🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Ford Model: Escort Years Covered: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 Codes Platform Code: Mk3 / Mk4 (European/Global) / S.E.C.S. Platform (North America) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact car, economy car Target Demographic: First-time car buyers, families, commuters seeking affordable and reliable transportation. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cavalier, Plymouth/Dodge Neon, Volkswagen Golf. Key Features 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 Coverage Areas General Coverage: Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for North American market Ford Escort models from 1986 through 1990. Page Count Page Count: Approx. 900-1100 pages (typical for a full service manual of this era, actual count may vary slightly) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printed Book (likely wire-bound or perfect bound) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered 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. Procedures Included 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. Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive from basic tune-ups and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Compatibility: N/A (Printed Manual) Print Quality Print Clarity: High-quality printing with clear text and legible diagrams (typical of factory manuals). Binding Type Binding Style: Likely wire-O binding or perfect binding for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment. Paper Type Paper Quality: Durable, possibly coated paper stock to withstand grease and frequent handling in a service environment. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine 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). Performance 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 System 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. Engine Management Ignition System: Electronic ignition with distributor (some models may feature distributorless ignition systems). 🔧 Transmission Standard Manual Transmission: 4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions (e.g., MTX-II, IB5). Optional Automatic Transmission: 3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ATX) or 4-speed automatic (e.g., AXOD, AX4S for later/higher trim models). Features Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approximately 99.9 inches (2537 mm) Length: Varies by body style, approx. 163-170 inches (4140-4318 mm) Weights 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 Ratings 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. Active Features 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. Passive Features 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 Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM radio...
Fuel injection systems (throttle body injection, multi-port injection), ignition systems (distributor, electronic ignition), emission control systems, engine management diagnostics.
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.
Unleaded gasoline, Octane rating typically 87 or higher depending on engine compression.
Engine Management
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with distributor (some models may feature distributorless ignition systems).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Manual Transmission:
4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions (e.g., MTX-II, IB5).
Optional
Automatic Transmission:
3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ATX) or 4-speed automatic (e.g., AXOD, AX4S for later/higher trim models).
Features
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approximately 99.9 inches (2537 mm)
Length:
Varies by body style, approx. 163-170 inches (4140-4318 mm)
Weights
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
Ratings
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.
Active Features
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.
Passive Features
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
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional premium sound systems with more speakers. Aftermarket head unit upgrades are common.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models, particularly higher trim levels.
Connectivity
Power Features:
Power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors were optional or standard on higher trims. Central locking was also an option.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
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.
Fluid Specifications
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.
Known Issues
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
Brand Heritage
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.
Model Evolution
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.
Primarily assembled in North America (Wayne, Michigan) and various plants globally for other markets.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
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.