1998 Ford Escort Owners Manual

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CHECK

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ZX2 coupe instrument cluster gauges

1 2/

FUEL FILL

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BRAKE

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ABS

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RPMx1000

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1 2/

FUEL FILL

Instrumentation

Fuel gauge Displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank (when the key is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion. The ignition should be in the OFF position while the vehicle is being refueled. When the gauge first indicates empty, there is a small amount of reserve fuel in the tank. When refueling the vehicle from empty indication, the amount of fuel that can be added will be less than the advertised capacity due to the reserve fuel.

Engine coolant temperature gauge Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating temperature, the needle remains within the normal area (the area between the “H” and “C”). If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle, switch off the ignition and let the engine cool. Refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the

engine is running or hot.

This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the gauge indication will not be accurate.

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Speedometer Indicates the current vehicle speed.

Odometer Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

Trip odometer Registers the kilometers (miles) of individual journeys. To reset, depress the control.

Instrumentation

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Instrumentation

Tachometer (if equipped) Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute. Driving with your tachometer pointer in the red zone may damage the engine.

4 5

RPMx1000

THEFT

16

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL Use to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel. • Rotate left to brighten. • Rotate right to dim.

POWER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS To adjust your mirrors: 1. Select L to adjust the left mirror or R to adjust the right mirror.

2. Move the control in the direction you wish to tilt the mirror.

3. Return to the center position to lock mirrors in place. The ignition key must be in ACC or ON to adjust the power side view mirrors.

Controls and features

MIRRORS L R

MIRRORS L R

17

Controls and features

AUDIO SYSTEM Refer to the “Audio Guide” for instructions on how to operate the audio system.

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM

Heater only system (if equipped)

LO

OFF

HI

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Controls and features

Fanspeedcontrol Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

Temperaturecontrolknob Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle. On heater-only systems, the air cannot be cooled below the outside temperature. Modeselectorcontrol Controls the direction of the airflow to the inside of the vehicle.

LO

HI

OFF

(Vent)-Distributes outside

air through the instrument panel registers. • OFF-Outside air is shut out and •

the fan will not operate.

(Panel and

floor)-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers and the floor ducts.

•

•

•

•

(Floor)-Allows for maximum

heating. Distributes outside air through the floor ducts.

(Floor and

defrost)-Distributes outside air through the floor ducts and the windshield defroster ducts. -Distributes outside air

through the windshield defroster

19

Controls and features

ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield.

Operatingtips • In humid weather, select

before driving. This will

help to prevent your windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position. • To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position.

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the airflow to the back seats. • Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield under the hood).

• When placing objects on top of your instrument panel, be careful to not place them over the defroster outlets. These objects can block airflow and reduce your ability to see through your windshield. Also, avoid placing small objects on top of your instrument panel. These objects can fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow and possibly damage your climate control system.

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Controls and features

Manual heating and air conditioning system (if equipped)

LO

OFF

HI

A/C

MAX A/C

Fanspeedcontrol Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

Temperaturecontrolknob Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle.

LO

HI

Modeselectorcontrol Controls the direction of the airflow to the inside of the vehicle.

OFF

A/C

MAX A/C

The air conditioning compressor will operate in all modes except

and

. However, the air

conditioning will only function if the outside temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or above. Since the air conditioner removes considerable moisture from the air during operation, it is normal if clear water drips on the ground under the air conditioner drain while the system is working and

21

Controls and features

even after you have stopped the vehicle. Under normal conditions, your vehicle’s climate control system should be left in any position other than MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe” through the outside air inlet duct. • MAX A/C-Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. MAX A/C is noisier than A/C but more economical and will cool the inside of the vehicle faster. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers. This mode can also be used to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle. • A/C-Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is quieter than MAX A/C but not as economical. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers.

(Vent)-Distributes outside

air through the instrument panel registers. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode. • OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate. For short periods of time only, use this mode to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

•

(Panel and

floor)-Distributes outside air

•

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•

•

through the instrument panel registers and the floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. For added customer comfort, when the temperature control knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full cold positions, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the instrument panel registers.

