🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Escort

Years Covered:

1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990

Platform Code:

Mk3 / Mk4 (European/Global) / S.E.C.S. Platform (North America)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, economy car

Target Demographic:

First-time car buyers, families, commuters seeking affordable and reliable transportation.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cavalier, Plymouth/Dodge Neon, Volkswagen Golf.

Design Philosophy:

Practical, fuel-efficient, accessible pricing, front-wheel drive platform offering good interior space for its class.

Body Styles Offered:

Hatchback (3-door, 5-door), Sedan (4-door), Station Wagon (5-door).

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for North American market Ford Escort models from 1986 through 1990.

Page Count:

Approx. 900-1100 pages (typical for a full service manual of this era, actual count may vary slightly)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Book (likely wire-bound or perfect bound)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing systems (belt/chain), lubrication, cooling systems.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection systems (throttle body injection, multi-port injection), ignition systems (distributor, electronic ignition), emission control systems, engine management diagnostics.

Transmission Manual:

Manual gearbox overhaul, clutch system, driveshafts, bearings, synchronizers.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul (if applicable to specific models/engines covered), torque converter, valve body, hydraulic systems, electronic controls.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc, drum), hydraulic components (master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders), parking brake, ABS (if equipped).

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), power steering system, steering rack/gearbox, wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, instrument panel, power accessories (windows, locks), fuse box and relay locations.

Body And Frame:

Body panel removal/installation, doors, hoods, trunks, interior trim, glass, exterior moldings, basic frame repair guidelines.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, blower motor, controls.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules, oil change procedures, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, belt inspections/replacements.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine management systems, testing of electrical components.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major vehicle systems.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, and critical tolerances for all engine, transmission, chassis, and body components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including component location and wire color coding.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive from basic tune-ups and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Compatibility:

N/A (Printed Manual)

Print Clarity:

High-quality printing with clear text and legible diagrams (typical of factory manuals).

Binding Style:

Likely wire-O binding or perfect binding for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment.

Paper Quality:

Durable, possibly coated paper stock to withstand grease and frequent handling in a service environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes And Variants:

1.9L (1859cc) CVH I4 (carbureted and EFI), 2.0L (1998cc) DOHC I4 (RS/XR2 models), 1.6L (1597cc) CFI I4 (early models or specific markets).

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 85 HP to 115 HP (depending on engine and tuning, XR2 model could be higher).

Torque Range:

Approximately 105 lb-ft to 120 lb-ft (depending on engine).

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetor (e.g., Motorcraft 2150), Throttle Body Injection (TBI), Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI).

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline, Octane rating typically 87 or higher depending on engine compression.

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition with distributor (some models may feature distributorless ignition systems).

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions (e.g., MTX-II, IB5).

Automatic Transmission:

3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ATX) or 4-speed automatic (e.g., AXOD, AX4S for later/higher trim models).

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 99.9 inches (2537 mm)

Length:

Varies by body style, approx. 163-170 inches (4140-4318 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2300-2700 lbs (1043-1225 kg), depending on body style and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 3500-3800 lbs (1588-1724 kg).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Likely received moderate safety ratings for its era; frontal crashworthiness was a developing area for compact cars. Specific ratings from this period are often hard to find but generally not considered class-leading in safety compared to modern standards.

Braking Assist:

Standard front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. ABS was an optional feature on higher trim levels or later models within this range.

Seatbelts:

Standard lap and shoulder belts, possibly manual front seatbelt adjusters.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag became available or standard on some models towards the end of this generation (late 1989-1990 models), but was not universally equipped.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems with more speakers. Aftermarket head unit upgrades are common.

Cruise Control:

Optional on most models, particularly higher trim levels.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors were optional or standard on higher trims. Central locking was also an option.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (4,800 to 8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Check manual for specifics.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard spark plugs; platinum-tipped plugs could extend this interval. Consult manual for exact type and interval.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for CVH engines. Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

API Service SG or SH rated, viscosity typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 depending on climate. Consult manual for exact specification.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for Ford-specific color or type if required.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 recommended. Capacity varies.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mercon/Dexron-II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Capacity varies.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 automotive brake fluid.

Cvh Engine:

Head gasket leaks, timing belt tensioner issues, carburetor or fuel injection system problems, oil leaks.

Electrical System:

Corrosion on connectors, failing dashboard lights, alternator/starter issues, window motor failures.

Suspension And Chassis:

Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, strut mounts, and tie rod ends. Rust can be an issue in certain climates.

HVAC:

A/C compressor failures, blower motor resistor failure, evaporator core leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Reputation:

Ford has a long history of producing practical, accessible, and mass-market vehicles, with the Escort being a key model in its global compact car strategy.

Generation Timeline:

This manual covers the North American S.E.C.S. platform Escort, which was a significant redesign from the previous generation and shared engineering with Mazda. It represented a shift towards more modern styling and front-wheel drive architecture. This generation saw updates and facelifts for 1988 and 1990.

Trim Levels:

Base, GL, LX, S, GT, XR3/XR2 (performance variants).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily assembled in North America (Wayne, Michigan) and various plants globally for other markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Publications:

While the Escort was a strong seller and generally well-regarded for its value and practicality, it didn't typically receive high-profile 'Car of the Year' awards against more premium or performance-oriented competitors of its era. Its success was more about mass-market appeal and affordability.