How to Check Ford Escort Transmission Fluid
by Damon Hildebrand
One of the single most important components on a car is the transmission. Yet the transmission fluid level is the most neglected inspection performed on most automatic vehicles. A well serviced and maintained automatic transmission on a Ford Escort will typically deliver an extended and reliable service. However, if left unchecked, it can also be one of the most expensive repairs a car owner could experience. Simply checking the Ford Escort transmission fluid properly, and routinely, can save the transmission from potential failure.
Step 1
Drive the car for a short trip to warm the transmission fluid.
Step 2
Park the vehicle on level ground and set the emergency brake.
Step 3
Shift the gear lever through all gears slowly between park and low gear for three cycles. Set the gear lever in park and leave the vehicle running at idle speed.
Step 4
Locate the automatic transmission fluid level dipstick on the driver’s side of the engine compartment between the engine and the firewall.
Step 5
Pull the fluid level dipstick from the fluid tube and wipe it clean with a shop rag.
Step 6
Reinsert the fluid level dipstick into the tube and push it in all the way.
Step 7
Remove the transmission fluid level dipstick again and view the end of the stick to determine the fluid level within the transmission. Two marks are located on the dip stick marked “MAX” and “MIN." If the fluid level is between these two marks on the dipstick, the fluid is at the correct level within the transmission. If it's below, fill it with transmission fluid to a level between these two marks.
Step 8
Replace the dipstick into the transmission fluid dipstick tube and push it in until it is seated completely.
Step 9
Shut the engine off and close the hood.
References
- “Haynes Repair Manual Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer"; 1997
Tips
- Transmission fluid level dipstick will normally indicate the correct type of transmission fluid to use with a specific transmission.
Things You'll Need
- Shop rag
- Transmission fluid
Warnings
- Do not overfill an automatic transmission fluid level, as damage could occur.
Writer Bio
Damon Hildebrand is a retired U.S. Navy veteran. He has more than 15 years within the oil and gas industry in both technical and managerial positions. Hildebrand has been a technical writer and communicator for the last four years. He is a certified specialists in lubrication and tribology, as well as a certified maintenance and reliability professional.
