1997 FORD ESCORT engine

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
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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
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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

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN
THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
41
3
9
6
5
2
7
8
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Windshield washer fluid
5. Coolant reservoir
6. Steering fluid reservoir
7. Automatic transmission dipstick
8. Battery
9. Air filter assembly
Maintenance and care
129

CHECKING AND ADDING
ENGINE OIL
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil
CERTIFIED FOR GASOLINE
ENGINES by the American
Petroleum Institute. Look for the
certification Ð Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-F.
Additional engine oil additives, oil
treatments, or engine treatments
are never needed and could, under
certain conditions, lead to engine
damage which is not covered by
your Warranty.
Changing the engine oil and oil
filter
Change the engine oil and oil filter
per the following, whichever
occurs first.
5,000 MILES (8,000 KM) OR 6 MONTHS
NORMAL SCHEDULE
3,000 MILES (5,000 KM) OR 3 MONTHS
SEVERE DUTY SCHEDULE
EXTENSIVE IDLING
TRAILER TOWING
DRIVING IN SEVERE DUST
POLICE, TAXI, OR DELIVERY
Oil change intervals
Refer to theService Guide
booklet for additional information.
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil every time
you fuel your vehicle.
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130

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
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131

Adding engine
oil
1. Check the
engine oil. For
instructions,
refer to
Checking the
engine oilin this
chapter.
2. If the fluid
level is not
within the
normal range,
add engine oil by
removing the
engine oil filler cap and pouring in
oil.
3. Confirm that the oil level is full,
but be careful not to overfill the
engine.
Continuous contact with
USED motor oil has
caused cancer in laboratory rats.
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132