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 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.
