1999 FORD ESCORT engine

2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom left corner of the instrument
panel.
1
24R35
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.0L SOHC I4 engine
1. Engine oil dipstick
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transaxle)
4. Battery
5. Air filter assembly
6. Engine oil filler cap
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
91234
8756
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129

2.0L DOHC Zetec engine
1. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transaxle)
2. Battery
3. Air filter assembly
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Brake fluid reservoir
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
98712
3
4
65
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130

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 I4 engine
²2.0L DOHC Zetec engine
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
ADDFULL
FULL ADD
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131

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.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the F
in FULL mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks can be heard.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
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132

Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this Certification
Trademark.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Motor oil displaying the API Certification Trademark will meet all
requirements for your vehicle's engine.
Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C153-G.
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.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
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.
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133

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
²Coupe
²Sedan/Wagon
Check the washer fluid whenever you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all the way.
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield
washer fluid.
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136

Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate (if equipped)
The rear reservoir is located on the passenger side of the storage
compartment behind the access cover. Refill this reservoir with the same
fluid you use for your windshield.
ENGINE COOLANT
²Coupe
²Sedan/Wagon
Check the level of the engine coolant in the reservoir. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for service interval schedules. Be sure to
read and understandPrecautions when servicing your vehiclein this
chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become empty. If this occurs, add
engine coolant to the coolant reservoir. For more information on engine
coolant maintenance, refer toAdding engine coolantin this chapter.
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137