1999 FORD ESCORT wiper blades

WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less
effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and lock into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward
the windshield to remove it from the
arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
Maintenance and care
147

Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use cleaning fluid or
alcohol with a clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing vehicle. Use
tar remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield. If you have wax applied at a
commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the wiper blades
and windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades and
windshield.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
the Ultra Touch Prep and Finishing Kit (#F7AZ-19K507±BA), touch-up
paint (#ALBZ-19500±XXXXA), or aerosol paint spray (#ALAZ-19500±
XXXXA) from the Ford Car Care Chemicals line. Please note that the
part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with your vehicle's
specific coloring. Observe the application instructions on the products.
Maintenance and care
170

²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. Use glass
cleaner or tar remover if necessary.
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades and windshield
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield such as tree sap and some hot wax
treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of the
windshield with a non-abrasive cleanser such as the non-abrasive
Bon-Amitpowder. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.Do notuse
abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause scratches. The windshield
is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with water. The
windshield and wiper blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and
blades or rubber elements replaced when worn.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Maintenance and care
172

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

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