Segment:
Compact car, aimed at affordability, practicality, and fuel efficiency.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cavalier, Dodge Neon.
Value Proposition:
Economical transportation with a range of body styles and engine options, known for its widespread availability and parts commonality.
Users:
Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive students.
Vehicle Years:
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997
Vehicle Types:
All gasoline engine variants, sedan, hatchback, wagon, and convertible body styles.
Estimated Pages:
Over 1500 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era).
Type:
Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF), potentially printable.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system (EFI), ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, drive axles, CV joints.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (front discs, rear drums/discs depending on model/trim), wheel alignment.
Electrical:
12-volt electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrumentation, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all major systems.
Body And Interior:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, seats, dashboard, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for OBD-I systems (where applicable).
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for fasteners, engine build clearances, component dimensions, alignment specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to major component overhauls and electrical system diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code:
CVH-DE, CVH-II
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement:
1.9 Liters (1859 cc)
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Horsepower Est:
88-90 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque Est:
105-110 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Code:
Zetec-R (DOHC)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1988 cc)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16-valve
Horsepower Est:
125-130 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque Est:
125-130 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Type:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic (depending on model year and engine)
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (check specific manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mercon V or equivalent (check specific manual for exact spec)
Length:
Approx. 168.9 inches (4290 mm)
Width:
Approx. 66.6 inches (1692 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.4 inches (1356 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 98.4 inches (2499 mm)
Curb Weight Est:
2500 - 2800 lbs (1134 - 1270 kg)
Trunk Volume Sedan Est:
13.0 - 15.0 cubic feet
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (1994 model, specific tests may vary)
ABS:
Optional on some models, standard on higher trims/later years.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from 1990. Passenger airbag became available/standard in later years.
Seatbelts:
Front pretensioner seatbelts.
Service Intervals Oil Change
Interval Miles:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Service Intervals Air Filter
Interval Miles:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Interval Miles:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for specific recommendation).
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Common leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and crankshaft seals.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, thermostat housing leaks, and water pump failures can occur.
Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings are common wear items.
Electrical:
Alternator failures, starter motor issues, and power window motor failures.
Exhaust:
Rust and corrosion on exhaust components, catalytic converter failure.
Ford History:
Ford Motor Company, founded by Henry Ford, revolutionized automotive manufacturing with the assembly line. A long history of popular and reliable vehicles.
First Generation Release:
Originally introduced in 1981 in North America, based on the European Ford Escort.
Fifth Generation Changes:
Major redesign for 1991, featuring sleeker styling, improved aerodynamics, and a more modern interior. Introduction of the 1.9L CVH-II engine.
Sixth Generation Changes:
Facelifted for 1997, adopting Ford's New Edge styling cues, updated interior, and introduction of the 2.0L Zetec-R engine as an option in higher trims (LX, Sport).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Wayne, Michigan, USA for North American models.
Production Span:
1981-2003 (North America), with this manual covering the 1990-1997 period.
