1998 Ford Escort Owner's Manual - Page 144

Maintenance and care 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 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) 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 C 65 C 144