check transmission fluid FORD ESCORT 1998 7.G Owners Manual

center of the NORMAL band).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right
several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
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.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking and adding automatic
transmission fluid
Follow the scheduled service
intervals outlined in the ªService
Guide.º
Before adding any fluid, make sure
the correct type is used. The type
of fluid used is normally indicated
on the dipstick and/or dipstick
handle and also in theLubricant
specificationssection in the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the hole at the
bottom of the dipstick and outside
temperatures are above 10ÉC
(50ÉF).
Your transaxle does not use up
fluid. However, it is recommended
that you check the transmission
Maintenance and care
143

fluid at least twice a year. The
fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips
or shifts slowly or if you notice
some sign of fluid leakage.
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
32 km (20 miles) of driving.
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 the fluid
to cool before checking.
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface and engage the parking
brake.
2. 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.
3. Latch the gearshift lever in P
(Park) and leave the engine
running.
4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it
clean with a clean, dry lint free
rag.
5. Install the dipstick making sure
it is fully seated in the filler tube.
20 C65 C
Maintenance and care
144

6. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. The fluid level
should be between the notches on
the dipstick.
7. If necessary, add fluid in .25L
(1/2 pint) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
8. If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
Checking and adding manual
transmission fluid
The lubricant level and quality
should not deteriorate under
normal conditions. However, you
should have the fluid checked
occasionally. If lubricant is
required, refer toLubricant
specificationsin this section.
BATTERY
Your vehicle may be equipped with
a Motorcraft maintenance-free
battery. If the original equipment
battery needs replacing, it may be
replaced with a low-maintenance
battery. The low-maintenance
battery normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service. However, for severe usage
or in high temperature climates,
check your battery electrolyte
level, at least every 24 months or
40,000 km (24,000 miles). Keep
the electrolyte in each cell up to
the ªlevelº indicator. Do not overfill
the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the
battery is low, you can add plain
Maintenance and care
145

Sliding moon roof (see
Moonroof) ....................................35
Speed control ..............................28
canceling a set speed ...............32
resuming a set speed ...............33
tap up/tap down ..................30,31
turning off .................................29
Speedometer ...............................15
Starting your vehicle ........80,81,84
Tachometer
mechanical cluster ...................16
Tilt steering wheel ......................33
Tires ....................................149,152
checking the pressure ............152
replacing ..................................153
rotating ....................................152
snow tires and chains ............154
treadwear ................................150
Trailer towing ............................100
tips ....................................102,122
Transaxle .....................................90
automatic operation ..94,95,96,97
manual operation .......90,91,92,93
Transmission .............................143
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) ......................143,145Trip odometer .............................15
Trunk
using the remote entry
system to open .........................41
Turn signal
lever ...........................................27
Vehicle dimensions ...................183
Vehicle headlamp aiming
device (VHAD) .........................172
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................186
Vehicle loading ............................97
Ventilating your vehicle .............86
Warning chimes .............................6
Windows
power windows, operating .......37
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....137
checking and replacing wiper
blades ......................................148
operation ...................................34
Wrecker towing .........................121
Index
190