1997 Ford Escort Owners Manual

FF

BASS

TREB

–

BAL

FADE

1(cid:13)

SIDE 1-2

5(cid:13)

1(cid:13)

COMP

SIDE 1-2

LO

HI

OFF

*A/C *MAX(cid:13) A/C

FUSES AND RELAYS If electrical components in the vehicle are not working, a fuse may have blown. Blown fuses are identified by a broken wire. Check the appropriate fuses before replacing any electrical components.

Use the fuse puller tool provided on the passenger compartment fuse panel cover to replace fuses.

Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified

amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a fire.

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(cid:13) Roadside emergencies

Even after a fuse is replaced, it will continue to blow if the cause of the overload is not identified and corrected. If a fuse continues to blow, have the vehicle’s electrical system checked. The (POWER WIND) 30A on the instrument panel fuse panel cover represents a circuit breaker that contols the vehicle’s power windows. The circuit breaker is located just above the fuse panel cover. To reset a circuit breaker, press the reset button. The (HEATER) 30A circuit breaker controls the vehicle’s heater. The circuit breaker is located just above and to the left of the instrument panel fuse panel. To reset a circuit breaker, press the reset button.

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O F FM I S T I N T

RESET

SET(cid:13) ACC

SET

AM(cid:13) FM

SCAN

EJ

SEEK(cid:13) TUNE

TUNE(cid:13) DISCS(cid:13)

VOL–(cid:13) PUSH ON

TAPE(cid:13) CD

REW

FF

BASS

TREB

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1(cid:13)

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16 17

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20 21

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

10

11 12 13 14 15

(cid:13) (cid:13) Roadside emergencies

Fuse rating 10 amp 15 amp 20 amp 30 amp 30 amp fuse link 40 amp 60 amp fuse link 80 amp fuse link 100 amp fuse link

Color Red Blue Yellow Light Green Pink Green Yellow Black Blue

Instrument panel fuse panel Number

1 Stop 2 Tail

Fuse amperage rating 15 amp 15 amp

3 Sun roof 4 ASC 5 — 6 (Door lock) 7 Horn 8 (Air Conditioning)

— 10 amp — 30 amp 15 amp 15 amp

Circuits protected

Brakelamps, shift lock Instrument cluster illumination, license plate lamp, parking lamps, side marker lamps, tail lamps, (radio, climate control illumination) Not used Speed control Not used Power door locks Horn A/C, clutch

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Roadside emergencies

Number

9 Meter

Fuse amperage rating 10 amp

10 Wiper

20 amp

11 (Rear wiper)

10 amp

15 amp

10 amp

15 amp 5 amp — — 10 amp

— 20 amp 15 amp

12 Hazard

13 Room

14 Engine 15 Mirrors 16 — 17 — 18 (Fog)

19 — 20 Cigar 21 (Radio)

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Circuits protected

Backup lamps, shift lock, gauges, speed control, turn signals, key-in-ignition reminder chime Windshield wipers and washer Rear wiper and washer Hazard flashers, turn signals Clock, interior lamp, luggage compartment lamp, safety belt warning chime, radio power Engine control system Power mirrors Not used Not used Daytime running lamps / fog lamps Not used Cigar lighter Radio (Premium sound)

Roadside emergencies

Engine compartment fuse panel Number

1 Fuel injection

2 Defog.

3 Main

Fuse amperage rating 30 amp

30 amp

100 amp

2 3 4 5 6

BTAA

12

10
11

USE THE DESIGNATED FUSES ONLY

Circuits protected

Fuel injection system, air bags Rear window defroster Overall circuit protection

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Roadside emergencies

Number

4 BTN

5 (ABS)

6 Cooling fan 7 Head 8 Not used 9 OBD II 10 Fuel pump 11 Head RH

12 Head LH

Fuse amperage rating 40 amp

60 amp

40 amp — — 10 amp 20 amp 20 amp

20 amp

Circuits protected

Passenger compartment fuses 1, 2, 6, 12, 13, 7
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) Cooling fan Head lamp relay — On-board diagnostics Fuel pump Passenger side headlamps Driver side headlamps

CHANGING THE TIRES

Temporary spare tire information The temporary spare tire for your vehicle is labeled as such. It is smaller than a regular tire and is designed for emergency use only.

If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring yourself or others.

