Escape-Central (http://www.escape-central.com/1forum/index.php)
- Engine and Transmission (http://www.escape-central.com/1forum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=14)
-- Ford's Official Message Re: Escape Tranny & Torque Converter (http://www.escape-central.com/1forum/showthread.php?threadid=6284)

Just had the power flush done to my Escape @ 32k and the shudder is gone. I too noticed that the cruising rpm's are between 300 & 400 rpm higher. It looks like my mpg's are slightly lower, but I'm not sure how much the 10 min morning warm ups and mtbe gas additives they add around here are driving my mpg's down. Hopefully Ford will reimburse me for the cost of this tranny power flush

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2002 Blue Escape XLT
Mach Audio W/Polk speakers, Westin step bar, PIAA fogs, low profile deflector, DAR rear spoiler, CatchAlls mats front to rear & Firestone Destination LE tires.

Cost of a flush....

For DIYers the cost of a flush is about $10 (a $1 a quart if you buy Mercon ATF at Costco, Mobil).

The hardest part of the flush is taking off the plastic splash guard on the tranny side of the engine and routing the return cooler hose into a gallon jug.
Also, you could add the cost of the Magnafine external filter ($20).

But the dealer will charge you extra for that also....

Happy tranny flush,

Greg

Just got our Escape back last night. They said it had the wong dipstick and the wrong fluid in it. The dipstick said "Mercon V". The tech told me they "ground off" the "V" on the dipstick and flushed the transmission with Mercon. He also said to be sure to use Mercon if I ever need to top it off for any reason.

Anyway, I haven't had much of a chance to drive it (I drive my Aerostar to work during the week and my wife gets the Escape), but it did seem a bit different when shifting.

Luckily, they covered the cost of the flush under warranty, so I didn't have to argue or fight about that.

I'm going to keep my eyes open for the "real fix". Hopefully this information will be posted on Escape Central as soon as someone here finds out what the fix is and what all the details are (like do I get the fix since mine shuddered in the past, or do I have to wait for it to shudder again before I get the fix).

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2002 Escape XLT 4WD, V6, auto

I am trying to track down the info regarding Mercon vs Mercon V. Everything (documentation) I have found so far is Mercon only. I can tell you for sure that they are DESIGNED for Mercon only. I don't know for sure what info is out there for service.
I don't know much about the additive differences between the two, but I do know that viscosity is significantly different at the lower temps (V is more "fluid"). Below freezing I am not sure what will happen with V, as everything is calibrated for the slower response times of the thicker fluid.
The V is a better fluid, but the CD4E just isn't designed or calibrated for it, and I would recommend against changing to it.
I also am looking for documentation about fluid changes, I have heard both ways internally (at work) as well. It's very intriguing to me that some of you are losing fuel econ after the flush... I plan on looking into that as well.

And don't worry, I will DEFINATELY post any info I have on fixes when they become available!

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:e:

quote:

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Originally posted by justagirl
The V is a better fluid, but the CD4E just isn't designed or calibrated for it, and I would recommend against changing to it.

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2002 Escape XLT 4WD, V6, auto

It probably didn't damage anything. I talked to the guy that drove your truck, and he seemed to think it was ok. I have worked with him before and I trust his judgement.

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HHHHMMMM, I wonder if Ford got a bad load of Mercon one month??? How about recording a plot to see when these vehicles were built. I still get rid of the ATX fluid around 30K miles. Oil never wears out, the additives do. They keep the oil sane and clean the machinery while working the hydraulics.
Jiffy lube joints do a complete flush for about 75 bucks. Dealers wack you for about 150 to 200 including the enviromental fees.

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06 Ford Escape XLT 4 X 4
the 03 Blue Tribute is gone!

There is no correlation between build month and shudder. We already checked that!

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:e:

quote:

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Originally posted by justagirl
It probably didn't damage anything. I talked to the guy that drove your truck, and he seemed to think it was ok. I have worked with him before and I trust his judgement.

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2002 Escape XLT 4WD, V6, auto

Escape Design Sketch Concepts

quote:

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Originally posted by threeo2
hey guys, i just left one of the dealerships that i sell to and while i was there i spoke with a friend of mine. he is one of the top transmissions experts for Ford in the country. We have been having some noise and vibration from or Escape and based on the symptoms, i suspected the transmission. I told him about it and said that they are having some trouble with them. (V6 automatic) 2001-2003, but as of yet, they havnt compiled enough data to warrant a recall status, but that there definetly is a problem and Ford is aware of it. My vehicle is out of warranty with over 68K miles. He said right now the quick fix is to drain and flush and refill the trans. I dont know if the drain flush and fill are covered under warranty or not. He suggested that i have it done and if Ford decides to give the issue a recall status that they should reimberse me if i hang onto my paperwork. the symptoms are shuddering and reluctance to shift around 40 MPH. below is the bulliten word for word.

BROADCAST MESSAGE #0366
RELEASED 1/24/2003

SOME 2001-2003 ESCAPE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CD4E TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT A SHUDDER COMING FROM THE TORQUE CONVERTER DURING APPLY OR RELEASE. ENGINEERING IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING VIA THE QUICKER SERVICE FIX (QSF) PROCESS. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS EXSPECTED TO BE RELEASED DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2003. AS A INTERIM SERVICE ACTION DRAIN, FLUSH, AND REFILL THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUBMIT EDSR'S AND MONITOR OASIS FOR UPDATED INFORMATION.

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My 02' dipstick Handle (yellow top) reads MERCON V , then if you read the blade it reads use only MERCON!!!! Got my 02'Escape in Oct. 01'- No shuddering to date-10,000 miles. Which is in my tranny MERCON or MERCON V & should I have it changed ASAP???? Please help!!! Thanks , Roush6car

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~*2002 Escape 4WD V6 XLT*~
No-Boundries Hitch plug
Ford OEM molded splash guards
Catch-All front & rear mats
WeatherTech rear cargo mat
WeatherTech frt & rear window weather deflectors
NAPA cabin filter
Borla Cat Back Exhaust
Homemade Cold Air Intake
K&N air filter
"SVT" badges
~*2002 Focus SE*~wifes car
~*2006 Ford Mustang GT Convertible*~

~Escape Wishlist~
18" Wheel & Tire Pkg

quote:

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Originally posted by jeffnf


Cool. Was this the guy from the Batavia plant? I didn't get to talk to him in person.

I got all my information second and third hand from the "Service Advisor" at Beechmont Ford. While helpful, it's just sometimes strange that I never get to talk to the person who actually worked on my car. If I was going under the knife for some kind of surgery, I wouldn't put up with this sort of thing, but since it's "only a car"...

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We've not noticed any change in "cruising RPM" since having the transmission flushed.

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2002 Escape XLT 4WD, V6, auto

Has anyone had a problem with complete transmission"breakdown." My escape is unfortunately not under warrenty anymore, with 37700 miles, and now I need an entire new transmission, costing $3500. Does this just not seem right to anyone else?