2003 FORD ESCORT brake light

If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear.
Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with
emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations
can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by
weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can
be removed with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A).
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system(ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented fromlocking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full
steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient
space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a
controlled stop.
Driving
89

•The anti-lock systemdoes not reduce stopping distance. Always leave
enough roombetween your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to
stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake systemis disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.)
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, pull the handle up as
far as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
P!
BRAKE
P!
BRAKE
Driving
90

pedal is depressed. If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P
(Park) with the brake pedal depressed:
1. Continue depressing the brake
pedal, and remove the shift-lock
override cap with a 2.5 cm(1 inch)
or longer screwdriver.
2. Insert the screwdriver into the
shift-lock override opening and push
down.
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 fromforward 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.
PRND
DL
PRND
D
L
Driving
92

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 fromL (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.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting fromforward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
P
RN
D
DL
Driving
96

Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following charts for best fuel economy:
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)
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
1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into
R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transaxle.
2. Move the gearshift lever into the neutral position and wait at least
three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse).
•The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving it
fromleft of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).
This is a lockout feature that protects the transaxle fromaccidentally
being shifted into R (Reverse) from5 (Overdrive).
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottomof the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottomof the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
Driving
98

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
WIPER 20A Wiper/Washer, Blower motor relay
STOP 20A Stop lamps, Brake pressure switch
TAIL 15A Exterior lamps, Instrument
illumination
SUN ROOF 15A Power moonroof
ASC 10A Speed control
P. WINDOW 30A CB Power windows
CIGAR 20A Cigar lighter
AIR BAG 10A Air bags
FOG 10A Fog lamps, DRL
AUDIO 15A Premium sound amplifier, CD
changer
FUEL INJ. 10A H02S, Evaporative emission purge
flow sensor
BLOWER 30A CB Blower motor relay
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.
Always replace the cover to the power distribution box before
reconnecting the battery or refilling fluid reservoirs
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
Roadside Emergencies
108

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Windshield washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this
chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5° C (40°
F), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling systemmay harmengine and cooling system
components.
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
(automatic transaxle) or 1st (manual transaxle).
Maintenance and Specifications
141

A
ABS (see Brakes) .......................89
Air bag supplemental restraint
system..........................................69
and child safety seats ..............71
description ................................69
disposal ......................................73
driver air bag ............................71
indicator light ...........................73
operation ...................................71
passenger air bag .....................71
Air cleaner filter .......164–165, 169
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system.................29
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................146
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ................................89
Anti-theft system........................56
arming the system ....................56
disarming a triggered system ..57
disarming an untriggered
system.......................................57
Audio system(see Radio) .........19
Automatic transaxle
driving with ...............................93
fluid, adding ............................161
fluid, checking ........................161
fluid, refill capacities ..............170
fluid, specification ..................172
Automatic transmission ..............91
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........171
B
Battery .......................................144acid, treating emergencies .....144
jumping a disabled battery ....114
maintenance-free ....................144
replacement, specifications ...169
servicing ..................................144
BeltMinder ...................................65
Brakes ....................................88–89
anti-lock .....................................89
anti-lock brake system(ABS)
warning light .............................90
fluid, checking and adding ....160
fluid, refill capacities ..............170
fluid, specifications .........171–172
lubricant specifications ..171–172
parking ......................................90
shift interlock ............................91
Bulbs ............................................37
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....170
Cell phone use ............................49
Certification Label ....................174
Changing a tire .........................110
Child safety restraints ................74
child safety belts ......................74
Child safety seats ........................76
attaching with tether straps ....80
in front seat ..............................78
in rear seat ................................78
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............131
instrument panel ....................133
interior .....................................133
plastic parts ............................132
washing ....................................130
waxing .....................................130
wheels ......................................131
wiper blades ............................132
Index
179