When driving with the temporary spare tire, do not:

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any circumstances

† exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) under † load the vehicle beyond the maximum vehicle load rating listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label

† use tire chains † drive through an automatic car wash (because of the vehicle’s reduced ground clearance) † try to repair the temporary

spare tire or remove it from its wheel † use the wheel for any other type

of vehicle

Tire changing procedure 1. Park on a level surface. 2. Activate the hazard flashers. 3. Set the parking brake. 4. Place the gearshift in P (automatic transaxle) or R (manual transaxle).

† Automatic

Roadside emergencies

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Roadside emergencies † Manual

531

42

5. Block the diagonally opposite wheel. † Remove the lug wrench first. Use the lug wrench to remove the hold-down bolts on the spare tire and jack.

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Roadside emergencies

6. Remove the jack, jack handle and spare tire from the vehicle’s rear cargo area. † Locate the wheel cover † Completely remove this lug nut.

hold-down lug nut.

Use the lug wrench provided with the jack to loosen the retention bolts on the spare tire.

† Do not attempt to remove the wheel cover until lug nuts are removed.

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Roadside emergencies

7. Loosen the remaining wheel lug nuts with the lug wrench about one half turn counterclockwise.

8. Position the jack at the jack notch closest to the wheel.

9. Insert the jack handle and raise the vehicle until the tire just clears the ground. 10. Remove the wheel lug nuts and flat tire, and install the spare with the ‘‘temporary use’’ label facing outward. 11. Install the same metric wheel lug nuts as removed and tighten until snug.

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Roadside emergencies

Installation of an English thread nut on a metric stud (or vice-versa) will not properly secure the wheel to the hub. Damaged studs may result in wheel separation and possible injury.

12. Lower the vehicle and tighten the wheel lug nuts in the pattern shown.

13. Unblock the wheels and put the tire, jack, jack handle, and lug wrench away.

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Roadside emergencies

JUMP-STARTING A DISABLED VEHICLE

The gases around the battery can explode if

exposed to flames, sparks, or lit smoking materials. An explosion could result in injury or vehicle damage.

To protect yourself when charging a battery, always shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.

Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin,

eyes, and clothing.

If the battery acid touches someone’s skin, eyes, or clothing, immediately flush the area with water for at least fifteen minutes. If someone swallows acid, have him or her drink lots of milk or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable oil. Consult a physician immediately.

To avoid damage or injury, follow these directions in

the order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.

Before jump-starting a vehicle: † make sure the booster battery vehicle has a 12-volt starting

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system; a 24-volt power supply will cause vehicle damage † park the vehicles close to each other, but do not allow the two vehicles to touch.

battery is disconnected

† check to make sure neither † remove any excessive corrosion † turn on the heater fan in each vehicle to prevent damage from voltage surges

from the battery terminals

To jump start the vehicle: 1. Connect the jumper cables in numerical order.

V1 Disabled battery positive terminal V2 Booster battery positive terminal V3 Booster battery negative terminal V4 Disabled vehicle engine

Do not connect the end of the second cable to the

negative (-) terminal of the battery to be jumped. A spark may cause an explosion of the gases that surround the battery.

2. Start the engine in the vehicle with the booster battery. 3. Wait a few minutes and start the engine in the vehicle with the disabled battery.

Roadside emergencies

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ACC

ON II

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1

–

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Roadside emergencies

4. Disconnect the jumper cables in numerical order:

V1 Engine V2 Booster battery negative terminal V3 Booster battery positive terminal V4 Previously disabled battery positive terminal

Let the vehicle idle for a few minutes to allow the engine to relearn the proper idle conditions. Avoid using unneccessary electrical accessories for a short while to let the battery recharge. A battery charger may be necessary to fully recharge the battery.

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WRECKER TOWING

Roadside emergencies

If towing is necessary, it is recommended that your vehicle be towed with wheel lift or flatbed equipment. Do not tow with slingbelt equipment. Ford Motor Company has not developed or approved a T-hook or slingbelt towing procedure.

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Maintenance and care

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS Whenever possible, Ford has designed parts that do not require servicing. However when servicing is required, Ford’s goal is to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible. To help you: † We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy location.

† Often, parts (such as the headlamp bulbs) may be replaced without tools.

† We provide you with a Service Guide that makes tracking routine service of your vehicle easy.

If your vehicle requires professional servicing, your dealership can provide the necessary parts and service. Check the Warranty Information Guide to find out what parts and services are covered. Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids, and service parts conforming to Ford specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to provide the best performance in your vehicle.

Precautions for servicing your vehicle Be particularly careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle. Here are some general precautions for your safety:

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† Never get under a vehicle that is supported only by a jack. If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands. † Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.

