2003 FORD ESCAPE automatic transmission fluid

Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), pull
the parking brake handle up as far
as possible. The BRAKE warning
lamp will illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an underinflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a safety belt.
!
BRAKE
Driving
119

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We 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 Guide/Owner
Information 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
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
Maintenance and Specifications
183

3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air filter assembly
6. Power distribution box
7. Battery
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
10987
123456
Maintenance and Specifications
186

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.
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR
Brake and clutch systems are supplied from the same reservoir.
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the“MIN”and
“MAX”lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised, seek service from your dealer immediately.
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
MAXMIN
Maintenance and Specifications
209

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 this 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.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully–
put in first gear.
3. Assure the vehicle cannot move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
6. Fluid level should be at bottom of
the opening.
Maintenance and Specifications
211

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Transmission
fluid
1Motorcraft SAE
75W-90
API GL-4 Gear
OilManual transaxle
(2WD)2.7L
(2.85 quarts)2
Manual transaxle
(4X4)2.2L
(2.32 quarts)2
Motorcraft
MERCONAT F2.0L engine with
Automatic
transaxle and oil
cooler8.5L
(9.0 quarts)
3.0L engine with
Automatic
transaxle and oil
cooler9.6L
(10.2 quarts)
3
Power Take-off
UnitMotorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lubricant4X4 (Automatic) 0.35L
(12 ounces)
Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4X4 (Manual) 0.35L
(12 ounces)
Engine coolant
4Motorcraft
Premium Engine
Coolant (green
colored)or
Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)2.0L I4 Zetec
engine with
manual
transaxle5.0L
(5.3 quarts)
2.0L I4 Zetec
engine with
automatic
transaxle6.0L
(6.3 quarts)
3.0L V6 Duratec
engine with
automatic
transaxle10.0L
(10.6 quarts)
Maintenance and Specifications
219

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Rear axle
lubricantMotorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4X4 1.4L
(2.96 pints)
5
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 2.6L
(2.7 quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONand MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONand MERCONV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
2Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick’s normal operating range.
4Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
5Fill to 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
Maintenance and Specifications
220

Item Ford Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Automatic
transaxle
2Motorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FXT-2-QDX MERCON
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 fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC-32–A WSB-M8B16–A2
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. MERCONand MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONand MERCONV. 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
222