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I think this is a regional or year model thing, but the check ATF level nut/ location is different from the one I found in a YouTube video:

I don't have the tool nor can I see it from the side....just want to ask if that is a Torx or a Hex and what is the size?

But yeah, I think changing the fluid every 150000 mi (240,000 km) is total bs
75490
 
I plan on doing my own transmission fluid change. I looked where the fill should be and cannot find the fill point. If there are pictures I can't find them.
Can someone point me in the correct direction.
I understand the procedure, but it won't do me any good if I can't refill it.
By the way, it took me a long time to get the beauty cover off the engine. (along with some blood) Before I put it back on I sprayed the rubber grommets with silicone. It pops right off now. Just a helpful hint.:)
 
Couple of threads to help you.


 
It's buried to put it nicely.
The easiest way I've found to get to it is to pull the air filter box since it's right below it.
The official Ford way to add fluid is through the level port on the side of the transmission, the upper port is only used when the tranny gets its first fill at the factory.
 
I plan on doing my own transmission fluid change. I looked where the fill should be and cannot find the fill point. If there are pictures I can't find them.
Can someone point me in the correct direction.
I understand the procedure, but it won't do me any good if I can't refill it.
By the way, it took me a long time to get the beauty cover off the engine. (along with some blood) Before I put it back on I sprayed the rubber grommets with silicone. It pops right off now. Just a helpful hint.:)
I merged your thread with one of the existing threads provided above.
 
I plan on doing my own transmission fluid change. I looked where the fill should be and cannot find the fill point. If there are pictures I can't find them.
Can someone point me in the correct direction.
I understand the procedure, but it won't do me any good if I can't refill it.
By the way, it took me a long time to get the beauty cover off the engine. (along with some blood) Before I put it back on I sprayed the rubber grommets with silicone. It pops right off now. Just a helpful hint.:)
Hi, I just changed my fluid yesterday on a 2017 a little less than 5 quarts, Mercon LV. For the 2017, at least mine, level check plug is 10mm Hex/Allen on the driver side, same location as shown in your picture. Probably one of the easier DIY jobs (say compared with a coolant flush, plug replacement or PTU change). To get to the fill, remove the hard tube in front going to the air filter box, long needle nose or other long pliers to remove the trans fill cap held on by spring clamp. Alternatively, you could just remove the fill plug with vehicle level and fill it up with a pump if you have one.
 
After watching a couple of YouTube how-to videos it appears that there are some differences between the 2017 and earlier models. I did three drain and refill cycles on my 2.0L Escape at 24,744 miles. By my rough calculations, this should have left me with approximately 83% new fluid. The color of the factory fill fluid was darker than I would have expected at this mileage. My Escape has not seen any hard driving or trailer towing, and was not exhibiting any strange behavior.

After warming up the transmission and before draining out the old fluid, I was curious to see if the factory fill was up to the "level check" plug. I removed the upper plug and about 4 to 6 ounces of fluid ran out. I drained and measured the factory fill, it came to about 4.1 quarts.

As stated, I drained and refilled the transmission three times. I took about a 10 minute drive between each cycle.

On the final fill, I added exactly 4 quarts and despite being "cold" there was a small amount of fluid running out of the "level check" plug when I removed it to check the level.

The fill hole requires removing an air-vent plug that is held in place by a hose clamp. There is a rigid plastic hose that runs from the bottom of the air filter box to a rubber "Y" junction at the front of the car. Remove it for easier access to the fill port and plug. I have attached a photo of the hose.

The "level check" plug is located on the drivers side of the transmission just aft of where the axle shaft attaches to the transmission. You will need a 10mm Hex Key to remove it. I have attached photos of what the plug looks like, and also posted a photo of the "level check" plug location.

The "severe service" maintenance schedule recommends changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. Despite having driving habits that would put me on the "normal" maintenance schedule, I will be servicing mine at 25,000 mile intervals. With the appearance of the fluid that I drained out, I expect that anyone who follows the "normal" service recommendation of the first fluid change at 150,000 miles will be in need of a new transmission a lot sooner than expected.
I’m having trouble trying to get the trans Fill cap off. Is it a hose clamp. Or a hose clamp scree off hybrid?
 
Hello Nevada, thanks for taking the time to post this. I'm getting ready to do a tranny fluid change in my 2017 and it's a bit different from changing the fluid in my 2013.


Question: did you reassemble everything before you took your warm-up drives or did you leave the hard pipe over the fill cap off until you finished?


Again, thanks for your post - very helpful.
Hey John!
I have a 2017 Ford Escape. Probably a stupid question but it looks like fill cap might have a hose clamp. Is that all it need is some players to squeeze it and take it off?
 
You can start by researching the forum before starting yet another thread on a topic that has been discussed. Sorry for being so snarky but you know how it goes when folks don’t read the forum guidelines.

 
Hey John!
I have a 2017 Ford Escape. Probably a stupid question but it looks like fill cap might have a hose clamp. Is that all it need is some players to squeeze it and take it off?
Yes, you need to squeeze the two prongs together while pulling / twisting up.
 

