Model Generation Codes:
N.A. (Refers to the 'GF/GA' generation for North America, 1991-2003, though this manual specifically targets 1990-1997)
Covered Years:
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
Positioning:
The Ford Escort of this era was a popular compact car known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, often competing with models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Chevrolet Cavalier.
Competition:
This manual provides a critical resource for owners of a vehicle that was a significant player in the compact car segment, offering a direct alternative to key Japanese and American rivals.
Ease Of Use:
Designed for DIY mechanics, featuring step-by-step instructions, clear diagrams, and comprehensive coverage to simplify complex repair tasks.
Cost Savings:
Enables owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, leading to significant cost savings compared to dealership or independent mechanic labor rates.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for the Ford Escort.
Estimated Pages:
Varies by specific publication and revision, but professional WSMs for this era typically range from 1,000 to 2,500 pages.
Type:
Workshop Service Manual (WSM) / Repair Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Software Requirements:
Adobe Acrobat Reader (or compatible PDF viewer)
System Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac OS
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, transaxle, drive axles, CV joints, clutch system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic and parking brake).
Electrical:
12-volt electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), gauges, switches, relays, fuses, power windows, power locks.
Body And Trim:
Body exterior (panels, doors, hood, trunk), interior trim, glass, seals, bumpers, body hardware.
Climate Control:
HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) components and service.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable to era).
Component Removal And Installation:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembling, overhauling, and reassembling virtually all vehicle components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical circuit diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for troubleshooting.
Depth:
In-depth, professional level covering everything from basic tune-ups to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications, clearances, and alignment procedures.
Print Quality:
Full Printable (High-resolution PDF for clear printing of all pages, diagrams, and text).
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.
Binding:
N.A. (Digital PDF, user prints as needed).
Paper Type:
N.A. (Digital PDF, user selects paper type for printing).
Engine Options:
Typically included 1.8L and 1.9L inline-four cylinder gasoline engines. Some performance variants (like XR3i) might have featured 1.6L or 2.0L engines, depending on region.
Typical Horsepower Range:
Approx. 88 hp to 125 hp, depending on specific engine and trim.
Typical Torque Range:
Approx. 105 lb-ft to 130 lb-ft.
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel injection (Multi-port Fuel Injection - MPFI) was standard for most of this period.
Engine Management:
Electronic Engine Control (EEC-IV or later) system.
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, EGR system, evaporative emission control system.
Type:
5-speed manual transaxle.
Type:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic transaxle (depending on engine and market).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Ford MERCON V or equivalent (check specific vehicle application).
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon (station wagon).
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 2,400 - 2,800 lbs (1,090 - 1,270 kg).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 3,500 - 3,800 lbs (1,590 - 1,725 kg).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 100.3 inches (2548 mm).
Track Width Front:
Approx. 57.2 inches (1453 mm).
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 57.5 inches (1460 mm).
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Refer to specific model year NHTSA data; generally in the 3-star to 4-star range for this era.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes standard. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often optional on higher trims or later models.
Steering Type:
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering (optional on some base models).
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from 1994 onwards. Passenger airbag often optional.
Seat Belts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Child Safety:
Child safety seat anchors (LATCH system not yet standard for this era).
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims.
Display Type:
Analog gauges and basic digital displays for odometer and fuel level.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models, typically speed-sensitive.
Cellular Integration:
N.A. (No integrated cellular or smartphone connectivity).
Air Conditioning:
Optional on most models, manual climate control.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (48,000 - 160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
For engines with a timing belt (e.g., some 1.8L or 1.9L variants), typically around 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 145,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
Typically 5W-30 or 10W-30, API certified (refer to manual for specific viscosity grade and API service classification).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant, meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, glycol-based.
Common Faults Electrical:
Headlight switch failures, intermittent gauge operation, corroded electrical connectors, issues with power window regulators.
Common Faults Mechanical:
Oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan gaskets), coolant leaks (hose, radiator, water pump), worn suspension components (bushings, ball joints, struts), clutch wear, exhaust system rust.
Common Faults Engine:
Tachometer issues on 1.9L engines, ignition coil failures, starter motor issues, O2 sensor failures.
Common Faults Transmission:
Clutch master/slave cylinder leaks, automatic transmission solenoid failures, worn synchros in manual transmissions.
Ford Legacy:
Ford has a long history of producing reliable and accessible vehicles for a global market. The Escort nameplate was introduced globally in various forms.
Generation Context:
This manual covers the North American Escort's second generation (GF/GA), which was based on a Mazda platform, reflecting Ford's global engineering strategy. It succeeded the Mk4 Escort and was replaced by the Focus.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily assembled in the United States (Wayne, Michigan) and Canada (Oakville, Ontario) for the North American market.
Market Performance:
The Escort was consistently one of Ford's best-selling models during this period, appealing to a broad range of buyers.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Ford Escort has appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best list in certain years and configurations during its production run, especially performance-oriented models.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings varied by model year and specific powertrain. Known for affordability but sometimes criticized for interior refinement and reliability in certain areas compared to Japanese competitors.
Epa Fuel Economy:
EPA ratings generally ranged from 20-25 MPG city and 28-35 MPG highway, depending on engine and transmission.
