2000 Ford Escort Owners Manual

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(Panel and floor)-Distributes outside air 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 windshield defrost ducts. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to reduce fogging. (Defrost)-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 reduce fogging. Operatingtips † In humid weather, select before driving. This will reduce fogging on your windshield. After a few minutes, select any desired position. † To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle, do not drive with the † Do not put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the climate control system in the OFF or MAX A/C position. airflow to the back seats. 39 Controls and features † Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield). † 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. 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. Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel, as these objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop. 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 15 minutes. R.DEF 40 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. ON II CC HEADLAMP CONTROL Rotate the headlamp control to the first position to turn on the parking lamps. Rotate to the second position to also turn on the headlamps. OFF Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped) Turns the headlamps on with a reduced output. To activate: † the ignition must be in the ON position and † the headlamp control is in the OFF or Parking lamps position. Always remember to turn on your headlamps at dusk or during inclement weather. The Daytime Running Light (DRL) System does not activate your tail lamps and generally may not provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision. 41 Controls and features High beams Push forward to activate. Pull toward you to deactivate. Flash to pass Pull toward you to activate and release to deactivate. Foglamp control (if equipped) Rotate forward to activate. 42 OFF OFF OFF OFF TURN SIGNAL CONTROL † Push down to activate the left † Push up to activate the right turn turn signal. signal. 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). Controls and features OFF O F F O N 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. 43 Controls and features To turn speed control off † Press OFF or † Turn off the vehicle ignition. O N O F F Once speed control is switched off, the previously programmed set speed will be erased. To set a speed † Press SET/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). RSM SET ACC CST 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. 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. 44 To set a higher set speed † Press and hold SET/SET ACC/ SET ACCEL. Release the control when the desired vehicle speed is reached or † Press and release SET/SET ACC/ SET ACCEL. Each press will increase the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) or Controls and features RSM SET ACC † Accelerate with your accelerator pedal. When the desired vehicle speed is reached, press and release SET/SET ACC/SET ACCEL. CST 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. 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/SET ACC/ SET ACCEL. RSM SET ACC CST RSM SET ACC CST 45 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. 46 O N O F F Controls and features RSM SET ACC CST 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 flasher in the Roadside emergencies chapter. 47 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. MIST OFF INT MIST OFF INT † For mist wiping, move the control up one position. † To spray the washer fluid, pull the wiper control toward you. MIST OFF INT 48 INT INT PULL PULL INT PULL Controls and features OPEN MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED) † Press and hold OPEN to raise the moon roof to the vent position. † 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. INTERIOR LAMPS Dome lamp and map lamps (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. The map lamps and controls are located on the dome lamp. Press the controls on either side of each map lamp to activate the lamps. OFF DOOR ON 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. 49 Controls and features 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. POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED) Press U to unlock all doors and L to lock all doors. OPEN CHILDPROOF DOOR LOCKS When these locks are set, the rear doors cannot be opened from the inside. The rear doors can be opened from the outside when the doors are unlocked. The childproof locks are located on rear edge of each rear door and must be set separately for each door. Setting the lock for one door will not automatically set the lock for both doors. Move lock control down to engage the lock. Move control up to disengage childproof locks. 50 Controls and features 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. † 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. 51 Controls and features 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. INTERIOR LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT RELEASE (IF EQUIPPED) Your vehicle is equipped with a mechanical interior luggage compartment release handle that provides a means of escape for children and adults in the event they become locked inside the luggage compartment. Adults are advised to familiarize themselves with the operation and location of the release handle. To open the luggage compartment door (lid) from the inside, pull the illuminated “T” shaped handle and push up on the trunk lid. The material that the handle is made of will glow for hours in the darkness of the luggage compartment following brief exposure to ambient light. The “T” shaped handle will be located either on the luggage compartment door (lid) or inside the luggage compartment near the tail lamps. 