🔧 Escape - Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill

A simple drain and refill is the smart DIY service. Your Escape uses the 6F35 six-speed automatic transmission and requires fluid meeting Ford’s MERCON LV specification, WSS-M2C938-A. Ford confirms there’s no transmission dipstick, so accurate measuring and correct fluid temperature matter. static.nhtsa.gov)

This procedure replaces only the fluid that drains from the case, usually about 4–5 quarts. It doesn’t empty the torque converter, so don’t pour in the transmission’s full dry capacity.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support your Escape on four jack stands. The vehicle must remain level.
• ⚠️ Never work underneath a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid can cause serious burns. Let the drivetrain cool before draining.
• ⚠️ Wear gloves and safety glasses throughout the repair.
• ⚠️ Don’t use transmission additives, cleaners, or “shudder fix” products. Ford warns that additives can damage transmission components. static.nhtsa.gov
• ⚠️ Don’t perform a powered flush on a slipping, delayed, or malfunctioning transmission.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnection isn’t required.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Low-profile floor jack rated 2-ton minimum
• Four jack stands rated 2-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Metric socket set, 8mm–15mm
• Metric hex-bit socket set, 6mm–10mm
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive torque wrench, 10–80 Nm
• Plastic trim-clip removal tool
• Drain pan marked in quarts or liters
• Five-quart graduated measuring container
• Long-neck transmission funnel
• OBD-II scan tool with transmission-temperature data
• Digital infrared thermometer
• Brake-cleaner aerosol
• Lint-free shop towels
• Nitrile mechanic’s gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• MERCON LV automatic transmission fluid meeting WSS-M2C938-A - Qty: 5 quarts
• Transmission drain-plug sealing washer - Qty: 1 if removable or damaged

The internal 6F35 filter isn’t a routine drain-and-refill item. Accessing it requires major transmission disassembly, so don’t remove the pan expecting a normal replaceable filter.

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level, solid ground and apply the parking brake.
• Drive for approximately 10–15 minutes, then let the vehicle cool until the fluid is warm rather than dangerously hot.
• Confirm the new fluid specifically states MERCON LV or Ford WSS-M2C938-A. “Universal ATF” without that approval isn’t good enough.
• Don’t start this job unless you can remove the fill cap before opening the drain plug. A drained transmission with a stuck fill cap makes for a very bad afternoon.
• No infotainment service mode or transmission relearn is normally required for a basic drain and refill.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and Level the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack at the approved lifting points.
• Place all four corners securely on jack stands.
• Check that your Escape is level front-to-rear and side-to-side.
• Push the vehicle gently before going underneath. It shouldn’t rock or shift.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Splash Shield

• Use the appropriate 8mm–10mm socket and trim-clip removal tool to remove the lower engine shield.
• Arrange the fasteners in removal order so each one returns to its original position.
• Cardboard makes an excellent fastener organizer.

Step 3: Locate and Loosen the Fill Cap

• Locate the transmission fill cap at the top of the transmission case, beneath the engine-bay components near the air-filter housing.
• Use the required metric socket to move obstructing brackets only if necessary.
• Clean around the fill cap with brake cleaner and a lint-free towel.
• Loosen the fill cap before removing the drain plug. Keep dirt away from the opening.

Step 4: Drain the Old Fluid

• Place the marked drain pan beneath the transmission drain plug.
• Use the correctly fitting metric hex-bit socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove the plug.
• Allow the fluid to drain until it slows to an occasional drip.
• Inspect the fluid for metallic glitter, chunks, burnt odor, or coolant-like contamination.
• Transfer the drained fluid into the graduated measuring container and record the exact amount.

Step 5: Reinstall the Drain Plug

• Clean the plug and sealing surface with brake cleaner and a lint-free towel.
• Replace the sealing washer if it’s removable, crushed, cracked, or damaged.
• Thread the plug in by hand first. If it doesn’t turn easily, stop and realign it.
• Use the torque wrench and tighten to the current Ford 6F35 service specification for the exact plug fitted. Ford’s public owner manual doesn’t publish this torque, so don’t substitute a generic value or overtighten the aluminum case.

Step 6: Add the Initial Fluid Quantity

• Insert the long-neck transmission funnel into the fill opening.
• Add exactly the same quantity of fresh MERCON LV fluid that was removed.
• Pour slowly to prevent fluid from backing up and spilling.
• Reinstall the fill cap by hand, then secure it without overtightening.

Step 7: Circulate the New Fluid

• Verify that the drain and fill plugs are installed and all tools are clear.
• Start the engine while your Escape remains level and securely supported.
• Hold the brake pedal firmly and move the selector slowly through P, R, N, D and S.
• Pause approximately five seconds in each position, then return to Park.
• Use the OBD-II scan tool to monitor transmission-fluid temperature.

Step 8: Verify the Final Fill

• With the transmission warm, inspect the drain plug, fill cap, case seams, and cooler lines for leaks.
• If exactly the drained amount was replaced and no fluid was previously leaking, the level should remain close to its starting point.
• Accurate correction of an unknown level requires Ford’s temperature-controlled 6F35 level procedure. Don’t guess by adding an extra quart.
• If the transmission was leaking, slipping, or previously serviced incorrectly, stop here and have its level checked using the Ford service procedure.

Step 9: Reinstall the Splash Shield

• Switch off the engine and allow hot components to cool.
• Use the appropriate 8mm–10mm socket and trim-clip removal tool to reinstall the shield.
• Use the torque wrench for any shield bolts with published Ford specifications. Snug plastic-mounted fasteners lightly.
• Use the floor jack to remove the stands and lower the vehicle carefully.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine and confirm normal engagement into Reverse and Drive.
• ✅ Take a gentle 10–15 minute test drive. Avoid hard acceleration initially.
• ✅ Check underneath for fresh red fluid immediately after the drive.
• ✅ Recheck for leaks the following morning.
• ✅ A basic drain and refill doesn’t normally require battery registration, coding, or adaptive-table resetting.
• ✅ If shifting becomes delayed, harsh, or erratic, stop driving and have the fluid level verified.
• ✅ Pour the old fluid into sealed containers and take it to an approved recycling facility. Never dump it onto the ground or into a drain.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220–$400 USD equivalent, depending on local labor and fluid pricing

DIY Cost: $55–$100 USD equivalent for fluid and service supplies

You Save: Approximately $120–$300 by doing it yourself!

Local labor rates in Haryana vary considerably. This service generally takes a shop approximately 1–1.5 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! The transmission-fluid aisle is open beside this guide. Choose only fluid explicitly meeting MERCON LV and WSS-M2C938-A.