[Decolliber]

I am all ready to change the transmission oil (5sp manual) in my wife´s 97 Escort, but have two problems:
1. Owners manual says to use Mercon/Dexron, but factory workshop manual says to use 75w90 gear oil. Which is better?
2. To replace transmission oil you need to remove vehicle speed sensor. The VSS is located down behind the engine. I can barely get my hand down far enough to even touch the top of the VSS. Is it possible to remove this little critter without removeing a bunch of hoses? Does not look like I can get to it from underneath either. Anyone done this?

 

[mowslawn]

I use Mercon/Dexron for my 5 speed 95 LX. My Ford service manual also specifies Mercon. Automatic transmission oil is used in the manual transmission.

I loosen the bolt holding the cable assembly, and I pull out the whole assembly at one time. I am careful not to bend the cable. Some people take apart the assembly first, but I don´t. I use a long extension on my socket wrench to remove the bolt. I use a small funnel with a very long nozzle to put the new oil in. This is all done from above.

[ Edited by mowslawn On Date 05-16-2002 ]

 

[Decolliber]

Thanks Mowslawn. I think your Escort is different. Starting with 1996 (I think), there is no longer a speedometer cable going into the VSS, just an electric plug on top. The plug has to be detached and then the bolt unscrewed. I can probably get a socket extension down there, but can´t get my hand close enough to pull off the plug. My daughter has a 93 Escort (same as 95, I think), and there is just a lot more room down there than in the 96 onwards models. Mainly due to larger engine. Behind the engine in the 97 is a mass of hoses so it is impossibel to get your hand down to the VSS without removing cables, unless you have an arm that is about 2" diameter.

 

[PTMD]

Though i haven´t played with the new escorts much most auto makers put in "tricks" to make it easy for the mechanics on the dealership level.I have seen access holes in the fire wall some bolted some plugged, through the fender skirts hidden under the rubber flap.I´m not saying this is the case here but look around your engine compartment, the hole may be no bigger than the tool needed to take it apart.The linkage tunnel may be worth looking at to.You might stop at a ten minute oil change place too alot of those guys are willing to help you out by telling you the tricks they have learned.I mean come on they do it every day and in five years since your car was made they have probably done it once or twice.