52 Controls and features Keep vehicle doors and luggage compartment locked and keep keys out of a child’s reach. Unsupervised children could lock themselves in an open trunk and risk injury. Children should be taught not to play in vehicles. On hot days, the temperature in the trunk or vehicle interior can rise very quickly. Exposure of people or animals to these high temperatures for even a short time can cause death or serious heat-related injuries, including brain damage. Small children are particularly at risk. anti-theft system, refer to Anti-theft system in this chapter.) REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM Your vehicle may have an all-door remote entry system or a driver’s door only remote entry system. The all-door remote entry system allows you to: † lock or unlock all vehicle doors without a key. † arm and disarm the anti-theft system. (For more information on the † open the trunk. † activate the panic alarm. The driver’s door only entry system allows you to: † lock the driver’s door † unlock the driver’s door only without a key. † activate the panic alarm. † open the trunk The remote entry features only operate with the ignition in the OFF position. If there is any potential remote keyless entry problem with your vehicle, ensure ALL key fobs (remote entry transmitters) are brought to the dealership, to aid in troubleshooting. 53 Controls and features 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. Locking the doors Press this control to lock all doors. 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. 54 Controls and features Opening the trunk Press the control once to open the trunk. Ensure that the trunk is closed and latched before driving your vehicle. Failure to latch the trunk completely may cause objects to fall out of the trunk or block the rear view. 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 battery The remote transmitter is powered by one coin type three-volt lithium battery CR2032 or equivalent. 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: † weather conditions † nearby radio towers † structures around the vehicle † other vehicles parked next to the vehicle 55 Controls and features To replace the battery: 1. Twist a thin coin between the two halves of the transmitter near the key ring. DO NOT TAKE THE FRONT PART OF THE TRANSMITTER APART. 2. Place the positive (+) side of new battery in the same orientation. Refer to the diagram inside the transmitter unit. 3. Snap the two halves back together. Replacement of the battery will not cause the remote transmitter to become deprogrammed from your vehicle. The remote transmitter should operate normally after battery replacement. Replacing lost transmitters If a remote transmitter has been lost and you would like to remove it from the vehicle’s memory, or you would like to purchase additional remote transmitters and have them programmed to your vehicle: † Take all your vehicle’s transmitters to your dealer for programming, or † Perform the programming procedure yourself Programmingremotetransmitters It is necessary to have all (maximum of four — original and/or new) of your remote transmitters available prior to beginning this procedure. 56 To program the transmitters yourself: † Insert a key in the ignition and turn from 2 (ACC) to 3 (ON) eight times in rapid succession (within 10 seconds) with the eighth turn ending in the 3 (ON) position. The doors will lock/unlock to confirm that programming mode has been entered. † Within 20 seconds, program a Controls and features ON II CC remote transmitter by pressing any button on a transmitter. The doors will lock/unlock to confirm that the remote transmitter has been programmed. (If more than 20 seconds pass before pressing a remote transmitter button, the programming mode will exit and the procedure will have to be repeated.) † Repeat the previous step to program additional remote transmitters. The doors will lock/unlock to confirm that each remote transmitter has been programmed. † When you have completed programming the remote transmitters, turn the ignition to 2 (ACC) or wait 20 seconds. Again the doors will lock/unlock to confirm programming has been completed. Illuminated entry Interior lamps will illuminate when UNLOCK or PANIC control 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 control 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 prevent your vehicle from unauthorized entry. If there is any potential perimeter anti-theft problem with your vehicle, ensure ALL key fobs (remote entry transmitters) are brought to the dealership, to aid in troubleshooting. 57 Controls and features 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. 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 THEFT light † sound the horn The flashing parking lamps and the honking horn automatically shut off after about three minutes and will remain off unless another unauthorized entry is attempted. Disarming the anti-theft system Disarminganuntriggeredanti-theftsystem Press the unlock control to disarm a triggered or untriggered system. 58 Controls and features A triggered system may also be disarmed by inserting the key and turning the ignition to ON/ACC or by pressing the panic control. Pressing the trunk control will prevent the alarm from sounding until the trunk is closed again. Using the ignition key to unlock doors/trunk will not disarm the anti-theft system. Disarmingatriggeredanti-theftsystem 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. 59 Seating and safety restraints SEATING Adjustable head restraints Your vehicle’s seats may be equipped with head restraints which are vertically adjustable. The purpose of these head restraints is to help limit head motion in the event of a rear collision. To properly adjust your head restraints, lift the head restraint so that it is located directly behind your head or as close to that position as possible. Refer to the following to raise and lower the head restraints. The head restraints can be moved up and down. Push control to lower head restraint. Adjusting the front manual seat Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the vehicle is moving. Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to reduce the risk of injuring people in a collision or sudden stop. 60 Seating and safety restraints Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips. Reclining the seatback can reduce the effectiveness of the seat’s safety belt in the event of a collision. Lift handle to move seat forward or backward. Pull lever up to adjust seatback. 61 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. 