Ford Escort (2003 year). Manual — part 7

Temperature control knob

Controls the temperature of the
airflow inside the vehicle.

Mode Selector Control

Controls the direction of the airflow
to the inside of the vehicle.

The air conditioning compressor can operate in all modes except

and

. However, the air conditioning will only function if the outside

temperature is about 6°C (43°F) or higher.

Since the air conditioner removes considerable moisture from the air
during operation, it is normal if clear water drips on the ground under
the air conditioner drain while the systemis working and even after you
have stopped the vehicle.
• MAX A/C – Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. MAX A/C is noisier

than A/C but more economical and will cool the inside of the vehicle
faster. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers. This mode
can also be used to prevent undesirable odors fromentering the vehicle.

• A/C – Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is quieter than MAX A/C but

not as economical. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers.

•

(Panel) – Distributes outside air through the instrument panel

registers. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside
temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

• OFF – Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate. For short

periods of time only, use this mode to prevent undesirable odors from
entering the vehicle.

•

(Panel and floor) – Distributes outside air through the

instrument panel registers and the floor ducts. Heating and air
conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. For added
customer comfort, when the temperature control knob is anywhere in
between the full hot and full cold positions, the air distributed through
the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the
instrument panel registers.

OFF

A/C

MAX

A/C

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30

•

(Floor) – Distributes outside air through the floor ducts.

However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature
because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

•

(Floor and defrost) – Distributes outside air through the

windshield defroster ducts and the floor ducts. Heating and air
conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. For added
customer comfort, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be
slightly warmer than the air sent to the windshield defroster ducts. If
the temperature is about 6°C (43°F) or higher, the air conditioner will
automatically dehumidify the air to reduce fogging.

•

(Defrost) – Distributes outside air through the windshield

defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog fromthe windshield.
If the temperature is about 6°C (43°F) or higher, the air conditioner
will automatically dehumidify the air to reduce fogging.

Operating tips
• In humid weather conditions, place the climate control system in

Defrost mode before driving. This will reduce fogging on your
windshield. Once the windshield has been cleared, operate the climate
control systemas desired.

• To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle in cold weather

conditions, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF or
MAX A/C position.

• To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle in warm weather

conditions, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF
position.

• Under normal weather conditions, your vehicle’s climate control

systemshould be left in any position other than the MAX A/C or OFF
when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe”
through the outside air inlet duct.

• Under snowy or dirty weather conditions, your vehicle’s climate

control systemshould be left in the OFF position when the vehicle is
parked. This allows the climate control system to be free from
contamination of outside pollutants.

• If your vehicle has been parked with the windows closed during warm

weather conditions, the air conditioner will performmore efficiently in
cooling the vehicle if driven for two or three minutes with the
windows open. This will force most of the hot, stale air out of the
vehicle. Once the vehicle has been “aired out”, operate the climate
control systemas desired.

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31

• Do not put objects under the front seat which may interfere with the

airflow to the rear seats.

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the

bottomof the windshield and underneath the hood).

• Do not place objects over the defroster outlets. These objects can

block airflow and reduce visibility through your windshield. Avoid
placing small objects on top of the instrument panel. These objects
may fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow, in addition
to, damaging the climate control system.

To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather conditions:

1. Select the position that distributes air through the Panel and Floor.

2. Set the temperature control to full heat.

3. Set the fan speed to full fan.

4. Direct the outer panel vents towards the side windows.

5. To increase airflow to the outer panel vents, close the central panel
vents.

Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER

Clears the rear window of thin ice and fog. To operate:

1. Turn the ignition to the ON position.

2. Press and release the control
once to turn on. The light will be lit
while the rear window defroster is
on.

3. Press and release the control
again to turn off.

The defroster will automatically turn off after 15 minutes.

R.DEF

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32

HEADLAMP CONTROL

Turns the lamps off.

Turns on the parking

lamps, instrument panel lamps,
license plate lamps and tail lamps.

Turns the headlamps on.

Foglamp control (if equipped)

Rotate forward to activate.

High beams

Push the lever toward the
instrument panel to activate. Pull
the lever towards you to deactivate.

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

Lights

33