1997 FORD ESCORT Owners Manual

2. When the engine is cool, wrap
a thick cloth around the cap and
turn it slowly, counterclockwise
to the first stop.
3. Step back while the pressure
releases.
4. When you are sure that all the
pressure has been released, use
the cloth to press the cap down,
turn it counterclockwise, and
remove it.
Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant
E2FZ-19549-AA (in Canada,
Motorcraft CXC-8-B) or an
equivalent premium engine coolant
that meets Ford Specification
ESE-M97B44-A. Ford Premium
Engine Coolant is an optimized
formula that will protect all metals
and rubber elastomers used in
Ford cooling systems for 4 years or
50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Do not use alcohol or methanol
antifreeze or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. Do not use
supplemental coolant additives in
your vehicle. These additives may
harm your engine cooling system.
The use of an improper coolant
may void the warranty of your
vehicle's engine cooling system.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends
that Ford and Lincoln-Mercury
dealers use recycled engine
coolant produced by
Ford-approved processes. Not all
coolant recycling processes
Maintenance and care
137

produce coolant which meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44-A, and
use of such coolant may harm
engine and cooling system
components.
Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's
regulations and standards for
recycling and disposing of
automotive fluids.
Coolant Refill Capacity
To find out how much fluid your
vehicle's cooling system can hold,
seeRefill capacities for fluidsin
the Index.
Have your dealer check the engine
cooling system for leaks if you
have to add more than a quart
(liter) of engine coolant per
month.
Severe Winter Climate
If you drive in extremely cold
climates (less than -34ÉF [-36ÉC]),
it may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
Refer to the chart on the coolant
container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle is
such that the coolant will not
freeze at the temperature level in
which you drive during winter
months. Never increase the engine
coolant concentration above 60%.
Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle
year-round in non-extreme
climates.
Maintenance and care
138

CHECKING AND ADDING
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid at
least twice a year by completing
the following steps:
1. Start the engine.
2. When the engine coolant
temperature gauge reaches the
normal zone, turn off the engine.
3. Visually inspect the fluid level in
the power steering reservoir.
4. If necessary, add power steering
fluid until the fluid level reaches
MAX. Do not overfill the power
steering reservoir.
²As a maintenance precaution,
visually inspect the lines and
hoses of the power steering
system for leaks and damage.
²If new fluid is frequently
required, consult a qualified
service technician.
CHECKING AND ADDING
TRANSAXLE FLUID
Checking and adding automatic
transaxle fluid
Check the automatic transaxle
fluid according to the owner
maintenance checks in theService
Guide.
ON
II
ACC
I
LOCK
0
START
III
C
H
Maintenance and care
139

It is best to check the transaxle
fluid level at the normal operating
temperature, after approximately
35 km (20 miles) of driving. If the
transaxle fluid level must be
checked under different
circumstances, make sure the
outside temperature is above 10 ÉC
(50 ÉF) to obtain an accurate fluid
level check.
Checking the automatic
transaxle fluid
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. With the vehicle running and the
brake pedal depressed, move the
gearshift through each of the gear
ranges, allowing each gear to
engage.
3. Move the gearshift to P.
P
R
N
D
D
L
R
N
D
D
LP
ON
II
ACC
I
LOCK
0
START
III
Maintenance and care
140

4 Set the parking brake.
5. Remove the dipstick and wipe it
with a clean, dry rag.
6. Install the dipstick.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level.
Your vehicle should not be
driven if the fluid level is
below the bottom hole in the
dipstick and outside
temperatures are above 10 ÉC
(50 ÉF).
When adding automatic
transaxle fluid:
²Ensure that the correct type is
added. For automatic transaxle
fluid specifications, refer to
Capacities and specifications
in this chapter.
20¡C65¡C65¡C (149¡F) 20¡C 68¡F) FAOZ
Maintenance and care
141

²Add the fluid in 250 ml (1¤2pint)
increments through the filler
tube. Do not overfill the
automatic transaxle fluid
reservoir. If this occurs, the
excess fluid should be removed
by a qualified technician.
Always dispose of used
automotive fluids in a responsible
manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these
types of fluids. Call your local
recycling center to find out more
about recycling automotive fluids.
Checking and adding manual
transaxle fluid
For information on checking and
adding manual transaxle fluid,
refer toChecking and adding
clutch fluidin this section.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
ABOUT YOUR BATTERY
If the original equipment
maintenance-free battery needs
replacing, it may be replaced with
a low-maintenance battery. For
information on appropriate
replacement batteries, refer to
Motorcraft part numbersin the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
Maintenance and care
142

Batteries normally produce
explosive gases that can
cause personal injury. Do not
allow flames, sparks, or lit
smoking materials to come near
the battery. When charging or
working near a battery, always
cover your face, protect your
eyes, and provide ventilation.
Batteries contain sulfuric
acid that can burn skin,
eyes, and clothing.
Applying too much
pressure on the ends when
lifting a battery could cause acid
to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners.
Servicing your battery
The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking
the electrolyte level and adding
water. Check the electrolyte level
every 24 months or 40, 000 km
(24, 000 miles) in average
temperatures below 32 ÉC (90 ÉF).
Keep the electrolyte level in each
cell up to the level indicator. Do
not overfill.
Maintenance and care
143

If the electrolyte level becomes
low, refill the battery with distilled
water. If necessary, distilled water
may be substituted with tap water
that is not hard and 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.
Your vehicle is equipped with a
battery saver control feature
designed to prevent your battery
from accidental wear down due to
doors left ajar. For information on
the system and how it works, see
Interior overhead lampin this
chapter.
Because your vehicle's engine is
electronically controlled, some
control conditions are maintained
by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a
new battery is installed, the
computer must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly. To begin this
process:
1. Put the gearshift in P
(automatic transaxle) or N
(manual transaxle).
2. Turn off all accessories and start
the vehicle.
3. Let the engine idle for at least
one minute.
4. The relearning process will
automatically complete as you
drive the vehicle.
²If you do not allow the engine to
relearn its idle, the idle quality
Maintenance and care
144