2001 FORD ESCORT check transmission fluid

Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash
or remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to indicate a system check. Also
illuminates if the parking brake is
engaged. If the brake warning lamp
does not illuminate at these times, seek service immediately. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the
brake system should be inspected immediately.
Shift indicator light (if equipped)
To maximize fuel economy, the shift
indicator light illuminates when the
manual transmission should be
shifted to the next highest gear.
P!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
10

²Sedan
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
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.
Maintenance and care
154

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 designated areas 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).
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.
20 C65 C
20 C65 C
20 C65 C
Maintenance and care
155

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.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
20 C65 C
Maintenance and care
156

safety belts ..............................188
washing ....................................184
waxing .....................................184
wheels ......................................185
windows ..................................188
wiper blades ............................186
woodtone trim ........................188
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............38
Clock ......................................25, 33
Clutch
fluid ..........................................146
operation while driving ..........106
recommended shift speeds ....108
Coolant
checking and adding ..............148
refill capacities ................152, 190
specifications ..................191±192
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................46
Customer Assistance ................114
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................203
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................196
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................202
Getting roadside assistance ...114
Getting the service you
need .........................................196
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................206
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................199
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................202D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................44
Defrost
rear window ..............................43
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................154
engine oil .................................142
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........191
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................113
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................129
Emission control system ..........174
Engine ................................192±193
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................9
cleaning ...................................186
coolant .....................................148
idle speed control ...................157
lubrication
specifications ..................191±192
refill capacities ........................190
service points ..................140±141
starting after a collision .........115
Engine block heater ...................96
Engine oil ..................................142
checking and adding ..............142
dipstick ....................................142
filter, specifications ........144, 189
recommendations ...................144
refill capacities ........................190
Index
210

Towing .......................................111
trailer towing ..........................111
wrecker ....................................134
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............101
fluid, refill capacities ..............190
lubricant specifications ..........192
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................154
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................156
lubricant specifications ..........191
Trip odometer .............................16
Trunk ...........................................56
remote release ....................18, 59
Turn signal ............................11, 46
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................193
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................195Vehicle loading ..........................109
Ventilating your vehicle .............97
W
Warning chimes .....................12±13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................147
Water, Driving through .............113
Windows
power .........................................55
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....147
checking and cleaning ............160
operation ...................................51
replacing wiper blades ...........161
Wrecker towing .........................134
Index
214