1999 FORD ESCORT belt

PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE
Engine starting is controlled by the ignition system. This system meets
all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard requirements
regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine's idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have
the vehicle checked. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than ten
minutes at the higher RPM.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraintschapter.
Starting
83

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to
illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the
light may not illuminate.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
1. Turn the key to 4 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
3 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above ±12É C (10É F) and the engine does not
start within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait ten
seconds and try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12É C (10É F) and the engine does not
start in fifteen seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait ten
seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts,
!
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Starting
86

3. Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal of the
assisting battery.
4. Make the final connection of the negative (-) cable to an exposed
metal part of the stalled vehicle's engine, away from the battery and the
carburetor/fuel injection system.
The preferred locations of an exposed metal part (togroundthe circuit)
are the alternator mounting brackets or an engine liftingeye.Do not
use fuel lines, engine rocker covers or the intake manifold asgrounding
points.
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.
5. Be sure that the cables are clear of fan blades, belts and other moving
parts of both engines.
+–+–
+–+–
Roadside emergencies
119

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment,
the front wheels (drive wheels) must be placed on a dolly to prevent
damage to the transaxle.
Ford Motor Company provides a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
TOWING BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, it cannot be flat-towed with
all wheels on the ground; front wheel dollies must be used.
If your vehicle has an manual transaxle, your vehicle can be flat-towed
with all wheels on the ground.
Roadside emergencies
122

²Four tire rotation
Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size, speed
rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., ªAll Terrainº, etc.),
as originally offered by Ford.
Maintenance and care
150

Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of special
wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove grease and tar.
The brushes used in some automatic car washes may damage the finish
on your wheels. Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high
pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Do not spray with cold water to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
²Never apply anything to the drive belt (including belt dressing).
²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
Maintenance and care
171

Cleaning leather seats (if equipped)
To clean, simply use a soft cloth dampened with water and a mild soap.
Wipe the leather again with a damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry
with a soft cloth. For tougher soiling concerns, Ford recommends using
the Deluxe Leather Care Kit F8AZ-19G253±AA, which is available from
your Ford Dealer. This mild cleaner and special pad, cleans the leather
and maintains its natural beauty. Follow the instructions on the cleaner
label. Regular cleaning of your leather upholstery helps maintain its
resiliency and color.
Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions,
solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl or plastics.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Do not use household or glass cleaners.
These agents can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap and
water solution if necessary.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Maintenance and care
173

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................71
and child safety seats ..............73
description ................................71
disposal ......................................75
driver air bag ............................73
indicator light ........................8,75
operation ...................................73
passenger air bag .....................73
Air cleaner filter ................146,174
Air conditioning ..........................37
Anti-theft system ...................58,59
arming the system ....................59
disarming a
triggered system ..................59,60
disarming an untriggered
system .......................................59
warning light ...............................9
Automatic transaxle ...................95
driving with ...............................97
fluid, refill capacities ..............174
fluid, specification ..................176
Battery .......................................144
acid, treating emergencies .....144
charging system
warning light .............................10
jumping a disabled battery ....117
maintenance-free ....................144
replacement, specifications ...174
servicing ..................................144
Brakes ..........................................89
anti-lock ................................89,90
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..............9,89
brake warning light ....................8
fluid, checking and adding ....134
fluid, refill capacities ..............174
fluid, specifications ..........175,176
lubricant specifications ...175,176
parking ......................................90
shift interlock ............................95
Break-in period .............................2Capacities for refilling fluids ....174
Cargo cover .................................54
Child safety restraints ................76
child safety belts ......................76
child safety seats ......................77
Child safety seats ........................77
attaching with tether straps ....80
built-in child seat .....................77
in front seat ..............................78
in rear seat ................................78
tether anchorage
hardware ..............................80,81
Cleaning your vehicle ...............169
engine compartment ..............171
exterior ....................................170
exterior lamps .........................172
instrument panel ....................172
interior .....................................173
plastic parts ............................172
safety belts ..............................173
washing ....................................170
waxing .....................................170
wheels ......................................171
wiper blades ............................172
Clock ..................................19,25,33
Clutch
fluid ..........................................135
operation while driving ............92
recommended shift speeds ......94
Coolant ........................137,139,140
checking and adding ..............138
refill capacities .................139,174
specifications ...................175,176
Customer Assistance ................181
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................188
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................182
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................187
Getting roadside assistance ...181
Index
194