Workingwiththeengineoff 1. Set the parking brake and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (automatic transaxle), or first gear (manual transaxle). 2. Turn the engine off and remove the key from the ignition.

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3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

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Workingwiththeengineon 1. Set the parking brake and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (automatic transaxle), or N (manual transaxle). 2. Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the engine running.

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3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly. 4. If work must be done with the engine running, avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.

Opening the hood 1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle located under the bottom left corner of the instrument panel. 2. Outside the vehicle, release the auxiliary latch located under the center of the hood. 3. Lift the hood and secure it in the open position with the prop rod. 4. To close the hood, remove the prop rod and shut so that the auxiliary latch is closed. After closing the hood, try to lift it to be sure that it is closed securely.

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FUEL FILL

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O F FM I S T I N T

RESET

SET(cid:13) ACC

SET

AM(cid:13) FM

SCAN

EJ

SEEK(cid:13) TUNE

TUNE(cid:13) DISCS(cid:13)

VOL–(cid:13) PUSH ON

TAPE(cid:13) CD

REW

FF

BASS

TREB

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BAL

FADE

1(cid:13)

SIDE 1-2

5(cid:13)

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SIDE 1-2

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(cid:13) IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

1. Engine oil dipstick 2. Engine oil filler cap 3. Brake fluid reservoir 4. Windshield washer fluid 5. Coolant reservoir 6. Steering fluid reservoir 7. Automatic transmission dipstick 8. Battery 9. Air filter assembly

Maintenance and care

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Maintenance and care

CHECKING AND ADDING ENGINE OIL Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil CERTIFIED FOR GASOLINE ENGINES by the American Petroleum Institute. Look for the certification — Ford specification WSS-M2C153-F. Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments, or engine treatments are never needed and could, under certain conditions, lead to engine damage which is not covered by your Warranty.

Changing the engine oil and oil filter Change the engine oil and oil filter per the following, whichever occurs first.

5,000 MILES (8,000 KM) OR 6 MONTHS

NORMAL SCHEDULE

3,000 MILES (5,000 KM) OR 3 MONTHS

SEVERE DUTY SCHEDULE

EXTENSIVE IDLING TRAILER TOWING

DRIVING IN SEVERE DUST POLICE, TAXI, OR DELIVERY

Oilchangeintervals Refer to the Service Guide booklet for additional information.

Checking the engine oil Check the engine oil every time you fuel your vehicle.

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To check the engine oil, follow these steps: 1. Once the engine is warm, turn the engine off. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground. 2. Automatic transaxle: † Engage the parking brake. † Place the gearshift in P. † Engage the parking brake. † Depress the clutch and place

Manual transaxle:

the gearshift in first gear.

3. Open the hood. If you need assistance, refer to Opening the Hood in this chapter. Protect yourself from engine heat. 4. Remove the engine oil dipstick and wipe it clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again. The oil level should be in the range shown on the dipstick. 5. Carefully pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below the ADD arrow, add engine oil as necessary. If the engine oil is beyond the FULL arrow, engine damage or high oil consumption may occur and some oil must be removed from the engine. 6. Put the dipstick back and ensure that it is properly seated.

ADD

FULL

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Addingengine oil 1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to Checking the engine oil in this chapter. 2. If the fluid level is not within the normal range, add engine oil by removing the engine oil filler cap and pouring in oil. 3. Confirm that the oil level is full, but be careful not to overfill the engine.

Continuous contact with USED motor oil has

caused cancer in laboratory rats.

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MAX

MIN

CHECKING AND ADDING BRAKE FLUID Brake fluid should be checked and refilled as needed at least once a year: † Clean the reservoir cap before removal to prevent dirt or water from entering the reservoir. † Visually inspect the fluid level. † If necessary, add brake fluid until the level reaches MAX. † Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid

certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer to Lubricant specifications in the Capacities and specifications chapter.

Brake fluid is toxic.

If you use brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will

cause permanent damage.

Do not let the reservoir in the master cylinder run dry. This may cause the brakes to fail.

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CHECKING AND ADDING MANUAL TRANSAXLE CLUTCH FLUID The brake fluid reservoir and clutch master cylinder are part of the same unit; both are refillable through the brake fluid reservoir with brake fluid. During normal operation, the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir will rise slowly. For more information on brake fluid maintenance, refer to Checking and adding brake fluid in this chapter.

