check engine light FORD ESCORT 2002 7.G Owners Manual

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle's functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works.If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have
the respective system inspected immediately.
Base instrument cluster
ZX2 coupe instrument cluster
!
THEFT
LOW
FUEL
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON CHECK
FUEL
CAP
PBRAKEABS+ –MPH
205060 70FUEL
FILLEF
CH1
2 /RPMx1000
1234
5
6
7
8
304080
90
100
110
120
10
20 406080100120
140
160
180km/h
0
000000
00 0
Instrument Cluster
10

Engine oil pressure
Illuminates when the oil pressure
falls below the normal range. Check
the oil level and add oil if needed.
Refer toEngine oilin the
Maintenance and specifications
chapter.
Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is at, or near, empty
(refer toFuel gaugein this chapter
for more information).
Check fuel cap
Illuminates when the fuel cap is not
installed correctly. Check the fuel
cap for proper installation. When
the fuel filler cap is properly
re-installed, the light(s) will turn off
after a period of normal driving. Continuing to operate the vehicle with
the check fuel cap light on, can activate theService Engine Soon/Check
Enginewarning light.
It may take a long period of time for the system to detect an
improperly installed fuel filler cap.
For more information, refer toFuel filler capin theMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
Turn signals
Illuminates when the turn signals or
the hazard lights are turned on. If
the lights stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
bulb.
LOW
FUEL
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
Instrument Cluster
13

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the
light may not illuminate.
Starting the engine
Note:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
1. Turn the key to 4 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
3 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above ±12É
C (10É F) and the engine does not
start within five seconds on the first
try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10
seconds and try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12É C (10É F) and the engine does not
start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10
seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, Press
the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to
START position.
4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator
pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking
brake.
!
THEFT
LOW
FUEL
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON CHECK
FUEL
CAP
PBRAKEABS+ –MPH
205060 70FUEL
FILLEF
CH1
2 /RPMx1000
1234
5
6
7
8
304080
90
100
110
120
10
20 406080100120
140
160
180km/h
0
000000
00 0
LOCKACCONSTART0IIIIII4
3
2
1
Driving
100

Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).
Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air.
Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow,
leaves and other debris.
BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
Driving
102

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair
away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in the
Batterysection in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure
the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
Maintenance and Specifications
156

The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
²Place approved fuel container on the ground.
²DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area).
²Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
²DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
The ªCheck Fuel Capº light illuminates when the ignition is turned to the
ON position. It will also illuminate when the fuel filler cap is not properly
installed. Proper fuel filler cap installation is checked automatically as
the vehicle is driven, but not until after some fuel is used (fuel guage
drops below full). Once the fuel filler cap is properly secured, the ªCheck
Fuel Capº light will turn off after a short period of driving.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
Maintenance and Specifications
177

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.
²You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type 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 specificationsin
this chapter.
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
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
Maintenance and Specifications
182

Illumination of the ªService Engine Soonº light, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, 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 yourWarranty Guidefor 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 theInstrument Clusterchapter. 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.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
184

A
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................85
and child safety seats ..............87
description ................................85
disposal ......................................89
driver air bag ............................87
indicator light .....................12, 89
operation ...................................87
passenger air bag .....................87
Air cleaner filter ...............190, 195
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................38
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................169
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................102±103
Anti-theft system ..................69±70
arming the system ....................70
disarming a triggered
system .................................70±71
disarming an untriggered
system .......................................70
warning light .............................14
Automatic transaxle .................105
driving with .............................106
fluid, adding ............................187
fluid, checking ........................187
fluid, refill capacities ..............195
fluid, specification ..................198
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........196
B
Battery .......................................167
acid, treating emergencies .....167charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....132
maintenance-free ....................167
replacement, specifications ...195
servicing ..................................167
Belt minder .................................81
Brakes ........................................102
anti-lock ...........................102±103
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 103
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....186
fluid, refill capacities ..............195
fluid, specifications .........196, 198
lubricant specifications ..196, 198
parking ....................................104
shift interlock ..........................105
Break-in period .............................6
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....195
Certification Label ....................200
Child safety restraints ................90
child safety belts ......................90
Child safety seats ........................91
attaching with tether straps ....95
in front seat ..............................92
in rear seat ................................92
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............150
exterior ....................................154
instrument cluster lens ..........153
instrument panel ....................152
interior .....................................153
plastic parts ....................151±152
safety belts ..............................154
washing ....................................148
Index
205

waxing .....................................148
wheels ......................................149
windows ..................................154
wiper blades ............................152
Clock ......................................21, 28
Clutch
fluid ..........................................187
operation while driving ..........110
recommended shift speeds ....112
Coolant
checking and adding ..............169
refill capacities ................173, 195
specifications ..................196, 198
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................57
Customer Assistance ................118
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................155
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................138
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............144
Getting roadside assistance ...118
Getting the service
you need .................................138
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................145
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................141
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............144
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................42
Defrost
rear window ..............................41Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................187
engine oil .................................164
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........196
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................113
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................132
Emission control system ..........183
Engine ........................................198
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................11
cleaning ...................................150
coolant .....................................169
idle speed control ...................167
lubrication
specifications ..................196, 198
refill capacities ........................195
service points ..................161±162
starting after a collision .........119
Engine block heater .................101
Engine oil ..................................164
checking and adding ..............164
dipstick ....................................164
filter, specifications ........166, 195
recommendations ...................166
refill capacities ........................195
specifications ..................196, 198
Exhaust fumes ..........................101
F
Floor mats ...................................62
Index
206