wiper blades FORD ESCORT 2003 7.G Owners Manual

Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper armaway fromthe
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
fromthe wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
fromthe arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper armand press it into place
until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades every 6
months for optimum performance.
TILT STEERING (IF EQUIPPED)
Pull the tilt steering control down to
move the steering wheel up or
down. Hold the control while
adjusting the wheel to the desired
position, then push the control back
up to lock the steering wheel in
position.
Never adjust the steering
wheel when the vehicle is
moving.
POWER WINDOWS (IF EQUIPPED)
When closing the power
windows, you should verify
they are free of obstructions and
ensure that children and/or pets
are not in the proximity of the
window openings.
Driver Controls
44

•Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
•Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available fromyour dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use Ford Extra Strength Tar and
Road Oil Removal (B7A-19520–AA).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
regularly. If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the
windshield, rear window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These
may include hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree
sap, or other organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow
these tips:
•The windshield or rear window may be cleaned with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23),
available fromyour dealer.
Cleaning
132

•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver fromundesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the painted surfaces.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Ford Extra Strength Upholstery
Cleaner (E8AZ-19523–AA).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
•Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the vehicle’s
seatbelts, as these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Cleaning
133

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Windshield washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this
chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5° C (40°
F), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling systemmay harmengine and cooling system
components.
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).
Maintenance and Specifications
141

A
ABS (see Brakes) .......................89
Air bag supplemental restraint
system..........................................69
and child safety seats ..............71
description ................................69
disposal ......................................73
driver air bag ............................71
indicator light ...........................73
operation ...................................71
passenger air bag .....................71
Air cleaner filter .......164–165, 169
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system.................29
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................146
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ................................89
Anti-theft system........................56
arming the system ....................56
disarming a triggered system ..57
disarming an untriggered
system.......................................57
Audio system(see Radio) .........19
Automatic transaxle
driving with ...............................93
fluid, adding ............................161
fluid, checking ........................161
fluid, refill capacities ..............170
fluid, specification ..................172
Automatic transmission ..............91
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........171
B
Battery .......................................144acid, treating emergencies .....144
jumping a disabled battery ....114
maintenance-free ....................144
replacement, specifications ...169
servicing ..................................144
BeltMinder ...................................65
Brakes ....................................88–89
anti-lock .....................................89
anti-lock brake system(ABS)
warning light .............................90
fluid, checking and adding ....160
fluid, refill capacities ..............170
fluid, specifications .........171–172
lubricant specifications ..171–172
parking ......................................90
shift interlock ............................91
Bulbs ............................................37
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....170
Cell phone use ............................49
Certification Label ....................174
Changing a tire .........................110
Child safety restraints ................74
child safety belts ......................74
Child safety seats ........................76
attaching with tether straps ....80
in front seat ..............................78
in rear seat ................................78
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............131
instrument panel ....................133
interior .....................................133
plastic parts ............................132
washing ....................................130
waxing .....................................130
wheels ......................................131
wiper blades ............................132
Index
179

Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................110
Spark plugs, specifications ......169,
172
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................171–172
Speed control ..............................45
Starting your vehicle ......84–85, 87
jump starting ..........................114
Steering wheel
controls ......................................44
tilting .........................................44
T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................28
Tires ...........................110, 165–166
changing ..........................110–111
checking the pressure ............166
replacing ..................................167
rotating ....................................167
snow tires and chains ............168
tire grades ...............................166
treadwear ................................166
Towing .......................................100
trailer towing ..........................100
wrecker ....................................119
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............170
lubricant specifications ..........172
Transmission
automatic operation .................91fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................161
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................164
lubricant specifications ..........171
manual operation ......................97
Trunk ...........................................51
remote release ....................49, 54
Turn signal ..................................36
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................172
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................174
Vehicle loading ............................99
Ventilating your vehicle .............88
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................141
Water, Driving through ...............98
Windows
power .........................................44
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....141
operation ...................................43
replacing wiper blades .............44
Wrecker towing .........................119
Index
183