2001 FORD ESCORT steering wheel

Relays
Relays are located in the power distribution box and should be replaced
by qualified technicians.
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Temporary spare tire information
The temporary spare tire for your vehicle is labeled as such. It is smaller
than a regular tire and is designed for emergency use only.
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do not follow
these precautions, the tire could fail, causing you to lose control
of the vehicle, possibly injuring yourself or others.
When driving with the temporary spare tiredo not:
²exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) under any circumstances
²load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
²tow a trailer
²use tire chains
²drive through an automatic car wash, because of the vehicle's reduced
ground clearance
²try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its wheel
²use the wheel for any other type of vehicle
Roadside emergencies
125

²Sedan
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).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
Maintenance and care
154

SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels. Chains may chip the
wheels.
²SAE Class S chains may be used on P185/65R14 tires.
²Do not use tire chains with 38 cm (15 inch) wheel/tire options. Using
chains on this size tire may cause damage to steering, suspension
and/or body components.
²Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
Maintenance and care
165

²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
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.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Maintenance and care
187

P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................60
Parking brake ..............................99
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....189
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................122
Power door locks ........................54
Power steering ..........................100
fluid, checking and adding ....153
fluid, refill capacity ................190
fluid, specifications .........191±192
R
Radio ............................................19
Rear window defroster ...............43
Relays ................................117, 125
Remote entry system ...........57, 60
illuminated entry ......................62
locking/unlocking doors .....58±59
opening the trunk .....................59
panic alarm ...............................60
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................61
replacing the batteries .............60
Roof rack ...................................113
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ........................12, 69±73
Safety defects, reporting ..........208
Safety restraints ....................69±73
belt minder ...............................75
cleaning the safety belts ..78, 188extension assembly ..................74
for adults .............................70±72
for children ...............................85
lap belt ......................................74
warning light and chime ...10, 12,
75
Safety seats for children ............86
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................69
Seats ............................................65
child safety seats ......................86
cleaning ...........................187±188
Servicing your vehicle ..............135
Spark plugs,
specifications .............189, 192±193
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................191±192
Speed control ..............................46
Speedometer ...............................15
Starting your vehicle ............93, 96
jump starting ..........................129
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................50
T
Tachometer .................................16
Temperature control (see
Climate control) ..........................38
Tires ...........................125, 161±163
changing ..........................125±126
checking the pressure ............163
replacing ..................................164
rotating ....................................163
snow tires and chains ............165
tire grades ...............................162
treadwear ................................162
Index
213