1999 FORD ESCORT coolant level

Fuel gauge
Displays approximately how much
fuel is in the fuel tank (when the
key is in the ON position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion. The ignition
should be in the OFF position while
the vehicle is being refueled. When
the gauge first indicates empty,
there is a small amount of reserve
fuel in the tank. When refueling the
vehicle from empty indication, the
amount of fuel that can be added will be less than the advertised
capacity due to the reserve fuel.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains
within the normal area (the area
between the ªHº and ªCº). If it enters
the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon
as safely possible, switch off the
engine immediately and let the engine
cool. Refer toEngine coolantin the
Maintenance and carechapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the
coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication
will not be accurate.
FUEL
FILL
EF
1
2 /
CH
Instrumentation
12

Coupe
The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
DRL 10A Daytime Running Lamps
HAZARD 15A Hazard Flasher
ROOM 10A Engine Controls, RAP System, Radio, Shift
Lock, Courtesy Lamps, Starting System,
Warning Chime, Instrument Cluster
ENGINE 15A Electronic Automatic Transaxle, Ignition
System, Constant Control Relay Module
(PCM Relay)
RADIO 5A Power Mirrors, Radio, RAP System
DOOR LOCK30A Power Door Locks
HORN 15A Horn, Shift Lock
AIR COND 15A A/C-Heater, ABS
METER 10A
Backup Lamps, Engine Coolant Level Switch,
Instrument Cluster, Rear Window Defrost,
Shift Lock, Warning Chime, Turn Signal Switch
WIPER 20A Wiper/Washer, Blower Motor Relay
STOP 20A Stop Lamps, Brake Pressure Switch
TAIL 15A Exterior Lamps, Instrument Illumination
(DRL) (DOOR LK)
STOP
HAZARD HORN
TAIL
ROOM(AIR COND) (SUN ROOF)
ENGINE METER(ASC)
RADIO
WIPER
–P. Window (C.B.)
(FOG) CIGAR
(AUDIO)
AIR BAGFUEL INJ
HEATER
–
Roadside emergencies
108

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.
Maintenance and care
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.
Maintenance and care
137

Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the next few times you
drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough of a 50/50 mixture of coolant
and distilled water to bring the liquid level to the fill line on the
reservoir.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
If you must remove the coolant reservoir cap, follow these steps to avoid
personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
Change your engine coolant according to the appropriate schedule listed
in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and Lincoln-Mercury
dealers use recycled engine coolant produced by Ford-approved
processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant which meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44±A, and use of such coolant may harm engine
and cooling system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have
to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.
Maintenance and care
139

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