2002 FORD ESCAPE check transmission fluid

If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Water intrusion into the transmission may damage the
transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
ªTread Lightlyº is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford joins the U.S.
Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you
to help preserve our national forest and other public and private lands by
ªtreading lightly.º
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
Driving
174

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 in the
Batterysection of 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 Specifications
226

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
Maintenance and Specifications
231

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).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
Maintenance and Specifications
254

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 theRefill
capacitiesin this chapter.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
The clutch master cylinder and
brake master cylinder are part of
the same system; both are refillable
through the brake master cylinder
with brake fluid. For more
information on brake fluid
maintenance, refer toBrake fluidin
this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical if irritation
persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Seek
medical attention immediately.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
Maintenance and Specifications
256

Item Ford Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
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
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Power
Take-off(PTO)
3
(4X4-Automatic
Transaxle)Motorcraft SAE
75W-140
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W140±QL 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
suspected or repair required. Replace Power Take-off(PTO) lubricant
with specified synthetic lubricant anytime the unit is submerged in
water. Never engage the 4X4 feature while on dry pavement.
Maintenance and Specifications
266

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................159
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................136±137, 141
and child safety seats ............139
description ......................137, 141
disposal ....................................144
driver air bag ..................139, 142
indicator light ...........12, 141, 143
operation .........................139, 142
passenger air bag ...........139, 142
side air bag ..............................141
Air cleaner filter .......256±257, 262
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................63
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................169
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................237
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................159
Anti-theft system ......................111
arming the system ..................111
disarming a triggered
system .....................................112
warning light .............................14
Audio system (see Radio) ...25, 46
Automatic transaxle .................163
driving with .............................166
fluid, adding ............................254
fluid, checking ........................254
Automatic transmission
fluid, refill capacities ..............262
fluid, specification ..................267Auxiliary power point .................83
Axle
lubricant specifications ..265, 267
refill capacities ........................262
B
Battery .......................................235
acid, treating emergencies .....235
charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....200
maintenance-free ....................235
replacement, specifications ...262
servicing ..................................235
BeltMinder .................................132
Brakes ........................................158
anti-lock ...................................159
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 160
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....253
fluid, refill capacities ..............262
fluid, specifications .........265, 267
lubricant specifications ..265, 267
parking ....................................160
shift interlock ..........................163
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................73
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....262
Cargo cover .................................91
Cargo net .....................................91
CD-single .....................................18
CD-single premium .....................25
Certification Label ....................269
Index
274

Changing a tire .........................195
Child safety restraints ..............145
child safety belts ....................145
Child safety seats ..............145±146
attaching with tether straps ..150
in front seat ............................147
in rear seat ..............................147
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............219
exterior ....................................224
instrument cluster lens ..........223
instrument panel ....................222
interior .............................223±224
plastic parts ............................221
safety belts ..............................224
washing ....................................218
waxing .....................................218
wheels ......................................219
windows ..................................223
wiper blades ............................222
woodtone trim ........................223
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......62±63
Clock ..........................24, 33, 43, 59
Clutch
fluid ..........................................256
Console ........................................89
overhead ....................................82
Controls
power seat ...............................114
Coolant
checking and adding ..............237
refill capacities ................241, 262
specifications ..................265, 267
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................86
Customer Assistance ................186Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................225
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................210
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............214
Getting roadside assistance ...186
Getting the service
you need .................................208
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................215
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................211
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................214
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................68
Defrost
rear window ..............................67
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................254
engine oil .................................231
Doors
central unlocking ....................102
door ajar warning .....................13
lubricant specifications ..........265
Driving under special
conditions ..........................172, 174
sand .........................................173
snow and ice ...........................175
through water .................173, 178
Index
275