hood open FORD ESCORT 1999 7.G Owners Manual

instrument panel registers. If the temperature is about 10ÉC (50ÉF) or
higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to
reduce fogging.
²
-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It
can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. If the temperature
is about 10ÉC (50ÉF) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically
dehumidify the air to reduce fogging.
Operating tips
²In humid weather, selectbefore driving. This will reduce your
windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired
position.
²To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don't drive with the
climate control system in the OFF position.
²Don't put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
²Remove any snow, ice or leaves
from the air intake area (at the
bottom of the windshield under
the hood).
²If your vehicle has been parked with the windows closed during hot
weather, the air conditioner will do a much faster job of cooling if you
drive for two or three minutes with the windows open. This will force
most of the hot, stale air out of the vehicle. Then operate your air
conditioner as you would normally.
²When placing objects on top of your instrument panel, be careful to
not place them over the defroster outlets. These objects can block
airflow and reduce your ability to see through your windshield. Also,
avoid placing small objects on top of your instrument panel. These
objects can fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow and
possibly damage your climate control system.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel, as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
Controls and features
41

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.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom left corner of the instrument
panel.
1
24R35
Maintenance and care
127

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 I4 engine
²2.0L DOHC Zetec engine
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
ADDFULL
FULL ADD
Maintenance and care
131

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.
Maintenance and care
162

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.
Maintenance and care
168

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
Maintenance and care
169