop
rod is in its retainer and that the hood latches
securely.
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309 [SV26280(E )08/93]
If you have an Escort LX 2-door hatchback, an
Escort 4-door hatchback, an Escort wagon, or an
Escort sedan, the correct tire size for your
vehicle is P175/65R14.
*
[SV26400(ALL)01/95]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicle's original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
%*
[SV26500(ALL)04/95]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[SV26550(ALL)03/95]
See an authorized tire dealer for proper
servicing procedures. Wheels and tires must be
properly removed, matched and remounted to
maintain the best possible ride.
%*
[SV27400(ALL)02/95]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[SV27500(ALL)01/95]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their
Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded
into the tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has
set.
*
[SV27550(ALL)01/95]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic
tires for use on passenger cars. They do not
apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires
with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined in Title 49
Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
*
[SV27600(ALL)01/95]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire
quality grades:The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly
as the government has written it.
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310 %
*
[SV27799(ALL)01/95]
Treadwear
*
[SV27800(ALL)01/95]
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
*
[SV27999(ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
*
[SV28000(ALL)01/95]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on braking (straightahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
*
[SV28299(ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
*
[SV28300(ALL)01/95]
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
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311
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature
grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
%*
[SV28500(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28600(ALL)01/95]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[SV28700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[SV28810(ALL)02/95]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[SV28820(ALL)11/94]
q
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the
use of tire chains. Investigate the laws and
regulations in your area before installing
chains.
*
[SV28830(ALL)08/93]
q
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum
wheels. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE
CHAINS ARE INSTALLED ON STEEL
WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before
using tire chains to avoid scratches or
damage.
*
[SV28850(E )06/93]
q
Do not use tire chains if you have the GT
model.
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312
*
[SV28900(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
[SV29010(ALL)06/93]
q
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with
the ends held down securely. Retighten the
chains after driving 1/2 mile (0.8 km). Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV29020(ALL)05/95]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or the chain manufacturer's recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[SV29030(ALL)11/94]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[SV29040(ALL)11/94]
q
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires.
They may damage the vehicle and the tire.
%*
[SV29100(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29120(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29140(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
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319
*
[SV31100(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
%*
[SV31200(ALL)02/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV31300(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV31400(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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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350
%*
[SV43100(ALL)01/95]
Vehicle Storage
*
[SV43200(ALL)01/95]
Maintenance Tips
*
[SV43300(ALL)01/95]
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (60 days or more), refer
to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
*
[SV43400(ALL)01/95]
General
*
[SV43500(ALL)01/95]
q
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
*
[SV43600(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect from sunlight, if possible.
*
[SV43700(ALL)01/95]
q
If vehicles are stored outside, they require
regular maintenance to protect against rust
and damage.
*
[SV43800(ALL)01/95]
Body
*
[SV43900(ALL)01/95]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[SV44000(ALL)01/95]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[SV44100(ALL)01/95]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[SV44200(ALL)01/95]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
*
[SV44300(ALL)04/95]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[SV44400(ALL)01/95]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[SV44500(ALL)01/95]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
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374 Index
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
instrument panel lens......... 158
interior................ 183
interior lamps............. 155
plastic parts.............. 7
polishing................ 6
rustproofing.............. 7
safety belts............... 50
tail lamps.............. 153
upholstery and interior trim...... 183
washing................ 6
waxing................. 6
wheels................ 312
Climate control system.......... 137
Clock................203, 218
Clutch
fluid reservoir............ 317
fluid specifications.......... 349
operation while driving........ 229
shifting the gears........... 229
Cold engine starting........... 110
Combination lap and shoulder belts..... 9
Compact disc player
(see Electronic sound system) . . . 198, 204
Controls
instrument panel........... 135
mirrors................ 184
steering column............ 159
Convenience kit in cargo area...... 250
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding......... 297
preparing for storage......... 351
refill capacities............ 345
specifications............. 348
temperature gauge.......... 130
warnings............... 297
Cooling fan............... 280
Crankcase emission filter......... 347
Cruise control (see Speed control)..... 164
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384 Index
Shift positions (see Gearshift).....224, 229
Shoulder and lap belts
(see Safety restraints).......... 9
Side mirrors.............. 185
adjusting............... 185
Sliding moon roof (see Moon roof).... 174
Snow tires and chains.......... 311
Spare tire
changing the tire........... 249
conventional spare.......... 250
finding the spare........... 250
removing the spare tire........ 250
storing the flat tire.......... 250
temporary spare........... 249
Spark plugs, specifications........ 347
Special driving conditions........ 237
Specification chart, lubricants....... 348
Speedometer.............. 129
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle..... 108
starting a cold engine......... 110
starting after a collision........ 113
starting a warm engine........ 110
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 243
Steering, power............. 232
Steering wheel
horn................. 163
locking................ 105
speed controls............ 164
Storing your vehicle........... 350
Sunroof (moon roof)........... 174
Supplemental air bag readiness light . . . 123
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).... 50
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Index 385
T
Tachometer............... 133
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 333
cleaning............... 153
Temperature control
(see Climate control)......... 137
Tires
changing............... 249
checking the pressure......... 306
cleaning............... 312
inspection and maintenance...... 306
replacing............... 308
rotating............... 307
snow tires and chains......... 311
spare tire.............. 250
storing your vehicle.......... 352
tire grades.............. 308
treadwear............308, 310
wear bands............. 308
wheel and tire matching........ 309
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 241
Towing your vehicle
using wheel dollies.......... 257
with a tow truck........... 257
Trailer towing
calculating maximum trailer weight . . 241
Transaxle
automatic operation.......... 223
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic)............ 315
fluid, refill capacities......... 345
lubricant specifications........ 349
Transaxle control switch......... 226
Trip odometer............. 129
Tune-up specifications (VECI)...... 342
Turn signal
indicator lights..........127, 159
lever................ 159
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