(Floor)-Allows for maximum

heating by distributing outside air through the floor ducts. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

(Floor and

defrost)-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts and the floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. For added customer comfort, when the temperature control knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full cold positions, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the instrument panel registers. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to prevent fogging.

Controls and features

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•

Controls and features

-Distributes outside air

through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to prevent fogging.

Operatingtips • In humid weather, select

before driving. This will prevent your windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position. • To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position.

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the airflow to the back seats. • Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield under the hood).

• If your vehicle has been parked with the windows closed during hot weather, the air conditioner will do a much faster job of cooling if you drive for two or three minutes with the windows open. This will force most of the hot, stale air out of the vehicle.

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Then operate your air conditioner as you would normally.

• When placing objects on top of your instrument panel, be careful to not place them over the defroster outlets. These objects can block airflow and reduce your ability to see through your windshield. Also, avoid placing small objects on top of your instrument panel. These objects can fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow and possibly damage your climate control system.

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER Clears the rear window of thin ice and fog. To operate: 1. Turn the ignition to the ON position. 2. Press and release the control once to turn on. The light will be lit while the rear window defroster is on. 3. Press and release the control again to turn off. The defroster will automatically turn off after fifteen minutes.

Controls and features

R.DEF

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3

ON II

CC

OFF

Controls and features

POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION 1. LOCK, locks the steering wheel, gearshift lever (automatic transaxle only) and allows key removal. On vehicles with a manual transaxle push the key in while turning to lock. 2. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not running. 3. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key position when driving. 4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.

HEADLAMP CONTROL Rotate the headlamp control clockwise to the first position to turn on the parking lamps only. Rotate to the second position to also turn on the headlamps.

Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped) Turns the highbeam headlamps on with a reduced output. To activate: • the engine must be running • the gearshift must not be in P • the headlamp control is in the OFF or Parking lamps position.

(Park)

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The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system will

not illuminate the tail lamps and parking lamps. Turn on your headlamps at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a collision.

High beams Push forward to activate.

Flash to pass Pull toward you to activate and release to deactivate.

TURN SIGNAL CONTROL • Push down to activate the left • Push up to activate the right

turn signal.

turn signal.

Controls and features

OFF

OFF

OFF

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OFF

OFF

O N

O F F

Controls and features

FOGLAMPS (IF EQUIPPED) Rotate forward to activate.

SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)

To turn speed control on • Press ON. Vehicle speed cannot be controlled until the vehicle is traveling at or above 48 km/h (30 mph).

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or

on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved.

Do not shift the gearshift lever into N (Neutral) with

the speed control on.

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To turn speed control off • Press OFF or • Turn off the vehicle ignition.

Once speed control is switched off, the previously programmed set speed will be erased.

To set a speed • Press SET ACC/SET ACCEL. For speed control to operate, the speed control must be ON and the vehicle speed must be greater than 48 km/h (30 mph).

If you drive up or down a steep hill, your vehicle speed may vary momentarily slower or faster than the set speed. This is normal. Speed control cannot reduce the vehicle speed if it increases above the set speed on a downhill. If your vehicle speed is faster than the set speed while driving on a downhill, you may want to shift to the next lower gear or apply the brakes to reduce your vehicle speed.

Controls and features

O N

O F F

RSM

SET ACC

CST

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Controls and features

If your vehicle slows down more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage. This is normal. Pressing RES/RSM/RESUME will re-engage it.

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or

on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved.

To set a higher set speed • Press and hold SET ACC/SET ACCEL. Release the control when the desired vehicle speed is reached or • Press and release SET ACC/SET ACCEL. Each press will increase the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1
mph) or

• Accelerate with your accelerator

pedal, then press and release SET ACC/SET ACCEL.

You can accelerate with the accelerator pedal at any time during speed control usage. Releasing the accelerator pedal will return your vehicle to the previously programmed set speed.

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RSM

SET ACC

CST

To set a lower set speed • Press and hold CST/COAST. Release the control when the desired speed is reached or • Press and release CST/COAST. Each press will decrease the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) or

• Depress the brake pedal. When the desired vehicle speed is reached, press SET ACC/SET ACCEL.

