2008 FORD ESCAPE check transmission fluid

Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water 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.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company 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 “treading lightly.”
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Driving
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer 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
•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 burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission/transaxle:
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/transaxle:
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.
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vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID
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 the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor 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 20 miles [30 km]). 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 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
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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 50°F (10°C).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 150°F-170°F (66°C-77°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
the crosshatch zone if at normal
operating temperature (150°F-170°F
[66°C-77°C]).
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.
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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 blade. Refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 ml) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
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. Ensure 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.
7. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid level is at
the bottom of the opening.
8. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection in this chapter.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
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Item CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number /
Ford Specification
Fuel tank16.5 gallons
(62.5L)——
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.3The Power Transfer Unit 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 Transfer Unit
lubricant with specified synthetic lubricant anytime the unit is submerged in water.4Fill to 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.54X4 vehicles exposed for prolonged periods to temperatures less than -40° F (-40° C) should
change out the rear axle fluid to Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant, Ford part
number XY-75W140-QL meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.6Indicates 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.7Automatic transmissions that require MERCON
V should only use MERCON
V fluid or fluid that
is specified dual usage MERCON
/MERCON
V. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto
determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may
cause transmission damage.8Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with
the vehicle on a level surface.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................57
AdvanceTrac ..............................184
Air cleaner filter ...............280, 282
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ..........................37
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................34
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................116–117, 125, 128
and child safety seats ............118
description ..............117, 125, 128
disposal ....................................131
driver airbag ............119, 126, 129
indicator light .........125, 127, 130
operation .................119, 126, 129
passenger airbag .....119, 126, 129
side airbag ...............................125
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................199
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................261
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................182
Anti-theft system ........................91
Audio system (see Radio) .........20
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................278
fluid, checking ........................278
Automatic transmission ............190
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................192
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specification ..................283
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................27Auxiliary power point .................55
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........283
refill capacities ........................283
B
Battery .......................................259
acid, treating emergencies .....259
jumping a disabled battery ....227
maintenance-free ....................259
replacement, specifications ...282
servicing ..................................259
Belt-Minder
.............................112
Booster seats .............................132
Brakes ........................................182
anti-lock ...................................182
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................183
fluid, checking and adding ....278
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specifications .................283
lubricant specifications ..........283
parking ....................................183
shift interlock ..........................190
Bulbs ............................................47
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....283
Cargo area shade ........................73
Cargo management system ........74
Cell phone use ..............................9
Child safety restraints ..............131
child safety belts ....................131
Child safety seats ......................135
attaching with tether straps ..139
in front seat ............................136
in rear seat ..............................136
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Index
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Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................132
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............243
instrument panel ....................246
interior .....................................246
plastic parts ............................245
washing ....................................242
waxing .....................................243
wheels ......................................243
wiper blades ............................245
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......34, 37
Clutch
fluid ..........................................278
operation while driving ..........195
recommended shift speeds ....196
Compass, electronic ....................58
calibration .................................60
set zone adjustment .................59
Console ........................................54
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat .................................96
steering column ........................64
Coolant
checking and adding ..............261
refill capacities ................265, 283
specifications ..........................283
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Customer Assistance ................206
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................238
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................239
Getting roadside assistance ...206
Getting the service you
need .........................................234Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................240
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................238
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................43
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................278
engine oil .................................255
Driving under special
conditions ..................194, 200, 203
sand .........................................201
snow and ice ...........................204
through water .................202, 205
E
Electronic message center .........66
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................227
Emergency Flashers .................208
Emission control system ..........275
Engine ........................................286
cleaning ...................................243
coolant .....................................261
fail-safe cooling .......................266
idle speed control ...................259
lubrication specifications .......283
refill capacities ........................283
service points ..................251–252
starting after a collision .........208
Engine block heater .................181
Engine oil ..................................255
checking and adding ..............255
dipstick ....................................255
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
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