check oil FORD ESCORT 1999 7.G Owners Manual

Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
Engine oil pressure
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible and switch off the engine immediately. Check the
oil level and add oil if needed. Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance
and Carechapter.
Liftgate ajar (if equipped)
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the ON position and the liftgate is
open.
Safety belt warning chime
Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts.
For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime
For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to theSeating and
safety restraintschapter.
Key-in-ignition warning chime
Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position and the driver's door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime
Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off
(and the key is not in the ignition) and the driver's door is opened.
Instrumentation
10

2.0L DOHC Zetec engine
1. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transaxle)
2. Battery
3. Air filter assembly
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Brake fluid reservoir
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
98712
3
4
65
Maintenance and care
130

²If the oil level isbetween the ADD and FULL marks,the oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the ADD
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the ADD-FULL range.
²Oil levels above the F in FULL may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the F
in FULL mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks can be heard.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Maintenance and care
132

²Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
²Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
²Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
²Slow down gradually.
²Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
²Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
²Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
²Using speed control (if equipped) may improve fuel economy. Speed
control can help maintain a constant speed and reduce speed changes.
You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain as
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gears may occur and
could result in reduced fuel economy.
²Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
2 km/h [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
Maintenance and care
158

If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
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.
Illumination of the charging system warning light, ªService Engine Soonº
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
Maintenance and care
160

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.
Maintenance and care
161

Cleaning leather seats (if equipped)
To clean, simply use a soft cloth dampened with water and a mild soap.
Wipe the leather again with a damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry
with a soft cloth. For tougher soiling concerns, Ford recommends using
the Deluxe Leather Care Kit F8AZ-19G253±AA, which is available from
your Ford Dealer. This mild cleaner and special pad, cleans the leather
and maintains its natural beauty. Follow the instructions on the cleaner
label. Regular cleaning of your leather upholstery helps maintain its
resiliency and color.
Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions,
solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl or plastics.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Do not use household or glass cleaners.
These agents can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap and
water solution if necessary.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Maintenance and care
173

Getting the
service you need ....................183
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................192
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................184
Defrost
rear window ..............................42
Dipstick
engine oil .................................130
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................102
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................117
Emission control system ..........159
Engine .................................176,177
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........7
coolant .....................................137
idle speed control ...................144
lubrication
specifications ...................175,176
refill capacities ........................174
service points ...................129,130
starting after a collision .........105
Engine block heater ...................87
Engine oil ..................................130
checking and adding .......130,132
dipstick ....................................130
filter, specifications .........133,174
recommendations ...................133
refill capacities .................130,174
specifications .....130,133,175,176
Exhaust fumes ............................87
Floor mats ...................................54
Fluid capacities .........................174
Foglamps .....................................44
Fuel ............................................152
calculating fuel economy .......156
cap ...........................................154
capacity ...................................174choosing the right fuel ...........154
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................159
detergent in fuel .....................155
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................152,154,156
filter, specifications .........156,174
fuel pump
shut-off switch ...................54,105
gauge .........................................12
improving fuel economy ........156
low fuel warning light ................7
octane rating .............155,176,177
quality ......................................155
running out of fuel .................155
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................152
Fuses ..........................................107
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............154
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................156
Gauges .........................................11
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................12
fuel gauge ..................................12
odometer ...................................13
speedometer .............................13
tachometer ................................13
trip odometer ............................13
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....100
definition .................................100
driving with a heavy load ......100
location ....................................100
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............100
calculating ...............................100
definition .................................100
driving with a heavy load ......100
location ....................................100
Hazard flashers .........................105
Head restraints ...........................61
Index
195

Headlamps ...................................42
aiming ...............................168,169
bulb specifications ..................167
daytime running lights .............43
flash to pass ..............................43
high beam ..............................9,43
replacing bulbs .......................162
turning on and off ....................42
warning chime ..........................10
Heating ........................................37
heater only system ...................37
heating and air
conditioning system .................39
Hood ..........................................127
Ignition ................................176,177
positions of the ignition ...........42
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .......................77
Inspection/
maintenance (I/M) testing .......160
Instrument panel ..........................6
cleaning ...................................172
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................14
location of components ..............6
Jump-starting your vehicle ......117
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............10
positions of the ignition ...........42
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................14
daytime running light ...............43
fog lamps ...................................44
headlamps ..........................42,162
headlamps, flash to pass ..........43
instrument panel, dimming .....14
interior lamps ....................51,167
replacing bulbs ..161,164,165,166
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................43
Lights, warning and indicator ......6
air bag ..........................................8anti-lock brakes (ABS) .........9,89
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ............................................8
charging system ........................10
high beam ...................................9
liftgate ajar ................................10
low fuel ........................................7
oil pressure ...............................10
safety belt ...................................8
service engine soon ....................7
turn signal indicator ...................9
Load limits .................................100
GAWR ......................................100
GVWR ......................................100
trailer towing ..........................100
Locks
childproof ..................................52
Lubricant specifications ....175,176
Manual transaxle .........................92
fluid capacities ........................174
lubricant specifications ..........176
reverse .......................................95
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......14
Moon roof ....................................50
Motorcraft parts .................156,174
Octane rating ............................155
Odometer .....................................13
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................57
Parking brake ..............................90
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....174
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................110
Power door locks ........................52
Power steering ............................91
fluid, checking and adding ....140
fluid, refill capacity ................174
fluid, specifications ..........175,176
Radio ............................................15
Relays .................................107,113
Remote entry system ............55,57
Index
196