Checking the oil level in an automatic transmission (Escort 5)

Take the vehicle for a short drive to warm up the transmission to normal operating temperature, then park the vehicle on a level surface and check the oil level.

With the engine idling, move the automatic transmission selector lever from position "P" (Park) to the other positions 3 times and set it to position "P". Remove the dipstick from the pipe and wipe off all the oil from the end of the dipstick with a clean rag or paper towel.

Insert the clean dipstick back into the pipe until it stops, then remove it again and determine the oil level at the end of the dipstick, which should be between the upper and lower marks (dashes).

Attention: If the oil is black and has a burning smell, the automatic transmission requires professional repair.