1996 Ford Escort Owner's Manual - Page 298

1. Before you remove the radiator cap, turn the engine off and let it cool. Even when the engine is cool, be careful when you remove the radiator cap. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap and turn it slowly counterclockwise to the first stop. Step back while the pressure releases. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to press, turn, and remove cap. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot steam may blow out or hot engine coolant may even splash out. 2. 3. 4. 5. Adding Engine Coolant RWARNING Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine is running or hot. To find out how much engine coolant mixture your vehicle's coolant system can hold, see Refill capacities for fluids in the Index. Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an optimized formula that will protect all metals and rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not necessary and not recommended to use supplemental coolant additives in your gasoline powered vehicle. These additives may harm your engine cooling system. Follow the recommended service interval for changing your engine coolant. 299