check engine FORD ESCORT 1997 6.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS
Instrument cluster lights
Base cluster lights
Sport cluster lights
Base cluster lights
0000
000000
MPH
km/h
10 2030405060
70
80
90
10 0
12 011 020 4060
8010 0
12 0
16 0
18 0 140
200
CHECK
COOLANT
THEFT
FUEL FILLEF1/2CH
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOONABSP!BRAKE
0000
000000
MPH
km/h
10 2030405060
70
80
90
10 0
12 011 020 4060
8010 0
12 0
16 0
18 0 140
200
FUEL FILLCHEF1/22
134
5
6
7
8RPM x 1000
CHECK
COOLANTSERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
LOW
FUEL
THEFTABSPBRAKE
0000
000000
MPH
km/h
10 2030405060
70
80
90
10 0
12 011 020 4060
8010 0
12 0
16 0
18 0 140
200
FUEL FILLCHEF1/2
CHECK
COOLANTSERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
LOW
FUEL
THEFTABS!PBRAKE
CH
Instrumentation
6

Sport cluster lights
Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel tank is
almost empty (approximately 8
liters [2 gallons] remain). The
lights will also briefly illuminate
when the ignition key is turned to
ON and the engine is off.
Service engine soon
Illuminates when the engine's
emissions control system requires
service. The light will also
illuminate, and will remain
illuminated, when the ignition key
is turned to ON and the engine is
off.
Air bag readiness
Illuminates when the air bag
system requires servicing. The
light will also briefly illuminate
when the ignition key is turned to
ON.
0000
000000
MPH
km/h
10 2030405060
70
80
90
10 0
12 011 020 4060
8010 0
12 0
16 0
18 0 140
200
FUEL FILLCHEF1/22
134
5
6
7
8RPM x 1000
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
LOW
FUEL
THEFTABS!PBRAKECHECK
COOLANT
LOW
FUEL
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
7

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Illuminates when the ABS needs
service. The light will also briefly
illuminate when the ignition key is
turned to ON and the engine is off.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left hand or
right hand turn signal or the
hazard lamps are illuminated.
High beams
Illuminates when the headlamp
high beams are on.
Anti-theft (if equipped)
Illuminates when the anti-theft
system is arming and flashes when
the anti-theft system is armed.
Charging
Illuminates when there is a
problem with the alternator or
charging system and the electrical
system requires service. The light
will also briefly illuminate when
the ignition key is turned to ON
and the engine is off.
Oil pressure
Illuminates when the oil pressure
is low, not the low oil level.
However, if your engine's oil level
is low, it could affect the oil
pressure. Stop the vehicle and
check the oil level as soon as
possible. Do not drive the vehicle if
the light remains on. The light will
also briefly illuminate when the
ignition key is turned to ON and
the engine is off.
ABS
THEFT
Instrumentation
9

Engine coolant
Illuminates when there is low
coolant level or a problem with the
engine coolant system. Stop the
vehicle and check the engine
coolant level as soon as possible.
The light will also briefly illuminate
when the ignition key is turned to
ON and the engine is off. For more
information on engine coolant,
refer toChecking and adding
engine coolantin the
Maintenance and carechapter.
Liftgate ajar (if equipped)
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the ON position and the liftgate is
open.
Many of the lights illuminate
briefly when you start the vehicle.
For more information on warning
light illumination, refer to
Preparing to start the vehiclein
theStartingchapter.
Warning chimes
Safety belt warning chime
For information on the safety belt
warning chime, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) warning chime
For information on the SRS
warning chime, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints
chapter.
CHECK
COOLANT
Instrumentation
10

Speedometer
Fuel gauge
When the fuel gauge needle is on
the E (empty) portion of the
gauge, there are between
approximately 2 L (.6 gallons) and
4 L (1 gallon) of usable fuel left in
the tank.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge moves into the H zone:
1. Pull off the road as soon as is
safely possible.
2. Turn off the engine and let it
cool.
3. Check and add engine coolant
as necessary. Refer toChecking
and adding engine coolantin the
Maintenance and carechapter. If
the coolant level and mixture is
not properly maintained, the
engine coolant temperature gauge
will not read properly.
0000
000000
MPH
km/h
10 2030405060
70
80
90
10 0
12 011 020 4060
8010 0
12 0
16 0
18 0 140
200
EF1/2
CH
Instrumentation
13

