2000 FORD ESCORT warning light

6. Within seven seconds of the safety belt warning light turning off,
buckle then unbuckle the safety belt.
²This will disable Belt Minder if it is currently enabled, or enable Belt
Minder if it is currently disabled.
7. Confirmation of disabling Belt Minder is provided by flashing the
safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds.
8. Confirmation of enabling Belt Minder is provided by flashing the safety
belt warning light four times per second for three seconds, followed by
three seconds with the safety belt warning light off, then followed by
flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three
seconds again.
9. After receiving confirmation, the deactivation/activation procedure is
complete.
Safety belt maintenance
Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work
properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure
there are no nicks, wears or cuts, replacing if necessary. All safety belt
assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle
assemblies, buckle support assemblies (slide bar-if equipped), shoulder
belt height adjusters (if equipped), shoulder belt guide on seatback (if
equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), and
attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford
recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a
collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified
technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to
operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies
not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if
either damage or improper operation is noted.
Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the safety belt
assembly under the above conditions could result in severe
personal injuries in the event of a collision.
Refer toCleaning and maintaining the safety beltsin the
Maintenance and caresection.
Seating and safety restraints
71

The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the
supplemental air bag electrical system warning (including the impact
sensors), the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air
bag back up power and the air bag ignitors.
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer to theAir bag readiness
section in theInstrumentationchapter. Routine maintenance of the air
bag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
²The readiness light will either
flash or stay lit.
²The readiness light will not
illuminate immediately after
ignition is turned on.
²A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat
periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.
Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles (including
pretensioners)
For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local
dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by
qualified personnel.
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN
See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety
restraints for children. Also seeAir Bag Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS)in this chapter for special instructions about using air
bags.
Important child restraint precautions
You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S.
and Canada. If small children ride in your vehicle (generally children who
are four years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less), you
Seating and safety restraints
76

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Driving
89

ABS warning lampABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
²The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply
the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough
room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, pull the handle up as
far as possible.
P!
BRAKE
Driving
90

3. Push and hold the thumb button.
4. Move the gearshift lever.
If it is necessary to use the above
procedure to move the gearshift
lever, it is possible that a fuse has
blown and the vehicle's brakelamps
may not be operating properly.
Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The
transaxle and tires may be damaged or the engine may overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift
lever is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
PRND
D
L
Driving
93

The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment
Fuse Panel Description
R.WIPER 10A Daytime Running Lamps, Liftgate
Wiper/Washer
HAZARD 15A Hazard Flasher, Engine Controls
ROOM 10A Remote Anti-Theft Personality (RAP)
Module, Radio, Shift Lock, Courtesy Lamps,
Starting System, Warning Chime
ENGINE 15A Air Bag, Engine Controls, TR Sensor
MIRROR 5A Power Mirrors, Radio, Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE)
DOOR
LOCK30A Power Door Locks
HORN 15A Horn
AIR COND 15A A/C-Heater, ABS
METER 10A Backup Lamps, Engine Controls,
Instrument Cluster, Rear Window Defrost,
Shift Lock, Warning Chime, Turn Signal
Switch
WIPER 20A Wiper/Washer, Blower Relay
STOP 15A Stop Lamps
TAIL 15A Exterior Lamps, Instrument Illumination
SUN ROOF 15A Power Moonroof
ASC 10A Speed Control
CIGAR 20A Cigar Lighter
AIR BAG 10A Joint Connector, Air Bag Diagnostic
Monitor
FOG 10A Fog Lamps, Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
AUDIO 15A Radio
FUEL
INJECTOR10A HO2S, Evaporative Emission Purge Flow
Sensor
P. WINDOW 30A CB Power Windows
BLOWER 30A CB A/C-Heater
Roadside emergencies
112

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.
Illumination of the ªService Engine Soonº light, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system
is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
Maintenance and care
162

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................72
and child safety seats ..............74
description ................................72
disposal ......................................76
driver air bag ............................74
indicator light ......................10,76
operation ...................................74
passenger air bag .....................74
Air cleaner filter ................148,175
Air conditioning ..........................36
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................137
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ...........................89,90
Anti-theft system ...................57,58
arming the system ....................58
disarming
a triggered system ...............58,59
disarming an
untriggered system ...................58
warning light .............................11
Audio system (see Radio) .........18
Automatic transaxle ...................92
driving with ...............................94
fluid, adding ............................143
fluid, checking ........................143
fluid, refill capacities ..............175
fluid, specification ..................177
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........176
Battery .......................................146
acid, treating emergencies .....146
charging
system warning light ................11
jumping a disabled battery ....119
maintenance-free ....................146
replacement, specifications ...175
servicing ..................................146
Belt minder .................................68
Brakes ..........................................89
anti-lock ................................89,90anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ........................11,90
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....135
fluid, refill capacities ..............175
fluid, specifications ..........176,177
lubricant specifications ...176,177
parking ......................................90
shift interlock ............................92
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....175
Certification Label ....................180
Child safety restraints ................77
child safety belts ......................77
Child safety seats ........................78
attaching with tether straps ....82
in front seat ..............................79
in rear seat ................................79
Cleaning your vehicle ...............170
engine compartment ..............172
exterior .............................171,172
exterior lamps .........................172
instrument panel ....................173
instrument panel lens ............173
interior ..............................173,174
mirrors .....................................172
plastic parts ............................171
safety belts ..............................174
washing ....................................170
waxing .....................................171
wheels ......................................171
windows ..................................174
wiper blades ............................172
woodtone trim ........................174
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............36
Clock .......................................24,32
Clutch
fluid ..........................................136
operation while driving ............97
recommended shift speeds ......99
Index
194