62 Seating and safety restraints Folding rear seats (if equipped) Foldingdowntherearseats To fold the seatback down: † Press the latch control downward † Pull the seatback forward and or pull up on strap and down. Returningtheseattotheuprightposition 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. SAFETY RESTRAINTS Safety restraints precautions Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips. 63 Seating and safety restraints To reduce 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 properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag SRS is provided. 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. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. 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 the safety belt around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person. Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat and always properly use appropriate child restraints. 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. 64 Seating and safety restraints Whentousetheautomaticlockingmode † Anytime a child safety seat is installed in a passenger front or outboard rear seating position (if equipped). Children 12 years old and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible. Refer to Safety Restraints for Children or Safety Seats for Children later in this chapter. Howtousetheautomaticlockingmode † 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. 65 Seating and safety restraints Howtodisengagetheautomaticlockingmode 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. Front safety belt height adjustment (if equipped) 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 adjuster down. To raise the height of the shoulder belt, slide the height adjuster up. Pull down on the height adjuster to make sure it is locked in place. Position the shoulder belt height adjusters so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust the safety belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision. Lap belts (if equipped) Adjustingthelapbelt The lap belt does not adjust automatically. The lap belts should fit snugly and as low as possible around the hips, not around the waist. 66 Seating and safety restraints Insert the tongue into the correct buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from). 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 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. 67 Seating and safety restraints Conditions of operation If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position... 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 switch is turned to the ON position... Then... The safety belt warning light illuminates1-2 minutes and the warning chime sounds 4-8 seconds. The safety belt warning light and warning chime turn off. The safety belt warning light and indicator chime remain off. Belt minder (if equipped) The Belt Minder feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides additional reminders to the driver that the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning lamp in the instrument cluster. If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled approximately 5 seconds after the safety belt warning light has turned off... Then... The Belt Minder feature is activated - the safety belt warning light illuminates and the warning chime sounds for 6 seconds every 30 seconds, repeating for approximately 5 minutes or until safety belt is buckled. The Belt Minder feature will not activate. The driver’s safety belt is buckled while the safety belt indicator light is illuminated and the safety belt warning chime is sounding... The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position... The purpose of the Belt Minder is to remind occasional wearers to wear safety belts all of the time. The Belt Minder feature will not activate. 68 Seating and safety restraints The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts: (All statistics based on U.S. data) Reasons given... Consider... 9Crashes are rare events9 36 700 crashes occur every day. The more we drive, the more we are exposed to 9rare9 events, even for good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be seriously injured in a crash during our lifetime. 9I’m not going far9 3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25 miles of home. 9Belts are Ford designs its safety belts to enhance comfort. If uncomfortable9 you are uncomfortable - try different positions for the safety belt upper anchorage and seatback which should be as upright as possible; this can improve comfort. 9I was in a hurry9 Prime time for an accident. Belt Minder reminds 9Seat belts don’t work9 9Traffic is light9 9Belts wrinkle my clothes9 9The people I’m with don’t wear belts9 us to take a few seconds to buckle up. Safety belts, when used properly, reduce risk of death to front seat occupants by 45% in cars, and by 60% in light trucks. Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in single-vehicle crashes, many when no other vehicles are around. Possibly, but a serious crash can do much more than wrinkle your clothes, particularly if you are unbelted. Set the example, teen deaths occur 4 times more often in vehicles with TWO or MORE people. Children and younger brothers/sisters imitate behavior they see. 9I have an air bag9 Air bags offer greater protection when used with safety belts. Frontal airbags are not designed to inflate in rear and side crashes or rollovers. Not a good idea, people who are ejected are 40 times more likely to DIE. Safety belts help prevent ejection, WE CAN’T 9PICK OUR CRASH9. 9I’d rather be thrown clear9 Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt to avoid the Belt Minder chime. Sitting on the safety belt will increase risk of injury in an accident. To disable (one-time) or deactivate the Belt Minder feature please follow the directions stated below. 