Page 110 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 109
*
[ST08400(ALL)01/95]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[ST08500(ALL)08/95]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 109
*
[ST08400(ALL)01/95]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[ST08500(ALL)08/95]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-109.png)
109
*
[ST08400(ALL)01/95]
Before you start your vehicle, do the following:
*
[ST08500(ALL)08/95]
1. Make sure all occupants in the vehicle
buckle their safety belts. SeeSafety Restraints
in the Index for more details.
*
[ST08600(ALL)03/95]
2. Make sure the headlamps and other
accessories are turned off when starting.
*
[ST08700(ALL)02/92]
3.If you have an automatic transaxle, make
sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is set before you turn the key.
[ST08750(ALL)03/95]
If you have an automatic transaxle, your
vehicle has a special shift-lock safety feature.
It prevents you from moving the gearshift
lever out of the P (Park) position unless the
ignition is in the ON position and your foot
is on the brake. To move the gearshift lever,
you must also depress the thumb button.
*
[ST08800(ALL)07/93]
If you have a manual transaxle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully set, push the
clutch pedal to the floor, and put the
gearshift into Neutral before you turn the
key.(Remember, the starter will operate
only if the clutch pedal is pushed all the
way to the floor.)
[ST09000(ALL)06/95]
4. Before you start your vehicle, you should
check the warning lights on the instrument
panel to make sure that they work. Refer to
theWarning Lights and Gaugeschapter.
%*
[ST09400(ALL)02/95]
Starting Your Engine
*
[ST09500(ALL)06/95]
To start your engine:
*
[ST09600(ALL)05/95]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
*
[ST09650(ALL)03/95]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
*
[ST09720(ALL)06/95]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
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Page 113 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 112
*
[ST10300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[ST10350(ALL) FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 112
*
[ST10300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[ST10350(ALL)](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-112.png)
112
*
[ST10300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Extended idling at high engine speeds can
produce very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system, creating the
risk of fire or other damage.
*
[ST10350(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.
%*
[ST10550(ALL)06/95]
Using the Engine Block Heater
(If equipped)
*
[ST10700(ALL)03/95]
Engine block heaters are strongly recommended
if you live in a region where temperatures reach
S20ÊF (S29ÊC) orbelow consistently during the
winter months. An engine block heater warms
the engine coolant, which improves starting,
warms up the engine faster, and allows the
heater-defrost system to respond quickly.
*
[ST10900(ALL)02/95]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.
*
[ST11100(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
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Page 115 of 387
114 [ST11150(E )08/95]
half page art:0070153-BLocation of the fuel pump shut-off switch (location on
wagon similar)
*
[ST11170(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
*
[ST11180(ALL)03/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
[ST11190(ALL)03/95]
1. Turn the key in the ignition to LOCK.
*
[ST11200(ALL)03/95]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST11210(ALL)03/95]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
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Page 116 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 115 [ST11220(ALL)03/95]
4. Turn the ignition key ON for a few seconds,
then turn it to LOCK.
*
[ST11230(ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not st FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 115 [ST11220(ALL)03/95]
4. Turn the ignition key ON for a few seconds,
then turn it to LOCK.
*
[ST11230(ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not st](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-115.png)
115 [ST11220(ALL)03/95]
4. Turn the ignition key ON for a few seconds,
then turn it to LOCK.
*
[ST11230(ALL)03/95]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
%*
[ST12300(ALL)05/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[ST12400(ALL)02/95]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[ST12500(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in
a stopped vehicle for more than a short
period of time with the engine running.
Exhaust fumes are toxic. SeeGuarding
Against Exhaust Fumesin this chapter for
more instructions.
*
[ST12600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
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Page 118 of 387
117
Warning Lights and
Gauges
*
[LG00500(E )02/95]
Your vehicle has one of the following clusters:
*
[LG00600(E )05/91]
q
Standard Cluster
*
[LG00700(E )12/89]
q
Sport Cluster
*
[LG01100(E )05/94]
If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle
has, check the diagrams on the following pages.
