1999 FORD ESCORT coolant temperature

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

depress the accelerator and start the engine while holding the
accelerator down to the floor. Release the accelerator when the engine
starts.
4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking
brake.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly
recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23ÉC
(-10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do
not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and
could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
²the vehicle is raised for service.
²the sound of the exhaust system changes.
²the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
Starting
87

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

Getting the
service you need ....................183
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................192
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................184
Defrost
rear window ..............................42
Dipstick
engine oil .................................130
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................102
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................117
Emission control system ..........159
Engine .................................176,177
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........7
coolant .....................................137
idle speed control ...................144
lubrication
specifications ...................175,176
refill capacities ........................174
service points ...................129,130
starting after a collision .........105
Engine block heater ...................87
Engine oil ..................................130
checking and adding .......130,132
dipstick ....................................130
filter, specifications .........133,174
recommendations ...................133
refill capacities .................130,174
specifications .....130,133,175,176
Exhaust fumes ............................87
Floor mats ...................................54
Fluid capacities .........................174
Foglamps .....................................44
Fuel ............................................152
calculating fuel economy .......156
cap ...........................................154
capacity ...................................174choosing the right fuel ...........154
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................159
detergent in fuel .....................155
filling your vehicle
with fuel ....................152,154,156
filter, specifications .........156,174
fuel pump
shut-off switch ...................54,105
gauge .........................................12
improving fuel economy ........156
low fuel warning light ................7
octane rating .............155,176,177
quality ......................................155
running out of fuel .................155
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................152
Fuses ..........................................107
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............154
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................156
Gauges .........................................11
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................12
fuel gauge ..................................12
odometer ...................................13
speedometer .............................13
tachometer ................................13
trip odometer ............................13
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....100
definition .................................100
driving with a heavy load ......100
location ....................................100
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............100
calculating ...............................100
definition .................................100
driving with a heavy load ......100
location ....................................100
Hazard flashers .........................105
Head restraints ...........................61
Index
195