69 Seating and safety restraints Onetimedisable Anytime the safety belt is buckled and then unbuckled during an ignition ON cycle, Belt Minder will be disabled for that ignition cycle only. Deactivating/activatingthebeltminderfeature Read steps 1 - 9 thoroughly before proceeding with the deactivation/activation programming procedure. The Belt Minder feature can be deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure: Before following the procedure, make sure that: † the parking brake is set † the gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral † the ignition switch is in the OFF position † all vehicle doors are closed † the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled † the parklamps/headlamps are in OFF position (If vehicle is equipped position (manual transmission). with Autolamps, this will not affect the procedure.) To reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate the Belt Minder feature while driving the vehicle. 1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN (or ON) position. (DO NOT START THE ENGINE) 2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off. (Approximately 1–2 minutes) † Steps 3–5 must be completed within 60 seconds or the procedure will have to be repeated. 3. Buckle then unbuckle the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt unbuckled. This can be done before or during Belt Minder warning activation. 4. Turn on the parklamps/headlamps, turn off the parklamps/headlamps. 5. Buckle then unbuckle the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt unbuckled. † After step 5 the safety belt warning light will be turned on for three seconds. 70 Seating and safety restraints 6. Within seven seconds of the safety belt warning light turning off, buckle then unbuckle the safety belt. † This will disable Belt Minder if it is currently enabled, or enable Belt Minder if it is currently disabled. 7. Confirmation of disabling Belt Minder is provided by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds. 8. Confirmation of enabling Belt Minder is provided by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds, followed by three seconds with the safety belt warning light off, then followed by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds again. 9. After receiving confirmation, the deactivation/activation procedure is complete. Safety belt maintenance Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, wears or cuts, replacing if necessary. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle assemblies, buckle support assemblies (slide bar-if equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), shoulder belt guide on seatback (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 inspect and if necessary 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. 71 Seating and safety restraints AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information about the air bag and sensor systems. In the event of a collision this module may save information related to the collision including information about the air bag system and impact severity. This information will assist Ford in the servicing of your vehicle and may help Ford better understand real world collisions and further improve the safety of future vehicles. Important supplemental restraint system (SRS) precautions The supplemental restraint system is designed to work with the safety belt to help protect the driver and right front passenger from certain upper body injuries. Air bags DO NOT inflate slowly or gently and the risk of injury from a deploying air bag is greatest close to the trim covering the air bag module. All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag SRS is provided. 72 Seating and safety restraints Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat and always properly use appropriate child restraints. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a minimum distance of at least 25 cm (10 inches) between an occupant’s chest and the driver air bag module. Never place your arm over the air bag module as a deploying air bag can result in serious arm fractures or other injuries. Steps you can take to properly position yourself away from the air bag: † Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the † Recline the seat slightly (one or two degrees) from the upright pedals comfortably. position. Do not put anything on or over the air bag module. Placing objects on or over the air bag inflation area may cause those objects to be propelled by the air bag into your face and torso causing serious injury. Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Modifications to the front end of the vehicle, including frame, bumper, front end body structure and tow hooks may effect the performance of the air bag sensors increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify the front end of the vehicle. 73 Seating and safety restraints Children and air bags For additional important safety information, read all information on safety restraints in this guide. Children must always be properly restrained. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision. Air bags can kill or injure a child in a child seat. NEVER place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active air bag. If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back. How does the air bag supplemental restraint system work? The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains longitudinal deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit that initiates air bag inflation. 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. Air bags are designed to inflate in frontal and near-frontal collisions, not rollover, side-impact, or rear-impacts unless the collision causes sufficient longitudinal deceleration. 74 Seating and safety restraints 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. While the system is designed to help reduce serious injuries, contact with a deploying air bag may also cause abrasions, swelling or temporary hearing loss. Because air bags must inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is the risk of death or serious injuries such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of air bag deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be properly restrained as far away from the air bag module as possible while maintaining vehicle control. Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation. If the air bag is deployed, 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. air bags), The SRS consists of: † driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and † one or more impact and safing sensors, † a readiness light and tone † diagnostic module † and the electrical wiring which connects the components. 