1996 FORD ESCORT fuel

306
%*
[SV23800(ALL)03/95]
Tires
*
[SV23900(ALL)03/95]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel
tank. If one tire looks lower than the others,
check the pressure in all of them. Always follow
these precautions:
*
[SV24200(ALL)03/95]
q
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended
pressures.
*
[SV24300(ALL)02/95]
q
Stay within the recommended load limits (see
Load limitsin the Index).
*
[SV24500(ALL)02/95]
q
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly
distributed.
*
[SV24550(ALL)10/89]
q
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[SV24700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires
may fail or go flat.
*
[SV24800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
%*
[SV24925(ALL)05/95]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all
your vehicle's tires, including the spare. Use an
accurate tire pressure gauge. Check the tire
pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle
has been parked for at least one hour or has
been driven less than 3 miles (5 km). You can
find proper cold pressure and load limits of
recommended size tires on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995

312
*
[SV28900(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
[SV29010(ALL)06/93]
q
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with
the ends held down securely. Retighten the
chains after driving 1/2 mile (0.8 km). Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV29020(ALL)05/95]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or the chain manufacturer's recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[SV29030(ALL)11/94]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[SV29040(ALL)11/94]
q
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires.
They may damage the vehicle and the tire.
%*
[SV29100(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29120(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29140(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995

313
%*
[SV29210(ALL)03/95]
Battery
[SV29220(ALL)03/95]
If the original equipment maintenance-free
battery is replaced, it may be replaced by a
low-maintenance battery. SeeMotorcraft Partsat
the end of this chapter for the proper
replacement battery.
*
[SV29230(ALL)03/95]
The low-maintenance battery has removable vent
caps for checking the electrolyte level and
adding water. The electrolyte level should be
checked at least every 24 months or 24,000 miles
(40,000 km) in temperatures up to90ÊF (32ÊC)
and more often in temperatures above90ÊF
(32ÊC). Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up
to the level indicator. Do not overfill.
*
[SV29240(ALL)03/95]
If the level gets low, refill the battery with
distilled water. If necessary, you can add tap
water to the battery, provided the water is not
hard or does not have a high mineral or alkali
content. If the battery needs water quite often,
have the charging system checked for a possible
malfunction.
[SV29245(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.
[SV29250(ALL)02/94]
If the battery has been disconnected, you will
have to reset the clock and the preset stations on
your radio once the battery is reconnected.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995

340 [SV40930(E )08/95]
fourteen pica chart:0070027-C
%*
[SV41000(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
*
[SV41100(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[SV41200(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995

341
*
[SV41300(ALL)05/95]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[SV41400(ALL)01/95]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[SV41500(ALL)01/95]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[SV41600(ALL)01/95]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[SV41700(ALL)03/95]
q
Have the services listed in theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet performed
according to the specified schedule. The
scheduled maintenance services are required
because they are considered essential to the
life and performance of your vehicle and to
its emissions system.
*
[SV41720(ALL)03/95]
In general, maintenance, replacement, or service
of the emissions control devices or systems in
your new Ford Motor Company vehicle or
engine may be performed at your expense by
any automotive repair establishment or
individual using automotive parts equivalent to
those which your vehicle or engine was
originally equipped.
*
[SV41750(ALL)05/95]
If other than Ford or Motorcraft or Ford
authorized remanufactured parts are used for
maintenance, replacement, or for the service of
components affecting emissions control, the
owner should be assured that such parts are
warranted by their manufacturer to be
equivalent to genuine Ford Motor Company
parts in performance and durability. Please
consult your warranty information booklet for
complete warranty information.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995

342
*
[SV41800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in
dry grass or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which
can start a fire.
*
[SV42000(ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your
vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more
unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can
increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[SV42100(ALL)01/95]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs,
services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or
supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device
or prevent it from working. In some of the
United States and in Canada, vehicle owners
may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
[SV42200(ALL)08/95]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you
service your vehicle. If the metal collector
contacts any of your vehicle's plastic trim or
bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[SV42300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate
properly. See your dealer if the engine runs on
for more than five seconds after you shut it off
or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[SV42400(ALL)05/95]
Information about your vehicle's emission
control 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.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995

351 %
*
[SV44600(ALL)01/95]
Engine
*
[SV44700(ALL)01/95]
q
Start engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle
until it reaches normal operating temperature.
*
[SV44800(ALL)01/95]
q
With your foot on the brake, shift through all
the gears while the engine is running.
%*
[SV44900(ALL)01/95]
Fuel system
%*
[SV45000(ALL)07/94]
q
Fill fuel tank with high-quality unleaded fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the fuel
pump nozzle.
*
[SV45200(ALL)03/95]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more), fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
*
[SV45300(ALL)01/95]
Ford Gas Stabilizer should be added whenever
actual or expected storage periods exceed 60
days. Follow the instructions on the label. The
vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to
circulate the additive throughout the fuel system.
*
[SV45400(ALL)01/95]
A volatile corrosion inhibitor added to the fuel
system will protect the fuel system's inner
surfaces from corrosion. Follow the instructions
packaged with the product.
%*
[SV45500(ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV45600(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995

376 Index
Emergencies, roadside
assistance............... 259
battery acid spills........... 243
fuel................. 291
jump-starting............. 243
towing................ 257
Emergency brake (parking brake)..... 235
Emission control system
catalytic converter........... 340
emissions warranty......... 4,340
Engine
check engine warning light...... 124
does not start...........111, 113
fuel injected engine, starting...... 108
fuel pump shut-off switch....... 113
preparing to start........... 108
refill capacities............ 345
service points............. 284
starting................ 105
starting after a collision........ 113
storing your vehicle.......... 350
Engine block heater........... 112
Engine coolant
checking and adding......... 297
checking hoses............ 301
disposal...........280, 300, 317
preparing for storage......... 351
recovery reservoir........... 297
refill capacities............ 345
specifications............. 348
temperature gauge.......... 130
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description.............. 130
Engine fan............... 280
Engine oil
checking and adding......... 295
dipstick............... 295
disposal...........280, 300, 317
engine oil pressure warning light.... 128
filter, specifications.......... 347
File:ctixe.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 15:00:54 1995