brake FORD ESCORT 2000 7.G Owner's Guide

When driving with the temporary spare tiredo not:
²exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) under any circumstances
²load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
²tow a trailer
²use tire chains
²drive through an automatic car wash, because of the vehicle's reduced
ground clearance
²try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its wheel
²use the wheel for any other type of vehicle
Tire change procedure
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and set the parking
brake.
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or R
(Reverse) (manual transaxle).
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
Roadside emergencies
116

JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Do not push start your vehicle. You could damage the catalytic
converter.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes, and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability.
Preparing your vehicle
1.Use only a 12±volt supply to start your vehicle.
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 the two vehiclesdo 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. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Roadside emergencies
119

1. Set the parking brake and 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, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift in
1 (First).
P
RNDDL
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126

2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
²Automatic transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure
the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
1
24R3
5
P
RNDDL
Maintenance and care
127

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, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift in
N (Neutral).
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.
1
24R35
Maintenance and care
128

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.0L SOHC I4 engine
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transaxle)
4. Battery
5. Air filter assembly
6. Engine oil filler cap
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
91234
8756
Maintenance and care
130

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
98712
3
4
65
Maintenance and care
131

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
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
ADDFULL
Maintenance and care
132

BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant specifications
in theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the fluid level in the reservoir for the master cylinder
fall below the MIN mark. If master cylinder runs dry, this may
cause the brakes to fail.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
135

CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer
to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for the service interval schedules.
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 should remain
constant. For more information on
brake fluid maintenance, refer toBrake fluidin this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical if irritation
persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Seek
medical attention immediately.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
²Coupe
Maintenance and care
136