Page 237 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 237
%*
[DR19100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR19200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR19300(ALL)07/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 237
%*
[DR19100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR19200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR19300(ALL)07/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-236.png)
237
%*
[DR19100(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR19200(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR19300(ALL)07/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
*
[DR19400(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
[DR19500(ALL)02/95]
q
Extreme acceleration can cause the front
wheels to spin, perhaps resulting in reduced
steering control.
[DR19550(ALL)01/95]
q
If you do not have anti-lock brakes, extreme
braking can cause wheels to lock and slide,
making it difficult to control the direction of
the vehicle. Use the ºsqueezeª technique by
pushing on the brake pedal with steadily
increasing force. This allows the wheels to
brake yet continue to roll so that you may
steer in the direction you want to travel. If
you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal
and repeat the squeeze technique.
*
[DR19700(ALL)02/95]
q
If you abruptly release the accelerator or
brake hard while going too fast around a
severe curve, your vehicle may change
direction. Avoid application of the brakes, if
possible. If braking is necessary, it should be
done by using the ºsqueezeª technique
described above.
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995
Page 238 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 238 %
*
[DR19750(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR19800(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR19900(ALL)03/95]
On some slippery road surfaces, front-wheel
drive may provide better acceleration than
re FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 238 %
*
[DR19750(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR19800(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR19900(ALL)03/95]
On some slippery road surfaces, front-wheel
drive may provide better acceleration than
re](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-237.png)
238 %
*
[DR19750(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR19800(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR19900(ALL)03/95]
On some slippery road surfaces, front-wheel
drive may provide better acceleration than
rear-wheel drive. However, this does not mean
that your vehicle can stop any faster or any
better than a vehicle with rear-wheel drive.
Exercise the same caution while driving on
slippery roads with your front-wheel drive
vehicle as you would with a rear-wheel drive
vehicle.
*
[DR20000(ALL)03/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[DR20100(ALL)03/95]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[DR20200(ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR20400(ALL)01/95]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
*
[DR20500(ALL)03/92]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your wheels. (Does not apply
to vehicles with anti-lock brakes.)
*
[DR20600(ALL)02/93]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR20700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads,
do not downshift into 1 (First) with the
automatic transaxle when moving faster
than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not downshift
into 1 (First) with the manual transaxle
when moving faster than 10 mph
(16 km/h).
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995
Page 249 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 249
%*
[RE04500(ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 249
%*
[RE04500(ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-248.png)
249
%*
[RE04500(ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
%*
[RE04700(ALL)03/95]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[RE04800(ALL)03/95]
You may have a high pressure temporary spare
tire. This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire
and is designed for emergency use only. Use it
only when you get a flat tire and replace it as
soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with
the words ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that
you can easily identify it.
*
[RE04900(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire
continuously or do not follow these
precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly
injuring yourself or others.
*
[RE05000(ALL)01/95]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire,
DO NOT:
*
[RE05100(ALL)01/95]
q
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any
circumstances.
*
[RE05200(ALL)01/95]
q
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than
the maximum vehicle load rating listed on
the tire decal.
*
[RE05400(ALL)01/95]
q
use tire chains on this tire.
File:12ctree.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:55:16 1995
Page 318 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 319
*
[SV31100(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
%*
[SV31200(ALL)02/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV31300(ALL)01/95]
Check FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 319
*
[SV31100(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
%*
[SV31200(ALL)02/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV31300(ALL)01/95]
Check](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-317.png)
319
*
[SV31100(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master
cylinder run dry. This may cause the
brakes to fail.
%*
[SV31200(ALL)02/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV31300(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV31400(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering
Fluid
*
[SV31500(ALL)02/95]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV31600(ALL)01/95]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
*
[SV31700(ALL)05/95]
3. Turn the engine off.
[SV31850(ALL)02/94]
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. The
fluid level should be in between the F (Full)
and L (Low) markings on the reservoir.
[SV32100(ALL)02/94]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level until you reach the F (Full) range. Do
not overfill. To find out how much fluid
your vehicle's reservoir for the power
steering fluid will hold, seeRefill capacitiesin
the Index.
[SV32150(ALL)03/95]
6. When you are finished, put the reservoir cap
back on and make sure that it fits snugly.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995
Page 319 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 320 [SV32200(ALL)03/95]Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford
Specification ESW-M2C33-F, such as Motorcraft
Type ªFº Automatic Transmission and Power
Steering Fluid.
*
[SV32700(ALL)01/95]
If FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 320 [SV32200(ALL)03/95]Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford
Specification ESW-M2C33-F, such as Motorcraft
Type ªFº Automatic Transmission and Power
Steering Fluid.
*
[SV32700(ALL)01/95]
If](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-318.png)
320 [SV32200(ALL)03/95]Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford
Specification ESW-M2C33-F, such as Motorcraft
Type ªFº Automatic Transmission and Power
Steering Fluid.
*
[SV32700(ALL)01/95]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
%
*
[SV33000(ALL)04/95]
Fuses, Fuse Links and Circuit
Breakers
[SV33025(ALL)07/93]
Fuses, fuse links and circuit breakers protect
your vehicle electrical system from overloading.
If electrical parts in your vehicle are not
working, the system may have been overloaded
and blown a fuse, fuse link or tripped a circuit
breaker. Before you replace or repair any
electrical parts, check the appropriate circuit
protector.
[SV33050(ALL)07/93]
The following charts tell you which circuit
protector protects each electrical part of your
vehicle. If a fuse or fuse link blows, or a circuit
breaker opens a circuit, none of the parts of
your vehicle that use the circuit will work. For
example, if the RADIO fuse is blown, the radio
and remote control mirrors will not work. If the
radio works, but the electric mirrors don't work,
something is wrong with the mirrors.
[SV33100(ALL)06/93]
NOTE: Fuse links should only be repaired by
your dealer.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995
Page 373 of 387