Controls and features

RSM

SET ACC

CST

RSM

SET ACC

CST

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Controls and features

To disengage speed control • Depress the brake pedal or

• Depress the clutch pedal (if

equipped)

Disengaging the speed control will not erase the previously programmed set speed.

Pressing OFF will erase the previously programmed set speed.

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O N

O F F

To return to a previously set speed • Press RES/RSM/RESUME. For RES/RSM/RESUME to operate, the vehicle speed must be faster than 48 km/h (30 mph).

TILT STEERING (IF EQUIPPED) Pull the tilt steering control down to move the steering wheel up or down. Hold the control while adjusting the wheel to the desired position, then push the control back up to lock the steering wheel in position.

Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is

moving.

HAZARD FLASHER For information on the hazard flasher control, refer to Hazard lights control in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

Controls and features

RSM

SET ACC

CST

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Controls and features

WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER • For intermittent wiping, move the control down one position and rotate the wiper switch to the desired position.

• For low speed wiping, move the • For high speed wiping, move the

control down two positions.

control down three positions.

control up one position.

• For mist wiping, move the • To spray the washer fluid, pull the wiper control toward you.

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MIST OFF INT

MIST OFF INT

INT

INT

PULL

PULL

MIST OFF INT

INT

PULL

Controls and features

MIST OFF INT

ON OFF

INT

PULL

Rear window wiper/washer controls (if equipped) For rear wiper operation, rotate the rear wiper and washer control to the desired position. • To turn rear wipers on, rotate the rear wiper/washer control upward to the ON position. • To turn rear wipers off, rotate the rear wiper/washer control downward to the OFF position.

For rear washer fluid operation, rotate the rear wiper/washer control to the desired position. • To turn rear washers on, rotate the rear wiper/washer control position for upward to the your desired length of washer time. • To turn rear washers on briefly (for quick cleaning), rotate the wiper/washer control downward position and release. to the

roof to the vent position.

MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED) • Press OPEN to raise the moon • Press OPEN again to fully open • Press the opposite end of the

the moon roof.

toggle control to close the moon roof from either position.

Sliding shade The moon roof has a sliding shade that you can open or close when the moon roof is closed.

OPEN

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Controls and features

INTERIOR LAMPS

Dome lamp (if equipped) The dome lamp is located overhead between the driver and passenger seats. The dome lamp will stay on if the control is moved to the ON position. When the control is moved to the DOOR position, the lamp will only come on if a door is opened. If the control is moved to the OFF position, the lamp will not come on at all.

Map lamps (if equipped) The map lamps and controls are located on the dome lamp. Press the controls on either side of the dome lamp to activate the map lamps. If equipped with a moon roof, the map lamps are located on the moon roof control panel. Press the control next to the map lamp to illuminate the lamp.

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OFF DOOR ON

OPEN

POWER WINDOWS (IF EQUIPPED) Press and hold the rocker switches to open and close windows. • Press the top portion of the

rocker switch to close.

Controls and features

37

Controls and features • Press the bottom portion of the

rocker switch to open.

Express down To make the driver window open fully without holding the window control, press the driver window control completely down and release quickly. Depress again to stop window operation.

POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT Position the floor mat so that the eyelet is over the pointed end of the retention post and rotate forward to lock in. Make sure that the mat does not interfere with the operation of the accelerator or the brake pedal. To remove the floor mat, reverse the installation procedure.

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FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH Refer to the Roadside emergencies chapter for instructions on how to operate the fuel pump shut-off switch.

CARGO COVER (IF EQUIPPED) Your vehicle may be equipped with a cargo area shade that covers the luggage compartment of your vehicle. To install the shade: 1. Fasten the cover into the mounting brackets (make sure the cover is right side up). 2. Pull the end of the shade toward you and hook the sides into the notches in the rear trim panels.

To prevent the possibility of injuries, the fasteners

for the cargo area cover must be properly attached to the mounting clips on the rear trim panels.

Do not place any objects on the cargo area cover.

They may obstruct your vision or strike occupants of the vehicle in the case of a sudden stop or collision.

REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM Your vehicle may have an all-door remote entry system or a driver’s door only remote entry system.

Controls and features

39

Controls and features

without a key.

