2003 FORD ESCORT check oil

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior 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

Driving a vehicle with the brake systemwarning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer immediately.
Anti-lock brake system:If the ABS
light stays illuminated or continues to
flash, a malfunction has been
detected, have the systemserviced
immediately. Normal braking is still
functional unless the brake warning light also is illuminated.
Air bag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the systemserviced
immediately. A chime will also
sound when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been
detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range. Refer toEngine oil
in theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at, or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
ABS
LOW
FUEL
Instrument Cluster
11

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

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

that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging systemchecked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
fromthe terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
Maintenance and Specifications
144

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

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