check engine FORD ESCORT 1998 6.G User Guide

HAZARD FLASHER
Use only in an emergency to warn
traffic of vehicle breakdown,
approaching danger, etc. The
hazard flashers can be operated
when the ignition is off.
²Slide the hazard flasher control
to the right to activate the
hazard flashers simultaneously.
²Slide the control to the left to
turn the flashers off.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
If the engine cranks but does not
start after a collision, the fuel
pump shut-off switch may have
been activated. The shut-off switch
is a device intended to stop the
electric fuel pump when your
vehicle has been involved in a
substantial jolt.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset
the fuel pump shut-off switch by
pushing in the button on the
switch.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the
ON position. Pause for a few
seconds and return the key to the
OFF position.
5. Make a further check for leaks
in the fuel system.
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2. Do not disconnect the battery of
the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle's electrical
system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to
the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure theydo nottouch.
Set the parking brake on both
vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and
remove any excessive corrosion
before you attach the battery
cables.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both
vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories
off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Position the vehicles so that
they do not touch one another.
2. Switch off the engine. Switch off
any unnecessary electrical
equipment.
3. Connect the positive (+)
terminal of the discharged battery
(1) to the positive (+) terminal of
the booster battery (2).
4. Connect one end of the second
lead to the negative (-) terminal of
the booster battery (3) and the
other end to a metal part of the
engine to be started (4), not to the
negative (-) terminal of the
discharged battery.
+–
+–
14
3
2
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119

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items
in the engine compartment for
easy location.
²We provide a ªService Guideº
which makes tracking routine
service easy.
If your vehicle requires
professional service, your
dealership can provide necessary
parts and service. Check your
ªWarranty Guideº to find out which
parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels,
lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications.
Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when
inspecting or servicing your
vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
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.
²When the engine is running,
avoid wearing loose clothing,
jewelry or long hair that could
get caught up in moving parts.
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123

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you
fuel your vehicle.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level
ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a
few minutes for the oil to drain
into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (automatic transaxle)
or 1st (manual transaxle).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil indicator (dipstick).
²2.0L SOHC engine
ADDFULL
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132

Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For
instructions, refer toChecking the
engine oilin this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within
the normal range, add only
certified engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through
the oil filler cap. Remove the filler
cap and use a funnel to pour oil in
the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make sure
the oil level is not above the F in
FULL mark on the dipstick.
Engine oil recommendations
Look for this certification mark.
Ford oil specification is
WSS-M2C153-G.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified
for gasoline engines by the
American Petroleum Institute.
Do not use supplemental engine oil
additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary
and could, under certain
conditions, lead to engine damage
which is not covered by your
warranty.
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134

CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
The clutch master cylinder and
brake master cylinder are part of
the same system; both are
refillable through the brake master
cylinder with brake fluid. During
normal operation, the fluid level in
the brake fluid reservoir will rise
slowly. For more information on
brake fluid maintenance, refer to
Brake fluidin this chapter.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer
fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Do not put engine coolant
in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
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137

ENGINE COOLANT
²Coupe
²Sedan/Wagon
Check the level of the coolant in
the reservoir at least once a
month. Be sure to read and
understandPrecautions when
servicing your vehiclein this
chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been
checked for a long period of time,
the engine coolant reservoir may
eventually empty. If this occurs,
add engine coolant to the coolant
reservoir. For more information on
engine coolant maintenance, refer
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138

toAdding engine coolantin this
chapter.
Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield
washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
Do not put engine coolant
in the container for the
windshield washer fluid.
If sprayed on the windshield,
engine coolant could make it
difficult to see through the
windshield.
When the engine is cool, add a
50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and water to the engine coolant
recovery reservoir-DO NOT ADD
DIRECTLY TO THE RADIATOR.
Add straight water only in an
emergency, but you should replace
it with a 50/50 mixture of coolant
and distilled water as soon as
possible.
Check the coolant level in the
coolant recovery reservoir the next
few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough of a 50/50
mixture of coolant and water to
bring the liquid level to the fill line
on the reservoir.
Never remove the coolant
recovery cap while the
engine is running or hot.
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139

Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends
that Ford and Lincoln-Mercury
dealers use recycled engine
coolant produced by
Ford-approved processes. Not all
coolant recycling processes
produce coolant which meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44±A, and
use of such coolant may harm
engine and cooling system
components.
Always dispose of used
automotive fluids in a responsible
manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for
recycling and disposing of
automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your
vehicle's cooling system can hold,
refer toRefill capacitiesin the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
Have your dealer check the engine
cooling system for leaks if you
have to add more than a liter
(quart) of engine coolant per
month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold
climates (less than ±36ÉC [±34ÉF]),
it may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
Refer to the chart on the coolant
container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle is
Maintenance and care
141

such that the coolant will not
freeze at the temperature level in
which you drive during winter
months. Never increase the engine
coolant concentration above 60%.
Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle
year-round in non-extreme
climates.
CHECKING AND ADDING
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid at
least twice a year. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONt
ATF power steering fluid.
²Coupe
²Sedan/Wagon
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge will be near the
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142