1998 FORD ESCORT Owners Manual

3. Lift the hood and secure it with
the prop rod.
Maintenance and care
129

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN
THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.0L SOHC engine
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Transmission fluid dipstick
(automatic transaxle only)
4. Battery
5. Air filter assembly
6. Engine oil fill cap
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
91234
8756
Maintenance and care
130

2.0L DOHC Zetec engine
1. Transmission fluid dipstick
(automatic transaxle only)
2. Battery
3. Air filter assembly
4. Engine oil fill cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
9. Brake fluid reservoir
98712
3
4
65
Maintenance and care
131

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you
fuel your vehicle.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level
ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a
few minutes for the oil to drain
into the oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (automatic transaxle)
or 1st (manual transaxle).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil indicator (dipstick).
²2.0L SOHC engine
ADDFULL
Maintenance and care
132

²2.0L DOHC Zetec engine
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert
the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the
ADD and FULL marks, the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT
ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the ADD
mark, add enough oil to raise
the level within the ADD-FULL
range.
²Oil levels above the F in FULL
may cause engine damage. Some
oil must be removed from the
engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and
ensure it is fully seated.
FULL ADD
Maintenance and care
133

Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For
instructions, refer toChecking the
engine oilin this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within
the normal range, add only
certified engine oil of the preferred
viscosity. Add engine oil through
the oil filler cap. Remove the filler
cap and use a funnel to pour oil in
the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make sure
the oil level is not above the F in
FULL mark on the dipstick.
Engine oil recommendations
Look for this certification mark.
Ford oil specification is
WSS-M2C153-G.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified
for gasoline engines by the
American Petroleum Institute.
Do not use supplemental engine oil
additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary
and could, under certain
conditions, lead to engine damage
which is not covered by your
warranty.
Maintenance and care
134

Changing the engine oil and
filter
Change your engine oil and filter
according to the following mileage
and time requirements, whichever
occurs first:
²Normal Schedule ± 8,000 km
(5,000 miles) or six months.
²Severe Duty Schedule -
5,000 km (3,000 miles) or three
months. Severe duty operation
would include extensive idling,
trailer towing, driving in severe
dust and police, taxi or delivery
service.
Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed
for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter
is used that does not meet Ford
material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock
may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine
application.
Maintenance and care
135

BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake
fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed at least once
each year:
²Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
²Visually inspect the fluid level.
²If necessary, add brake fluid
until the level reaches MAX. Do
not fill above this line.
²Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford
specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid
that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your
brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for
the master cylinder run
dry. This may cause the brakes
to fail.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
136