🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Escort

Year:

1982

Platform:

Mark I Escort (European origin, adapted for North American market)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact car, aimed at value-conscious consumers seeking economical transportation.

Key Competitors:

Chevrolet Cavalier, Dodge Omni/Horizon, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Rabbit/Golf, Nissan Sentra.

Vehicle Philosophy:

Designed as a front-wheel-drive, fuel-efficient, and affordable compact car, offering a practical and versatile option for everyday use.

Diy Advantage:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs independently, saving costs and ensuring quality workmanship.

Knowledge Acquisition:

Provides in-depth understanding of vehicle operation, design, and maintenance for both novice and experienced enthusiasts.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North American Ford Escort (1982 model year)

Regional Variations:

Likely covers specifications relevant to North American emissions and safety standards, potentially including some European basis if applicable to early models.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely in the range of 800-1200 pages, typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era.

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, manual transmission, automatic transmission, drivetrain components (axles, driveshafts).

Chassis:

Suspension system (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front disc, rear drum), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, starting and charging system, accessories, power distribution, fuse and relay locations.

Body:

Body construction, interior and exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), body hardware.

Emissions Control:

Emission control systems, components, diagnosis, and servicing.

Engine Control:

Engine control module (ECM) operation, sensors, actuators, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fuel injection control.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic procedures for all major systems, reading diagnostic codes.

Repair:

Step-by-step disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for all components and systems.

Refurbishment:

Detailed instructions for component refurbishment and rebuilding, such as engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper service.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to detailed engine and transmission overhaul, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Software Requirements:

Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible PDF viewer, WinZip or compatible decompression utility.

Compatibility:

Compatible with all versions of Windows and macOS.

Printability:

High-quality printable pages, optimized for clarity and ease of use.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

Likely CVH (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine family. Specific displacement options for 1982 North American models typically included 1.6L (1600 cc) and potentially a 2.0L (2000 cc) for sportier trims.

Displacement 1.6L:

1597 cc (97.5 cu in)

Bore 1.6L:

80.0 mm (3.15 in)

Stroke 1.6L:

79.5 mm (3.13 in)

Compression Ratio 1.6L:

Approximately 8.5:1 to 9.0:1 (depending on specific variant)

Horsepower 1.6L:

Estimated 70-75 hp (SAE net) for base models.

Torque 1.6L:

Estimated 82-88 lb-ft (SAE net) for base models.

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (e.g., Motorcraft 2100 or similar 2-barrel carburetor) for most standard models. Fuel injection was likely not prevalent on the base 1982 Escort in North America.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, typically 87 octane (Regular).

Type:

Electronic Ignition (breakerless) with distributor.

Capacity:

Approximately 5.0 - 5.5 quarts (4.7 - 5.2 liters) with a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water.

🔧 Transmission

Type Standard:

4-speed manual transaxle.

Type Optional:

3-speed automatic transaxle (e.g., C3).

FWD Layout:

Transaxle design integrating engine, transmission, and front-wheel drive.

Automatic Fluid:

Mercon (or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON type ATF).

Manual Fluid:

Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 (API GL-4).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 94.5 inches (2400 mm).

Length:

Approximately 161.2 inches (4095 mm).

Width:

Approximately 65.2 inches (1656 mm).

Height:

Approximately 53.5 inches (1360 mm).

Curb Weight Base:

Approximately 2,050 - 2,200 lbs (930 - 1000 kg), depending on body style and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 3,000 - 3,200 lbs (1360 - 1450 kg).

Cargo Volume Hatchback:

Significant with rear seats folded due to hatchback design, estimated 28-32 cu ft.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official NHTSA ratings for this specific model year; however, as a compact of the era, it would have met the safety standards of the time. The manual would detail safety system components.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes.

Steering System:

Rack and pinion steering, likely manual steering for most models. Power steering might have been an option on higher trims.

Restraint System:

Lap and shoulder belts in front, lap belts in rear. Airbags were not standard or widely available in this model year.

Body Structure:

Designed with safety cages and crumple zones typical for vehicles of the early 1980s.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Typically basic analog controls.

Cruise Control:

Optional on some higher trim levels.

Power Features:

Power steering was optional. Power windows and door locks were generally not available on base models.

Auxiliary Input:

Not applicable for this era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 12,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles, depending on plug type.

Coolant Flush:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.

Engine Oil Type:

API SF or SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Carburetor Problems:

Potential for carburetor clogging, vacuum leaks, and tuning issues leading to rough idle or poor performance.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses and connections could lead to intermittent electrical faults.

Suspension Wear:

Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings due to mileage and road conditions.

Rust:

Corrosion, especially in areas exposed to road salt, can be an issue on vehicles of this age.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Usa History:

Ford Motor Company, a major American automaker with a long history of producing reliable and popular vehicles across various segments.

First Generation North America:

The 1981-1985 Escort was Ford's first mass-produced front-wheel-drive vehicle in North America, based on a successful European platform. It marked a significant shift in Ford's product strategy.

1982 Model Year:

Represented an early iteration of the North American Escort, with minor refinements from the inaugural 1981 model year. Body styles included a 3-door hatchback and a 5-door hatchback/wagon-like variant.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in North America (e.g., Wayne, Michigan) and potentially other Ford assembly plants.

Sales Impact:

The Escort became a significant sales success for Ford, challenging established Japanese competitors in the fuel-efficient compact segment.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Sales Performance:

The Ford Escort was a highly successful model for Ford, consistently ranking among the best-selling cars in North America during its initial production run, winning over many import buyers.