2002 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 capLow tire warning
Introduction
9

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
specificationschapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot. Steam and scalding liquid from a hot cooling
system can burn you badly.
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 gauge
Displays approximately how much
fuel is in the fuel tank. The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion or on a grade.
When refueling the vehicle from
empty indication, the amount of fuel
that can be added will be less than
the advertised capacity due to the
reserve fuel.
CH
FUEL
FILL
EF
1
2 /
Instrument Cluster
16

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 -23É C
(-10É F) 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.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do
not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and
could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
²the vehicle is raised for service
²the sound of the exhaust system changes
²the vehicle has been damaged in a collision
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Driving
101

Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36É C [±34É F]):
²It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
²NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
²Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat 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
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
174

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
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
185

Fluid capacities .........................195
Foglamps .....................................42
Fuel ............................................175
calculating fuel economy .......180
cap .....................................13, 177
capacity ...................................195
choosing the right fuel ...........178
comparisons with EPA
fuel economy estimates .........183
detergent in fuel .....................179
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................175, 177, 180
filter, specifications ........179, 195
fuel pump shut-off switch .....119
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........180
low fuel warning light ..............13
octane rating ...................178, 198
quality ......................................178
running out of fuel .................179
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................175
Fuses ..................................121±122
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......13, 177
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................180
Gauges .........................................15
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................16
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................17
speedometer .............................17
tachometer ................................17
trip odometer ............................17
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................113
definition .................................113driving with a heavy load ......113
location ....................................113
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................113
calculating ...............................113
definition .................................113
driving with a heavy load ......113
location ....................................113
H
Hazard flashers .........................119
Head restraints ...........................72
Headlamps ...................................42
aiming ..................................44±45
bulb specifications ....................48
daytime running lights .............42
flash to pass ..............................43
high beam ...........................14, 43
replacing bulbs .........................49
turning on and off ....................42
warning chime ..........................14
Heating
heater only system ...................37
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................38
Hood ..........................................160
I
Ignition .................................97, 198
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .......................91
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................184
Instrument panel ........................10
cleaning ...................................152
cluster ................................10, 153
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................43
Index
207