1997 FORD ESCORT Owners Manual

Activating the automatic locking
mode on the built-in child seat
1. Fully pull out both shoulder
belts.
2. Allow the belts to tighten snugly
against the child's shoulders.
Canceling the automatic locking
mode on the built-in child seat
1. Disconnect the chest clip. Press
the buckle release button and
remove both safety belt tongues
from the buckle.
2. Slide both shoulder belts from
the child's shoulders and arm and
allow them to retract fully.
Seating and safety restraints
81

Removing your child from the
built-in child seat
1. Disconnect the chest clip by
squeezing the release tabs together
and pulling the two sides apart.
Seating and safety restraints
82

2. Press the release button on the
buckle.
3. Slide the shoulder belts off the
child's shoulders and remove the
child.
4. Return the child seat cushion to
the stowed (upright) position.
5. Ensure the shoulder belts are in
the center of the built-in child
seatback and connect the cushion
retention clip.
6. Fold the child seat into the
seatback and tuck the top of the
child seat under the rear seat flap.
7. Press firmly on the center of the
built-in child seat to ensure it is
stowed properly.
When not in use, the built-in child
seat can be stowed so that the rear
center seat position may be used
or the rear seatback can be folded
down.
Seating and safety restraints
83

Inspecting the built-in child seat
after a collision
All built-in child restraints,
including seats, buckles,
retractors, seat latches,
interlocks, and attaching
hardware should be inspected by
a qualified Dealer technician
after any collision. If the child
seat was in use during a
collision, Ford recommends
replacing it. However, if the
collision was minor and a
qualified technician finds that
the child restraints do not show
damage and continue to operate
properly, they do not need to be
replaced. Built-in child seats not
in use during a collision should
also be inspected and replaced if
either damage or improper
operation is noted.
For information on cleaning your
built-in child seat, refer to
Cleaning the built-in child seat
in theMaintenance and care
section.
Seating and safety restraints
84

A computer system controls the
engine's idle revolutions per
minute (RPM). When the engine
starts, the idle RPM runs higher
than when the engine is warm. If
the engine idle speed does not
slow down automatically, have the
vehicle checked. Do not allow the
vehicle to idle for more than ten
minutes.
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.
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.
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. For more information
and instructions, refer to
Guarding against exhaust
fumesin this chapter.
Starting
85

PREPARING TO START THE
VEHICLE
Engine starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system. This system
meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
standard requirements regulating
the impulse electrical field strength
of radio noise.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants
have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts
and their proper usage, refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and
vehicle accessories are off.
If starting a vehicle with an
automatic transaxle:
²Make sure the parking brake
is set.
OFF
Starting
86

If starting a vehicle with an
automatic transaxle:
²make sure that the gearshift is
in P.
If starting a vehicle with a manual
transaxle:
²push the clutch pedal to the
floor.
²place the gearshift in the
neutral position.
P
R
N
D
D
L
4 25 3 1R
Starting
87

4. Turn the key to the ON position
(without turning the key to
START). Make sure the following
lights illuminate briefly. If a light
fails to illuminate, have the vehicle
serviced.
If the driver's safety belt is
fastened, the
light does not
illuminate.
STARTING THE VEHICLE
After completing the steps under
Preparing to start the vehicle:
1. Turn the key to START and
release.Do notpress the
accelerator.
²The key will return to the ON
position.
2. After idling for a few seconds,
apply the brake and release the
parking brake.
ON
II
ACC
I
LOCK
0
START
III
MP
km/10 203040520 4060
80
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
LOW
FUELABS
0
80
90
10 0
12 011 012 0
16 0
18 0 140
200
CHECK
COOLANTTHEFT
ON
II
ACC
I
LOCK
0
START
III
Starting
88