Market Segment:
Compact economy car, popular for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality in the early to mid-1990s.
Competitors:
Competed directly with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Chevrolet Cavalier.
Features Of Vehicle:
Offered in various body styles (sedan, hatchback, wagon), known for accessible pricing and a generally reliable powertrain for its class.
Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance procedures for the 1991-1996 Ford Escort.
Page Count:
Approximately 1500 pages (estimated for typical full-service manuals of this era).
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual.
Format:
Likely printed paper manual, often available digitally as PDF.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for all gasoline engine variants, including timing belt replacement, fuel injection system service, ignition system diagnostics, and emissions control systems.
Transmission:
Coverage for both manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, torque converter service, and transmission fluid service.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (including disc and drum configurations), ABS troubleshooting and repair, brake fluid bleeding, caliper and master cylinder overhaul.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), steering gear diagnosis and repair, power steering system service, wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component location charts, diagnostic procedures for lighting, wipers, horn, power accessories, charging system, starting system, and various electronic control modules.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation, chassis lubrication, rust prevention, and structural repair guidelines.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant flushes), fluid level checks, belt inspections and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, torque specifications, clearances, timing marks, and repair sequences suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Digital Format:
PDF (if available digitally), often searchable and printable.
Print Quality:
Original factory quality, typically clear diagrams and legible text. Reprinted manuals vary.
Binding Type:
Perfect bound or spiral bound (for easier lay-flat use in a workshop).
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock designed for workshop environments, often with laminated pages for key diagrams.
Engine Options:
Primarily 1.9L (1859cc) SOHC and 1.8L (1839cc) DOHC I4 engines. Later models may feature 2.0L Zetec engines.
Horsepower Torque:
1.9L SOHC typically produced around 88-94 hp. 1.8L DOHC around 127 hp. 2.0L Zetec around 118-130 hp depending on application.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI) systems across most variants.
Common Engine Codes:
Examples include CFi (Central Fuel Injection, early 1.9L), RF (1.8L DOHC), NA/NB/NC (2.0L Zetec variations).
Timing Belt Chain:
Timing belt driven for the 1.9L and 1.8L engines. The 2.0L Zetec is also timing belt driven. Replacement intervals are critical.
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission.
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (AX4S, AXODE, etc.).
Transmission Features:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) layout. Some models may have offered all-wheel drive (AWD), though less common.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 98.4 inches (2499 mm).
Length:
Varies by body style, typically around 170-174 inches (4318-4420 mm).
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2400-2700 lbs (1089-1225 kg) depending on configuration.
Gvwr:
Refer to vehicle's compliance plate for specific GVWR.
Towing Capacity:
Generally not recommended or rated for significant towing.
NHTSA Ratings:
As an older vehicle, specific NHTSA ratings might be limited or outdated. Consult historical safety databases for detailed crash test results.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some higher trim levels or as an option. Front-wheel drive provides stability.
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (manual or automatic), energy-absorbing steering column, reinforced passenger compartment.
Child Seat Anchors:
Standard seat belt systems, LATCH system not standard in this era.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim level.
Assistance Features:
Limited driver assistance features by modern standards. Cruise control was a common option.
Connectivity Options:
No built-in connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB, smartphone integration) as expected for this era.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for most engines. Refer to manual for exact interval and potential damage if it breaks.
Engine Oil:
Likely 5W-30 or 10W-30 API Service SG or SH. Consult manual for exact specification and capacity.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific type and capacity.
Transmission Fluid Atf:
Mercon V or equivalent for automatic transmissions. Manual gear oil specifications vary. Consult manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Common issues include timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), coolant leaks, starter motor failures, exhaust system rust, and potential issues with automatic transmission shift solenoids.
Recall Information:
Refer to the manual or NHTSA for any applicable recalls for specific model years and VINs.
Ford History:
Ford, a major American automaker with a long history of producing reliable and affordable vehicles for mass markets.
Generation Details:
This generation (1991-1996) represented a significant redesign from the previous generation, with sleeker styling and updated mechanicals. It was based on the Mazda BG platform.
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in North America (United States, Mexico) and Europe.
Production Timeline:
First generation 1981-1990, Second Generation (covered here) 1991-1996.
