How To Change Transfer Case Fluid (Ford Escape)

[@thegreatpatsy]

This actually brought my transmission back to life! I wish I saw this video before gutting half the car, changing the solenoid pack, checking a bunch a fuses, tone rings, and on and on with the wild goose chase that others on youtube had me on!

[@dunebasher1971]

Most important tip of all? Make 100% sure you can get the fill plug out before you touch the drain plug.

[@MidwestGarage]

You're correct. I think I covered that in the video also.

[@maxxron]

Indeed. You do NOT want to drain your PTU and then discover that the fill plug is seized in place.

[@seanstapelfeld6448]

Hey Midwest, great video. I have to admit, cracking the fill plug first, before draining it is pretty wise. Seems obvious, but I could only imagine if that fill plug is ceased how much of a problem that would be!!!

[@vikingcove]

Excellent -- Clear instructions, clear voice, good video, good tips. Thank you.

[@bike4peaceRTW]

Discovered today that my 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid does have a drain plug!!!! I was under the impression that it did not. Makes it so much easier to drain and fill. I was prepared to suction as much out through the fill plug as I could but luckily didn't have to go that route!

[@solidwire]

Nice! Very thorough... A Recommend Suggestion. I initially followed the OEM change @ 60k (actually 52k) yet that seems like way too many miles considering the Transfer Case only takes 12oz of fluid & it looks horrible at 50k. Since it's so easy & inexpensive I have since changed it every 3rd oil change which looks pretty decent when it comes out... An extra 10 minutes + $3 every 3rd oil change as a quart of gear oil makes nearly 3 T Case Changes is pretty cheap insurance for hopefully never having to visit tearing a unit in, out & rebuilding it. Thanks for the video!

[@MrWhatis]

good ideal. i like it.

[@randalllyons8467]

Great instructions and thanks for not playing some loud music.

[@johnjohns2333]

I was looking for info I just wanted to confirm about befor working on my escape which was what I needed. Thank you for the vid easy n to the point!

[@MidwestGarage]

+anil k If I come across an 07 Edge that needs this work done I will definitely make a video of it for you! As of right now I don't even know anyone that drives a Ford Edge though. I'll keep my eyes peeled, thanks for the comment!

[@leelemon3373]

All great tips but I really like running new fluid in and flushing the old out until clear! Thanks.

[@vinnyc7613]

i have a 2009 ford escape 3.0 v6 auto. theres a cross member going right beside drain plug so i could use a hex socket but a hex allen wrench key worked fine which gave me enough clearance to get at the drain plug to unscrew it. fyi, clean out the inner parts of fill and drain plug so tool can be inserted completely

[@mrphhg]

what size hex socket 1/4?

[@vinnyc7613]

@@mrphhg i cant remember off hand but same size mentioned in vid

[@leedress2187]

managed to get about 1/2-3/4 out using a pump. oil didn't look bad at all for 60000 miles. little black, but still decent viscosity. maybe I'll do it again at the end of the summer.

[@angelitovalerio4364]

Does an Automatic 2004 Ford Escape XLS 2.0 have to change the Fluid too?

[@MrWhatis]

great tip to give it a flush. thank you.

[@jayhawker03]

To anyone with a second gen escape there is NO drain plug, the process is much harder and you need to buy some sort of bleeding device. I know it''s not there on my 2010 but I am not sure exactly what year was the cut off for the plug. What a stupid decision by Ford.

[@bike4peaceRTW]

My 2010 does have a drain plug. Just discovered it today. So it might vary by trim and not just year. I have the Hybrid Limited.

[@bigtrucker26]

early box's didn't have a drain plug, they were redesigned to have one... I would have thought your 2010 would have had one....

[@joeyoung1498]

thanks for posting!!

[@oldtimedrumcorps]

Was the fluid coming out silver in color ? sure looked it .

[@Mark-qw1rg]

My 2012 Ford Escape owners manual says the PTU is lubed for life and should not be checked or changed unless it’s leaking or needs repairs. I don’t buy that for a second. I change the fluid anyway.

[@bigtrucker26]

they claimed that, but then put the catalytic converter too close, and that cooks the fluid... in practice, most mechanics reccomend having it changed every 30,000 miles.... as with everything, it depends on conditions.... but, there is NO warning when the box goes out, when it makes noise, it's done, and has to be replaced....

[@boomerguy9935]

There is no such thing as a "lifetime" fluid. If the equipment fails, it has lived its life.

[@danjohnson3519]

The rear diff is luber for life too. Life meaning 150k.

[@ebobbyclaire]

Thank you

[@ahmaduhhs]

Great video, thx. Is your oil pan leaking? I think mine is as well.

[@leelemon3373]

My 2010 ford escape has had 2 oil pan gaskets replaced. my mechanic said he will not do it anymore. Bad design from ford?

[@paultomlinson2695]

this helped a lot thank you for the video sir

[@MidwestGarage]

I'm glad I could help, thank you for the comment!

[@ParadiseisYoursNow]

Great video

[@shajr6183]

great to the point, helped

[@MidwestGarage]

Thanks for the comment, I'm glad this helped!

