Ford ZD Escape Series - Transmission and Washer Fluid Checks

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Maintenance
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID
CHECK
Your transaxle does not consume
uid. However, the uid 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 uid
leakage.
Automatic transmission uid expands
when warmed. To obtain an accurate
uid check, drive the vehicle until it is
warmed up. If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high
speeds, in city trafc during hot weather
or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow
uid to cool before checking.
Drive the vehicle until it reaches 1.
normal operating temperature.
Park the vehicle on a level surface 2.
and engage the parking brake.
With the parking brake engaged and 3.
your foot on the brake pedal, start
the engine and move the gearshift
lever through all of the gear ranges.
Allow sufcient time for each gear to
engage.
Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) 4.
and leave the engine running.
Remove the dipstick, wiping it 5.
clean with a clean, dry lint free
rag. If necessary, refer to Engine
Compartment Overview (page
106).
Install the dipstick making sure it is 6.
fully seated in the ller tube.
Remove the dipstick and inspect 7.
the uid level. The uid should be
in the crosshatch zone for normal
operating temperature.
Low uid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the uid level
is at the bottom of the dipstick and the
outside temperatures are above 10°C.
Correct uid level
The transmission uid should be checked
at normal operating temperatures
66°C-77°C on a level surface.
The transmission uid should be in the
crosshatch zone.
High uid level
Fluid levels above the crosshatch zone
may result in transaxle failure.
An overll condition of transmission uid
may cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible damage.
High uid levels can be caused by an
overheating condition.