User manual FORD ESCORT-1997

[. . . ] 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 124 179 186 187 85 93 107 2 4 15 53 1 Introduction ICONS The following icons appear in this Owner Guide: indicates a warning. Read the following section on Warnings for a full explanation of warnings. indicates that vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow. Warnings Warnings remind you to be especially careful in those areas where carelessness can cause damage to your vehicle or personal injury to yourself, your passengers, or others. [. . . ] · Payload -- combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers and optional equipment. · GVW (Gross vehicle weight) -- base curb weight plus the payload weight (including passengers, cargo and optional equipment). · GVWR (Gross vehicle weight rating) -- maximum total weight of the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment, and cargo. The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver's door pillar. 101 Driving · GAWR (Gross axle weight rating) -- carrying capacity for each axle system (front and rear). This amount is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver's door pillar. Payload = Gross vehicle weight rating - Base curb weight To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks. Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limitations. (Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations. ) If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged or you may lose control and cause injury. Trailer towing Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer up to 454 kg (1000 lb) gross trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 45 kg (100 lb). Do not exceed the maximum loads stated on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. For load 102 Driving specification terms found on the label, refer to Loading your vehicle in this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when figuring the total weight. Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limits of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transaxle/axle damage, structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury. Preparing to tow Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer dealer if you require assistance. Auxiliary coolers are recommended for the power steering system and automatic transaxle system (if equipped ) if you are planning on: · traveling farther than 80 km (50 miles). Distribute the load so that only 10 to 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue. Tie down the load so that it does not shift 103 Driving and change the weight on the hitch. Using trailer brakes Use electric brakes or manual, automatic, or surge-type hydraulic brakes that meet federal and local regulations. Install and adjust the brakes according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase. Using safety chains Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and attach to the vehicle frame or hook retainers (not the bumper). Using trailer lamps See your local trailer dealer or rental agency for the proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps. [. . . ] Cleaning the engine A clean engine is more efficient than a dirty one because a buildup of grease and dirt acts as an insulator and keeps the engine warmer than normal. Follow these guidelines to clean your engine: · Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high pressure fluid could penetrate sealed parts and cause damage. · In order to avoid cracking the engine block or fuel injection pump, do not spray these components with cold water. [. . . ]