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. [. . . ] If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency gives to you. Trailer brakes Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations. 102 Driving 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. The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the GVWR not GCWR. Trailer lamps Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. 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. This will eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel economy and transaxle cooling. 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. · 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. 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). [. . . ] These quality products have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to complement the style and appearance of your vehicle. Each product is made from high quality materials and that meet or exceed Ford's rigid specifications. For best results, use the following or products of equivalent quality: Ford Custom Clearcoat Polish* Ford Custom Silicone Gloss Polish Ford Custom Vinyl Protectant* (not available in Canada) Motorcraft Vinyl Conditioner (Canada only) 189 Customer assistance Ford Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner (not available in Canada) Motorcraft Vinyl Cleaner (Canada only) Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Remover* (not available in Canada) Ford Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (Canada only) Ford Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (not available in Canada) Ford Metal Surface Cleaner Ford Multi-Purpose Cleaner* Motorcraft Car Wash Concentrate Motorcraft Carlite Glass Cleaner Ford Spot and Stain Remover* Ford Super Premium Tire and Trim Dressing Ford Triple Clean Ford Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (not available in Canada) * May be sold with the Motorcraft name FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE A wide selection of Ford accessories are available for your vehicle through your local authorized Ford, Lincoln Mercury or Ford of Canada dealer. These quality accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to complement the style and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. [. . . ]