2003 FORD ESCORT brakes

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

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
The Safety Certification Label, found on the driver’s door pillar, lists
several important vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any
additional equipment, refer to these limitations. If you are adding weight
to the front of your vehicle, (potentially including weight added to the
cab), the weight added should not exceed the front axle reserve capacity
(FARC). Additional frontal weight may be added to the front axle reserve
capacity provided you limit your payload in other ways (i.e. restrict the
number of occupants or amount of cargo carried).
Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment being
carried is within the weight limitations that have been established for
your vehicle including both gross vehicle weight and front and rear gross
axle weight rating limits. Under no circumstance should these limitations
be exceeded.
Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, and/or personal injury.
TRAILER T OWING
Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer up to 454 kg (1,000 lbs.) gross
trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 45 kg (100 lbs.). Do not
tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km(500
miles).
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transaxle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Driving
100

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and/or serious personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake systemdirectly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking systemof the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your trailer
lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or trailer
rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer
lamps.
Driving
101

Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transaxle cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transaxle damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km(50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
TOWING BEHIND ANOT HER VEHICLE
If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, it cannot be flat-towed with
all wheels on the ground; front wheel dollies must be used.
If your vehicle has an manual transaxle, your vehicle can be flat-towed
with all wheels on the ground.
Driving
102

The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating range, the performance of your brake
system could be compromised, seek service from your dealer
immediately.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
The clutch master cylinder and
brake master cylinder are part of
the same system; both are refillable
through the brake master cylinder
with brake fluid. For more
information on brake fluid
maintenance, refer toBrake fluidin
this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical if irritation
persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Seek
medical attention immediately.
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.
Automatictransmission 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
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
161

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

cargo lamps ...............................34
fog lamps ...................................33
headlamps ...........................33, 38
headlamps, flash to pass ..........34
instrument panel, dimming .....34
interior lamps .....................37–38
replacing bulbs .............37, 40–42
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................36
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ............90
Load limits ...................................99
GAWR ........................................99
GVWR ........................................99
trailer towing ............................99
Lubricant specifications ...171–172
M
Manual transaxle
fluid capacities ........................170
lubricant specifications ..........172
Manual transmission ...................97
reverse .......................................98
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......45
Moon roof ....................................48
Motorcraft parts ................155, 169
O
Octane rating ............................154
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................141
P
Parking brake ..............................90
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....169Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................108
Power door locks ........................51
Power steering ............................91
fluid, checking and adding ....160
fluid, refill capacity ................170
fluid, specifications .........171–172
Power Windows ...........................44
R
Radio ............................................19
Rear window defroster ...............32
Relays ................................105, 110
Remote entry system .................53
locking/unlocking doors ...........51
opening the trunk .....................54
Roadside assistance ..................103
S
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .........60–63
Safety defects, reporting ..........129
Safety restraints ....................60–63
belt minder ...............................65
cleaning the safety belts ..........68
extension assembly ..................64
for adults .............................61–63
for children .........................73–74
warning light and chime ..........64
Safety seats for children ............76
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................60
Seats ............................................58
child safety seats ......................76
Servicing your vehicle ..............136
Index
182