User manual FORD ESCORT

[. . . ] Contents Before driving Introduction Instrumentation Controls and features Seating and safety restraints Starting and driving Starting Driving Roadside emergencies Servicing Maintenance and care Capacities and specifications Reporting safety defects Index 123 180 187 188 80 87 104 2 3 17 47 All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company. Copyright 1997 Ford Motor Company Elemental Chlorine Free 1 Introduction ICONS Indicates a warning. Read the following section on Warnings for a full explanation. [. . . ] Failure to do so may damage the transaxle. Put the gearshift into the neutral position and wait at least three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse). 1 2 You can shift into R (Reverse) only by moving the gearshift from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) gears before you shift into R (Reverse). This is a special lockout feature which prevents you from shifting L 3 4 5 R 93 Driving into R (Reverse) when you downshift from 5 (Fifth). Automatic transaxle (if equipped) Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever from position to 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 is securely latched in P (Park). This locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating. P R N D D L 94 Driving R (Reverse) With the gearshift in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. You should always come to a complete stop before shifting in and out of R (Reverse). P R N D D L N (Neutral) With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position, the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position. P R N D D L 95 Driving (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 P R N D D L 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). 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. P R N D D L 96 Driving L (Low) Use L (Low) when added engine braking is desired or when descending steep hills. P R N D D L The automatic transaxle will shift into the proper gear to ascend any grade without any need to shift to L (Low). Do not go faster than 61 km/h (38 mph) when in this gear. You can upshift from L (Low) to (overdrive) at any time. When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone. VEHICLE LOADING Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms: 97 Driving · Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or aftermarket equipment. [. . . ] Cleaning the interior fabric Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner. Follow the directions that come with the cleaner. 178 Maintenance and care Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because these actions may weaken the belt webbing. Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no nicks, wear or cuts. [. . . ]