If the reason you're asking is because the transmission isn't working then understand that changing the filter won't correct the problem. To change the fluid and filter you have to remove the pan from the bottom of the transmission. When you do ALL the fluid will come out so you need the facilities to catch it. It's not a back yard type of job. You need the car up on a lift with a fluid collection container and the proper tools. The pan bolts have to be remover carefully to let one corner ease down so the fluid runs out without spilling out all over you. You also need a new gasket when you replace the pan.

First off, it seems that you don't even know where the transmission is nor what it looks like. That right there means your auto mechanical abilities are somewhat limited. If it had a pan to remove it would be a simple thing but it apparently doesn't. Tearing the transmission apart means just that. Removing it from the vehicle and splitting the case. This is not something for the amateur or even a backyard mechanic to try. The filter in that thing is probably just a screen and isn't meant to be replaced. Either find a competent mechanic that knows these transmissions and can replace the fluid if it concerns you, or leave it alone. Frankly, from what I've read on this tranny, I'm amazed it's still going.

http://etereman.com/blog/ford/the-ford-c...

The filter, in the CD4E, is not a serviceable item. By this, I mean that the filter cannot be changed without actually disassembling the transmission. Don't go and get all upset about this! The filter actually works pretty good. The only known problem with the filter, was found back in `98, I believe. It was redesigned by Flitrek to address a fluid flow issue during extreme useage. In other words, when you would drive your car like a mad man - like most of us do on weekends, the fluid was not able to flow properly through the filter. This lead to premature failures of the coast & direct clutches. The only way around this would be to put a remote inline filter into one of the trans cooling lines. Not to shoot you down, it is great that you want to try doing some of your own work, but this is not something that is routinely serviced, and it requires the trans to be out of the vehicle and torn apart.

Why not google it and watch the you tube videos?????

A close inspection of the fluid is needed and if discolored or dirty needs to have the filter and fluid changed NOT flushed - this is what I do:

1.Drop pan and clean and replace filter and pan ( use permatex hi-tack sealer if you want to avoid leaks that is)

2.Place 4 new quarts of new fluid in

3 Disconnect transmission return line and divert flow into gallon container(s).

4 Start car place in drive to pump fluid into container ( pausing to add to keep from running out)

5 Continue to add until your total fluid fill is pumped out, ( plus drained about 9 quarts) reconnect line and top off.

This will get all the old fluid out

place a straight edge along the pan and check the mounting holes , if they are pushed up tap them back down with a small hammer. Use Permatex hi-tack that comes in a can with a brush and you will no longer have a problem.

Do NOT use RTV on a transmission pan no matter what any other idiots tell you!

There may be a large plastic cover underneath to be removed first

Is there a specific reason you need to change the filter, like it's slipping, or leaking fluid, etc., or you just want to as a maintenance project.

If you don't need to, then don't, because you will start a whole line of problems you didn't have. The fluid that is in there now, is broken in and the seals are use to that fluid.

Without looking up that model, I would say that you should be able to take the transmission pan off to access the filter, but you can always support the transmission, then take out retaining bolts, disconnect linkage, then jack the car up and take it out.

go to a service or gas station with a vacuum oil change system IF you have a filler tube and suck as much fluid as possible out and refill with fresh fluid, if there is no filler tube you need a specialist to refill or even check the fluid level

I'm 17 and I can't afford to have a mechanic fix my vehicle. This vehicle is a hand me down from my mom (who poorly maintained it) and now I am receiving all the problems lol. This vehicle is a 2001 Ford Escape XLT V6 engine with 201,000 miles on it and she never changed thr transmission fluid or the filter (I know not to flush the fluid) however, I have just been informed that the transmission in this vehicle is a CD4E so the transmission actually has to be taken apart in order to change thr filter. So, how do I find and reach the transmission? What do I have to take apart in order to get to it? Do I have to jack up the car and take it apart underneath? How do I take it apart to change the filter? Please don't be rude lol, I'm only 17 and still looking for a job so low on cash so I have no choicr but to fix it myself lol. This is something that I should probably learn anyways lol.