Here's what you generally need to do, but I strongly advise against attempting this unless you have experience working on cars. Incorrectly doing this can lead to transmission damage and costly repairs. Take it to a qualified mechanic.
1. Warm up the transmission: Drive the vehicle for 15-20 minutes to warm the transmission fluid. This ensures accurate reading.
2. Locate the fill/check plug: This is usually on the side or bottom of the transmission case. You'll need a shop manual for your specific 2001 Ford Escape to locate the precise location of this plug. It's crucial to identify the correct plug. There will likely be multiple plugs; finding the wrong one is easy.
3. Prepare for draining/checking: Have a clean container (like a drain pan) ready to catch some fluid. Have the correct size socket or wrench to remove the plug. You might also need rags to clean up any spills. Be prepared for hot fluid.
4. Remove the plug: Carefully remove the plug. The fluid should be just below or even with the bottom of the hole where the plug is removed from. The amount of fluid you'll see is very small. If the fluid level is below the bottom of the hole, you need to add fluid.
5. Add fluid (if necessary): If the fluid level is low, you'll need to add the correct type of manual transmission fluid specified in your owner's manual (the type varies depending on the transmission). You add fluid through the same plug opening.
6. Replace the plug: Once you've added fluid (if needed), carefully replace the plug and tighten it securely.
Again, I strongly recommend taking your 2001 Ford Escape to a qualified mechanic to check and/or add manual transmission fluid. Incorrectly performing this procedure can lead to costly repairs. A shop manual specific to your year and model of Escape is essential, as there's no substitute for precise information.
