2001 FORD ESCORT coolant temperature

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock
Interior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel cap
Introduction
5

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 or after
refueling. 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 an
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 theMaintenance 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
14

STARTING THE ENGINE
NOTE:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
1. Turn the key to 4 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
3 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above ±12É
C (10É F) and the engine does not
start within five seconds on the first
try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10
seconds and try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12É C (10É F) and the engine does not
start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10
seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, Press
the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to
START position.
4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator
pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
5. 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.
LOCKACCONSTART0IIIIII4
3
2
1
Starting
96

²Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
²It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
²NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
²Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine 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
Maintenance and care
153

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

specifications ..................191±192
Exhaust fumes ............................97
F
Floor mats ...................................56
Fluid capacities .........................190
Foglamps .....................................45
Fuel ............................................166
calculating fuel economy .......171
cap .....................................12, 168
capacity ...................................190
choosing the right fuel ...........169
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................174
detergent in fuel .....................170
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................166, 168, 171
filter, specifications ........171, 189
fuel pump shut-off switch .....115
gauge .........................................14
improving fuel economy ........171
low fuel warning light ................8
octane rating ...........169, 192±193
quality ......................................170
running out of fuel .................170
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................166
Fuses ..................................117, 119
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......12, 168
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................171
Gauges .........................................13
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................14
fuel gauge ..................................14odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................15
tachometer ................................16
trip odometer ............................16
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................109
definition .................................109
driving with a heavy load ......109
location ....................................109
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................109
calculating ...............................109
definition .................................109
driving with a heavy load ......109
location ....................................109
H
Hazard flashers .........................115
Head restraints ...........................65
Headlamps ...................................44
aiming ..............................181±183
bulb specifications ..................181
daytime running lights .............44
flash to pass ..............................45
high beam ...........................11, 45
replacing bulbs .......................176
turning on and off ....................44
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................38
heater only system ...................38
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................40
Hood ..........................................138
I
Ignition .........................44, 192±193
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..86
Index
211