1996 Escort Transmission Fluid Level

[electro452]

I have a 1996 Ford Escort with a 1.9 liter engine. I was checking my automatic transmission fluid and the dip stick shows 20 C and 65 C on the dipstick. How do I know if my fluid level is correct? Where should the mark be on level surface, in park with engine running/

[GTP Dad]

If the engine is running and the trans is cold then the 20C mark is correct. If the trans is hot, been driving for some time then the 65C mark is correct. The level should be at the mark or slightly above. If you add fluid just don't overfill.

[electro452]

I filled as suggested and now I'm experiencing a issue when the car is cold it drops out of drive. The tranny level seems fine.

When I first start up the car It will go into drive but if I stop at a stop sign, or stop the car for any reason in the first few minutes of driving, it goes out of drive and won't do anything. If I let it sit and idle for 10 minutes or so it goes back into gear and runs great. This mainly happens when it's cold and has been sitting overnight.

Any suggestions? It's a automatic and shifts fine.

[GTP Dad]

It is possible that the filter needs to be changed. When a filter starts to clog up it doesn't allow enough fluid to enter the pump and the transmission will not perform properly. Also, did you re-check the fluid level to make sure it is proper. Even a slight leak can cause you to lose enough fluid to make a difference in trans performance.

[electro452]

I replaced the filter when I serviced the tranny.

When the car is warm the fluid level is up to 65 C on the dipstick which is the top level. It just acts like it's low on fluid though the way it's reacting.

Should I go a little above the 65C when hot?

I was thinking it maybe wise to take it in and get a power flush to get all the old tranny fluid out.

[GTP Dad]

Overfilling the transmission is worse than it not being completely full. I would take it to a transmission shop and have them diagnose the problem for you. Most shops will diagnose them for free. Before you do that purchase a can of Sea Foam transmission additive and put in the transmission. If you have a sticking valve body or a dirty pump it will clean them out. Don't worry if the sea foam causes the transmission to be a little overfull because it mixes with the fluid.

[zzyzzx2]

I would do the TSB pump fix:

http://www.feoa.net/modules.php?name...wtopic&t=61690