75 Seating and safety restraints 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. 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 flash or stay lit. 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 (including pretensioners) 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 See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety restraints for children. Also see Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in this chapter for special instructions about using air bags. 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 76 Seating and safety restraints must put 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, always place children under age 12 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 If the child is the proper size, restrain the child in a safety seat. 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 the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit. 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 77 Seating and safety restraints 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 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: † Review and follow the information presented in the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System section in this chapter. † Use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from). † Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel it latch. 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 position. 78 Seating and safety restraints † Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. Refer to Automatic locking mode (passenger side front and outboard rear seating positions) (if equipped). 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 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. An 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. Children 12 and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible. 79 Seating and safety restraints 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 (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) for that seating position until you hear a snap and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is latched securely by pulling on it. 80 Seating and safety restraints 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 retractor to make sure the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (you should not be able to pull more belt out). If the retractor is not locked, unbuckle the belt and repeat steps two through nine. Check to make sure the child seat is properly secured before each use. 81 Seating and safety restraints Attaching child safety seats with tether straps Most new forward-facing child safety seats include a tether strap which goes over the back of the seat and hooks to an anchoring point. Tether straps are available as an accessory for many older safety seats. Contact the manufacturer of your child seat for information about ordering a tether strap. The rear seats of your vehicle are equipped with built-in tether strap anchors located behind the seats as described below. The tether anchors in your vehicle are either located under a cover marked with the tether anchor symbol (shown with title) or are recessed bars on the back side of the seatback. The tether strap anchors in your vehicle are in the following positions (shown from top view): † Coupe † Sedan Attach the tether strap only to the appropriate tether anchor as shown. The tether strap may not work properly if attached somewhere other than the correct tether anchor. 1. Position the child safety seat on the passenger seat cushion. 2. Route the child safety seat tether strap over the back of the seat. 82 Seating and safety restraints For vehicles with adjustable head restraints, route the tether strap under the head restraint and between the head restraint posts, otherwise route the tether strap over the top of the seatback. 3. Locate the correct anchor for the selected seating position. 4. Clip the tether strap to the anchor as shown. If the tether strap is clipped incorrectly, the child safety seat may not be retained properly in the event of a collision. 5. Refer to the Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions section of this chapter for further instructions to secure the child safety seat. 6. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the safety seat is not anchored properly, the risk of a child being injured in a collision greatly increases. 83 Starting PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise. When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter. Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage. 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. Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions. If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. Important safety precautions A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute (RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes at the higher RPM. Before starting the vehicle: 1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter. 84 2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off. 3. Make sure the parking brake is set. Starting If starting a vehicle with an automatic transaxle: † Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park). If starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle: † Push the clutch pedal to the floor. 85 Starting 4. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without turning the key to 4 (START). If there is difficulty in turning the key, firmly rotate the steering wheel left and right until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when: † front wheels are turned † front wheel is against the curb † steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle ON II CC 1 2/ FUEL FILL SERVICE ENGINE SOON LOW FUEL ABS BRAKE 50 60 70 80 100 120 0 0 0 0 0 40 30 60 40 20 10 20 0 0 0 MPH km/h 80 140 90 100 160 110 180 120 200 – THEFT 50 80 40 60 70 100 120 80 140 90 30 60 0 0 0 0 0 160 100 20 40 10 20 MPH 0 0 0 km/h 180 110 120 1 2/ FUEL FILL LOW FUEL SERVICE ENGINE SOON BRAKE – ABS 4 5 RPMx1000 THEFT Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced. † If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the light may not illuminate. 