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Maintenance Information Ford Escort IV

Procedures 6 illustrations ~1306 words

MODEL IDENTIFICATION

Note. For scheduled maintenance intervals and the related fluid capacities, fluid specifications and labor times for major service intervals, see appropriate SCHEDULED SERVICES article. Warranty information and specifications for fluid capacities, lubrication specifications, wheel and tire size, and battery type are covered in this article.

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation (1 OF 2). Scheme 2

Scheme 2: VIN Code ID Explanation (1 OF 2)
Scheme 2: VIN Code ID Explanation (1 OF 2)

VIN Code ID Explanation (2 OF 2). Scheme 3

Scheme 3: VIN Code ID Explanation (2 OF 2)
Scheme 3: VIN Code ID Explanation (2 OF 2)

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. All service schedules included are based on the following primary operating conditions

Severe Service

  1. Short Trips (About 10 Miles) In Freezing Temperatures
  2. Towing Or Heavily Loaded
  3. Severe Dust Conditions
  4. Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
  5. Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)

Normal Service

  1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
  2. No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule

Every 7 1/2 Months Or 7500 Miles, Whichever Comes First

Drain water from fuel filter. Service may be required more frequently (as indicated by the instrument panel warning light) depending upon fuel quantity and vehicle usage.

Replace engine oil and full-flow oil filter.

Every 15 Months Or 15,000 Miles

Adjust diesel engine valve clearances and replace oil by-pass filter cartridge.

Every 100,000 Miles

Replace camshaft drive belt and fuel injection pump drive belt.

Annually

Inspect battery protective bag and vent system for wear or deterioration.

Every 5,000 Miles (8,000 KM)

Replace engine oil and oil filter.

Spark Plugs

Replace every 15,000 miles (24,00 km).

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT

CAUTIONFailure to replace a faulty camshaft timing belt may result in serious engine damage.

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

  1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
  2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
  3. Oil Contamination
  4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
  5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Replace camshaft timing belts at 100,000 mile intervals on diesel engines.

COOLING SYSTEM, HOSES & CLAMPS

Replace engine coolant every 36 months or 30,000 miles. Check condition of hoses and clamps annually, regardless of mileage or driving conditions. Replace hoses and clamps as necessary.

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS
Scheme 4: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS

Scheme 5

Scheme 5
Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 6
Scheme 6

SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

TIRE INFLATION

Inflation pressure can be found on the decal attached to either the rear face of the right-hand door or pillar on 2-door or 3-door models or the front face of the right-hand rear door pillar on 4-door models.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

All wheel lug nuts are tightened to 85-105 ft. lbs. (109-142 N.m). If wheels are equipped with locking type lug nuts, ALWAYS position the "Keyed" nut opposite the valve stem.

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

All years and models use Group 58C batteries.

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

CAUTIONBefore replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.

BATTERY WARNING

WARNINGWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION section.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

CAUTIONTo prevent catalytic converter overheating, DO NOT allow engine to idle for more than 20 minutes.

DIESEL FUEL ANTI-FUNGAL ADDITIVES

CAUTIONIf fuel contamination due to fungi or other microorganisms is suspected a fuel additive with a biocide may be used. Follow the manufacturers dosage as recommended on product label. Use biocides ONLY when necessary, excessive use can may cause other fuel system problems.

DIESEL FUEL CONTAMINATION

WARNINGDiesel fuel system may be contaminated with fungi or other microorganisms. Keep contaminated fuel away from open skin cuts or sores to prevent skin irritation or infection.

DIESEL FUEL REQUIREMENTS

CAUTIONAll diesel engines are to use Diesel Fuel #2 when the outside temperature is above 20°F (-7°C). In temperatures that are below 20°F (-7°C) use Diesel Fuel #1, this will reduce the chance of the fuel thickening and forming wax.

Note. A Diesel Fuel #1 & #2 combination (Blended Fuel) may be used, and is recommended for mild winter driving.

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

WARNINGMany solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component.

EMERGENCY RELEASE LEVERS

The vehicle should never be operated unless both emergency release levers are in the down position.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

WARNINGRelieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component (fuel injection models).

HALOGEN BULBS

Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.

RADIATOR FAN

Keep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off.