CHECKING AND ADDING WASHER FLUID

What you should know about washer fluid In freezing weather (temperatures below 0°C [32°F], washer fluid containing a small amount of antifreeze is used. State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the use of methanol, a common type of antifreeze. Use a non-methanol antifreeze in freezing weather only if the fluid does not damage the paint finish, wiper blades, or washer system.

Washer fluid contains methanol and is poisonous.

Follow all instructions on the bottle of washer fluid.

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Washer fluid for the windshield reservoir The vehicle’s windshield washer fluid reservoir is located on the passenger side of the engine compartment. If washer fluid needs to be added to the reservoir: † Lift the windshield reservoir † Add enough washer fluid to fill

cover.

the reservoir.

Washer fluid for the liftgate (if equipped) The wagon’s rear reservoir is located on the passenger side of the storage compartment. Remove the access cover to locate the washer reservoir cap. The reservoir must be filled slowly to allow trapped air to escape.

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ADDING ENGINE COOLANT

Be careful not to add engine coolant to the

windshield washer fluid reservoir. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could make it difficult to see through the windshield.

When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and water to the engine coolant recovery reservoir — DO NOT ADD DIRECTLY TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water only in an emergency, but you should replace it with a 50/50
mixture of coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery reservoir the next few times you drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough of a 50/50
mixture of coolant and water to bring the liquid level to the fill line on the reservoir.

Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the

engine is running or hot. If you must remove the coolant recovery cap, follow these steps to avoid personal injury caused by escaping steam or engine coolant:

1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.

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2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap and turn it slowly, counterclockwise to the first stop. 3. Step back while the pressure releases. 4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to press the cap down, turn it counterclockwise, and remove it.

Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B) or an equivalent premium engine coolant that meets Ford Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Ford Premium Engine Coolant is an optimized formula that will protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in Ford cooling systems for 4 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. Do not use supplemental coolant additives in your vehicle. These additives may harm your engine cooling system. The use of an improper coolant may void the warranty of your vehicle’s engine cooling system.

Recycled Engine Coolant Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant produced by Ford-approved processes. Not all coolant recycling processes

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Maintenance and care

produce coolant which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A, and use of such coolant may harm engine and cooling system components. Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.

Coolant Refill Capacity To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, see Refill capacities for fluids in the Index. Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have to add more than a quart (liter) of engine coolant per month.

Severe Winter Climate If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than -34°F [-36°C]), it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that the coolant will not freeze at the temperature level in which you drive during winter months. Never increase the engine coolant concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme climates.

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ON II

III

ACC

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID Check the power steering fluid at least twice a year by completing the following steps: 1. Start the engine. 2. When the engine coolant temperature gauge reaches the normal zone, turn off the engine. 3. Visually inspect the fluid level in the power steering reservoir. 4. If necessary, add power steering fluid until the fluid level reaches MAX. Do not overfill the power steering reservoir. † As a maintenance precaution, visually inspect the lines and hoses of the power steering system for leaks and damage.

† If new fluid is frequently

required, consult a qualified service technician.

CHECKING AND ADDING TRANSAXLE FLUID

Checking and adding automatic transaxle fluid Check the automatic transaxle fluid according to the owner maintenance checks in the Service Guide.

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It is best to check the transaxle fluid level at the normal operating temperature, after approximately 35 km (20 miles) of driving. If the transaxle fluid level must be checked under different circumstances, make sure the outside temperature is above 10 °C (50 °F) to obtain an accurate fluid level check. Checkingtheautomatic transaxlefluid 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. 2. With the vehicle running and the brake pedal depressed, move the gearshift through each of the gear ranges, allowing each gear to engage.

ACC

ON II

III

3. Move the gearshift to P.

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4 Set the parking brake. 5. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, dry rag. 6. Install the dipstick. 7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level.

Your vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level is

below the bottom hole in the dipstick and outside temperatures are above 10 °C (50 °F).

Whenaddingautomatic transaxlefluid: † Ensure that the correct type is added. For automatic transaxle fluid specifications, refer to Capacities and specifications in this chapter.

20°C

65°C

65°C (149°F) 20°C 68°F) FAOZ

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Maintenance and care † Add the fluid in 250 ml (1⁄2 pint)

increments through the filler tube. Do not overfill the automatic transaxle fluid reservoir. If this occurs, the excess fluid should be removed by a qualified technician.

Always dispose of used

automotive fluids in a responsible manner. Follow your community’s standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call your local recycling center to find out more about recycling automotive fluids.