86 STARTING THE ENGINE Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter. Starting CC ON II 1. Turn the key to 4 (START) without pressing the accelerator pedal and release as soon as the engine starts. The key will return to 3 (ON). 2. If the temperature is above –12° C (10° F) and the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again. 3. If the temperature is below -12° C (10° F) and the engine does not start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, Press the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to START position. 4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine speeds up. 5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking brake. Using the engine block heater (if equipped) An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23°C (-10°F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the vehicle. To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. 87 Starting Guarding against exhaust fumes Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects. If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill you. Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever: † the vehicle is raised for service. † the sound of the exhaust system changes. † the vehicle has been damaged in a collision. Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Important ventilating information If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch). Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air. Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow, leaves and other debris. 88 Driving BRAKES Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance. Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning; however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,” “continuous grinding” or “continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped) On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician. The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake applications and compensates for this tendency. The wheels are prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied. The accompanying illustration depicts the advantage of an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking traction. 89 Driving ABS warning lamp ABS The ABS warning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately.) BRAKE Using ABS † In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. † The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop. † We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks. Parking brake Apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is parked. To set the parking brake, pull the handle up as far as possible. 90 Driving The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking brake is released. The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected. BRAKE Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or in 1 (First) (manual transaxle). Push the button on the end of the parking brake and push the handle down as far as possible to release the brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy. for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. STEERING Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer the vehicle. To prevent damage to the power steering pump: † Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left † Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level. If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of the following: † underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s) † high crown in center of road 91 Driving † high crosswinds † wheels out of alignment † loose or worn components in steering linkage AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED) Brake-shift interlock This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is depressed. If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the brake pedal depressed: 1. Continue depressing the brake pedal, and remove the shift-lock override cap with a 2.5 cm (1 inch) or longer screwdriver. 2. Insert the screwdriver into the shift-lock override opening and push down. 92 3. Push and hold the thumb button. 4. Move the gearshift lever. If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse has blown and the vehicle’s brakelamps may not be operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside emergencies chapter. Driving Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working. If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The transaxle and tires may be damaged or the engine may overheat. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift lever is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. See your dealer or a qualified service technician. 93 Driving Understandinggearshiftpositions Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone. P(Park) Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift lever is securely latched in P (Park). This locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift lever is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. R(Reverse) With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. You should always come to a complete stop before shifting in and out of R (Reverse). 94 Driving N(Neutral) With the gearshift lever in the N (Neutral) position, the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position. (Overdrive) The overdrive position is the normal driving position for an automatic overdrive transaxle. It works the same way as D (Drive) but shifts to a fourth gear-an overdrive gear-when your vehicle cruises at a constant speed for any length of time. This fourth gear will increase your fuel economy when you travel at cruising speeds Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain terrains. If the transaxle shifts back and forth between third and fourth gears while you are driving hilly roads or if your vehicle requires additional power for climbing hills, shift into D (Drive). 95 Driving D(Drive) D (Drive) eliminates the needless shifting between third and fourth gears that your vehicle may do when driving in hilly terrain. It also gives more engine braking than overdrive to slow your vehicle on downgrades. L(Low) Use L (Low) when added engine braking is desired or when descending steep hills.

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2000 Ford Escort Owners Manual