Ford Escort (2003 year). Manual — part 34

Working with the engine on
• Automatic transaxle:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).

2. Block the wheels.
• Manual transaxle
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in N
(Neutral).

2. Block the wheels.

Note: Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.

OPENING THE HOOD

1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottomleft corner of the instrument
panel.

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2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front center of the hood.

3. Lift the hood and secure it with the prop rod.

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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

2.0L DOHC Zetec engine

1. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transaxle)

2. Battery

3. Air filter assembly

4. Engine oil filler cap

5. Engine oil dipstick

6. Power steering fluid reservoir

7. Engine coolant reservoir

8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir

9. Brake fluid reservoir

9

8

7

1

2

3

4

6

5

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140

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

Windshield washer fluid

Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a

symbol.

If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.

Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specifications in this
chapter.

State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.

If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5° C (40°
F), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use

washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.

Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling systemmay harmengine and cooling system
components.

ENGINE OIL

Checking the engine oil

Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.

1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.

2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.

3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(automatic transaxle) or 1st (manual transaxle).

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