1999 FORD ESCORT steering

Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36ÉC [±34ÉF]), it may
be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the coolant concentration in
your vehicle is such that the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months. Never increase the
coolant concentration above 60%. Increased engine coolant
concentrations above 60% will decrease the freeze protection
characteristics of the engine coolant. Vehicles driven year-round in
non-extreme climates should use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
distilled water for optimum freeze protection.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtAT F.
²Coupe
²Sedan/Wagon
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
Maintenance and care
140

2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Maintenance and care
141

Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels. Chains may chip the
wheels.
²Use only SAE Class S chains.
²Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Do not use tire chains with 38 cm (15 inch) wheel/tire options. Using
chains on this size tire may cause damage to steering, suspension
and/or body components.
²Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
Maintenance and care
151

MOTOCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 2.0L SOHC I4 engine 2.0L DOHC Zetec engine
Air filter element FA-1643 FA-1643
Fuel filter FG-862 FG-862
Battery BXT-58 BXT-58
Oil filter FL-400±A FL-2005
PCV valve EV-224 EV-224
Spark plugs* AGSF-34EE** AZFS-32PP**
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
** If a spark plug is removed for inspection, it must be reinstalled in the
same cylinder.If a spark plug needs to be replaced, use only spark plugs
with the same service part number suffix letter as shown on the engine
decal.
REFILL CAPACITIES
FluidFord Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine coolant
1Premium Engine
CoolantAutomatic
transaxles6.0L
(6.3 quarts)
Manual
transaxles5.0L
(5.3 quarts)
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)Motorcraft
5W-30 Super
Premium Motor
OilZX2 4.25L
(4.5 quarts)
Sedan/wagon 3.8L
(4.0 quarts)
Fuel tank
capacityN/A All 48.5L
(12.8 gallons)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Capacities and specifications
174

ItemFord Part
Name or
EquivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Constant
velocity jointsCV Joint Grease
(High Temp.)E43Z-19590-A ESP-M1C207-A
Engine coolant
1Ford Premium
Engine CoolantE2FZ-19549-AA
(in Oregon,
F5FZ-19549-CC,
in Canada,
Motorcraft
CXC-10)ESE-M97B44-A
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1DO NOT USE Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant F6AZ-19544-AA,
meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D (orange in color) Refer to
Adding engine coolant,in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 2.0L SOHC I4
engine2.0L DOHC Zetec
engine
Cubic inches 121 121
Horsepower 110 @ 5000 rpm 130 @ 5750 rpm
Torque 125 lb.-ft.
@ 3750 rpm127 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-4-2 1-3-4-2
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)1.22-1.32 mm
(0.048-0.052 inch)
Ignition system DIS DIS
Compression ratio 9.2:1 9.6:1
Capacities and specifications
176

Headlamps ...................................42
aiming ...............................168,169
bulb specifications ..................167
daytime running lights .............43
flash to pass ..............................43
high beam ..............................9,43
replacing bulbs .......................162
turning on and off ....................42
warning chime ..........................10
Heating ........................................37
heater only system ...................37
heating and air
conditioning system .................39
Hood ..........................................127
Ignition ................................176,177
positions of the ignition ...........42
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .......................77
Inspection/
maintenance (I/M) testing .......160
Instrument panel ..........................6
cleaning ...................................172
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................14
location of components ..............6
Jump-starting your vehicle ......117
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............10
positions of the ignition ...........42
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................14
daytime running light ...............43
fog lamps ...................................44
headlamps ..........................42,162
headlamps, flash to pass ..........43
instrument panel, dimming .....14
interior lamps ....................51,167
replacing bulbs ..161,164,165,166
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................43
Lights, warning and indicator ......6
air bag ..........................................8anti-lock brakes (ABS) .........9,89
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ............................................8
charging system ........................10
high beam ...................................9
liftgate ajar ................................10
low fuel ........................................7
oil pressure ...............................10
safety belt ...................................8
service engine soon ....................7
turn signal indicator ...................9
Load limits .................................100
GAWR ......................................100
GVWR ......................................100
trailer towing ..........................100
Locks
childproof ..................................52
Lubricant specifications ....175,176
Manual transaxle .........................92
fluid capacities ........................174
lubricant specifications ..........176
reverse .......................................95
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......14
Moon roof ....................................50
Motorcraft parts .................156,174
Octane rating ............................155
Odometer .....................................13
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................57
Parking brake ..............................90
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....174
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................110
Power door locks ........................52
Power steering ............................91
fluid, checking and adding ....140
fluid, refill capacity ................174
fluid, specifications ..........175,176
Radio ............................................15
Relays .................................107,113
Remote entry system ............55,57
Index
196

illuminated entry ......................58
locking/unlocking doors ......55,56
opening the trunk .....................56
panic alarm ...............................57
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................58
replacing the batteries .............57
Roof rack ...................................104
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ................10,65,66,67,68
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................180
Safety defects, reporting ..........193
Safety restraints ...........65,66,67,68
cleaning the safety belts ...70,173
extension assembly ..................69
for adults ..............................66,67
for children ..........................75,76
lap belt ......................................68
warning light
and chime .....................8,10,69,70
Safety seats for children ............77
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............65
Seats ............................................61
child safety seats ......................77
cleaning ...................................173
Servicing your vehicle ..............123
Spark plugs,
specifications ...............174,176,177
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................175,176
Speed control ..............................44
Speedometer ...............................13
Starting your vehicle .............83,86
jump starting ..........................117
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................48
Tachometer .................................13
Tilt steering wheel ......................48
Tires .............................113,148,149changing ...........................113,114
checking the pressure ............149
replacing ..................................150
rotating ....................................149
snow tires and chains ............151
tire grades ...............................149
treadwear ................................148
Towing
wrecker ....................................122
Transaxle .....................................92
automatic operation .................95
fluid, refill capacities ..............174
lubricant specifications ..........176
manual operation ......................92
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................141
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................143
Trip odometer .............................13
Trunk
remote release .....................15,56
Turn signal ...............................9,43
Vehicle dimensions ...................177
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................180
Vehicle loading ..........................100
Ventilating your vehicle .............88
Warning chimes ...........................10
Warning lights (see Lights) .........6
Washer fluid ..............................136
Water, Driving through .............102
Windows
power .........................................53
rear wiper/washer .....................50
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and cleaning ............147
operation ...................................49
replacing wiper blades ...........147
Wrecker towing .........................122
Index
197

Item Information
Required fuel Unleaded fuel only - 87 octane
Fuel tank capacity 48.5L (12.8 gallons)
Tire size and pressure Refer to the Certification Label
inside of driver's door.
Hood release Pull handle under the left side of
the instrument panel.
Oil capacity (includes filter
change)Sedan/wagon-3.8L (4.0 quarts)
ZX2-4.25L (4.5 quarts)
Engine oil Use Motorcraft 5W30 Super
Premium Motor Oil, Ford
specification WSS-M2C153-G
Coolant capacity
1Automatic transaxle-6.0L (6.3
quarts)
Manual transaxle-5.0L (5.3 quarts)
Power steering fluid capacity Fill to line on reservoir.
Automatic transaxle capacity 3.9L (4.1 quarts)
Manual transaxle capacity 3.35L (3.55 quarts)
1Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
Filling station information
200