Powersteering/Transmission

[chrisanthony]

hi

Does anybody know the type of transmission fluid the 1996 ford escort lx uses? and how would u do a power steering fluid flush?

Thanks for the help

CHris

[zzyzzx2]

It should say in the Owner's Manual and on the dipstick. If it's anything like my transmission, it just says Mercon without any number past it. In reality, I think it really means for the transmission Mercon 3 or higher.

[denisond3]

For a power steering fluid flush, there are 3 ways I could approach it. One is to crawl underneath, find where the low pressure fluid line leaves the rack assembly, and connects to a rubber hose a foot or two away. If you can get that hose clamp off and pull the hose off the end of the tubing - a lot of fluid will drain out. More will come out if you start the engine, but dont be underneath, as it will squirt out of the metal tubing.
The 2nd scheme is slower; syphoning fluid out of the p.s. fluid reservoir next to the alternator, and refilling with clean. Then you run the engine for a minute, and repeat the process. This will slowly dilute the old dirty p.s. fluid with the new stuff.
You could also pull off the hose where the low pressure line connects to the top of the pump assembly, and run the engine briefly. This creates a mess, but will move lots of old oil out of the p.s. system.

And you didnt say if your Escort has an automatic or manual tranny, but I think they both take Mercon, which is the same as Dexron III or II.

[dwbailey]

I'd call a tranny shop and ask them what type goes in either and not guess.