Ford Escort (2003 year). Manual — part 21

• Make sure the gearshift is in P

(Park).

If starting a vehicle with a manual
transaxle:

1. Make sure the parking brake is
set.

2. Push the clutch pedal to the floor.

P

R

N

D

D

L

Driving

86

• Turn the key to 3 (ON) without

turning the key to 4 (START).

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or 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.

Starting the engine

1. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START). If
there is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
• the front wheels are turned
• a front wheel is against the curb
Turn the key to 4 (START), then
release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could
damage the starter.
Note: If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to 1 (LOCK), wait 10 seconds and try again.

LO

C

K

A

C

C

ON

S

TA

R

T

0

I

II

III

4

3

2

1

!

THEFT

LOW
FUEL

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

CHECK

FUEL

CAP

P

BRAKE

ABS

+

–

MPH

20

50

60

70

FUEL

FILL

E

F

C

H

1

2

/

RPMx1000

1

2

3

4 5

6

7

8

30

40

80

90

100

110

120

10

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

km/h

0

0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0

LO

C

K

A

C

C

ON

S

TA

R

T

0

I

II

III

4

3

2

1

Driving

87

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. 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. 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.

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell

exhaust fumes.

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.

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.

Driving

88

If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear.
Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may overheat

and become less effective.

Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with
emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations
can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by
weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can
be removed with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A).

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 fromlocking 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.

Using ABS
• In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel

ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
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.

Driving

89