1997 FORD ESCORT Owners Manual

system; a 24-volt power supply
will cause vehicle damage
²park the vehicles close to each
other, but do not allow the two
vehicles to touch.
²check to make sure neither
battery is disconnected
²remove any excessive corrosion
from the battery terminals
²turn on the heater fan in each
vehicle to prevent damage from
voltage surges
To jump start the vehicle:
1. Connect the jumper cables in
numerical order.
V1Disabled battery positive
terminal
V2Booster battery positive
terminal
V3Booster battery negative
terminal
V4Disabled vehicle engine
Do not connect the end of
the second cable to the
negative (-) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark
may cause an explosion of the
gases that surround the battery.
2. Start the engine in the vehicle
with the booster battery.
3. Wait a few minutes and start the
engine in the vehicle with the
disabled battery.
+ –
4
2
3
1
+ –
ON
II
ACC
I
LOCK
0
START
III
Roadside emergencies
121

4. Disconnect the jumper cables in
numerical order:
V1Engine
V2Booster battery negative
terminal
V3Booster battery positive
terminal
V4Previously disabled battery
positive terminal
Let the vehicle idle for a few
minutes to allow the engine to
relearn the proper idle conditions.
Avoid using unneccessary electrical
accessories for a short while to let
the battery recharge. A battery
charger may be necessary to fully
recharge the battery.
+ –
1
3
2
4
+ –
Roadside emergencies
122

WRECKER TOWING
If towing is necessary, it is
recommended that your vehicle be
towed with wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with
slingbelt equipment. Ford Motor
Company has not developed or
approved a T-hook or slingbelt
towing procedure.
Roadside emergencies
123

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
Whenever possible, Ford has
designed parts that do not require
servicing. However when servicing
is required, Ford's goal is to make
servicing your vehicle as easy as
possible. To help you:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items
in the engine compartment for
easy location.
²Often, parts (such as the
headlamp bulbs) may be
replaced without tools.
²We provide you with aService
Guidethat makes tracking
routine service of your vehicle
easy.
If your vehicle requires
professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the
necessary parts and service. Check
theWarranty Information Guide
to find out what parts and services
are covered. Use only
recommended fuels, lubricants,
fluids, and service parts
conforming to Ford specifications.
Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
Precautions for servicing your
vehicle
Be particularly careful when
inspecting or servicing your
vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
Maintenance and care
124

²Never get under a vehicle that is
supported only by a jack. If you
must work under a vehicle, use
safety stands.
²Keep all lit cigarettes and other
smoking materials away from
the battery and all fuel-related
parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and make
sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (automatic transaxle),
or first gear (manual transaxle).
2. Turn the engine off and remove
the key from the ignition.
P
R
N
D
D
L
R
N
D
D
LP
Maintenance and care
125

3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
5
Maintenance and care
126

Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and make
sure that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (automatic transaxle),
or N (manual transaxle).
2. Do not work on a vehicle in an
enclosed space with the engine
running.
P
R
N
D
D
L
R
N
D
D
LP
Maintenance and care
127

3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
4. If work must be done with the
engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could
get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long
hair.
Opening the hood
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom left corner of the
instrument panel.
2. Outside the vehicle, release the
auxiliary latch located under the
center of the hood.
3. Lift the hood and secure it in
the open position with the prop
rod.
4. To close the hood, remove the
prop rod and shut so that the
auxiliary latch is closed.
After closing the hood, try to lift it
to be sure that it is closed
securely.
5
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
LMIRRORR
0000000002030405060
70
80
90
10 0
11 020 40608010 0
12 0
16 0
18 0 140FUEL FILLCHEF1/22
13RPM x 1000
RESET
SET
ACC
SET XXXX XXXOFF2INT
1 OFF MIST
Maintenance and care
128