Page 231 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 231 [DR08700(ALL)06/93]
For cruising, you should upshift at the following
speeds:
[DR08800(ALL)06/93]
ten pica chart:0070155-A[DR09400(ALL)08/95]
Upshift indicator light (If equipped)
[DR09500(ALL)09/ FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 231 [DR08700(ALL)06/93]
For cruising, you should upshift at the following
speeds:
[DR08800(ALL)06/93]
ten pica chart:0070155-A[DR09400(ALL)08/95]
Upshift indicator light (If equipped)
[DR09500(ALL)09/](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-230.png)
231 [DR08700(ALL)06/93]
For cruising, you should upshift at the following
speeds:
[DR08800(ALL)06/93]
ten pica chart:0070155-A[DR09400(ALL)08/95]
Upshift indicator light (If equipped)
[DR09500(ALL)09/93]
After the engine warms up, the upshift light will
come on if you could get better fuel economy by
shifting to the next higher gear. The vehicle will
not be harmed if the transaxle is not shifted
when the light comes on, but the vehicle will
use more fuel.
[DR09600(ALL)09/93]
The shift indicator light can be ignored when
you are downshifting, on steep hills, using the
engine to ºbrakeª the vehicle, or need more
power for a difficult acceleration.
%*
[DR09700(ALL)05/95]
Downshifting
*
[DR09800(ALL)03/95]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill,
always downshift before the engine starts to lose
power. Downshifting reduces the chance of
stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration
to increase speed again.
*
[DR09900(ALL)03/95]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting
helps you keep a safe speed and helps prevent
unnecessary wear on the brakes.
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Page 232 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 232 [DR10200(ALL)02/92]Do not attempt to shift into 1 (First) gear with
the clutch pedal depressed at speeds higher than
10 mph (16 km/h). If you do, it could cause a
complete clutch failure, making y FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 232 [DR10200(ALL)02/92]Do not attempt to shift into 1 (First) gear with
the clutch pedal depressed at speeds higher than
10 mph (16 km/h). If you do, it could cause a
complete clutch failure, making y](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-231.png)
232 [DR10200(ALL)02/92]Do not attempt to shift into 1 (First) gear with
the clutch pedal depressed at speeds higher than
10 mph (16 km/h). If you do, it could cause a
complete clutch failure, making your vehicle
inoperative.
%
*
[DR15600(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
[DR15700(ALL)07/93]
Your vehicle may be equipped with power
steering. Power steering uses energy from the
engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR15800(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[DR16000(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
%
*
[DR16200(ALL)03/95]
Brakes
%*
[DR16300(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
[DR16350(ALL)07/93]
Your vehicle has power-assisted brakes that
adjust automatically as the brake pads or linings
wear down.
[DR16400(ALL)08/95]
Your vehicle may have four-wheel anti-lock disc
brakes which adjust automatically through
everyday use. Refer to section on anti-lock
brakes later in this chapter.
*
[DR16700(ALL)05/95]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ºsqueezeª technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
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Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995
Page 234 of 387

234with your anti-lock brake system, you may not
have total control of your vehicle when braking
on roads with loose surfaces such as snow or
gravel, holes in the pavement, or alternating
patches of slippery and dry surfaces.
[DR17350(ALL)04/94]
Each time you turn the ignition key to the ON
position, the anti-lock brake system will function
through one test cycle. When this happens, the
anti-lock light (ABS) will come on for up to six
seconds. If the light stays on longer than six
seconds, shut off the engine and restart. If it
remains on, it means the anti-lock brake system
is disabled and should be serviced immediately
to restore the benefits of the anti-lock feature.
Normal braking is not affected unless the red
brake warning light is also lit.
[DR17400(ALL)02/94]
The anti-lock brake system has self-check
capabilities. As described above, the system
turns on the anti-lock light each time you start
your engine. After the engine is started and the
anti-lock light turns off, the system performs
another test the first time the vehicle reaches
7 mph (11 km/h). The system turns on the ABS
pump motor for approximately 1/2 second. At
this time, a mechanical noise may be heard. This
is a normal part of the self-check feature. If a
malfunction is found during this check the
anti-lock light will come on.
*
[DR17500(ALL)08/95]
Ford Motor Company has not found any
negative effects of mobile radio transmitting
equipment installed on vehicles with the ABS
system providing that the radio is installed
according to the radio manufacturer's
instructions. However, if you have had a mobile
radio transmitter installed and the ABS light
comes on (at any time other than immediately
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Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995
Page 236 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 236
*
[DR18400(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).