Checking and adding manual transaxle fluid For information on checking and adding manual transaxle fluid, refer to Checking and adding clutch fluid in this section.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR BATTERY If the original equipment maintenance-free battery needs replacing, it may be replaced with a low-maintenance battery. For information on appropriate replacement batteries, refer to Motorcraft part numbers in the Capacities and specifications chapter.

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Maintenance and care

Batteries normally produce explosive gases that can

cause personal injury. Do not allow flames, sparks, or lit smoking materials to come near the battery. When charging or working near a battery, always cover your face, protect your eyes, and provide ventilation.

Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn skin,

eyes, and clothing.

Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a carrier or with your hands on opposite corners.

Servicing your battery The low-maintenance battery has removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and adding water. Check the electrolyte level every 24 months or 40, 000 km (24, 000 miles) in average temperatures below 32 °C (90 °F). Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the level indicator. Do not overfill.

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Maintenance and care

If the electrolyte level becomes low, refill the battery with distilled water. If necessary, distilled water may be substituted with tap water that is not hard and does not have a high mineral or alkali content. If the battery needs water quite often, have the charging system checked for a possible malfunction. Your vehicle is equipped with a battery saver control feature designed to prevent your battery from accidental wear down due to doors left ajar. For information on the system and how it works, see Interior overhead lamp in this chapter. Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled, some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the computer must “relearn” its idle conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To begin this process: 1. Put the gearshift in P (automatic transaxle) or N (manual transaxle). 2. Turn off all accessories and start the vehicle. 3. Let the engine idle for at least one minute. 4. The relearning process will automatically complete as you drive the vehicle. † If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle, the idle quality

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Maintenance and care

of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is eventually relearned. † If the battery has been

disconnected or a new battery has been installed, the clock and preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is reconnected. † Always dispose of used automotive batteries in a responsible manner. Follow your community’s standards for disposal. Call your local recycling center to find out more about recycling automotive batteries.

CHECKING AND CHANGING YOUR AIR FILTER If the vehicle is operated in very dusty or sandy areas, replace the filter more often than the recommended intervals.

Do not drive without an air filter; this could result in

excessive engine wear.

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Maintenance and care

Changing your air filter 1. Unlock the clamp that holds the engine air cleaner assembly in place by releasing the clamp locking clip on the front portion of the assembly. † The clamp will spring open and remain attached to the left side of the assembly.

2. Swing the left side of the assembly open. 3. Remove the air filter element from the open end of the engine air cleaner assembly and replace it with a new element. † When replacing the element, be sure to align the nubs on both the air cleaner element and the open end of the air cleaner assembly. If these nubs are not aligned, the new element will not fit properly within the assembly and the assembly may malfunction.

4. Swing the left side of the assembly closed and secure the locking clamp.

CHECKING AND CHANGING YOUR WIPER BLADES Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year; also check them whenever the wipers seem less effective than usual. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes can reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.

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Maintenance and care

To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply turn the ignition to the ON position and turn the wipers on. Wait for them to reach a vertical position and turn the ignition to LOCK. Do not move the wipers manually across the windshield, this may cause damage to the wipers. Inspect the wiper arm pivots on a regular basis to ensure that the wiper arms move freely. Lubricate the pivot points as necessary.

Replacing wiper blades If the wiper blades do not work properly after cleaning, replacement of the blade assembly or the blade element may be necessary. There are three different lengths of wiper blades on your vehicle. The driver side wiper blade is 51
cm (20 in) long, and the passenger side wiper blade is 44.5 cm (17.5
in) long, and the rear window wiper is 35 cm (13.75 in) long. Ensure that you install the correct length wiper blade in the correct location. To replace the wiper blades:

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Maintenance and care

1. Pull the wiper arm away from the windshield and lock into the service position. 2. Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Push the lock pin with a screwdriver to release the blade and pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield to remove it from the arm. 3. Attach the new wiper to the wiper arm and press it into place until a click is heard.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TIRE GRADES The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires Ford to give its customers the following tire information:

Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear 11⁄2 times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate.

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Traction A B C The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C; they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

The traction grade assigned to this tire is

based on braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction.

Temperature A B C The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C; they represent the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life. Excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and B represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

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Maintenance and care

The temperature grade for this tire is established for a

tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat build up and possible tire failure.

SERVICING YOUR TIRES

Checking the tire pressure Check the tire pressure periodically and inflate tires as necessary. To check the tire pressure, insert the tire pressure gauge into the valve stem.

The cold pressure amount is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label located on the passenger’s door inside latch pillar.

Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling

and can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.