374 Index
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
instrument panel lens......... 158
interior................ 183
interior lamps............. 155
plastic parts.............. 7
polishing................ 6
rustproofing.............. 7
safety belts............... 50
tail lamps.............. 153
upholstery and interior trim...... 183
washing................ 6
waxing................. 6
wheels................ 312
Climate control system.......... 137
Clock................203, 218
Clutch
fluid reservoir............ 317
fluid specifications.......... 349
operation while driving........ 229
shifting the gears........... 229
Cold engine starting........... 110
Combination lap and shoulder belts..... 9
Compact disc player
(see Electronic sound system) . . . 198, 204
Controls
instrument panel........... 135
mirrors................ 184
steering column............ 159
Convenience kit in cargo area...... 250
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding......... 297
preparing for storage......... 351
refill capacities............ 345
specifications............. 348
temperature gauge.......... 130
warnings............... 297
Cooling fan............... 280
Crankcase emission filter......... 347
Cruise control (see Speed control)..... 164
File:ctixe.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 15:00:54 1995
Page 374 of 387

Index 375
Customer Assistance Center,
Ford (U.S.).............. 262
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........262, 267
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel).... 135
Daytime running light system...... 152
Dipstick
automatic transaxle fluid....... 315
engine oil.............. 295
power steering fluid......... 319
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)...... 257
Doors................. 169
lubricant specifications........ 348
Driving under special conditions
bad weather............. 238
heavy load.............. 240
high water.............. 239
slippery roads............ 238
tips for safe driving.......... 237
towing a trailer............ 241
E
Electrical system
circuit breakers............ 332
fuses................ 320
Electronic radio with cassette
(see Electronic sound system)..... 213
Electronic sound system
antenna............... 157
radio reception............ 220
tuning the radio.........199, 214
warranty and service information . . . 222
Electronic stereo cassette radio
(see Electronic sound system)..... 213
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Update:Tue Sep 19 15:00:54 1995
Page 381 of 387

382 Index
Overdrive................ 226
Overseas offices............. 269
P
Parking brake
operation............... 235
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)........ 347
PCV valve, specifications......... 347
Power door locks............ 170
Power features
door locks.............. 170
mirrors................ 184
moon roof.............. 174
windows............... 172
Power steering
dipstick............... 319
driving with power steering...... 232
fluid, checking and adding....... 319
fluid, refill capacity.......... 345
fluid, specifications.......... 348
Prop rod, hood............. 282
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems) . . . 197
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 349
Rear window.............. 172
washer reservoir........... 301
Refill capacities for fluids........ 345
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult.................. 9
child.................. 58
head................. 177
infant................. 58
Roadside assistance........... 259
Roadside emergencies.......... 243
Rotating the tires............ 307
File:ctixe.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 15:00:54 1995