2001 FORD ESCORT parking brake

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
102

Understanding gearshift positions
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure that the gearshift lever is
securely latched in P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents the
front wheels from rotating.
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.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. You should always come
to a complete stop before shifting in
and out of R (Reverse).
P
RNDDL
P
RND
DL
Driving
103

D (Drive)
D (Drive) eliminates the needless
shifting between third and fourth
gears that your vehicle may do
when driving in hilly terrain. It also
gives more engine braking than
overdrive to slow your vehicle on
downgrades.
L (Low)
Use L (Low) when added engine
braking is desired or when
descending steep hills.
The automatic transaxle will shift into the proper gear to ascend any
grade without any need to shift to L (Low).
Do not go faster than 61 km/h (38 mph) when in this gear. You can
upshift from L (Low) to
(overdrive) at any time.
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P
RND
DL
P
RN
D
DL
Driving
105

Parking your vehicle
1. Apply the brake and shift into the
neutral position.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Shift into 1 (First).
1
24R35
1
24R35
Driving
107

4. Turn engine off and remove the
key.
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly
and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake
fully.
Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following charts for best fuel economy:
Coupe
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)
1-2 21 km/h (13 mph)
2-3 40 km/h (25 mph)
3-4 53 km/h (33 mph)
4-5 70 km/h (44 mph)
Coupe
Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)
1-2 18 km/h (11 mph)
2-3 32 km/h (20 mph)
3-4 46 km/h (29 mph)
4-5 61 km/h (38 mph)
Reverse
Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into R
(Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transaxle.
LOCKACCONSTART0IIIIII4
3
2
1
Driving
108

Tire change procedure
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and set the parking
brake.
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or R
(Reverse) (manual transaxle).
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or R (Reverse)
(manual transaxle), turn engine OFF, and block the diagonally opposite
wheel.
Roadside emergencies
126

JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes, and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; also, the
catalytic conveter may become damaged.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
1.Use only a 12±volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle's electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Roadside emergencies
129

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, keep loose clothing, jewelry or long hair
away from moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained in the
Batterysection in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure
the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
Maintenance and care
135