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Rotating your tires Rotate your tires at regular intervals to ensure even wear. These intervals are listed in the Service Guide. † Four-tire rotation

† Five-tire rotation

Replacing the tires Replace the tires when the wear band is visible through the tire treads.

When replacing full size; tires, never mix radial bias

belted or bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the tire pressure decal.

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Maintenance and care

Make sure all replacement tires are of the same type, load-carrying capacity, and tread design (e.g. “All Terrain”), as originally offered by Ford.

Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the handling of the vehicle and make it easier to lose control and roll over.

IDENTIFYING TIRE TYPES Your vehicle requires the use of the following tire types: wagon and sedan 18565R14 tires and T115/70D14 mini-spare. When purchasing replacemment tires for your vehicle, consult your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer or qualified service technician to assure that correct tire types are used.

USING SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS

Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the

tires currently on your vehicle.

The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in rain and snow. However, in some climates using snow tires and chains may be necessary. Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains: † Use only SAE Class “S” chains.

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only.

† Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. † Install tire chains on front tires † Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your vehicle, stop and retighten the chains. If this does not work, remove the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.

overloading your vehicle.

† When possible, avoid † Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use tire chains on dry roads. † The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when using snow tires and chains.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUEL

Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or

death if misused or mishandled.

Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel: † Extinguish all smoking material

and any open flames before fueling your vehicle.

† Automotive fuels can be harmful

or fatal if swallowed. If fuel is swallowed, call a physician immediately, even if no

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symptoms are apparent. The toxic effects of fuels may not be evident for many hours.

† Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is splashed on the skin, promptly remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.

† If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact lenses, flush eyes with water for fifteen minutes, and seek immediate medical attention.

† Be particularly careful if you are taking Antabuse or other forms of disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors or skin contact with fuel could cause an adverse reaction. Consult a physician immediately.

If you replace your fuel cap with an aftermarket fuel filter cap, the customer warranty may be void if any damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system occurs.

Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an

overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.

If you do not use a proper fuel cap, the pressure in

the fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work improperly in a collision.

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87

If the fuel cap is venting vapor or you hear a hissing

sound, wait until it stops before completely removing the cap.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FUEL Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law and could damage your vehicle. The damage may not be covered by your warranty. Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel containing manganese-based additives such as MMT. Additionally, vehicles certified to California emission standards (indicated on the underhood Vehicle Emissions Control Information label) are designed to operate on California reformulated gasolines. If California reformulated gasoline is not available when you refuel, your vehicle can be operated on non-California fuels. However, even though your engine will perform adequately on other gasolines, the performance of the emission control devices and systems may be adversely affected. Repair of damage caused by using a fuel that your vehicle was not designed for may not be covered by your warranty.

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Octane Recommendation

Your vehicle is designed to use regular gasoline with an (R+M)/2
octane rating of 87. We do not recommend gasolines labeled as ‘‘regular’’ in high altitude areas that are sold with octane ratings of 86 or even less.

Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions on the recommended octane fuel, see your dealer or a qualified service technician to prevent any engine damage.

Fuel Quality If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation problems, try a different brand of fuel. If the condition persists, see your dealer or a qualified service technician. The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) issued a gasoline specification to provide information on high quality fuels that optimize the performance of your vehicle. We recommend the use of gasolines that meet the AAMA specification if they are available. It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.

Cleaner Air Ford approves the use of gasolines to improve air quality, including reformulated gasolines, that contain oxygenates such as a

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maximum of 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE. There should be no more than 5% methanol with cosolvents and additives to protect the fuel system.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM For more information on your vehicle’s emission control system, see the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on the inside left side of the engine compartment. The catalytic converter enables the vehicle’s emission control system to operate properly. Follow these guidelines to ensure proper emission system operation: † Use only unleaded fuel. † Avoid running out of fuel. † Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is in motion. † Have maintenance performed

according to the intervals in the Service Guide.

If you notice one or more of the following, the emission system may not be working properly; have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible: † fluid leaks †

, lights illuminate in the instrument cluster and remain lit

† strange odors

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Maintenance and care † engine runs more than five seconds after shut off or engine misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires

† loss of oil pressure Important emission control information By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases, or trades vehicles, or who supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it from working. Do not make any unauthorized changes to the vehicle or engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or exhaust system. When your vehicle is serviced, never use a metal exhaust collector. The use of a metal collector may melt or deform plastic parts.

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Preparing your vehicle for inspection / maintenance (I/M) testing In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of the on-board diagnostic

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(OBD) II system. If the vehicle’s