1997 FORD ESCORT key

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

Number Fuse amperage
ratingCircuits protected
9 Meter 10 amp Backup lamps, shift
lock, gauges, speed
control, turn signals,
key-in-ignition
reminder chime
10 Wiper 20 amp Windshield wipers
and washer
11 (Rear wiper) 10 amp Rear wiper and
washer
12 Hazard 15 amp Hazard flashers, turn
signals
13 Room 10 amp Clock, interior lamp,
luggage compartment
lamp, safety belt
warning chime, radio
power
14 Engine 15 amp Engine control system
15 Mirrors 5 amp Power mirrors
16 Ð Ð Not used
17 Ð Ð Not used
18 (Fog) 10 amp Daytime running
lamps / fog lamps
19 Ð Ð Not used
20 Cigar 20 amp Cigar lighter
21 (Radio) 15 amp Radio (Premium
sound)
Roadside emergencies
112

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

head restraints ..........................54
split-folding rear seat ...............54
Servicing your vehicle
precautions when servicing ...124
servicing when you tow .........105
Special driving conditions ..........89
Specification chart, lubricants .180
Speed control ..............................27
Starting your vehicle ..................88
preparing to start your
vehicle .......................................86
starting a cold engine ..............89
starting a warm engine ............89
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................29
Tail lamps
bulb replacement .............167,168
Tilt steering wheel ......................29
Tire types ..................................152
Tires ...........................................148
changing ..................................114
checking the pressure ............150
replacing ..................................151
rotating ....................................151
snow tires and chains ............152
tire grades ...............................148
treadwear ................................148
Trailer towing ............................102
safety chains ...........................104
tips ...........................................105
trailer brakes ...........................104
trailer lamps ............................104
Transaxle .....................................96
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................139
Turn signal
indicator lights ............................9
Upshift indicator light ...........8,100
Upshift speeds ..........................100
Vehicle dimensions ...................182
Vehicle headlamp aiming
device (VHAD) .........................173Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................185
Ventilating your vehicle (see
Climate control) ................18,19,23
Warning chimes ...........................10
headlamps on ............................11
key in ignition ...........................11
safety belt .................................10
Washer fluid ..............................134
reservoir ..................................135
windshield .................................30
Windows
one-touch down ........................35
power windows, operating .......34
Windshield
washing ......................................30
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....134
checking and replacing wiper
blades ......................................146
liftgate reservoir .....................135
operation ...................................30
Wrecker towing .........................123
Index
190