Ford Escort (2003 year). Manual — part 37

Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.

Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate

manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.

Coolant refill capacity

To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
to Refill capacities in this chapter.

Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined in Adding engine coolant
in this chapter.

Severe climates

If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than –36° C [–34° F]):
• It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration

above 50%.

• NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
• Increased engine coolant concentrations above 60% will

decrease the overheat protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.

• Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the

coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
freeze protection at the temperatures in which you drive in the
winter months.

If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration

above 40%.

• NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
• Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will

decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.

• Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will

decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.

• Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the

coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.

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Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.

WHATYOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUTAUTOMOTIVE FUELS

Important safety precautions

Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.

The fuel systemmay be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops

before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.

If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause

the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.

Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.

Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.

Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
• Extinguish all smoking materials

and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.

• Always turn off the vehicle before

fueling.

• Automotive fuels can be harmful

or fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as gasoline is highly toxic and if
swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed,
call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are immediately
apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for hours.

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151

• Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind

can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.

• Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,

remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.

• Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is

splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.

• Be particularly careful if you are taking “Antabuse” or other forms of

disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors,
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse
reaction.

When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never smoke while

refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.

The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an

ungrounded fuel container.

Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
• Place approved fuel container on the ground.
• DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the

cargo area).

• Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while

filling.

• DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill

position.

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152

Fuel Filler Cap

Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.

When fueling your vehicle:

1. Turn the engine off.

2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.

3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.

4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.

5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.

The “Check Fuel Cap” light illuminates when the ignition is turned to the
ON position. It will also illuminate when the fuel filler cap is not properly
installed. Proper fuel filler cap installation is checked automatically as
the vehicle is driven, but not until after some fuel is used (fuel gauge
drops below full). Once the fuel filler cap is properly secured, the “Check
Fuel Cap” light will turn off after a short period of driving.

If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.

The fuel systemmay be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops

before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.

If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause

the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.

Choosing the right fuel

Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.

Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.

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