A computer system controls the
engine's idle revolutions per
minute (RPM). When the engine
starts, the idle RPM runs higher
than when the engine is warm. If
the engine idle speed does not
slow down automatically, have the
vehicle checked. Do not allow the
vehicle to idle for more than ten
minutes.
Extended idling at high
engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other
damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive
your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust
system, which can start a fire.
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. For more information
and instructions, refer to
Guarding against exhaust
fumesin this chapter.
Starting
85

4. Turn the key to the ON position
(without turning the key to
START). Make sure the following
lights illuminate briefly. If a light
fails to illuminate, have the vehicle
serviced.
If the driver's safety belt is
fastened, the
light does not
illuminate.
STARTING THE VEHICLE
After completing the steps under
Preparing to start the vehicle:
1. Turn the key to START and
release.Do notpress the
accelerator.
²The key will return to the ON
position.
2. After idling for a few seconds,
apply the brake and release the
parking brake.
ON
II
ACC
I
LOCK
0
START
III
MP
km/10 203040520 4060
80
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
LOW
FUELABS
0
80
90
10 0
12 011 012 0
16 0
18 0 140
200
CHECK
COOLANTTHEFT
ON
II
ACC
I
LOCK
0
START
III
Starting
88

system; a 24-volt power supply
will cause vehicle damage
²park the vehicles close to each
other, but do not allow the two
vehicles to touch.
²check to make sure neither
battery is disconnected
²remove any excessive corrosion
from the battery terminals
²turn on the heater fan in each
vehicle to prevent damage from
voltage surges
To jump start the vehicle:
1. Connect the jumper cables in
numerical order.
V1Disabled battery positive
terminal
V2Booster battery positive
terminal
V3Booster battery negative
terminal
V4Disabled vehicle engine
Do not connect the end of
the second cable to the
negative (-) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark
may cause an explosion of the
gases that surround the battery.
2. Start the engine in the vehicle
with the booster battery.
3. Wait a few minutes and start the
engine in the vehicle with the
disabled battery.
+ –
4
2
3
1
+ –
ON
II
ACC
I
LOCK
0
START
III
Roadside emergencies
121

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
Whenever possible, Ford has
designed parts that do not require
servicing. However when servicing
is required, Ford's goal is to make
servicing your vehicle as easy as
possible. To help you:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items
in the engine compartment for
easy location.
²Often, parts (such as the
headlamp bulbs) may be
replaced without tools.
²We provide you with aService
Guidethat makes tracking
routine service of your vehicle
easy.
If your vehicle requires
professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the
necessary parts and service. Check
theWarranty Information Guide
to find out what parts and services
are covered. Use only
recommended fuels, lubricants,
fluids, and service parts
conforming to Ford specifications.
Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
Precautions for servicing your
vehicle
Be particularly careful when
inspecting or servicing your
vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
Maintenance and care
124

CHECKING AND ADDING
ENGINE OIL
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil
CERTIFIED FOR GASOLINE
ENGINES by the American
Petroleum Institute. Look for the
certification Ð Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-F.
Additional engine oil additives, oil
treatments, or engine treatments
are never needed and could, under
certain conditions, lead to engine
damage which is not covered by
your Warranty.
Changing the engine oil and oil
filter
Change the engine oil and oil filter
per the following, whichever
occurs first.
5,000 MILES (8,000 KM) OR 6 MONTHS
NORMAL SCHEDULE
3,000 MILES (5,000 KM) OR 3 MONTHS
SEVERE DUTY SCHEDULE
EXTENSIVE IDLING
TRAILER TOWING
DRIVING IN SEVERE DUST
POLICE, TAXI, OR DELIVERY
Oil change intervals
Refer to theService Guide
booklet for additional information.
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil every time
you fuel your vehicle.
Maintenance and care
130