User manual FORD ESCORT-2000

[. . . ] 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 Customer assistance Reporting safety defects Index 125 175 182 193 194 84 89 105 2 6 16 60 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. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation. Copyright © 1999 Ford Motor Company 1 Introduction The following warning may be required by California law: CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning Engine exhaust, some if its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, or birth defects or other reproductive harm. [. . . ] Make sure your trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps. Driving while you tow When towing a trailer: · Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades. · Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer. · Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel economy and transaxle cooling. · Anticipate stops and brake gradually. Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transaxle damage and void your warranty coverage. Servicing after towing If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for more information. Trailer towing tips · Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles. · Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. · The trailer tongue weight should be 10% of the loaded trailer weight. 103 Driving · After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts. · When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine cooling and air conditioner efficiency. · Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels. DRIVING THROUGH WATER Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your engine's air intake and severely damage your engine. If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars). [. . . ] Not all accessories are available for all models. Vehicle Security Styled wheel protector locks Vehicle security systems 190 Customer assistance Comfort and convenience Air conditioner Cargo nets Cargo organizers Engine block heaters Travel equipment Auto headlamps with daytime running lights (DRL) Console armrest Daytime running lights (DRL) Electrochromic inside mirror with compass Electrochromic inside mirror with compass and temperature display Heavy-duty battery Removable luggage rack Removable luggage rack adapters Soft luggage cover Speed control Protection and appearance equipment Air bag anti-theft locks Carpet floor mats Cleaners, waxes and polishes Flat splash guards Front end covers (full) Lubricants and oils Molded splash guards Molded vinyl floor mats Rear decklid spoilers Touch-up paint Universal floor mats For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle: 191 Customer assistance · When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight information. · The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile communications systems - such as two-way radios, telephones and theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. [. . . ]