Ford Escort (2003 year). Manual — part 40

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.

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 to Identifying 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 bottomof the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10°C (50°F).

Correct fluid level

The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating temperatures
66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) 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 (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).

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.

20 C

65 C

20 C

65 C

20 C

65 C

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162

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 specifications section in this chapter.

Use of a non-approved automatictransmission 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.

20 C

65 C

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163

Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)

1. Clean the filler plug.

2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.

3. Fluid level should be at the
bottomof the opening.

4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottomof the opening.

5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.

Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to Lubricant
Specifications in this chapter.

AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE

Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.

When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer to Motorcraft Part Numbers.

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164

Note: Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.

CHANGING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT

1. Release the clamp locking clip on
the front portion of the air filter
housing.

2. Then swing the left side open and
remove the air filter element.

3. When installing the air filter
element, ensure the nubs on the air
filter element and the air filter
housing are aligned.

4. Swing the left side of the air filter
housing closed and secure the
clamp.

INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on themcalled
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
• Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.

Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).

U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades: The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.

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165