The all-door remote entry system allows you to: • lock or unlock all vehicle doors • arm and disarm the anti-theft system. (For more information on the anti-theft system, refer to Anti-theft system in this chapter.)

• open the trunk. • activate the panic alarm. The driver’s door only entry system allows you to: • lock the driver’s door and • unlock the driver’s door only • activate the panic alarm. • open the trunk or unlock liftgate

liftgate (wagons)

without a key.

(wagons).

The remote entry features only operate with the ignition in the OFF position.

Unlocking the doors Press this control to unlock the driver’s door. The interior lamps will illuminate. With the all-door remote entry system, press the control a second time within five seconds to unlock all doors (on wagons, this will not unlock the liftgate).

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Controls and features

Locking the doors Press this control to lock all doors (and liftgate on wagons). On vehicles equipped with the driver’s door only remote entry system, only the driver’s door will lock. To confirm doors are closed and locked, press the lock control a second time within five seconds. The door(s) will lock again, the horn will chirp once and the lamps will flash. If any of the doors are open or ajar, the horn will make two quick chirps, reminding you to properly close the doors. This process will also arm your anti-theft system (if equipped). For more information on arming the anti-theft system, refer to Anti-theft system in this chapter.

Opening the trunk Press the control once to open the trunk. On wagons, pressing the control will unlock (but not open) the liftgate. Be certain the trunk is closed before driving your vehicle. The trunk may appear closed, but it may not be latched. Failure to do so may cause objects to fall out of the trunk or block rear view vision.

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Controls and features

Sounding a panic alarm Press this control to activate the alarm. To deactivate the alarm, press the control again or turn the ignition to ACC or ON. This device complies with part 15
of the FCC rules and with RS-210
of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Replacing the batteries The transmitter is powered by two coin type three-volt lithium batteries. Typical operating range will allow you to be up to 10
meters (33 feet) away from your vehicle. A decrease in operating range can be caused by: • battery failure • weather conditions • nearby radio towers • structures around the vehicle • other vehicles parked next to

the vehicle

To replace the batteries:

42

1. Twist a thin coin between the two halves of the transmitter. DO NOT TAKE THE FRONT PART OF THE TRANSMITTER APART. 2. Place the positive (+) side of new batteries down. Refer to the diagram inside the transmitter unit. 3. Snap the two halves back together.

Replacing lost transmitters Take all your vehicle’s transmitters to your dealer for reprogramming if: • a transmitter is lost or • you want to purchase additional transmitters (up to four may be programmed).

To reprogram the transmitters, place the key in the ignition and switch from OFF to ON eight times in rapid succession (within 10
seconds). After doors lock/unlock, press any button on all transmitters (up to four). With each button press of the transmitters, the door should cycle (lock/unlock) to confirm programming. When completed, switch the ignition to OFF. The door locks should cycle (lock/unlock) one last time to confirm completion of programming.

Controls and features

43

Controls and features

All transmitters must be programmed at the same time.

Illuminated entry Interior lamps will illuminate when UNLOCK is pressed. The lamps will illuminate for approximately 20
seconds or until the key is inserted in the ignition and turned to ON or until LOCK is pressed. The dome lamp must be set to the DOOR position in order for the illuminated entry system to operate.

ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) When armed, the anti-theft system will help protect your vehicle from unauthorized entry.

Arming the anti-theft system Turn the ignition to OFF and press the lock control on the remote entry transmitter.

Identifyinganarmedsystem While the system is arming, the THEFT light in the instrument cluster will illuminate for 30
seconds. After 30 seconds, THEFT will flash, indicating the system is armed.

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Controls and features

If the system is arming with the doors open, the THEFT light will stay illuminated until all the doors are closed and then illuminate for 30 seconds and begin flashing. When an unauthorized entry occurs, the activated system will: • flash the parking lamps and the • sound the horn The flashing parklamps and the honking horn automatically shut off after about three minutes and will remain off unless another unauthorized entry is attempted.

THEFT light

Disarming the anti-theft system Disarminganuntriggered anti-theftsystem Press the unlock control to disarm the untriggered system. If the driver armed the system but did not exit the vehicle, disarm the system by inserting the key and turning the ignition to ON/ACC. Using the ignition key to unlock doors/trunk/liftgate will not disarm the anti-theft system.