[@LYeah-dp9mp]

Is this on manual transmission or automatic

[@jjms79]

Thank you!

[@Hemi-345]

Cool video man, subscribed.

[@MidwestGarage]

+Tim Hemi 5.7 Awesome, thanks!

[@greygoosemafia]

great ideas thank you

[@Grisli777]

Nice 😊😊😊😊😊

[@TIKIMAN198]

Question... I have a 2011 escape. if you didn't have that pump is there enough room under there to just use the bottle to fill the case without a pump?

[@MidwestGarage]

It'd be really frustrating but I'm sure you could find the room. You can attach a piece of hose to the end of the bottle and squeeze the fluid inside also, but the pump is the best way to go. They're really cheap and pretty much any parts store has them.

[@jkharlan1]

Did you notice a difference in shifting when you did this? I just did it to my Escape and it didn’t feel like a thump when I accelerated from a coast

[@MidwestGarage]

I did notice a little bit of a difference yeah. It was definitely past due haha.

[@leedress2187]

my transfer case has no drain plug. I'll have to suck the old fluid out with a pump. better than doing nothing.

[@bigtrucker26]

early design didn't include a drain plug, the failure rates prompted one to be added to the design....

[@sodbuster518able]

Why can,t they out a drain plug on the Explorer?

[@Teach_me1609]

GREAT EASY , CAN U DO IT FOR FORD EDGE , I CANT FIND THE OUT FLOW , IN MY FORD EDGE 2007

[@ohger1]

By now you've probably blown the PTU in your Edge. The answer is that Ford decided to save 0.62c and leave out the drain plug. Figure it's worth it compared to YOU spending $1800 for a new PTU...

[@28ashcat]

thanks

[@maxscozia]

On my 2012 xlt there was no drain plug in the location u showed... I saw an e socket bolt ... was that it? You said it was a hex... Plz help

[@MidwestGarage]

On a 2012 it very well could be a 3/8" socket bolt. I know they changed a little bit over there years...this one in the video was a 2005. Hope this helps!

[@thastinger345]

your year PTU doesn't have a drain, you'll have to suck the old stuff out

[@roadrageYXE]

Nice video, thanks! Do you use and locktite or dope on the plug threads?

[@solidwire]

Gosh no! I actually went with the opposite mentality & used Anti Seize on the fill plug as mine was bonded on for the 1 change.

[@dezsoveres3384]

How much oil need to top it up ?

[@maxscozia]

Hey great vid.. u didn’t mention what year the Escape was. I’ve got a 2012 awd 3.0.. same drain and fill plug locations?

[@MidwestGarage]

Thanks! They should be the same, but this Escape was a 2005 so it's possible that they're a little different.

[@donnareed3822]

No it isn’t

[@timnewsome3673]

My 2010 limited doesn’t have a drain plug! Have to suck it out, and pump back in!

[@thangcacdi]

Would you still use 75w140 for the 2010 year model? Gen 2 escape?

[@bike4peaceRTW]

Yes that is what service manual calls for. Just did my 2010 today.

[@Another69Dimension]

Hey, I assume your talking about mainly 4x4wd escape etc. Is this only the 4wd or is there any other transfer type case or gear oil to change on it for a Fwd 2wd? Besides Transmission & oil, coolant etc. I do myself. Thanks.

[@Another69Dimension]

Btw I have 2002 Escape 3.0l FWD, Automatic w/ OD, cd4e

[@drammensveien1]

What kind of oil should I use in the rear differential on my 2005 Ford Escape, and does that clutch for automatic switching between four wheel and two wheel drive share that same oil?

[@MidwestGarage]

I'd use the factory recommendations on gear oil for the rear diff, I think those Ford Escapes use an 80w-90 but I'd check to make sure. As for the clutch, I'm not sure what you're talking about, do you mean the transfer case like in this video?

[@drammensveien1]

Thanks for your reply and for your good videos :-) There is a wet clutch between the "prop shaft" and the differential. (the coupling between 4-wheel drive and 2-wheel drive) According to Castrol, it should have limited slip oil, my local Ford shop didn't even know what it should have, Ford Escape is a odd bird here in "Vikingland" hair it's called the Ford Maverick.

[@thastinger345]

@@drammensveien1 you mean the thing attached to the front of the rear differential? If so, that is a magnetic clutch housing

[@craftsman89d92]

Question. I have a 2005 ford escape directly behind my oil drain is an empty space did I get a ford that doesn't have a transfer case??

[@JonathanRinny]

do you have a rear diff? if you don't then there is no need for a transfer case as your vehicle might be a front wheel drive.

[@MidwestGarage]

You must have a 2wd model, JonathanRinny is correct. Thanks for the question though!

[@craftsman89d92]

@@MidwestGarage thanks guys having an issue something is binding my gas mileage went from 220 or so miles per tank to 110 thought my transfer case was stuck now I'm lost

[@palillo2006]

@@craftsman89d92 well if something is binding up in the rear then the only things that can bind up in a fwd in the rear are brakes or a wheel bearing/hub.

