ECU FORD ESCORT 1998 7.G User Guide

into R (Reverse) when you
downshift from 5 (Fifth).
Automatic transaxle
(if equipped)
Hold the brake pedal down
while you move the
gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and
injure someone.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park). This locks the
transaxle and prevents the front
wheels from rotating.
P
RNDDL
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L (Low)
Use L (Low) when added engine
braking is desired or when
descending steep hills.
The automatic transaxle will shift
into the proper gear to ascend any
grade without any need to shift to
L (Low).
Do not go faster than 61 km/h
(38 mph) when in this gear. You
can upshift from L (Low) to
(overdrive) at any time.
When parking, do not use
the gearshift in place of
the parking brake. Always set
the parking brake fully and make
sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in Park (P).
Turn off the ignition whenever
you leave your vehicle. Never
leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not
take these precautions, your
vehicle may move unexpectedly
and injure someone.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize
yourself with the following terms:
P
RN
D
DL
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ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
²Manual transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake,
P
RNDDL
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125

ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine
with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
²Manual transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake,
P
RNDDL
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3. Lift the hood and secure it with
the prop rod.
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129

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

AIR FILTER
To replace your air filter, release
the clamp locking clip on the front
portion of the air filter housing,
then swing the left side open and
remove the air filter. When
installing the air filter, ensure the
nubs on the air filter and the air
filter housing are aligned. Swing
the left side of the air filter
housing closed and secure the
clamp.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least
twice a year or when they seem
less effective. Substances such as
tree sap and some hot wax
treatments used by commercial car
washes reduce the effectiveness of
wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe
properly, clean both the windshield
and wiper blades using undiluted
windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with
clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene,
paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
When replacing wiper blade
assemblies, always use a
Motorcraft part or equivalent. To
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148

SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the
same size and grade as the
tires you currently have on your
vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all
weather treads to provide traction
in rain and snow. However, in some
climates, you may need to use
snow tires and chains. If you need
to use snow tires and chains, you
must install steel wheels of the
same size and specifications as
those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using
snow tires and chains:
²Use only SAE Class S chains.
²Install chains securely, verifying
that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the
chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the
chains. If this does not work,
remove the chains to prevent
damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle.
²Do not use tire chains on
aluminum wheels. Chains may
chip the wheels.
²Do not use tire chains with
38 cm (15 inch) wheel/tire
options. Using chains on this
size tire may cause damage to
steering, suspension and/or body
components.
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4. Replace the housing cover and
secure with the push pins.
Tail lamps/Backup lamps
The tail lamp assemblies and the
backup bulb assemblies are located
in the same portion of the vehicle
rear, one just below the other.
Follow the same steps to replace
either bulb.
Coupe
Sedan
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Wagon
1. Open trunk to expose the tail
lamp assembly. Remove the two
screws from the front of the lamp.
2. The tail lamp has hidden
fasteners which can be disengaged
by hitting the lamp, with the side
of your hand, toward the side of
the vehicle.
3. Remove the socket that contains
the burned-out bulb by rotating it
counterclockwise, then pulling it
out of the lamp assembly.
4. Pull the burned-out bulb from
the socket and install the new
bulb.
5. Push the socket into the lamp,
then secure it by rotating it
clockwise.
6. Position the tail lamp on the
vehicle and gently tap the lens to
engage the clips. Install the
screws.
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