How to Drain the Trans Fluid for a 2002 ZX2

The Escort had a successful 19-year run as Fords entry-level vehicle until the Focus replaced it in the 2001 model year, after a 1-year phase-in period. The Escorts body style lingered around through the 2003 model year, as the Ford ZX2, which was formerly the Escort ZX2. The 2002 ZX2 has no recommended service interval for its automatic transmission fluid, as Ford classifies Mercon fluid as a lifetime fill fluid, but Motorist Assurance Program guidelines advise changing the automatic transmission fluid if it becomes contaminated due to using incorrect fluid type or additives.

Instructions

1

Pull the automatic transmission dipstick from the dipstick tube. Wipe it off with a clean, lint-free cloth and set it aside.

2

Raise the front of the ZX2 with a floor jack and slide jack stands under the subframe. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.

3

Crawl under the vehicle until you reach the rear drivers side of the subframe. Look through the oblong hole in the support beam on the subframe to find the transmission drain plug.

4

Position a drain pan under the drain plug. Remove the drain plug and washer with a ratchet and socket. Discard the washer. Allow the transmission fluid to drain until the flow of fluid stops. Clean the threads of the drain plug with a clean, lint-free cloth and install a new washer onto the drain plug. Hand-thread the drain plug into the drain hole, then tighten it to between 29 and 39 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and socket.

5

Raise the ZX2 from the jack stands with a floor jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground.

6

Insert a funnel into the transmission dipstick tube and pour in 5.7 quarts of fresh Mercon transmission fluid.

7

Wait about two minutes, as the transmission fluid settles. Remove the funnel, insert the dipstick and remove it. Verify that the fluid level is between the two lower notches on the dipstick. If the level is below the lowermost notch, wipe off the dipstick and position it aside. Insert the funnel, add a 1/4 quart of Mercon fluid and repeat this step.

8

Start the engine and allow it to idle until the engine reaches operating temperature roughly halfway up the temperature gauge.

9

Recheck the fluid level, but the level should now be between the two upper notches in the dipstick.

10

Insert the funnel into an empty Mercon bottle and fill the bottle with old transmission fluid in the drain pan. Tighten the cap onto the Mercon bottle. Repeat this step until you transfer all of the old fluid into the empty bottles, then take the now-full bottles to a automotive fluid recycling center for disposal.