45

Controls and features

Disarmingatriggeredanti-theft system Press either the unlock or panic control to disarm the system. A triggered system may also be disarmed by inserting the key and turning the ignition to ACC or ON.

46

Seating and safety restraints

SEATING

Adjustable head restraints (if equipped) The head restraints can be moved up and down.

Push control to lower head restraint.

Front seats

Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the

vehicle is moving.

Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to

avoid injuring people in a collision or sudden stop.

47

Seating and safety restraints

Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

Lift handle to move seat forward or backward.

Pull lever up to adjust seatback.

48

Seating and safety restraints

Driver seat memory recliner (if equipped) • Pull control to adjust seatback.

• To retain selected seatback position, release seatback by moving memory recliner control forward to release seatback.

• Push seatback rearward until the seatback latches. This will be the first position selected.

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Seating and safety restraints

Folding rear seats (if equipped) Foldingdowntherearseats If your vehicle is equipped with a built-in child seat, the seatback cannot be folded down unless the built-in child seat is fully stowed. See Built-in child seats in this chapter for more information. To fold the seatback down: • Press the latch control

downward or pull up on strap and

• Push the seatback down.

Returningtheseattothe uprightposition

Check to see that the seat and seatback is latched

securely in position. Keep floor area free of objects that would prevent proper seat engagement. Never attempt to adjust the seat while the vehicle is in motion.

To return the seat to the upright/normal seating position: • Rotate seat upward and latch. The full rear bench seat is shown. The split-folding rear seat (if equipped) operates in a similar manner.

50

Seating and safety restraints

SAFETY RESTRAINTS

Safety restraints precautions

Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

To prevent the risk of injury, make sure children

sit where they can be properly restrained.

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap

while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision.

All occupants of the vehicle, including the

driver, should always wear their safety belts.

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,

inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

51

Seating and safety restraints

Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific

safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing it around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person.

The ZX2 Coupe was designed to accommodate

up to four people. Do not attempt to carry more occupants. All designed seating positions are equipped with safety belts. All occupants should be properly restrained. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious personal injury or death.

Combination lap and shoulder belts 1. To fasten, insert the tongue into the slot in the buckle.

52

Seating and safety restraints

2. To unfasten, push the red release button and remove the tongue from the buckle.

The front and rear outboard safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. The front and rear seat passenger outboard safety belts have two types of locking modes described below:

Automatic locking mode In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt. Whentousetheautomatic lockingmode • When a tight lap/shoulder fit is • Anytime a child safety seat is installed in the vehicle. Refer to Safety Restraints for Children or Safety Seats for Children later in this chapter.

desired.

53

Seating and safety restraints

Howtousetheautomatic lockingmode • Buckle the combination lap and

shoulder belt.

• Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is extracted.

• Allow the belt to retract. As the

belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the automatic locking mode.

Howtodisengagetheautomatic lockingmode Disconnect the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the automatic locking mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.

54

Seating and safety restraints

Front safety belt height adjustment Your vehicle has safety belt height adjustments for the driver and front passenger. Adjust the height of the shoulder belt so the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. To lower the shoulder belt height, push the button and slide the height control down. To raise the height of the shoulder belt, slide the height adjuster up. Pull down on the height adjustment assembly to make sure it is locked in place.

Position the shoulder belt height adjuster so that the

belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust the safety belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Lap belts Adjustingthelapbelt The lap belt does not adjust automatically. Adjust to fit snugly and as low as possible around your hips. Do not wear the lap belt around your waist.

55

Seating and safety restraints

Insert the tongue into the correct buckle. To lengthen the belt, turn the tongue at a right angle to the belt and pull across your lap until it reaches the buckle. To tighten the belt, pull the loose end of the belt through the tongue until it fits snugly across the hips.

Shorten and fasten the belt when not in use.

Safety belt extension assembly If the safety belt assembly is too short, even when fully extended, 20 cm (8 inches) can be added to the safety belt assembly by adding a safety belt extension assembly (part number 611C22). Safety belt extension assemblies can be obtained from your dealer at no cost. Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety

56

Seating and safety restraints

belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended. Do not use extensions to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

Safety belt warning light and indicator chime The seat belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.