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First time doing a transmission fluid change on a 2017 Ford Escape. Does anyone know how to remove the fill cap. I’m assuming it’s a hose clamp by the look of it View attachment 80048
I merged your thread with the existing thread provided above. Hopefully some of the existing posts will help you
 
I merged your thread with the existing thread provided above. Hopefully some of the existing posts will help you
After watching a couple of YouTube how-to videos it appears that there are some differences between the 2017 and earlier models. I did three drain and refill cycles on my 2.0L Escape at 24,744 miles. By my rough calculations, this should have left me with approximately 83% new fluid. The color of the factory fill fluid was darker than I would have expected at this mileage. My Escape has not seen any hard driving or trailer towing, and was not exhibiting any strange behavior.

After warming up the transmission and before draining out the old fluid, I was curious to see if the factory fill was up to the "level check" plug. I removed the upper plug and about 4 to 6 ounces of fluid ran out. I drained and measured the factory fill, it came to about 4.1 quarts.

As stated, I drained and refilled the transmission three times. I took about a 10 minute drive between each cycle.

On the final fill, I added exactly 4 quarts and despite being "cold" there was a small amount of fluid running out of the "level check" plug when I removed it to check the level.

The fill hole requires removing an air-vent plug that is held in place by a hose clamp. There is a rigid plastic hose that runs from the bottom of the air filter box to a rubber "Y" junction at the front of the car. Remove it for easier access to the fill port and plug. I have attached a photo of the hose.

The "level check" plug is located on the drivers side of the transmission just aft of where the axle shaft attaches to the transmission. You will need a 10mm Hex Key to remove it. I have attached photos of what the plug looks like, and also posted a photo of the "level check" plug location.

The "severe service" maintenance schedule recommends changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. Despite having driving habits that would put me on the "normal" maintenance schedule, I will be servicing mine at 25,000 mile intervals. With the appearance of the fluid that I drained out, I expect that anyone who follows the "normal" service recommendation of the first fluid change at 150,000 miles will be in need of a new transmission a lot sooner than expected.
Just did a oiln
After watching a couple of YouTube how-to videos it appears that there are some differences between the 2017 and earlier models. I did three drain and refill cycles on my 2.0L Escape at 24,744 miles. By my rough calculations, this should have left me with approximately 83% new fluid. The color of the factory fill fluid was darker than I would have expected at this mileage. My Escape has not seen any hard driving or trailer towing, and was not exhibiting any strange behavior.

After warming up the transmission and before draining out the old fluid, I was curious to see if the factory fill was up to the "level check" plug. I removed the upper plug and about 4 to 6 ounces of fluid ran out. I drained and measured the factory fill, it came to about 4.1 quarts.

As stated, I drained and refilled the transmission three times. I took about a 10 minute drive between each cycle.

On the final fill, I added exactly 4 quarts and despite being "cold" there was a small amount of fluid running out of the "level check" plug when I removed it to check the level.

The fill hole requires removing an air-vent plug that is held in place by a hose clamp. There is a rigid plastic hose that runs from the bottom of the air filter box to a rubber "Y" junction at the front of the car. Remove it for easier access to the fill port and plug. I have attached a photo of the hose.

The "level check" plug is located on the drivers side of the transmission just aft of where the axle shaft attaches to the transmission. You will need a 10mm Hex Key to remove it. I have attached photos of what the plug looks like, and also posted a photo of the "level check" plug location.

The "severe service" maintenance schedule recommends changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. Despite having driving habits that would put me on the "normal" maintenance schedule, I will be servicing mine at 25,000 mile intervals. With the appearance of the fluid that I drained out, I expect that anyone who follows the "normal" service recommendation of the first fluid change at 150,000 miles will be in need of a new transmission a lot sooner than expected.
After doin
After watching a couple of YouTube how-to videos it appears that there are some differences between the 2017 and earlier models. I did three drain and refill cycles on my 2.0L Escape at 24,744 miles. By my rough calculations, this should have left me with approximately 83% new fluid. The color of the factory fill fluid was darker than I would have expected at this mileage. My Escape has not seen any hard driving or trailer towing, and was not exhibiting any strange behavior.

After warming up the transmission and before draining out the old fluid, I was curious to see if the factory fill was up to the "level check" plug. I removed the upper plug and about 4 to 6 ounces of fluid ran out. I drained and measured the factory fill, it came to about 4.1 quarts.

As stated, I drained and refilled the transmission three times. I took about a 10 minute drive between each cycle.

On the final fill, I added exactly 4 quarts and despite being "cold" there was a small amount of fluid running out of the "level check" plug when I removed it to check the level.

The fill hole requires removing an air-vent plug that is held in place by a hose clamp. There is a rigid plastic hose that runs from the bottom of the air filter box to a rubber "Y" junction at the front of the car. Remove it for easier access to the fill port and plug. I have attached a photo of the hose.

The "level check" plug is located on the drivers side of the transmission just aft of where the axle shaft attaches to the transmission. You will need a 10mm Hex Key to remove it. I have attached photos of what the plug looks like, and also posted a photo of the "level check" plug location.

