Introduction
General information This Chapter is designed to help the home mechanic maintain his/her vehicle for safety, economy, long life and peak performance.
The Chapter contains a master maintenance schedule, followed by Sections dealing specifically with each task on the schedule. Visual checks, adjustments, component renewal and other helpful items are included. Refer to the accompanying illustrations of the engine compartment and the underside of the vehicle for the locations of the various components.
Servicing of your vehicle in accordance with the mileage/time maintenance schedule and the following Sections will provide a planned maintenance program, which should result in a long and reliable service life. This is a comprehensive plan, so maintaining some items but not others at the specified service intervals will not produce the same results.
As you service your vehicle, you will discover that many of the procedures can - and should - be grouped together because of the particular procedure being performed, or because of the close proximity of two otherwise unrelated components to one another. For example, if the vehicle is raised for any reason, the exhaust can be inspected at the same time as the suspension and steering components.
The first step in this maintenance program is to prepare yourself before the actual work begins. Read through all the Sections relevant to the work to be carried out, then make a list and gather together all the parts and tools required. If a problem is encountered, seek advice from a parts specialist, or a dealer service department.
See also:
Door window glass and regulator - removal and refitting
Front door window glass - models
with manual windows
Saloon, Estate and Van models
Removal
1 Remove the door trim panel, as described
in Section 11.
2 Carefully peel back the waterproof sheet
f ...
Distributor cap and rotor arm (OHC models) - removal and refitting
SOHC models
1 Disconnect the battery negative lead.
2 Where applicable, unclip the screening can
from the top of the distributor and disconnect
the earth strap (see illustration).
13.2 Unclippi ...
Identifying components in the engine compartment
2.0L DOHC Zetec engine
Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transaxle)
Battery
Air filter assembly
Engine oil filler cap
Engine oil dipstick
Power steering fluid reservoir
Engine ...