*
[DR18 FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 236
*
[DR18400(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).
*
[DR18](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-235.png)
236
*
[DR18400(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or
in 1 (First) (manual transaxle).
*
[DR18475(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
*
[DR18600(ALL)03/95]
Always check the Brake Warning Light each
time you start your engine. Driving with the
parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and will reduce the fuel economy.
*
[DR18700(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
*
[DR18800(ALL)11/91]
RWARNING
To prevent personal injury, do not release
the parking brake while outside the
vehicle.
*
[DR19000(ALL)06/95]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
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Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995
Page 239 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 239
*
[DR20750(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
If your vehicle has speed control, do not
use it on slippery roads. You could lose
control of your vehicle and could injure
someone.
*
[DR20800(ALL)01/95]
If you hav FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 239
*
[DR20750(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
If your vehicle has speed control, do not
use it on slippery roads. You could lose
control of your vehicle and could injure
someone.
*
[DR20800(ALL)01/95]
If you hav](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-238.png)
239
*
[DR20750(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
If your vehicle has speed control, do not
use it on slippery roads. You could lose
control of your vehicle and could injure
someone.
*
[DR20800(ALL)01/95]
If you have an automatic transaxle and your
vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or
snow), you may try to ºrockª it out of the spot.
Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward and
reverse gears. While in each gear, press lightly
on the accelerator and release.
*
[DR20900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
*
[DR21000(ALL)03/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the
tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two
of rocking, call for a tow truck.
%*
[DR21200(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR21300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel rims.
*
[DR21400(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR21500(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
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Page 243 of 387
243
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[RE00380(ALL)03/95]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
[RE00390(ALL)01/92]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the
lights or any electrical equipment on after you
turn the engine off. If this happens, you may be
able to jump-start from a booster battery to start
your vehicle.
*
[RE00400(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
*
[RE00500(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
%*
[RE00600(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends
when lifting a battery could cause acid to
spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or
with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[RE00700(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
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Page 244 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 244
*
[RE00710(ALL)07/95]
If the acid touches someones skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 244
*
[RE00710(ALL)07/95]
If the acid touches someones skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-243.png)
244
*
[RE00710(ALL)07/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or
clothing, immediately flush the area with water
for at least 15 minutes. If someone swallows the
acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water
first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or
vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.
*
[RE00900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid damage or injury, follow these
directions in the order they are given. If
in doubt, call for road service.
*
[RE01000(ALL)03/95]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[RE01100(ALL)03/95]
1. Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so
you need to use a 12-volt jumper system.
You will damage your starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical parts if
you connect them to a 24-volt power supply
(either two 12-volt batteries in series or a
24-volt generator set).
*
[RE01200(ALL)03/95]
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled
vehicle. You could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
*
[RE01300(ALL)04/95]
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of
the disabled vehicle.Make sure the vehicles
do not touch each other.Set the parking
brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[RE01400(ALL)03/95]
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any
excessive corrosion before you attach the
jumper cables.
*
[RE01600(ALL)02/95]
5. Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles.
Turning on the fan helps protect the
electrical system from voltage surges. Turn
off all other switches and lights in both
vehicles to prevent possible damage to either
vehicle's electrical systems.
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Page 245 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 245 %
*
[RE01700(ALL)05/95]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[RE02500(ALL)03/95]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect eit FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 245 %
*
[RE01700(ALL)05/95]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[RE02500(ALL)03/95]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect eit](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-244.png)
245 %
*
[RE01700(ALL)05/95]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[RE02500(ALL)03/95]
1. Connect one end of the first jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery. (You can connect either jumper cable
to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you
use the same cable for both positive
terminals.) Most jumper cables have a red
cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and
the black for the negative ones.
*
[RE02600(ALL)04/95]
2. Connect the other end of the first cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery.
*
[RE02700(ALL)07/95]
3. Connect one end of the second cable to the
negative (S) terminal of the booster battery
Ð NOT to the discharged battery.
*
[RE02800(ALL)04/95]
4. Connect the other end of the second cable to
a good metallic surface on the engine or
frame of the disabled vehicle.
*
[RE02900(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect the end of the second
cable to the negative (S) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark may cause
an explosion of the gases that surround
the battery.
File:12ctree.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:55:16 1995