Page 251 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 251 %
*
[RE07400(ALL)03/95]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[RE07650(ALL)02/92]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. If you have an automatic transaxle,
put the gearshift in P (Park). FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 251 %
*
[RE07400(ALL)03/95]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[RE07650(ALL)02/92]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. If you have an automatic transaxle,
put the gearshift in P (Park).](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-250.png)
251 %
*
[RE07400(ALL)03/95]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[RE07650(ALL)02/92]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. If you have an automatic transaxle,
put the gearshift in P (Park). If you have a
manual transaxle, put the gearshift in 1
(First). Set the parking brake and block the
wheel that is diagonally opposite the tire
that you are changing.
*
[RE08590(ALL)08/95]
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 (Automatic) or 1 (Manual). To
prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change one of the front tires, put a block behind
the wheel that is diagonally opposite the tire.
*
[RE08600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
*
[RE08800(ALL)03/95]
2. Get out the spare tire and jack.
[RE08850(ALL)08/93]
3. Remove any optional wheel covers or center
caps covering the lug nuts by gently prying
with the tapered end of the lug wrench.
[RE08870(ALL)09/89]
4. Loosen the wheel lug nuts one-half turn
each, but do not remove them until the tire
is raised off the ground. You should pull up
on the handle rather than push to develop
maximum force to loosen wheel lug nuts.
%*
[RE08875(ALL)05/95]
Removing and Replacing the Tire
[RE08880(ALL)03/95]
1. Place the scissors-type jack under the side of
the vehicle and adjust the jack height with
the jack handle. The jack should fit under
the side sill. There are small notches in the
seam to indicate the proper position for the
jack.
File:12ctree.ex
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Page 280 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 281
*
[SV01900(ALL)06/95]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[SV0 FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 281
*
[SV01900(ALL)06/95]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[SV0](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-279.png)
281
*
[SV01900(ALL)06/95]
q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[SV02000(ALL)06/95]
q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
*
[SV02100(ALL)08/95]
q
Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[SV02200(ALL)06/95]
q
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
[SV02250(ALL)03/95]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, seeStarting your vehicle's fuel-injected
enginein the Index.
*
[SV02525(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine off:
[SV02550(ALL)03/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in Park
(automatic transaxle) or First (manual
transaxle).
*
[SV02650(ALL)06/95]
2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
*
[SV02675(ALL)06/95]
3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995
Page 281 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 282
*
[SV02700(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
*
[SV02825(ALL)04/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or Neutral FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 282
*
[SV02700(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
*
[SV02825(ALL)04/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or Neutral](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-280.png)
282
*
[SV02700(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
*
[SV02825(ALL)04/95]
1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or Neutral (manual
transaxle).
*
[SV02850(ALL)03/95]
2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV03000(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
%*
[SV03100(ALL)03/95]
Opening the Hood
%*
[SV03200(ALL)01/95]
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
handle located under the bottom left corner
of the instrument panel.
%*
[SV03300(ALL)02/95]
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the
auxiliary latch that is located under the hood
at the center of the vehicle.
[SV03350(ALL)09/89]
3. Lift the hood and secure it in the open
position with the prop rod.
*
[SV04100(ALL)11/90]
When you close the hood, make sure the prop
rod is in its retainer and that the hood latches
securely.
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![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 294
*
[SV12560(ALL)05/95]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[SV12570(ALL)05/95]
q
Sudden stops
*
[SV12580(ALL)05/95]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[SV12590(ALL)05/95]
q
Using speed control in hilly FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 294
*
[SV12560(ALL)05/95]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[SV12570(ALL)05/95]
q
Sudden stops
*
[SV12580(ALL)05/95]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[SV12590(ALL)05/95]
q
Using speed control in hilly](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-292.png)
294
*
[SV12560(ALL)05/95]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[SV12570(ALL)05/95]
q
Sudden stops
*
[SV12580(ALL)05/95]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[SV12590(ALL)05/95]
q
Using speed control in hilly terrain
*
[SV12610(ALL)05/95]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[SV12620(ALL)05/95]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[SV12630(ALL)05/95]
q
Heavy loads
*
[SV12640(ALL)05/95]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
%
*
[SV13600(ALL)02/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[SV13610(ALL)03/95]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
*
[SV13650(ALL)03/95]
one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
*
[SV13670(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680(ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690(ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700(ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
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Page 294 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 295 %
*
[SV13710(ALL)03/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-1 FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 295 %
*
[SV13710(ALL)03/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-1](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-293.png)
295 %
*
[SV13710(ALL)03/95]
Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
%*
[SV13750(ALL)03/95]
Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
%*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
%*
[SV13900(ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000(ALL)02/95]
1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[SV14050(ALL)05/94]
2. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transaxle) or 1 (First)
(manual transaxle).
