1997 FORD ESCORT parking brake

²exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) under
any circumstances
²load the vehicle beyond the
maximum vehicle load rating
listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label
²use tire chains
²drive through an automatic car
wash (because of the vehicle's
reduced ground clearance)
²try to repair the temporary
spare tire or remove it from its
wheel
²use the wheel for any other type
of vehicle
Tire changing procedure
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Activate the hazard flashers.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the gearshift in P
(automatic transaxle) or R
(manual transaxle).
²Automatic
P
R
N
D
D
L
Roadside emergencies
115

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

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

To check the engine oil, follow
these steps:
1. Once the engine is warm, turn
the engine off. Make sure the
vehicle is parked on level ground.
2. Automatic transaxle:
²Engage the parking brake.
²Place the gearshift in P.
Manual transaxle:
²Engage the parking brake.
²Depress the clutch and place
the gearshift in first gear.
3. Open the hood. If you need
assistance, refer toOpening the
Hoodin this chapter. Protect
yourself from engine heat.
4. Remove the engine oil dipstick
and wipe it clean. Insert the
dipstick fully, then remove it again.
The oil level should be in the
range shown on the dipstick.
5. Carefully pull the dipstick out
again. If the oil level is below the
ADD arrow, add engine oil as
necessary. If the engine oil is
beyond the FULL arrow, engine
damage or high oil consumption
may occur and some oil must be
removed from the engine.
6. Put the dipstick back and
ensure that it is properly seated.
ADD FULL
Maintenance and care
131

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

Lights, warning and indicator ......6
air bag .....................................7,64
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............9
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ............................................8
charging system ..........................9
checkcoolant .............................10
high beam ...................................9
liftgate ajar ................................10
low fuel ........................................7
oil pressure .................................9
safety belt ...................................8
service engine soon ....................7
turn signal indicator ...................9
upshift indicator .........................8
Load limits .................................101
GVWR ......................................101
trailer towing ..........................102
Lubricant specifications ...........180
Luggage rack .............................106
Manual transaxle .........................99
driving .......................................99
fluid, checking and adding ....134
shifting gears ..........................100
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......16
Motorcraft parts ........................179
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration ...............186
Parking brake ..............................94
automatic release .....................38
operation ...................................94
warning light ...............................8
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts) ...179
Power door locks ........................31
Power features
door locks ..................................31
windows ....................................34
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....139
Rear window
defroster ....................................24washer .......................................30
wiper ..........................................30
Refill capacities for fluids ........179
Relays ........................................109
Remote control ...........................45
Remote entry system .................45
illuminated entry ......................49
locking/unlocking doors ......46,47
opening the trunk .....................47
panic alarm ...............................49
Repairing paint chips ...............176
Reporting safety defects ..........186
Restraints, safety(see Safety
restraints) ....................................55
head ...........................................54
infant .........................................67
Roadside emergencies ..............107
Safety chains, when towing a
trailer .........................................104
Safety defects, reporting ..........186
Safety restraints ..........................55
adjusting the safety belts .........59
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................57
for children ...............................65
lap and shoulder belts ........56,59
maintenance ..............................60
proper use ............................55,56
vehicle sensitive locking
mode ..........................................57
warning light and chime ..8,10,62
Safety seats for children ............67
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................81
built-in child seat .....................74
in front seat ..............................68
in rear seat ................................70
tether anchorage hardware .....71
Seats ............................................53
adjusting the seat, manual .......53
child safety seats ......................67
folding rear seats ......................54
Index
189