2003 FORD ESCAPE checking oil

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
•2.0L DOHC I4 Zetec engine
FULL ADD
Maintenance and Specifications
188

•3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
•Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX or FULL mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn until it is seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Maintenance and Specifications
190

•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36°C (-34°F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the“cold full”of“cold fill range”level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36°C (-34°F).
•Boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and Specifications
194

interior trim ............................180
plastic parts ............................179
washing ....................................177
waxing .....................................177
wheels ......................................178
wiper blades ............................180
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......30–31
Clutch
fluid ..................................209, 212
operation while driving ..........125
recommended shift speeds ....126
Console ........................................52
overhead ....................................45
Controls
power seat .................................75
Coolant
checking and adding ..............194
refill capacities ................198, 218
specifications ..................221, 223
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................49
Customer Assistance
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................182
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................169
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............173
Getting the service you
need .........................................167
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................174
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................170
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................173D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................33
Defrost
rear window ..............................32
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................209
engine oil .................................188
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........221
Driving under special
conditions ..................124, 131, 133
sand .........................................132
snow and ice ...........................134
through water .................132, 138
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................159
Emission control system ..........206
Engine ........................................223
cleaning ...................................178
coolant .....................................194
idle speed control ...................192
lubrication
specifications ..................221, 223
refill capacities ........................218
service points ..................185–186
starting after a collision .........146
Engine block heater .................117
Engine oil ..................................188
checking and adding ..............188
dipstick ....................................188
filter, specifications ........191, 218
recommendations ...................191
refill capacities ........................218
specifications ..................221, 223
Index
232

J
Jack ............................................154
positioning ...............................154
storage .....................................154
Jump-starting your vehicle ......159
K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........114
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................33
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................38
cargo lamps ...............................34
daytime running light ...............33
fog lamps ...................................33
headlamps .................................33
headlamps, flash to pass ..........34
instrument panel, dimming .....34
interior lamps .....................36–38
replacing bulbs ....... 38–39, 41–42
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................36
Liftgate ........................................53
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........118
Load limits .................................139
GAWR ......................................139
GVWR ......................................139
trailer towing ..........................139
Loading instructions .................140
Locks
childproof ..................................65
Lubricant specifications ...221, 223
Lumbar support, seats .........76–77M
Manual transaxle .......................125
fluid, checking and adding ....211
reverse .....................................126
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................218
lubricant specifications ..........223
Mirrors .........................................46
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................47
fold away ...................................49
heated ........................................49
side view mirrors (power) .......49
Moon roof ....................................53
Motorcraft parts ................203, 218
O
Octane rating ............................202
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................188
Overdrive ...................................122
P
Parking .......................................127
Parking brake ............................119
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....218
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................151
Power door locks ........................63
Power point .................................47
Power steering ..........................119
fluid, checking and adding ....208
fluid, refill capacity ................218
fluid, specifications .........221, 223
Power Windows ...........................48
Index
234