How do I check the transaxle fluid?

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Yes and no. If you don't remove the engine the transaxle has to come out from the bottom in most cases. That means the cradle has to be lowered and the suspension taken apart.

Hello Darlingfies,

I am hoping the attached images may help you find what your looking for. Please let me know if you need additional information.


Thanks

no the tranny wont have to be dropped if it is just a leaky pan gasket.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/michael_00678fd4800d19c5

LEVEL CHECK -manual transmission The vehicle speed sensor (speedometer gear), which is located on the transaxle, serves as the manual transaxle's dipstick.

1. Park the car on a level surface, turn the engine OFF and apply the parking brake.
2. Locate the speedometer cable assembly where it enters the transaxle.
3. Unplug the electrical connection from the vehicle speed sensor (speedometer gear).
4. Disconnect the speedometer cable from the speed sensor.
5. Wipe the area around the speed sensor with a clean rag, then loosen the speed sensor retaining bolt.
6. Gently pry the speed sensor from the transaxle. Fig. 1: Location of the manual transaxle's fluid level marks — 1.8L engine
   Fig. 2: Location of the manual transaxle's fluid level marks — 1.9L and 2.0L engines
   
   
7. Check the condition of the speed sensor O-ring and replace it if it is damaged.
8. Check the fluid level on the speed sensor as illustrated.
9. If the level is low, place a funnel in the speed sensor hole.
10. Add the specified fluid to the transaxle until the FULL level is reached. Do not overfill the transaxle.
11. Install the speed sensor and tighten the retaining bolt to 69–104 inch lbs. (8–12 Nm).
12. Connect the speedometer cable.
13. Engage the speed sensor electrical connection. Fig. 3: If necessary, add transmission fluid through a funnel into the speed sensor opening
    

The manual transmission in the Ford Escort uses transmission fluid, it is checked and filled in the same hole. That hole is where the speedometer cable is hooked up to the transmission. Remove the speedometer cable, set aside, then remove the locking bolt that holds the speedometer drive unit in place. Pull up on the drive unit and it will come out, look on the side of the drive unit and you will see the level indicator line for full and add. Fill as needed and reinstall the drive unit and cable. Hope this helps, let me know.

on the side of trans there is a bolt..square head with large threads...pour into trans untill fluid runs out.

I know this sounds crazy according to Ford:

You can use-
Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX MERCON® Alternative Transaxle Fluid - SAE 75W90 Gear Oil F32Z-19C547-MA API GL-4
You are seeing that right, one instance they call for 75W90 and the other it is ATF. It is ok to run either, 75W90 will give you smoother shifts and less noise.

This transmission is filled through the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) hole.

the dipstick is near the engine (where engine and tran bolt togeather) and very short, look closely u will see it.

I guess you know no matter what the noise is the transmission will have to come out and be overhauled, one question, have you checked the CV joints on the axle shafts?