RADIATOR CAP

CAUTIONAlways disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

CAUTIONAlways refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific model application and/or coverage limitations.

BASIC NEW CAR WARRANTY

Everything (except tires) is covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

POWERTRAIN WARRANTY

Begins at 12 months or 12,000 miles and lasts for 6 years or 60,000 miles after warranty start date, whichever occurs first. Warranty covers all moving internal and external parts, including seals and water pump on the engine and clutch cover and "U" joints on the transaxle. Items not covered include accessory drive belts, clutch discs and brake pads.

SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM COVERAGE

Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 5 years, regardless of mileage.

CORROSION COVERAGE

Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Warranty covers any holes in body sheet metal caused by corrosion.

EMISSIONS DEFECT WARRANTY/PERFORMANCE WARRANTY

Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The warranty applies only in states that require EPA emission performance testing. Coverage is limited to fewer components after 2 years or 24,000 miles.

FUSES & CIRCUIT BREAKERS

The fuse panel is located under the instrument cluster, to the left of the steering column.

Scheme 7

Scheme 7: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION
Scheme 7: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

  1. 1 - 15 Amp - Brakelights, Hazard Warning Lights, A/C Fan Controller (1987)
  2. 2 - 6 Amp Circuit Breaker (1983-87) - 8.25 Amp Circuit Breaker (1988-90) - Windshield Wiper & Washer Pump, Interval Wiper, Low Washer Fluid LED (1983)
  3. 3 - 15 Amp (1983-87) - (10 Amp With Optional Cluster) Taillight, Side Marker, License & Parking Lights, Cluster Illumination Light, PRNDL Illumination Light (1983 EXP) 10 Amp (1988-90) - Headlight Switch & Graphic Display (1988-89), Parking Lights, Fuse 13, Clock & Chime (1990)
  4. 4 - 15 Amp - Turn Signals & Back-Up Lights, A/C Fan Controller Relay (1987), Heated Rear Window Relay (1987, 1990), Speed Control (1990)
  5. 5 - 20 Amp - Hatchback Release, Clock & Rear Wiper/Washer, Graphic Display Warning Module (Escort & Lynx), Heated Backlight Relay (1983-89), Speed Control Module (1983-89)
  6. 6 - 15 Amp - Foglights (Escort & Lynx)
  7. 7 - 15 Amp - Courtesy Lights, Map Light (1983-85), Key Warning Buzzer & Clock (1983-87), Glove Compartment Light (1983-87), Cargo Light (1983-87), Clock (1983-87, 1990), Engine Compartment Light (1986-87), Power Mirror (1987, 1990), Headlight Switch (1988-89)
  8. 8 - 30 Amp - Blower Motor
  9. 9 - 20 Amp - Flash-To-Pass Light Function
  10. 10 - 15 Amp - Radio & Tape Player, Premium Sound System (With One Amplifier), Graphic Equalizer (1986)
  11. 11 - (Blank)
  12. 12 - 5 Amp - Instrument Cluster Illumination Lights, Radio & Clock Illumination, Climate Control & Ashtray Illumination, Warning Display Module Illumination (Escort & Lynx), PRNDL Illumination (1985 EXP)
  13. 13 - 20 Amp Circuit Breaker (1984-85) Power Door Locks (Escort & Lynx) 12 Amp Circuit Breaker (1987-90) Radiator Cooling Fan (Without A/C)
  14. 14 - 20 Amp (1988-90) - Horn
  15. 15 - 20 Amp - Cigarette Lighter, Horn (1983-87)
  16. 16 - 15 Amp - A/C Clutch, Engine Cooling Fan Controller (1983-87)
  17. 17 - 10 Amp - Warning Indicator Lights, Tachometer, Idle Fuel Solenoid (1983), Door Ajar Light (1983 EXP), Seat Belt Buzzer (1983-85), A/C Fan Controller (1983-85), Shift Light Timer Relay (1983-85), Low Fuel Module (1983-87), Carburetor Vent Solenoid (1983-89), Anti-Diesel Solenoid (1986-87), Dual Timer Buzzer (1986-87), WOT Cut-Out Relay (1986-89), Upshift Indicator Light (1986-90), Low Washer Fluid Indicator (1986-90), Graphic Display (1988-90), Passive Restraint Module (1990)

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