How to add fluid to manual Transmission

The manual trans-axle has a drain plug located between the two support bars that run from front to back underneath the unit. However, removal of the speed sensor is required. There is an electrical connector that must be disconnected. The retainer clip for the speedometer cable must be removed along with the speedometer cable. Pry the speed sensor from the trans-axle. Use the end of the speed sensor to check the level of the fluid. Here are diagrams below to help you see what I am talking about.
See the info below about the proper fluid

TSB 06-26-1

01/08/07

MERCON ATF IS BEING REPLACED BY MERCON V
AS A SERVICE FLUID FOR SOME MANUAL
TRANSMISSIONS

FORD:
1981-2003 Escort
1984-1995 Thunderbird
1985-2007 Mustang
1985-1996 Bronco
1985-2007 Ranger
1986-1997 Aerostar
1991-2004 Explorer
1995-2007 F-150
1996-2007 F-Super Duty
2001-2003 Explorer Sport Trac, Explorer Sport




Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers

I have a 1999 Escort 123,750 miles. I changed the driver side axle and oil seal and lost some transmission fluid. I have been told that to add/check the fluid level I need to remove the speed sensor. When I did this a lot of transmission fluid escaped. My question is, how do I add fluid and do I even need to?

If you have an automatic transmission, you fill it with a transmission funnel through the dipstick. If you have a standard shift, you fill through the plug that is about half way up the transmission, fill till fluid is level with the bottom of the plug hole!

Read carefully your owners manual before filling your transmission. Typically you must check level in an automatic transmission when it is at running temperature and after you have cycled through all the gears. Place it in park while running at idle and check level. Clearly you are low since you have lost fluid at this point. As mentioned before, fill through the dip stick hole.

I have the Lx model. I just replace the CV drive axle, so now I have to replace the transmission oil. I would like to know, where is the filler neck for the transmission fluid located at?

Checking and adding fluid. Escort, Tracer & Probe Ensure vehicle is level. To check fluid, remove retaining bolt and pry out speedometer driven gear assembly (analog cluster) or vehicle speed sensor (digital cluster) from transaxle. Wipe fluid from driven gear and housing. Reinsert driven gear assembly (analog cluster) or vehicle speed sensor (digital cluster) into transaxle, then remove again and check fluid level. All Others Ensure vehicle is level. Check lubricant level at filler plug hole on side of transmission. Lubricant should be within 1/4" of filler hole bottom. Add lubricant as necessary to bring to correct level.

good luck

I am going to do a oil/transmission change on my gearbox but I am unsure how much fluid to put in.

You fill the gear oil until you can feel the oil on the filler opening hole. Make sure you use the correct gear oil.

Replace motor lost some transmission fluid, cannot seem to find a fill plug or any place to check it.

Hello. I have attached a picture item number 2 is the dip stick. This is where you check and service.

Cannot hardly see picture, but on the bottom it reads automatic transmission mine is a five speed manual.

Hello. Sorry, late night. Try this one.

Transmission Fluid Check The transmission fluid level should be checked only with the vehicle parked on level ground. Be sure the vehicle is on level ground and apply the parking brake. Disconnect the electrical connector from the Vehicle Speed Sensor. Disconnect the speedometer cable from the VSS. Remove the VSS bolt and gently pry out the VSS. Check the fluid level. If necessary, add transmission fluid. Position the VSS. Install the VSS bolt. Tighten the VSS bolt to 8-12 N-m (69-104 lb-in). Connect the speedometer cable. Connect the VSS electrical connector.

Transmission Fluid Drain Raise and support the vehicle. Clean the transaxle drain plug area. Remove the drain plug and drain the fluid into a suitable container. Install a new washer and tighten the drain plug to 39-54 N-m (29-40 lb-ft). Lower the vehicle.

Transmission Fluid Fill Disconnect the electrical connector from the Vehicle Speed Sensor. Disconnect the speedometer cable from the VSS. Remove the VSS bolt and gently pry out the VSS. Place a funnel into the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) mounting hole. Add the specified transmission fluid until the "full" level on the VSS is reached. Position the VSS. Install the VSS bolt. Tighten the VSS bolt to 8-12 N-m (69-104 lb-in). Connect the speedometer cable to the VSS. Connect the VSS electrical connector.

Thank you very much. Thought of adding fluid through VSS, but was not sure how to check it or if there was a check/fill plug somewhere. Thank you.

How do find the speed sensor on the transmission?

Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) 1.8LOn transaxle, at speedometer cable connection. 1.9LOn transaxle, at speedometer cable connection. See Fig. 2 .