2002 FORD ESCORT check transmission fluid

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.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
187

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.
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 this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
20 C65 C
20 C65 C
20 C65 C
Maintenance and Specifications
188

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 Specifications
189

waxing .....................................148
wheels ......................................149
windows ..................................154
wiper blades ............................152
Clock ......................................21, 28
Clutch
fluid ..........................................187
operation while driving ..........110
recommended shift speeds ....112
Coolant
checking and adding ..............169
refill capacities ................173, 195
specifications ..................196, 198
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................57
Customer Assistance ................118
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................155
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................138
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............144
Getting roadside assistance ...118
Getting the service
you need .................................138
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................145
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................141
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............144
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................42
Defrost
rear window ..............................41Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................187
engine oil .................................164
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........196
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................113
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................132
Emission control system ..........183
Engine ........................................198
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................11
cleaning ...................................150
coolant .....................................169
idle speed control ...................167
lubrication
specifications ..................196, 198
refill capacities ........................195
service points ..................161±162
starting after a collision .........119
Engine block heater .................101
Engine oil ..................................164
checking and adding ..............164
dipstick ....................................164
filter, specifications ........166, 195
recommendations ...................166
refill capacities ........................195
specifications ..................196, 198
Exhaust fumes ..........................101
F
Floor mats ...................................62
Index
206

R
Rear window defroster ...............41
Relays ................................121, 128
Remote entry system ...........65, 67
illuminated entry ......................69
locking/unlocking doors .....63, 66
opening the trunk .....................67
panic alarm ...............................67
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................68
replacing the batteries .............67
S
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ............14, 75±79
Safety defects, reporting ..........147
Safety restraints ....................75±79
belt minder ...............................81
cleaning the safety
belts ...................................84, 154
extension assembly ..................80
for adults .............................76±78
for children .........................89±90
lap belt ......................................79
warning light and
chime .............................12, 14, 80
Safety seats for children ............91
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............75
Seats ............................................72
child safety seats ......................91
Servicing your vehicle ..............156
Spark plugs, specifications ......195,
198
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................196, 198Speed control ..............................57
Speedometer ...............................17
Starting your vehicle ....97±98, 100
jump starting ..........................132
Steering wheel
controls ................................54, 57
tilting .........................................54
T
Tachometer .................................17
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................37
Tires ...........................128, 191±192
changing ..........................128±129
checking the pressure ............192
replacing ..................................193
rotating ....................................192
snow tires and chains ............194
tire grades ...............................192
treadwear ................................191
Towing .......................................115
trailer towing ..........................115
wrecker ....................................137
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............105
fluid, refill capacities ..............195
lubricant specifications ..........198
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................187
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................189
lubricant specifications ..........196
Trip odometer .............................17
Trunk ...........................................64
remote release ....................62, 67
Turn signal ............................13, 46
Index
209