*
[SV14100(ALL)02/95]
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
*
[SV14200(ALL)03/95]
4. Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in
yellow) and carefully pull it out of the
engine.
*
[SV14300(ALL)01/95]
5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
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![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 315
%*
[SV29300(ALL)05/95]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29310(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your
vehicle does not use up tra FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 315
%*
[SV29300(ALL)05/95]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29310(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your
vehicle does not use up tra](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-313.png)
315
%*
[SV29300(ALL)05/95]
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
*
[SV29310(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, you do not need to
check the fluid level of the transaxle, since your
vehicle does not use up transaxle fluid. Refer to
theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for
replacement intervals. However, if the transaxle
is not working properly Ð for instance, the
transaxle may slip or shift slowly, or you may
notice some sign of fluid leakage Ð the fluid
level should be checked.
*
[SV29335(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an
extended period at high speeds, driven
in city traffic during hot weather, or
has been pulling a trailer, the vehicle
should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow the fluid to cool
before checking.
%*
[SV29340(ALL)02/93]
Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid
[SV29345(ALL)03/95]
It is preferable to check the transaxle fluid level
at normal operating temperature after
approximately 20 miles (32 km) of driving.
*
[SV29350(ALL)02/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface and the brake
pedal fully applied, start the engine and move
the gearshift selector through all of the gears.
Allow sufficient time for each position to engage.
Securely latch the gearshift selector in the P
(Park) position. Fully set the parking brake and
leave the engine running.
*
[SV29370(ALL)01/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap and pull the dipstick
out. Wipe the indicator end clean. Put the
dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure
it is fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read
the fluid level.
[SV29392(ALL)12/89]
When checking fluid at the normal operating
temperature, the fluid level should be within the
normal operating temperature marks on the
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Page 316 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 317 %
*
[SV29425(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 317 %
*
[SV29425(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-315.png)
317 %
*
[SV29425(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
*
[SV29800(ALL)01/89]
Manual Transaxle Fluid
[SV29900(ALL)01/92]
The lubricant level and quality should not
deteriorate under normal driving conditions.
However, you should have the fluid level
checked occasionally. If lubricant is required, see
Lubricant specificationsin the Index.
%*
[SV30200(ALL)02/95]
Brake Fluid
[SV30250(ALL)02/94]
If you have a manual transaxle, the brake fluid
reservoir in your vehicle includes the clutch
fluid reservoir.
*
[SV30300(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake pads wear.
%*
[SV30400(ALL)06/93]
You should check the brake fluid at every
scheduled engine oil change, but be sure to
check it at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic reservoir
on the master cylinder. (SeeThe Engine Typesin
this chapter to locate the master cylinder.) The
fluid level should be at or near the MAX mark.
[SV30425(ALL)03/95]
If the brake fluid level is low, the brake warning
light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
*
[SV30450(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
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![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 318
*
[SV30460(ALL)07/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 318
*
[SV30460(ALL)07/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-316.png)
318
*
[SV30460(ALL)07/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
[SV30475(ALL)07/93]
one third page art:0070173-A
Brake fluid master cylinder reservoir
%*
[SV30500(ALL)02/95]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the filler cap from the reservoir. Fill the
reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AA
or DOT 3 equivalent fluid meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[SV30800(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[SV30900(ALL)01/95]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
[SV30950(ALL)06/93]
NOTE: Avoid spilling brake fluid on painted
surfaces.
*
[SV31000(ALL)01/95]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995