🔧 Escape - Transmission Fluid Change (Drain & Refill)

Your Escape’s automatic transmission fluid (ATF) lubricates and cools the transmission. A drain-and-refill replaces a large portion of the old fluid (not all of it like a machine flush) and is the safest DIY method for most drivers.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

Assumption: your Escape uses the 6F35 automatic with a drain plug and a side check/fill plug (no dipstick).

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Work on a level surface; support the Escape with jack stands, not the jack.
• 🔥 ATF and exhaust parts can be hot; let it cool enough to avoid burns.
• ⚙️ Final fluid level is checked with the engine running—keep hands/loose clothing away from belts and fans.
• 🧯 Clean spills immediately; ATF is slippery and flammable.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum)
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Socket set 7mm-13mm
• Torx bit set T25-T30
• Hex bit socket set 5mm-10mm
• Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)
• Fluid transfer pump (hand pump) (specialty)
• OBD2 scan tool with Transmission Fluid Temperature PID (specialty)
• Trim clip remover
• Shop rags
• Brake cleaner spray

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid (Motorcraft MERCON LV equivalent) - Qty: 5-6 quarts
• Transmission drain plug seal/O-ring - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill/check plug seal/O-ring - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Warm the transmission slightly with a 10-minute drive so the fluid drains better.
• Set up your OBD2 scan tool to read Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) (this is the temperature the level check is based on).
• Gather your fluid transfer pump (this is a hand pump that pushes new ATF into the transmission through the fill hole).

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the Escape

• Use a floor jack to lift the front, then place it on jack stands at the proper support points.
• Keep the vehicle as level as possible (front-to-back) so the final fluid level check is accurate.

Step 2: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Use a 7mm socket, Torx T25/T30 bit, and trim clip remover to remove the fasteners.
• Set all screws/clips aside in a small tray so nothing gets lost.

Step 3: Identify the drain plug and the fill/check plug

• The drain plug is on the lower portion of the transmission case.
• The fill/check plug is typically on the side of the transmission case (accessible from underneath).
• Pro tip: loosen the fill/check plug first.
• Use the correct socket or hex bit socket that fits your plugs snugly (don’t round it off).

Step 4: Loosen the fill/check plug first

• Place the drain pan under the transmission area.
• Use a ratchet with the correct socket/hex bit to crack the fill/check plug loose, then snug it back by hand for now.
• This prevents getting stuck with an empty transmission you can’t refill.

Step 5: Drain the old transmission fluid

• Move the drain pan directly under the drain plug.
• Use a ratchet with the correct socket/hex bit to remove the drain plug.
• Let it drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 10-20 minutes).
• Clean the plug area with shop rags and brake cleaner spray.

Step 6: Reinstall the drain plug with a new seal

• Install the new drain plug seal/O-ring.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten: Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Add new MERCON LV ATF through the fill port

• Remove the fill/check plug again using your ratchet and correct socket/hex bit.
• Insert the fluid transfer pump (specialty) hose into the fill hole.
• Pump in 4 quarts of MERCON LV ATF to start.
• Reinstall the fill/check plug finger-tight for now.

Step 8: Circulate fluid and prepare for the level check

• Start the engine and keep your foot on the brake.
• Slowly move the shifter through P-R-N-D and back, pausing 2-3 seconds in each gear.
• Keep the engine idling.
• Use your OBD2 scan tool to monitor Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT).

Step 9: Set the transmission fluid level (temperature-based)

• With the engine idling and the Escape level on stands, wait until TFT is in the 35°C-45°C (95°F-113°F) range.
• Place the drain pan under the fill/check port.
• Carefully remove the fill/check plug using the correct socket/hex bit.
• Correct level behavior: a thin stream that turns into a steady drip.
• If no fluid comes out, use the fluid transfer pump to add ATF until it just starts to drip out.
• Install a new fill/check plug seal/O-ring if applicable, then reinstall the plug.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten: Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Reinstall the splash shield

• Reinstall the shield using the 7mm socket, Torx bit, and any clips with the trim clip remover.
• Make sure nothing is rubbing the axle or hanging down.

Step 11: Lower the Escape

• Use the floor jack to lift slightly, remove the jack stands, and lower to the ground.
• Remove wheel chocks.

---

✅ After Repair

• Test drive 10-15 minutes and verify smooth shifts.
• Park on clean pavement and check for drips underneath.
• If you notice delayed engagement, slipping, or flare shifts, re-check the level using the same TFT temperature window.
• Dispose of used ATF properly (most parts stores accept it for recycling).

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$420 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $175-$330 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.