Conditions of operation

If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled before the ignition key is turned to ON...

The driver’s safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding... The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition key is turned to ON...

Then... The safety belt warning light illuminates for one to two minutes and the warning chime sounds for four to eight seconds. The safety belt warning light turns off.

The safety belt warning light remains off.

Safety belt maintenance Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Check the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, wears or cuts. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle assemblies (slide bar)(if

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equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

Failure to replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of a collision.

Refer to Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts in the Maintenance and care section.

AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)

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Important supplemental restraint system (SRS) precautions The supplemental restraint system is designed to: • work with the safety belt to protect the driver and right front passenger • reduce certain upper body

injuries

Failure to follow these instructions will affect the performance of the safety belts and increase the risk of personal injury.

The right front passenger air bag is not designed to restrain occupants in the center front seating position.

All occupants of the vehicle including the driver

should always wear their safety belts even when air bag SRS is provided.

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Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the air bag cover on the steering wheel or in front seat areas that may come into contact with a deploying air bag. Failure to follow this instruction may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air

Bag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Children and air bags For additional important safety information, read all information on safety restraints in this guide. Children should always wear their safety belts. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Air bag can kill or injure a child in a child seat. If you

must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move seat all the way back.

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How does the air bag supplemental restraint system work? The SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains sufficient longitudinal deceleration. The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the type sufficient to cause activation.

The air bags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After air bag deployment, it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell the burnt propellant. This may consist of cornstarch, talcum powder (to lubricate the bag) or sodium compounds (e.g., baking soda) that result from the combustion process that inflates the air bag. Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic.

Several air bag system components get hot after

inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

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If the air bag is inflated, the air bag will not

function again and must be replaced immediately. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

The SRS consists of: • driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and air bags),

sensors,

• one or more impact and safing • a readiness light and tone • and the electrical wiring which

connects the components.

The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the supplemental air bag electrical system warning (including the impact sensors), the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air bag back up power and the air bag ignitors.

Determining if the system is operational The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Air bag readiness section in the Instrumentation chapter. Routine maintenance of the air bag is not required.

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flash or stay lit.

A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following: • The readiness light will either • The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on. • A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.

SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN

Important child restraint precautions You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S. and Canada. If small children ride in your vehicle (generally children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less), you must put

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them in safety seats made especially for children. Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of children in your vehicle.

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap

while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision.

Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or child restraint you might use. When possible, place children in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position.

Children and safety belts Children who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by your child safety seat manufacturer) should always wear safety belts. Follow all the important safety restraint and air bag precautions that apply to adult passengers in your vehicle. If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can be positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving

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the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit. If the shoulder belt cannot be properly positioned: • move the child to one of the seats with a lap belt only (if equipped)

OR • if the child is the proper size, restrain the child in a safety seat.

Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets

unattended in your vehicle.

To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that encourages safer seating posture and better fit of lap and shoulder belts on the child. A belt-positioning booster should be used if the shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion when the lower legs hang over the edge of the seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the special needs

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of your child with your pediatrician.

SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN

Child and infant or child safety seats Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision. When installing a child safety seat: • Use the correct safety belt • Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle. • Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling. • Place seat back in upright • Put the safety belt in the

buckle for that seating position.

position.

automatic locking mode. Refer to Automatic locking mode. Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more information on top tether straps, refer to

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Attaching safety seats with tether straps.

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions 1. Position the child safety seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt.

Air bag can kill or injure a child in a child seat. If you

must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move seat all the way back.

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2. Pull down on the shoulder belt and then grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together.

3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted.

4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle for that seating position until you hear and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is latched securely by pulling on it.

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5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted and a click is heard.

6. Allow the belt to retract. The belt will click as it retracts to indicate it is in the automatic locking mode. 7. Pull the lap belt portion across the child seat toward the buckle and pull up on the shoulder belt while pushing down with your knee on the child seat.

8. Allow the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt. 9. Before placing the child in the seat, forcibly tilt the seat forward and back to make sure the seat is securely held in place.

10. Try to pull the belt out of the