1997 FORD ESCORT ABS

INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS
Instrument cluster lights
Base cluster lights
Sport cluster lights
Base cluster lights
0000
000000
MPH
km/h
10 2030405060
70
80
90
10 0
12 011 020 4060
8010 0
12 0
16 0
18 0 140
200
CHECK
COOLANT
THEFT
FUEL FILLEF1/2CH
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOONABSP!BRAKE
0000
000000
MPH
km/h
10 2030405060
70
80
90
10 0
12 011 020 4060
8010 0
12 0
16 0
18 0 140
200
FUEL FILLCHEF1/22
134
5
6
7
8RPM x 1000
CHECK
COOLANTSERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
LOW
FUEL
THEFTABSPBRAKE
0000
000000
MPH
km/h
10 2030405060
70
80
90
10 0
12 011 020 4060
8010 0
12 0
16 0
18 0 140
200
FUEL FILLCHEF1/2
CHECK
COOLANTSERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
LOW
FUEL
THEFTABS!PBRAKE
CH
Instrumentation
6

Sport cluster lights
Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel tank is
almost empty (approximately 8
liters [2 gallons] remain). The
lights will also briefly illuminate
when the ignition key is turned to
ON and the engine is off.
Service engine soon
Illuminates when the engine's
emissions control system requires
service. The light will also
illuminate, and will remain
illuminated, when the ignition key
is turned to ON and the engine is
off.
Air bag readiness
Illuminates when the air bag
system requires servicing. The
light will also briefly illuminate
when the ignition key is turned to
ON.
0000
000000
MPH
km/h
10 2030405060
70
80
90
10 0
12 011 020 4060
8010 0
12 0
16 0
18 0 140
200
FUEL FILLCHEF1/22
134
5
6
7
8RPM x 1000
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
LOW
FUEL
THEFTABS!PBRAKECHECK
COOLANT
LOW
FUEL
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
7

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Illuminates when the ABS needs
service. The light will also briefly
illuminate when the ignition key is
turned to ON and the engine is off.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left hand or
right hand turn signal or the
hazard lamps are illuminated.
High beams
Illuminates when the headlamp
high beams are on.
Anti-theft (if equipped)
Illuminates when the anti-theft
system is arming and flashes when
the anti-theft system is armed.
Charging
Illuminates when there is a
problem with the alternator or
charging system and the electrical
system requires service. The light
will also briefly illuminate when
the ignition key is turned to ON
and the engine is off.
Oil pressure
Illuminates when the oil pressure
is low, not the low oil level.
However, if your engine's oil level
is low, it could affect the oil
pressure. Stop the vehicle and
check the oil level as soon as
possible. Do not drive the vehicle if
the light remains on. The light will
also briefly illuminate when the
ignition key is turned to ON and
the engine is off.
ABS
THEFT
Instrumentation
9

The short plastic boot on the front
safety belt at the passenger
inboard buckle location covers an
energy absorbing sew pattern on
the safety belt. In the event of a
collision, the sew pattern may
release, and the orange portion of
the warning label may become
visible. If this occurs, the safety
belt and buckle must be replaced.
Failure to follow these
instructions will affect the
performance of the safety belts
and increase the risk of personal
injury.
Seating and safety restraints
61

4. Fold the end portion of the child
seat under the child seat cushion.
5. Disconnect the chest clip, if
connected. Squeeze together the
release tabs on the top and bottom
of the chest clip.
Seating and safety restraints
78

Removing your child from the
built-in child seat
1. Disconnect the chest clip by
squeezing the release tabs together
and pulling the two sides apart.
Seating and safety restraints
82

4. Turn the key to the ON position
(without turning the key to
START). Make sure the following
lights illuminate briefly. If a light
fails to illuminate, have the vehicle
serviced.
If the driver's safety belt is
fastened, the
light does not
illuminate.
STARTING THE VEHICLE
After completing the steps under
Preparing to start the vehicle:
1. Turn the key to START and
release.Do notpress the
accelerator.
²The key will return to the ON
position.
2. After idling for a few seconds,
apply the brake and release the
parking brake.
ON
II
ACC
I
LOCK
0
START
III
MP
km/10 203040520 4060
80
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
LOW
FUELABS
0
80
90
10 0
12 011 012 0
16 0
18 0 140
200
CHECK
COOLANTTHEFT
ON
II
ACC
I
LOCK
0
START
III
Starting
88

BRAKES
Power-assisted brakes
Apply the brake pedal gradually to
avoid locking up the wheels. The
brakes will adjust automatically as
the brake pads or linings wear
down.
Utilize these strategies for
maximum braking performance:
²If driving down a long or steep
hill, shift to a lower gear and do
not apply the brakes
continuously. Continuously
applying the brakes on a hill
could overheat them and make
them less effective.
²Occasional brake squeal during
light to moderate stops is
normal. Significantly increased
squeal is an indicator that brake
service is needed.
²Apply the brakes gently several
times after driving through
standing water or washing your
vehicle to dry them.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Apply ABS brakes steadily.Do not
pump the brakes in a panic stop.
The brake system will prevent
wheel lockup by automatically
releasing and reapplying the
brakes.
Even with ABS, the brakes could
lock up on roads with alternating
slippery and dry patches or with
loose surfaces such as snow or
gravel. Be careful when braking.
Driving
93