1997 FORD ESCORT Owners Manual

Special conditions when
starting
Starting a cold engine
At temperatures -12ÉC (10ÉF) and
below, do not hold the key in the
START position longer than 15
seconds. If the engine does not
start on the first attempt:
1. Turn the ignition key to LOCK
and wait approximately ten
seconds.
2. Try starting the engine again.
At temperatures above -12ÉC
(10ÉF), do not hold the key in the
START position longer than five
seconds. If the engine does not
start on the first attempt:
1. Turn the ignition key to LOCK
and wait approximately five
seconds.
2. Try starting the engine again.
Starting a warm engine
Do not hold the key in the START
position longer than five seconds.
If the engine does not start on the
first attempt:
1. Turn the ignition key to LOCK
and wait a few seconds until the
starter stops.
2. Try starting the engine again.
Starting the engine after two
failed attempts
If the engine does not start after
two attempts:
1. Turn the key to LOCK and wait
about two minutes.
Starting
89

2. Press the accelerator all the way
to the floor and hold.
3. Turn the key to START. Release
it once the engine starts.
4. Release the accelerator
gradually as the engine speeds up.
If the engine still does not start,
refer toFuel pump shut-off
switchin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Using the engine block heater
(if equipped)
Engine block heaters are strongly
recommended if you live in a
region where temperatures
consistently reach -29ÉC (-20ÉF) or
below 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.
If your vehicle is equipped with an
engine block heater, use it
whenever the temperature is -23ÉC
(-10ÉF) or below.
To turn the heater on, plug it into
a grounded 110-volt outlet. It is
recommended that you use a
110-volt circuit that is protected
by a Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter.
For best results, plug the heater in
at least three hours before you
start your vehicle. Using the heater
for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can
Starting
90

plug it in at night to start the
vehicle the next morning.
Do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged
(cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded
connection.
GUARDING AGAINST EXHAUST
FUMES
Carbon monoxide, although
colorless and odorless, is present
in exhaust fumes. Take precautions
to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes
inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Have the exhaust and body
ventilation systems checked
whenever:
²the vehicle is raised for service
²the sound of the exhaust system
changes
²the vehicle has been damaged in
a collision
Improve vehicle ventilation by
keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves, and other debris.
Starting
91

If the engine is idling while the
vehicle is stopped in an open area
for long periods of time, open the
windows at least 2.5 cm (1 in).
Adjust the heating or air
conditioning (if equipped) to bring
in fresh air.
*If equipped with air conditioning
OFF
HI LO*A/C*MAX
A/C
HI LOOFF*A/C*MAX
A/C
TUNE
DISCS

SEEK
TUNE
SCAN
EJ REW FF
BAL BASSTREBFADE TAPE
CD AM
FM
–+1
SIDE 1-22
345
COMP1
SIDE 1-2VOL–
PUSH ON
MIRRORS
0000000002030405060
70
80
90
10 0
11 020 40608010 0
12 0
16 0
18 0 140FUEL FILLCHEF1/22
13RPM x 1000
RSM
SET
ACC
CST OFF ONOFFPULL2INT
1 OFF MIST
R L
Starting
92

BRAKES
Power-assisted brakes
Apply the brake pedal gradually to
avoid locking up the wheels. The
brakes will adjust automatically as
the brake pads or linings wear
down.
Utilize these strategies for
maximum braking performance:
²If driving down a long or steep
hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply the brakes
continuously. Continuously
applying the brakes on a hill
could overheat them and make
them less effective.
²Occasional brake squeal during
light to moderate stops is
normal. Significantly increased
squeal is an indicator that brake
service is needed.
²Apply the brakes gently several
times after driving through
standing water or washing your
vehicle to dry them.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Apply ABS brakes steadily.Do not
pump the brakes in a panic stop.
The brake system will prevent
wheel lockup by automatically
releasing and reapplying the
brakes.
Even with ABS, the brakes could
lock up on roads with alternating
slippery and dry patches or with
loose surfaces such as snow or
gravel. Be careful when braking.
Driving
93

The ABS brake system conducts a
self-test each time the vehicle is
driven. A mechanical noise may be
heard while the system conducts
its self-test.
ABS warning light
TheABSlight in the instrument
cluster illuminates and remains
illuminated if an ABS fault is
detected. Have your vehicle
serviced by a qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
Normal braking operation is still
effective unless the
P!BRAKElight is
also illuminated.
Parking brake
The parking brake should be used
whenever the vehicle is parked.
To set the parking brake:
The parking brake is not designed
to stop a moving vehicle. However,
if the normal brakes fail, the
parking brake can be set to stop
the vehicle. The vehicle's stopping
distance will increase greatly and
vehicle steering response will be
limited.
When the ignition is turned to ON,
the
P!BRAKElight in the instrument
cluster illuminates and remains
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
Driving
94

If the parking brake is fully
released but the
P!BRAKEwarning light remains on,
have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be
working properly.
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (automatic
transaxle) or first gear (manual
transaxle).
To release the parking brake:
²While pressing the release
button, pull the handle upward
to release the brake.
²Push handle downward to the
off position.
Driving
95

TRANSAXLES
Automatic
The normal driving position for the
automatic transaxle is the
Dposition.
To move the automatic transaxle
gearshift:
P Ð Park
R Ð Reverse
N Ð Neutral
DÐ Overdrive: the normal
driving position for best fuel
economy
D Ð Drive: more engine braking
than
D
L Ð Low: more engine braking
than D at speeds up to 60 km/h
(38 mph)
HI LOOFF*A/C*MAX
A/CTUNE
DISCS

SEEK
TUNE
SCAN
EJ REW FF
BAL BASSTREBFADE TAPE
CD AM
FM
–+1
SIDE 1-22
345
COMP1
SIDE 1-2VOL–
PUSH ONLMIRRORR0000000002030405060
70
80
90
10 0
11 020 40608010 0
12 0
16 0
18 0 140FUEL FILLCHEF1/22
13RPM x 1000RESET
SET
ACC
SET XXXX XXXOFF2INT
1 OFF MIST
P
R
N
D
D
L
Driving
96