1998 Ford Escort Owner's Manual - Page 161
1998 Ford Escort Manual
Page 161 highlights
Maintenance and care Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire. Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure, the charging system warning light, the "Service Engine Soon" light or the temperature warning light. These events could indicate that the emission control system is not working properly. If you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have the dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill you. Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up specifications. 161