1997 FORD ESCORT battery

²The driver air bag in the middle
of the steering wheel and the
passenger air bag above the
glove compartment.
²The electrical system, made up
of impact sensors, a diagnostic
module, and a backup power
supply.
The air bags inflate within a
fraction of a second after air bag
sensors detect a severe frontal
collision. Gas generators within the
air bags fill the air bags with a
non-toxic, non-flammable gas.
After the vehicle occupants have
impacted the air bags, the gas
empties through holes in the air
bags and the air bags deflate. You
may notice smoke and smell the
escaping gas after the air bags
deflate. This is normal.
You and your passengermustwear
your safety belts in order for the
air bag system to operate
effectively.
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND
WARNING CHIME
When you turn the ignition key to
the ON position, the air bag system
performs a self-check of the:
²air bag sensors
²air bag module
²air bag inflators
²available battery power
²air bag warning light
Following a successful system
self-check, the
warning light
Seating and safety restraints
64

JUMP-STARTING A DISABLED
VEHICLE
The gases around the
battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
smoking materials. An explosion
could result in injury or vehicle
damage.
To protect yourself when
charging a battery, always
shield your face and eyes. Make
sure that you can breathe fresh
air.
Batteries contain sulfuric
acid which burns skin,
eyes, and clothing.
If the battery acid touches
someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with
water for at least fifteen minutes.
If someone swallows acid, have
him or her drink lots of milk or
water first, then Milk of Magnesia,
a beaten egg, or vegetable oil.
Consult a physician immediately.
To avoid damage or injury,
follow these directions in
the order they are given. If in
doubt, call for road service.
Before jump-starting a vehicle:
²make sure the booster battery
vehicle has a 12-volt starting
Roadside emergencies
120

system; a 24-volt power supply
will cause vehicle damage
²park the vehicles close to each
other, but do not allow the two
vehicles to touch.
²check to make sure neither
battery is disconnected
²remove any excessive corrosion
from the battery terminals
²turn on the heater fan in each
vehicle to prevent damage from
voltage surges
To jump start the vehicle:
1. Connect the jumper cables in
numerical order.
V1Disabled battery positive
terminal
V2Booster battery positive
terminal
V3Booster battery negative
terminal
V4Disabled vehicle engine
Do not connect the end of
the second cable to the
negative (-) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark
may cause an explosion of the
gases that surround the battery.
2. Start the engine in the vehicle
with the booster battery.
3. Wait a few minutes and start the
engine in the vehicle with the
disabled battery.
+ –
4
2
3
1
+ –
ON
II
ACC
I
LOCK
0
START
III
Roadside emergencies
121

4. Disconnect the jumper cables in
numerical order:
V1Engine
V2Booster battery negative
terminal
V3Booster battery positive
terminal
V4Previously disabled battery
positive terminal
Let the vehicle idle for a few
minutes to allow the engine to
relearn the proper idle conditions.
Avoid using unneccessary electrical
accessories for a short while to let
the battery recharge. A battery
charger may be necessary to fully
recharge the battery.
+ –
1
3
2
4
+ –
Roadside emergencies
122

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

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

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