[@JD-sr3ie]

I have an 07 escape , I tried a T7 Allen socket it did not fit tight in drain plug , I think it might be a T7 or it is stripped. On my trans case I see a fill on the same side as the drain plug , is there 2 fill plugs one on each side?

[@Iahusha777Iahuah]

its a 3/8 square driver like on a ratchet, you put rachet on there with no socket

[@JD-sr3ie]

No the other one is much smaller plug and it is an Allen hex but it is not an T7 like this guy claims in his video

[@MidwestGarage]

It could be a different size for your 2007 escape. That one is a few years older in the video. There shouldn't be 2 fill plugs, I'd check them out and see which one is fill.

[@RochesterAstro]

@@Iahusha777Iahuah my 2011 escape the rear uses just the 3/8 ratchet no socket attached .havent done the front yet

[@WilliamVG]

Ford is suggesting .35 litres, if you fill till the oil starts flowing out the fill hole, your looking at .5 litres, think it matters that much?

[@MidwestGarage]

I suppose I'd do whatever Ford recommends. Personally I don't listen to manufacturer's specs either though. They want you to do it every 60,000 miles, when really it's better to do it a lot more often than that. But yeah, I'd listen to the Ford suggestion over my own if I was you, I'm not a certified mechanic or anything.

[@pawneep20]

Where is the front differential located at? I need to change that fluid

[@oldmanhads2043]

next to the blinker fluid reservoir.

[@btownbarber]

what fluid does the rear diff take?. the pumpkin

[@thastinger345]

80-90

[@glenschooley8619]

Full synthetic, 85- 140 w

[@travissnyder8277]

Dude I freaking hate these new vehicles. I got a 2014 1.6l ford escape NON-Awd...... Do I have a front differential or what? Is the front differential integrated with the transmission??? I want to drain and fill it but not a single video on doing the front diff. So I am stuck. Please help.

[@bigtrucker26]

fwd has a trans-axle only, the differential is integrated into the transmission, using the transmission fluid. awd/4wd has a "ptu"/"transfer case" that is bolted to the transmission to send power to a drive shaft to a differential in the back to drive the rear wheels when needed. Unfortunately, due to catalytic converter placement, it cooks the oil in the "ptu"/"transfer case", and destroys them if you don't change their oil regularly... -at least for 2000-2012 escapes-

[@dplorbl]

Gonna do the rear diff too? 😉

[@thesavo]

IS it damaging to change it a 170,000 Miles if it has never been done before? Or should It be left alone at this point?

[@MidwestGarage]

That's a good question...there are so many myths (especially with transmissions) about not changing fluid because it can cause leaks. I guess I can't answer this accurately cause I'd hate to give you the wrong advice. BUT if it was me, I'd change it out just because it's going to go out anyway if you don't change it. If by changing it, it makes the transfer case fail then there's never a sure way to tell if it's because the new fluid, or because the old fluid just ruined it in the first place. There's no way in telling if it would prolong the life or not. I know there's a lot of grey area in my response but I hope it helps!

[@thesavo]

Midwest Garage what if I only partially change it, keeping some old and some new?

[@MidwestGarage]

I honestly don't think that'd make any difference. I think if you're gonna change it you might as well change it man. That's what I'd do anyway, but it's completely up to you!

[@MidwestGarage]

I agree. I'd just change it and take the chance. I still think it's a myth honestly. If the new oil causes it to break then it was about ready to go anyway in my opinion. That's the only thing that makes sense to me anyway...

[@MidwestGarage]

Very good point! Thanks for the comment!

[@martinpicinich9223]

What year Escape is this?

[@dudleyomega1516]

What year is your Escape?

[@Mr_Meowingtons]

Any tips on the rear diff?

[@timnewsome3673]

Suck it out,I use a pump that I hook up to my air compressor, then just refill it to the top of the fill plug with 80/90 weight, make sure to drive at 10 or 15 minutes before sucking it out. It’s easier to suck out hot oil than it is cold oil.

[@mrphhg]

Hey what torque specs??

[@stevemoore999]

Why do people say "weight"? The W stands for Winter

[@stevemoore999]

@@JM811Cars What the W stands for winter?

[@glenschooley8619]

Seems its in common usage for so long !!

[@bigtrucker26]

more along the lines of Wait.... 85w-140 would indicate it acts as a 85 weight oil when winter cold, and 140 weight when at temp... being a measure of how well the oil will flow at temperature(s)

[@dcp2962]

mine has a torch bolt

[@charlespatrick8650]

capacity is only 12 ounces/0.375 quarts/0.35 liters

[@MidwestGarage]

You are correct. Including wasting a little fluid to flush the transfer case, I used 1/2 quart, so if you don't do that you'll use a little under 1/2 quart. Thanks for the comment!

[@Trebuer22]

It only used half a quart?!

[@MidwestGarage]

Yeah, I was very surprised about that too! Ford manual says .35 liters and I put in just under a half liter. It did the trick!

[@INTEL965GAMES]

seems not that hard............