The "severe service" maintenance schedule recommends changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. Despite having driving habits that would put me on the "normal" maintenance schedule, I will be servicing mine at 25,000 mile intervals. With the appearance of the fluid that I drained out, I expect that anyone who follows the "normal" service recommendation of the first fluid change at 150,000 miles will be in need of a new transmission a lot sooner than expected.
Hey Guys,
After removing the level check plug. I notice there wasn’t a lot of transmission fluid draining out. It was just a slow drip for a few minutes. I then realized I didn’t level the car to its original driving height. After leveling it back to them right height there was no more drainage. Is this ok? Shining a light down the level plug. It looks like there’s transmission fluid slightly below the plug.
 
After watching a couple of YouTube how-to videos it appears that there are some differences between the 2017 and earlier models. I did three drain and refill cycles on my 2.0L Escape at 24,744 miles. By my rough calculations, this should have left me with approximately 83% new fluid. The color of the factory fill fluid was darker than I would have expected at this mileage. My Escape has not seen any hard driving or trailer towing, and was not exhibiting any strange behavior.

After warming up the transmission and before draining out the old fluid, I was curious to see if the factory fill was up to the "level check" plug. I removed the upper plug and about 4 to 6 ounces of fluid ran out. I drained and measured the factory fill, it came to about 4.1 quarts.

As stated, I drained and refilled the transmission three times. I took about a 10 minute drive between each cycle.

On the final fill, I added exactly 4 quarts and despite being "cold" there was a small amount of fluid running out of the "level check" plug when I removed it to check the level.

The fill hole requires removing an air-vent plug that is held in place by a hose clamp. There is a rigid plastic hose that runs from the bottom of the air filter box to a rubber "Y" junction at the front of the car. Remove it for easier access to the fill port and plug. I have attached a photo of the hose.

The "level check" plug is located on the drivers side of the transmission just aft of where the axle shaft attaches to the transmission. You will need a 10mm Hex Key to remove it. I have attached photos of what the plug looks like, and also posted a photo of the "level check" plug location.

The "severe service" maintenance schedule recommends changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. Despite having driving habits that would put me on the "normal" maintenance schedule, I will be servicing mine at 25,000 mile intervals. With the appearance of the fluid that I drained out, I expect that anyone who follows the "normal" service recommendation of the first fluid change at 150,000 miles will be in need of a new transmission a lot sooner than expected.
Thank you for this post! I am a new owner and I have a 2019 Ford Escape Titanium. I was expecting to see the cap with the yellow MERCON LV lettering like I saw in the other YT videos. I had already drained my fluid and panicked a little as I could not find the fill cap to the transmission. I stumbled upon your post and managed to locate the exact vent cap you posted. Because of you, I was able to finish the job! Thank you so much, you helped me in a tight jam!

-Eric
 
So how many people have filled their trans through the “fill check” plug instead of messing with the factory fill port? Seems much simpler.

I have two ideas, would either of these work? I have a funnel with attached, long flexible tube. Can that be guided from under the hood to the fill check location? My helper could hold the funnel, thread the hose down, I’d be underneath to insert into the check port?

Otherwise - a hand pump to pump it in from underneath?

Thanks!
 
Wow, I guess you were really dedicated to get a high percentage fluid replacement there. Twelve quarts and three changes!

I think for most people a single drain and refill every 30k will be enough. Doing multiple subsequent changes is sort of a diminishing return situation since the cost and amount of waste generated goes up quick.

Mercon LV does get dark really quick. Unlike other ATFs, you can't really judge the fluid condition by the color because it gets dark so quickly (fluid is still fine). Part of me thinks Ford deliberately formulated it with an unstable red dye to scare people into changing their trans fluid sooner.

It is interesting that it was slightly overfilled from the factory. Perhaps they err on the side of caution in case their fluid guns lose calibration or if the vehicle were to experience a leak. But the other interesting question is if you could get away with draining it and filling it with exactly 4 quarts and skipping the level check. Did you happen to measure how much came out on your final fill?
Wow, I guess you were really dedicated to get a high percentage fluid replacement there. Twelve quarts and three changes!

I think for most people a single drain and refill every 30k will be enough. Doing multiple subsequent changes is sort of a diminishing return situation since the cost and amount of waste generated goes up quick.

Mercon LV does get dark really quick. Unlike other ATFs, you can't really judge the fluid condition by the color because it gets dark so quickly (fluid is still fine). Part of me thinks Ford deliberately formulated it with an unstable red dye to scare people into changing their trans fluid sooner.

It is interesting that it was slightly overfilled from the factory. Perhaps they err on the side of caution in case their fluid guns lose calibration or if the vehicle were to experience a leak. But the other interesting question is if you could get away with draining it and filling it with exactly 4 quarts and skipping the level check. Did you happen to measure how much came out on your final fill?
Would there be a way to completely remove it ??
 
Would there be a way to completely remove it ??
Dealer's usually have a way to remove almost all of it with some sort of tool but no doubt some would still be trapped in the filter.
Also if you change the fluid yourself you could try sucking it out through the 'check level hole' with a syringe or suction pump as suggested earlier and see how much is removed compared to a drain.
 
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