The 1997 Ford Escort is a reliable and efficient compact car available in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon. The sedan offers a sleek, practical design suited for daily commuting, while the wagon provides added cargo capacity, making it ideal for families or individuals needing extra storage. With its affordable maintenance and solid performance, the 1997 Escort remains a favorite for budget-conscious drivers looking for practicality.
The electrical system of the 1997 Ford Escort is supported by its fuse box and relay system. The main fuse box is located under the dashboard on the driver’s side, protecting key systems such as the headlights, windshield wipers, and power accessories. A secondary fuse panel, found in the engine compartment, manages essential components like the ignition system, cooling fans, and alternator. Relays, positioned near the fuse boxes, control high-power functions such as the fuel pump and air conditioning. Ensuring the fuses and relays are in good condition is critical for the car’s reliable operation.
MUST READ: DYI – How to Check Car Fuses?
(1997) Ford Escort fuse box and relay with Diagram
WARNING
- Never replace a fuse with one that has a higher amperage rating.
- A fuse with a too-high amperage could damage the electrical part and cause a fire.
- On no account should fuses be repaired (e.g. patched up with tin foil or wire) as this may cause serious damage elsewhere in the electrical circuit or cause a fire.
- If a fuse blows repeatedly, do not keep replacing it. Instead, have the cause for the repeated short circuit or overload tracked and fixed.
- Terminal and harness assignments for individual connectors will vary depending on vehicle equipment level, model, and market.
Ford Escort 1997 fuse assignment
Ford Escort Year of production: 1997
Instrument Panel Fuse Panel:
The (POWER WIND) 30A on the instrument panel fuse panel cover represents a circuit breaker that contols the vehicle’s power windows. The circuit breaker is located just above the fuse panel cover. To reset a circuit breaker, press the reset button.
The (HEATER) 30A circuit breaker controls the vehicle’s heater. The circuit breaker is located just above and to the left of the instrument panel fuse panel. To reset a circuit breaker, press the reset button.
Engine Compartment Fuse Panel:
Fuse Box Diagrams
1997
Instrument Panel Fuse Panel
List of fuses in the instrument panel fuse panel (1997)
| â„– | A | Circuits protected |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15A | Brakelamps, shift lock |
| 2 | 15A | Instrument cluster illumination, license plate lamp, parking lamps, side marker lamps, tail lamps, (radio, climate control illumination) |
| 3 | – | Not used |
| 4 | 10A | Speed control |
| 5 | – | Not used |
| 6 | 30A | Power door locks |
| 7 | 15A | Horn |
| 8 | 15A | A/C clutch |
| 9 | 10A | Backup lamps, shift lock, gauges, speed control, turn signals, key-in-ignition reminder chime |
| 10 | 20A | Windshield wipers and washer |
| 11 | 10A | Rear wiper and washer |
| 12 | 15A | Hazard flashers, turn signals |
| 13 | 10A | Clock, interior lamp, luggage compartment lamp, safety belt warning chime, radio power |
| 14 | 15A | Engine control system |
| 15 | 5A | Power mirrors |
| 16 | – | Not used |
| 17 | – | Not used |
| 18 | 10A | Daytime running lamps / fog lamps |
| 19 | – | Not used |
| 20 | 20A | Cigar lighter |
| 21 | 15A | Radio (Premium sound) |
Engine Compartment Fuse Panel
List of fuses in the engine compartment fuse panel (1997)
| â„– | A | Circuits protected |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30A | Fuel injection system, air bags |
| 2 | 30A | Rear window defroster |
| 3 | 100A | Overall Circuit protection |
| 4 | 40A | Passenger compartment fuses 1, 2, 6, 12, 13, 7 |
| 5 | 60A | Anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 6 | 40A | Cooling fan |
| 7 | – | Head lamp relay |
| 8 | – | – |
| 9 | 10A | On-board diagnostics |
| 10 | 20A | Fuel pump |
| 11 | 20A | Passenger side headlamps |
| 12 | 20A | Driver side headlamps |
Conclusion
The 1997 Ford Escort offers a blend of practicality and affordability, supported by a dependable electrical system. Regular maintenance of the fuse box and relays ensures optimal performance.
