1999 FORD ESCORT check transmission fluid

2.0L DOHC Zetec engine
1. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transaxle)
2. Battery
3. Air filter assembly
4. Engine oil filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
9. Brake fluid reservoir
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
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4
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2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
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141

Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and/or dipstick handle
and also in theLubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
20 C65 C
20 C65 C
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20 C65 C
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Checking and adding manual transmission fluid
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at bottom of
the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
Maintenance and care
143

illuminated entry ......................58
locking/unlocking doors ......55,56
opening the trunk .....................56
panic alarm ...............................57
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................58
replacing the batteries .............57
Roof rack ...................................104
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ................10,65,66,67,68
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................180
Safety defects, reporting ..........193
Safety restraints ...........65,66,67,68
cleaning the safety belts ...70,173
extension assembly ..................69
for adults ..............................66,67
for children ..........................75,76
lap belt ......................................68
warning light
and chime .....................8,10,69,70
Safety seats for children ............77
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............65
Seats ............................................61
child safety seats ......................77
cleaning ...................................173
Servicing your vehicle ..............123
Spark plugs,
specifications ...............174,176,177
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................175,176
Speed control ..............................44
Speedometer ...............................13
Starting your vehicle .............83,86
jump starting ..........................117
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................48
Tachometer .................................13
Tilt steering wheel ......................48
Tires .............................113,148,149changing ...........................113,114
checking the pressure ............149
replacing ..................................150
rotating ....................................149
snow tires and chains ............151
tire grades ...............................149
treadwear ................................148
Towing
wrecker ....................................122
Transaxle .....................................92
automatic operation .................95
fluid, refill capacities ..............174
lubricant specifications ..........176
manual operation ......................92
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................141
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................143
Trip odometer .............................13
Trunk
remote release .....................15,56
Turn signal ...............................9,43
Vehicle dimensions ...................177
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................180
Vehicle loading ..........................100
Ventilating your vehicle .............88
Warning chimes ...........................10
Warning lights (see Lights) .........6
Washer fluid ..............................136
Water, Driving through .............102
Windows
power .........................................53
rear wiper/washer .....................50
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and cleaning ............147
operation ...................................49
replacing wiper blades ...........147
Wrecker towing .........................122
Index
197