FORD ESCORT 1999 7.G Owners Manual

²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
EXTERIOR BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
It is a good idea to check the operation of the following lights frequently:
²Headlamps
²Turn signals
²Foglamps (if equipped)
²High-mount brakelamp
²Tail lamps
²Brakelamps
²Backup lamps
²License plate lamp
²Hazard flashers
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they will be replaced immediately. If a
bulb is removed for an extended period of time, contaminants may enter
the lamp housings and affect performance.
Handle a halogen bulb carefully and keep out of children's reach.
Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do not touch the
glass; the oil from your hand could cause the bulb to break the next
time that the headlamps are operated.
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Replacing headlamp bulbs
1. Make sure that the headlamps are turned OFF.
²Coupe
²Sedan/wagon
2. Open the hood and disconnect the headlamp wiring socket from the
in-line connector. This will make it easier to change the bulb.
3. Remove the protective dust shield
from the housing by turning the
dust shield counterclockwise (when
viewed from the rear).
4. Release clip and disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb.
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162

5. Remove the bulb retaining ring by
rotating it counterclockwise.
6. Without turning, remove the old
bulb from the lamp assembly by
pulling it straight back out of the
lamp assembly and replace.
7. Install the new bulb in lamp assembly by pushing straight in with the
bulb's plastic base facing upward. Turn the bulb slightly to align the
grooves in the plastic base with the tabs in the lamp assembly.
8. Install the bulb retaining ring over the plastic base and lock the ring
by rotating it clockwise until it snaps into place.
9. Connect the electrical connector into the plastic base until it ªsnapsº.
10. Install the protective dust shield and lock the shield by rotating it
clockwise until it locks into position.
11. Connect the headlamp wiring socket to the in-line connector.
12. Turn the headlamps on and make sure they work properly. If the
headlamp was correctly aligned before you changed the bulb, you should
not need to align it again.
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Replacing foglamp bulbs
1. Remove the bulb socket from the
foglamp by turning
counterclockwise.
2. Disconnect the electrical
connector from the foglamp bulb.
3. Connect the electrical connector
to the new foglamp bulb.
4. Install the bulb socket in the
foglamp turning clockwise.
High-mount brakelamp bulbs
To remove the brakelamp bulb:
1. Push the center of the push pins
in to release tension.
2. Pull the push pins out of the
cover and slide the cover away from
the package tray.
3. Remove the bulb by rotating it
counterclockwise and pulling it out
of the lamp assembly.
4. Carefully pull out the bulb
straight out of the socket and push
in new bulb.
To install the brakelamp bulb:
1. Install the bulb into the lamp assembly and rotate clockwise.
2. Install the push pins in the cover far enough that the pins protrude
outside of the cover about 6mm (1/4 inch).
3. Install the cover and secure with the push pins.
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164

Tail lamp/Rear turn signal lamp bulbs-Except Wagon
The tail lamp and the turn signal
lamp bulbs are located in the same
portion of the tail lamp assembly,
one just below the other. Follow the
same steps to replace either bulb.
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. Pull lamp assembly away from vehicle for access to bulbs.
4. Remove the bulb socket by
rotating it counterclockwise, then
pulling it out of the lamp assembly.
5. Pull the bulb from the socket and push in the new bulb.
6. Install the bulb socket into the lamp by rotating it clockwise.
7. Position the tail lamp on the vehicle and gently tap the lens to engage
the clips. Install the screws.
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165

Tail lamps/Rear turn signal lamp bulbs-Wagon
The tail lamp and the turn signal
bulbs are located in the same
portion of the tail lamp assembly,
one just below the other. Follow the
same steps to replace either bulb.
1. Open liftgate to expose the tail lamp assembly. Remove the three
screws and lamp assembly from the vehicle.
2. Remove the bulb socket by rotating it counterclockwise, then pulling it
out of the lamp assembly.
3. Pull the bulb from the socket and push in the new bulb.
4. Install the bulb socket into the lamp assembly by rotating it clockwise.
5. Install the tail lamp assembly on the vehicle with the three screws.
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166

INTERIOR BULBS
Dome lamp
1. Remove the lamp lens by applying
pressure to both tabs at the top of
the lamp and pulling lens
downward.
2. Pull out the burned-out bulb and
install a new one.
3. Install the lamp lens by applying
pressure to both sides of the lamp
lens and popping the lamp lens up
on the assembly.
Map lamps
For bulb replacement, see a qualified service technician or your dealer.
Using the right bulbs
Function Trade Number
Front park/turn lamps 3457 NAK
Foglamps (if equipped) 881
Headlamps-aero high and low beam 9007
Rear license plate lamps 168
High-mount brake lamp 921
Backup lamps 3156K
Brake lamps 3157K
Interior overhead lamp 12V/10W
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your dealer
OFF DOOR ON
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167

AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
Your vehicle is equipped with a Vehicle Headlamp Aim Device (VHAD)
on each headlamp. Each headlamp may be properly aimed in the vertical
(up/down) and the horizontal (left/right) directions using your VHAD
system. The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the
assembly plant.
A bubble (vertical indicator) that is not centered between the two red
lines does not necessarily indicate out-of-aim headlamps. If your vehicle
is not positioned on a level surface, the slope will be included in the
vertical indication. Therefore, vertical and horizontal headlamp
adjustment should be performed only when the beam direction appears
to be incorrect.
You will need one 4 mm wrench or socket to make the adjustments.
If the vehicle has been in an accident, the vehicle's front structure
should be properly aligned before aiming the headlamps.
Horizontal aim adjustment
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. With the hood open, locate the
horizontal indicator and the
adjusting screw. They are located
below the viewing window at the
rear of the headlamp assembly.
3. The ªLº and ªRº under the viewing window on the top of the
headlamp refer to the directional change (left or right) of the horizontal
aim.
4.Usea4mmwrench or socket to turn the horizontal adjusting screw
until the forward edge of the knurled portion of the screw is aligned with
the ª0º reference mark (as shown) on the plastic slider when viewed
directly from above.
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Vertical aim adjustment
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. With the hood open, locate the
bubble level and the vertical
adjustment screw. The adjustment
screw is located on the outboard
side of the headlamp below the
headlamp upper attachment.
3. The ªUPº and ªDNº on the bubble
indicate the directional change (up
or down) of the vertical aim.
4.Usea4mmwrench or socket to
turn the vertical adjusting screw
clockwise or counterclockwise until
the bubble is centered between the
lines.
Repeat the above process to the other headlamp, if necessary.
CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Refer to the Customer Assistance chapter for a list of Ford-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.
L
R
UP
DN
DNUP
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169

Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use cleaning fluid or
alcohol with a clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing vehicle. Use
tar remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield. If you have wax applied at a
commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper blades
and windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades and
windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
the Ultra Touch Prep and Finishing Kit (#F7AZ-19K507±BA), touch-up
paint (#ALBZ-19500±XXXXA), or aerosol paint spray (#ALAZ-19500±
XXXXA) from the Ford Car Care Chemicals line. Please note that the
part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with your vehicle's
specific coloring. Observe the application instructions on the products.
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