*
[LG01700(E )12/89]
Standard Cluster
*
[LG01800(E )12/89]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the standard cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. The following sections detail what
each of these indicators means.
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Page 120 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 119
*
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Indicator Lights and Chimes
[LG02500(ALL)04/94]
Safety Belt Warning Light/Chime (U.S.
vehicles equipped with motorized passive
restraint)
*
[LG02510(ALL)08/95]
The safety bel FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 119
*
[LG01875(ALL)01/95]
Indicator Lights and Chimes
[LG02500(ALL)04/94]
Safety Belt Warning Light/Chime (U.S.
vehicles equipped with motorized passive
restraint)
*
[LG02510(ALL)08/95]
The safety bel](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-119.png)
119
*
[LG01875(ALL)01/95]
Indicator Lights and Chimes
[LG02500(ALL)04/94]
Safety Belt Warning Light/Chime (U.S.
vehicles equipped with motorized passive
restraint)
*
[LG02510(ALL)08/95]
The safety belt warning light/chime reminds you
to fasten your safety belt. One of the following
will take place:
[LG02520(ALL)03/95]
q
If the lap belt is not buckled when the key is
turned to the ON position, the light will
come on for one to two minutes and the
chime will sound for four to eight seconds.
[LG02530(ALL)03/95]
q
If the lap belt is buckled while the light is on
and the chime is sounding, both the light and
chime will turn off.
[LG02540(ALL)03/95]
q
If the lap belt is buckled before the key is
turned to the ON position, neither the light
nor chime will activate.
[LG02545(ALL)05/94]
If the warning light remains illuminated for
more than one minute, check to be sure that
both shoulder belts are latched to the emergency
release buckle. If the warning light remains
illuminated with both front seat shoulder belts
latched to the emergency release buckles, refer to
the section titledWhat to Do If Your Shoulder Belt
Does Not Engage Properlybefore driving the
vehicle.
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Page 121 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 120 [LG02549(E )06/94]Safety Belt Warning Light/Chime
(Canadian vehicles equipped with
combination lap and shoulder belts)
[LG02550(E )09/95]
This warning light and chime remind you in two
ways to fas FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 120 [LG02549(E )06/94]Safety Belt Warning Light/Chime
(Canadian vehicles equipped with
combination lap and shoulder belts)
[LG02550(E )09/95]
This warning light and chime remind you in two
ways to fas](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-120.png)
120 [LG02549(E )06/94]Safety Belt Warning Light/Chime
(Canadian vehicles equipped with
combination lap and shoulder belts)
[LG02550(E )09/95]
This warning light and chime remind you in two
ways to fasten your safety belt. If you do not
fasten the safety belt before you turn the ignition
key to ON, the chime sounds for four (4) to
eight (8) seconds. Also, each time you turn the
ignition key to ON, the warning light comes on
for one to two minutes to remind you to fasten
your combination lap and shoulder belt.
[LG02700(ALL)03/91]
one inch art:0070005-A
The safety belt light
[LG02750(ALL)08/95]
Brake Warning Light
*
[LG02900(ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
[LG03500(ALL)12/89]
This light comes on when you turn the ignition
key to START, but it normally goes off shortly
after the engine starts and you release the
parking brake. If the light stays on or comes on
after you have released the parking brake fully,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
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Page 122 of 387
121 [LG03550(ALL)08/95]
one inch art:0000837-A
The brake system and parking brake light
*
[LG03600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
%*
[LG03800(ALL)01/95]
Charging System Light
*
[LG03900(ALL)03/95]
This light indicates that your battery is not being
charged and that you need to have the electrical
system checked.
*
[LG04300(ALL)07/95]
This light comes on every time you turn the
ignition to the ON or START position (engine
off). The light should go off when the engine
starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[LG04400(ALL)01/95]
If the light stays on or comes on when the
engine is running, have the electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
[LG04500(ALL)12/89]
one inch art:0000838-A
The charging system light
File:05ctlge.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:44:43 1995