2003 FORD ESCORT adding oil

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 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 three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully 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.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
PetroleumInstitute (API). Use Motorcraft or an equivalent oil meeting
Ford specification WSS-M2C153–H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum
fuel economy and durability performance meeting all
requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the scheduled maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
Maintenance and Specifications
143

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•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.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and Specifications
146

Travel equipment
Auto headlamps with daytime running lights (DRL)
Console armrest
Daytime running lights (DRL)
Electrochromic inside mirror with compass
Electrochromic inside mirror with compass and temperature display
Highway safety kit
First aid kit
Removable luggage rack
Removable luggage rack adapters (bike, ski and snowboard)
Speed control
Protection and appearance equipment
Air bag anti-theft locks
All-weather floor mats
Car cover
Cargo liner
Carpet floor mats
Flat splash guards
Front end covers (full)
Molded splash guards
Rear decklid spoiler
Universal floor mats
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
•Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as lower
speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving
a heavily loaded vehicle.
Accessories
177

Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......28–29
Clock ......................................17, 25
Clutch
fluid ..................................160–161
operation while driving ............97
recommended shift speeds ......98
Coolant
checking and adding ..............146
refill capacities ................150, 170
specifications ..................171–172
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................45
Customer Assistance ................103
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................134
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................120
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............126
Getting roadside assistance ...103
Getting the service you
need .........................................120
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................127
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................123
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program...................................126
D
Defrost
rear window ..............................32
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................161
engine oil .................................141Doors
lubricant specifications ..........171
Driving under special
conditions ....................................96
through water ...........................98
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................114
Emission control system ..........158
Engine ........................................172
cleaning ...................................131
coolant .....................................146
idle speed control ...................144
lubrication
specifications ..................171–172
refill capacities ........................170
service points ..........................140
starting after a collision .........104
Engine block heater ...................88
Engine oil ..................................141
checking and adding ..............141
dipstick ....................................141
filter, specifications ........143, 169
recommendations ...................143
refill capacities ........................170
specifications ..................171–172
Exhaust fumes ............................88
F
Floor mats ...................................50
Fluid capacities .........................170
Foglamps .....................................33
Fuel ............................................151
calculating fuel economy .......155
cap ...........................................153
capacity ...................................170
Index
180

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