1999 FORD ESCORT Owners Manual

Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 3
Controls and features 14
Seating and safety restraints 61
Starting and driving
Starting 83
Driving 89
Roadside emergencies 105
Servicing
Maintenance and care 123
Capacities and specifications 174
Customer assistance 181
Reporting safety defects 193
Index 194
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including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from Ford Motor Company.
Copyright
r1998 Ford Motor Company
Contents
1

ICONS
Indicates a safety alert. Read the
following section onWarnings.
Indicates vehicle information related
to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards
protecting the environment.
Indicates a message regarding child
safety restraints. Refer toSeating
and safety restraintsfor more
information.
Indicates that this Owner Guide
contains information on this subject.
Please refer to the Index to locate
the appropriate section which will
provide you more information.
WARNINGS
Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal
injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its
equipment.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the
first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing.
Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring
obligation.
Introduction
2

Instrumentation
3

THEFT
LOW
FUEL5060 70
FUEL
FILLEF
CH1
2 /RPMx10001234
5
6
7
8304080
90
1006080100120
140
160000113
MIRROR
L
Power side
view mirrors*
(pg. 14)Instrument cluster
(pg. 6) Foglamp control *
(pg. 44)
Driver side air bag
(pg. 71) Speed control*
(pg. 44)
Instrument panel
dimmer switch
(pg. 14) Headlamp
control
(pg. 42)
*if equipped
Instrumentation
4

OFFR.DEFA/C
MAX
A/C HILO
TUNE
DISCS
SEEK
TRACK
SCANAM
FM
1SIDE 1-223456 COMP
SHUF EJREW
FF
PREMIUM SOUND
TAPE
CD H
M
+
BAL
FADE
BASS
TREBDOLBY B NRVOL
PUSH ON
MIST
OFFFIN
Electronic sound system
(pg. 15) Passenger side air bag
(pg. 71)
Windshield wiper/
washer control
(pg. 49)
Climate control system
(pg. 37)
Instrumentation
5

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Base instrument cluster
Sport instrument cluster
ZX2 coupe instrument cluster
!THEFT SERVICE
ENGINE
SOONPBRAKEABS+ –MPH
205060
70FUEL FILL
EF
CH1
2 /304080
90
100
110
120 10
20406080100
120
140
160
180200km/h
0
000000
00 0 LOW
FUEL
!THEFT SERVICE
ENGINE
SOONPBRAKEABS+ –MPH
205060
70FUEL FILL
EF1
2 /304080
90
100
110
120 10
20406080100
120
140
160
180200km/h
0
000000
00 0
CHRPMx1000
1234
5
6
7
8
LOW
FUEL
!
THEFT
LOW
FUEL
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
PBRAKEABS+ –MPH
205060 70FUEL
FILLEF
CH1
2 /RPMx1000
1234
5
6
7
8
304080
90
100
110
120
10
20 406080100120
140
160
180km/h
0
000000
00 0
Instrumentation
6

Low fuel
Illuminates as an early reminder of a
low fuel condition indicated on the
fuel gauge. The light comes on when
there is approximately 1/16th of a
tank indicated on the fuel gauge
(refer toFuel gaugein this chapter for more information). The ignition
must be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also
illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON
position regardless of the fuel level.
Service engine soon
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine's
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System (OBD
II). The OBD II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
TheService Engine Soonindicator light illuminates when the ignition is
first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern being
noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require towing.
What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourService Engine Soonlight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1.
The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening
the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other
LOW
FUEL
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
7

temporary malfunctions present, theService Engine Soonlight should
turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by
mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theService Engine Soonlight remains on, have your vehicle serviced
at the first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash
or remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON
position, the engine is off and the
parking brake is engaged. If the
brake warning lamp does not
illuminate at this time, seek service immediately. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately.
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
8