🔧 Escape - Automatic Transmission Fluid Drain & Refill

This job replaces part of the automatic transmission fluid in your Escape. The 6-speed automatic transmission does not have a traditional dipstick, so the fluid level is checked through a small level-check plug while the fluid is at the correct temperature.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool vehicle first, but final fluid level must be checked with the transmission warm.
• ⚠️ The vehicle must be level when checking fluid level. A tilted vehicle can cause overfilling or underfilling.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands, not just a floor jack. A floor jack lifts the vehicle; jack stands safely hold it up.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid can be hot enough to burn skin. Wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine with the transmission low on fluid except during the level-check step after refilling.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this service.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 11mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 8mm Allen socket
• Torque wrench, 5-50 Nm range
• Long-neck transmission funnel
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• Drain pan, 8-quart minimum
• Digital scan tool with transmission fluid temperature display (specialty)
• Floor jack, rated 2-ton minimum
• Jack stands, rated 2-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Motorcraft MERCON LV automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 5 quarts
• Transmission drain plug seal - Qty: 1
• Transmission level-check plug seal - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Escape on a flat, level surface.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Let the transmission cool enough to touch before opening any plugs.
• Use only MERCON LV fluid. Do not use universal fluid unless it clearly lists Ford MERCON LV approval.
• A scan tool is strongly recommended because fluid level must be checked at the correct transmission fluid temperature.
• There is no normal infotainment menu step for this transmission fluid service.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and level the vehicle

• Use the floor jack, rated 2-ton minimum to lift the front of your Escape at the approved front jacking point.
• Place jack stands, rated 2-ton minimum under the proper front support points.
• If more room is needed, raise the rear evenly and support it with jack stands, rated 2-ton minimum.
• Make sure the vehicle sits level front-to-back and side-to-side.
• Level vehicle equals correct fluid level.

Step 2: Remove the lower splash shield

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Use an 8mm socket, 10mm socket, or 13mm socket as needed to remove the lower splash shield fasteners.
• Set the shield and fasteners aside in order so they go back in the same locations.

Step 3: Locate the transmission drain plug

• Place the drain pan, 8-quart minimum under the transmission.
• The drain plug is on the lower transmission case area.
• Use shop towels to wipe dirt away from the plug area before loosening it.

Step 4: Drain the old transmission fluid

• Use the correct socket, commonly an 11mm socket or 8mm Allen socket, to carefully loosen the drain plug.
• Remove the plug by hand once loose and let the fluid drain fully into the drain pan, 8-quart minimum.
• Measure how much fluid came out if possible. This helps you add back the correct starting amount.
• Install a new transmission drain plug seal.
• Reinstall the drain plug using the same socket.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Access the transmission fill point

• Open the hood.
• Locate the transmission fill cap or vent cap on top of the transmission case near the driver-side area of the engine bay.
• Use shop towels to clean around the fill area so dirt does not fall into the transmission.
• Remove the cap by hand. If access is tight, use care and do not pry against wiring or hoses.

Step 6: Add new transmission fluid

• Insert the long-neck transmission funnel into the fill opening.
• Add Motorcraft MERCON LV automatic transmission fluid slowly.
• Start by adding the same amount that drained out, usually about 4 quarts during a drain-and-refill.
• Do not dump fluid quickly. Slow filling helps prevent spills and air pockets.
• Add slowly and keep everything clean.

Step 7: Warm the transmission fluid

• Connect the digital scan tool with transmission fluid temperature display to the diagnostic port under the dashboard.
• Start the engine with the transmission in Park.
• Hold the brake pedal firmly.
• Move the shifter slowly through each gear position, pausing 3 seconds in each position, then return to Park.
• Watch transmission fluid temperature on the scan tool.
• Warm the fluid to approximately 85-93°C (185-200°F) for the final level check.

Step 8: Check the fluid level

• Keep the engine running and the transmission in Park.
• Keep the vehicle level on jack stands, rated 2-ton minimum.
• Place the drain pan, 8-quart minimum under the level-check plug on the side of the transmission.
• Use the correct socket, commonly an 8mm Allen socket or 11mm socket, to remove the level-check plug.
• If fluid flows out in a thin stream, let it slow to a drip.
• If no fluid comes out, use the long-neck transmission funnel or fluid transfer pump to add MERCON LV fluid in small amounts until fluid begins to trickle from the level-check opening.
• Install a new transmission level-check plug seal.
• Reinstall the level-check plug using the same socket.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the fill cap and splash shield

• Turn the engine off.
• Reinstall the transmission fill cap by hand.
• Use shop towels to clean any spilled fluid.
• Reinstall the lower splash shield using the 8mm socket, 10mm socket, or 13mm socket.
• Tighten splash shield fasteners snugly by hand with the ratchet. Do not overtighten plastic fasteners.

Step 10: Lower the vehicle

• Use the floor jack, rated 2-ton minimum to lift slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands, rated 2-ton minimum.
• Lower your Escape slowly to the ground.
• Remove the wheel chocks.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 1 minute.
• With your foot on the brake, shift through all gear positions, then return to Park.
• Drive gently for 10-15 minutes and confirm smooth shifting.
• Park on a clean surface and check underneath for leaks.
• Dispose of used transmission fluid at a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts used fluids.
• No battery registration, coding, or infotainment reset is required.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$380 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $55-$110 (parts only)

You Save: $165-$270 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 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.