Battery - Ford 1996 Escort Manual

Battery

If the original equipment maintenance-free
battery is replaced, it may be replaced by a
low-maintenance battery. See Motorcraft Parts at
the end of this chapter for the proper
replacement battery.
The low-maintenance battery has removable vent
caps for checking the electrolyte level and
adding water. The electrolyte level should be
checked at least every 24 months or 24,000 miles
(40,000 km) in temperatures up to 90˚F (32˚C)
and more often in temperatures above 90˚F
(32˚C). Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up
to the level indicator. Do not overfill.
If the level gets low, refill the battery with
distilled water. If necessary, you can add tap
water to the battery, provided the water is not
hard or does not have a high mineral or alkali
content. If the battery needs water quite often,
have the charging system checked for a possible
malfunction.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must
"relearn" its idle conditions before your vehicle
will drive properly. To find out how the engine
does this, see Starting your vehicle's fuel-injected
engine in the Index.
If the battery has been disconnected, you will
have to reset the clock and the preset stations on
your radio once the battery is reconnected.
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