Joined
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47 Posts
I've just inherited my grandmother's '98 Escort sedan. SE trim, automatic, 80k miles, and I'd like to start on general maintenance.
Oil change is no problem, coolant change should be easy enough...but I'm a little less sure on the timing belt and automatic transmission fluid.
Timing belt: is it an interference engine? Either way, 11 years and 80k is probably time to change it before it breaks. How bad a job is this? Any special tools needed?
Auto trans fluid: can I just drain/refill? Or should I take it somewhere and have it flushed? What is the correct fluid for this transmission.
And, lastly- who puts out the best "basic repair guide" for these things- Chiltons, Haynes, or what?
Thanks!

Oil change is no problem, coolant change should be easy enough...but I'm a little less sure on the timing belt and automatic transmission fluid.
Timing belt: is it an interference engine? Either way, 11 years and 80k is probably time to change it before it breaks. How bad a job is this? Any special tools needed?
Auto trans fluid: can I just drain/refill? Or should I take it somewhere and have it flushed? What is the correct fluid for this transmission.
And, lastly- who puts out the best "basic repair guide" for these things- Chiltons, Haynes, or what?
Thanks!
