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2002 FORD ESCAPE
3.0L V6 Duratec•AWD•AUTOMATIC•gas
10 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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Repairs0Labor501Torque3422Fluid10DTC1688Battery1Maintenance0Recalls10
P0897moderate severityPowertrain

Transmission Fluid Deteriorated

on 2002 Ford Escape 3.0L V6 Duratec · AWD

What this code means

The control module has determined the transmission fluid is degraded based on temperature and usage data. Old or burnt fluid reduces lubrication and shift quality.

Symptoms

  • Rough or delayed shifting
  • Transmission overheating
  • Check engine light on

Common causes

  • Old or burnt transmission fluid
  • Overdue fluid service interval
  • Overheated transmission
  • Contaminated fluid

Diagnostic steps

  1. Inspect fluid color and smell
  2. Check fluid service history
  3. Verify transmission operating temperature
  4. Perform fluid and filter change if needed
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