2001 FORD ESCAPE check transmission fluid

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught up in moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained inBattery
in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First).
Maintenance and care
196

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 (if equipped)
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. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
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 crosshatch zone for normal operating temperature.
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).
Maintenance and care
214

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
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the crosshatch
zone 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 also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
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.
Maintenance and care
215

Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
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.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
Maintenance and care
216

Item Ford Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Manual transaxle
2Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Special
BlendÐF32Z-19C547±MAWSS-M2C203-A1
Automatic
transaxle
2Motorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Rear axle (4X4)
4Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Power
Take-off(PTO)
(4X4-Manual
Transaxle)Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Thermally StableXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Power
Take-off(PTO)
3
(4X4-Automatic
Transaxle)Motorcraft SAE
75W-140
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantF1TZ-19580-B WSL-M2C192-A
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1DO NOT USE Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant F6AZ-19544-AA,
meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D (orange in color) Refer to
Adding engine coolant,in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
3The Power Take-off(PTO) is lubricated for life with synthetic lube.
Lubricant levels are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is
Capacities and specifications
251

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................118±119, 124
and child safety seats ............121
description ......................119, 124
disposal ....................................127
driver air bag ..................121, 125
indicator light ...........11, 123, 126
operation .........................121, 125
passenger air bag ...........121, 125
side air bag ..............................124
Air cleaner filter ...............207, 247
Air conditioning ..........................21
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road ...................20, 150
Ambulance packages ....................5
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................208
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ..............................142±143
Anti-theft system ........................95
arming the system ....................96
disarming a triggered system ..96
warning light .............................13
Audio system (see Radio) ...26, 54
Automatic transaxle .................146
driving with .............................147
fluid, adding ............................214
fluid, checking ........................214
Automatic transmission
fluid, refill capacities ..............247
fluid, specification ..................252
Auxiliary power point .................85
Axle
lubricant specifications ..250, 252
refill capacities ........................247B
Battery .......................................216
acid, treating emergencies .....216
charging system warning light 13
jumping a disabled battery ....188
maintenance-free ....................216
replacement, specifications ...247
servicing ..................................216
Belt minder ...............................113
Brakes ........................................142
anti-lock ...........................142±143
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................12, 142
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....205
fluid, refill capacities ..............247
fluid, specifications .........250, 252
lubricant specifications ..250, 252
parking ....................................143
shift interlock ..........................146
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....247
Cargo cover .................................86
Cargo net .....................................86
Certification Label ....................254
Child safety restraints ..............127
child safety belts ....................127
Child safety seats ......................128
attaching with tether straps ..132
in front seat ............................129
in rear seat ..............................129
LATCH .....................................134
Cleaning your vehicle ...............241
engine compartment ..............243
Index
270

exterior ............................242±243
exterior lamps .........................244
instrument cluster lens ..........246
instrument panel ....................245
interior .............................245±246
mirrors .....................................246
plastic parts ............................244
safety belts ..............................246
washing ....................................242
waxing .....................................242
wheels ......................................244
windows ..................................246
wiper blades ............................245
woodtone trim ........................246
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............21
Clock ..........................32, 41, 51, 69
Clutch
fluid ..........................................206
Console ........................................85
overhead ....................................78
Controls
power seat .................................99
Coolant
checking and adding ..............208
refill capacities ................212, 247
specifications ..................250, 252
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................73
Customer Assistance ................173
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................263
Ford Extended Service Plan .255
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................262
Getting roadside assistance ...173
Getting the service you
need .........................................256Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................267
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................258
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................261
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................81
Defrost
rear window ..............................20
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid .214
engine oil .................................201
Doors
door ajar warning .....................14
lubricant specifications ..........250
Driving under special
conditions ..................................154
mud ..........................................153
sand .........................................153
snow and ice ...................153±154
through water .................153, 157
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................188
Emission control system ..........233
Engine ........................................252
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................243
coolant .....................................208
idle speed control ...................216
Index
271

Load limits .................................155
GAWR ......................................155
GVWR ......................................155
trailer towing ..........................155
Loading instructions .................156
Locks
childproof ..................................84
Lubricant specifications ...250, 252
Lumbar support, seats .............100
M
Manual transaxle
fluid, checking and adding ....216
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................247
lubricant specifications ..........252
Mirrors
cleaning ...................................246
fold away ...................................20
side view mirrors (power) .......19
Moon roof ....................................79
Motorcraft parts ................230, 247
O
Octane rating ............................227
Odometer .....................................18
Off-Road Driving .......................152
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................201
Overdrive ...................................146
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................90
Parking brake ............................143Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....247
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................180
Power door locks ........................84
Power steering ..........................144
fluid, checking and adding ....213
fluid, refill capacity ................247
fluid, specifications .........250, 252
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................145
R
Radio ............................................26
Rear window defroster ...............20
Relays ........................................176
Remote entry system ...........89±90
illuminated entry ......................92
locking/unlocking doors ...........90
panic alarm ...............................90
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................91
replacing the batteries .............91
Roof rack ...................................162
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................15, 107±111
Safety defects, reporting ..........269
Safety restraints ................107±111
belt minder .............................113
cleaning the safety
belts .................................117, 246
extension assembly ................112
for adults .........................108±110
for children .............................127
lap belt ....................................112
Index
274