Mk3 Codes:
G61, G62, G63, G64, G65, G66, G67, G68, G69, G71, G72, G73, G74, G75, G77, G78, G79
Mk4 Codes:
GDD, GDF, GDH, GDJ, GDM, GDW, GDX, GDY, GEF, GEH, GEJ, GEM, GEW, GEX, GEY, GFF, GGH, GGF, GFJ, GFM, GFW, GFX, GFY, GHL, GHM, GHW, GHX, GHY, GJL, GJM, GJW, GJX, GJY
Market Segment:
Compact Family Car
Positioning:
Affordable, practical, and popular European compact offering from Ford.
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf, Opel Kadett/Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 309, Fiat Tipo, Renault 9/11
Design Philosophy:
Front-wheel drive platform, aerodynamic styling, focus on interior space and practicality.
Mk3 Distinction:
Radical departure from previous Escort generations with a modern, European design.
Mk4 Update:
Facelift and technical revisions to the MK3, improving refinement and features.
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical, Electrical, Bodywork, Troubleshooting
Regional Variants:
European Market Specifics
Estimated Page Count:
500-700+
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine Overhaul, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Fuel System (Carburetor & Injection), Ignition System, Emissions Control
Transmission Systems:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (Select Models), Clutch Assembly, Driveshafts, Axles
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Suspension (Torsion Beam/Independent), Steering Gearbox, Power Steering System
Brake Systems:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Parking Brake System, Hydraulic System, ABS (Optional)
Electrical Systems:
12V Battery System, Charging System (Alternator), Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiper & Washer System, Horn, Fuses & Relays, Wiring Diagrams
Body Chassis:
Body Structure, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, Safety Belts
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting Guides:
Symptom-based diagnostics for common driveability, electrical, and mechanical issues
Technical Data:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Gap Settings, Fluid Capacities, Wiring Schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Codes Mk3:
CVH (1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6), DOHC RS (1.6), Diesel (1.6)
Engine Codes Mk4:
CVH (1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6), DOHC RS (1.6, 1.8), Diesel (1.6)
Cvh 1.6 Power:
Approx. 80-90 PS (59-66 kW)
Rs 1.6 DOHc Power:
Approx. 105-115 PS (77-85 kW)
Fuel Delivery Mk3:
Carburetor (Weber, Motorcraft) for base models, Bosch K-Jetronic or EEC-IV EFI for higher trims and later models
Fuel Delivery Mk4:
Carburetor and EFI (EEC-IV) options, including TLD-i for later models
Ignition Type:
Distributor-based electronic ignition (CDI) or EEC-IV ECU controlled
Standard Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual (Early MK3), 5-speed Manual (Later MK3 & MK4)
Optional Transmission Type:
3-speed Automatic Transmission (C3)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate, hydraulically operated
Gear Ratios:
Varies by engine and gearbox, detailed in manual
Euro Ncap Rating:
Not applicable for these model years (pre-NCAP era), but designed to meet European safety standards of the time.
Active Safety:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Power-assisted brakes (optional on some models)
Passive Safety:
Safety belts (front and rear), padded dashboard, collapsible steering column, reinforced safety cell.
Optional Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on later/higher specification models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 12,000 km or 12 months (refer to manual for exact interval based on engine and driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 12,000 km, replace as needed or at major service intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type; typically 20,000-30,000 km for standard plugs, longer for platinum.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for CVH engines; typically every 60,000-80,000 km or 4-5 years. Catastrophic failure if broken.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SF or SG rated, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-30 recommended. Consult manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific type.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Ford specification Type-F or MERCON equivalent
Common Mk3 Mk4 Issues:
Rust (wheel arches, sills, subframes), electrical gremlins (earthing points, indicator stalks), carburetor tuning issues, timing belt failure (CVH), worn suspension bushes, exhaust system corrosion.
Cvh Engine Notes:
Known for sensitivity to timing belt maintenance and potential for head gasket issues if overheated.
Ford Heritage:
Ford has a long history of producing popular and reliable compact and family cars.
Mk1 Mk2 Legacy:
The MK3 represented a significant departure from the rear-wheel-drive MK1 and MK2 Escorts, embracing a modern front-wheel-drive configuration.
Mk3 Introduction:
Launched in 1980, designed by Uwe Bahnsen and Tom Tjaarda. Focused on aerodynamics and interior space.
Mk4 Introduction:
Launched in 1986 as a facelifted MK3 with updated styling, improved refinement, and revised powertrain options.
Production Period Mk3:
1980-1986
Production Period Mk4:
1986-1990
Key Manufacturing Locations:
United Kingdom (Halewood), Germany (Saarlouis), Belgium (Genk), Spain (Almussafes)
