What is the engine size? ............auto or manual?
Use Mercon ATF.
the transmission fluid for a 1996 ford escort is type MA.
You can use any SAE certified transmission fluid in your 1998 Ford escort manual transmission. Make sure the transmission fluid is for your manual transmission and not an automatic transmission.
According to the 1997 Ford Escort owners manual ( 5W-30 ) certified for gasoline engines
Mercon ATF
The oil capacity of a 99 Ford Escort is 4 quarts. Use 5W-30 weight oil. Use a SM rated oil which is the highest rating.
right in the transmission dip stick just pop out and use a small funnel
No, most likely not. cause you have to use the right tools and buy a new transmission.
I have a '93 ford escort 1.9, I always use mercron automatic transmission fluid. Use Mercon but do not use Mercon V.
Pulling a transmission out of a 97 ford escort is a lengthy job. If I might suggest, get a repair manual with pictures from a parts dealer. They aren't expensive and will pay for themselves the very first time you use one.
A 1995 Escort wagon takes either 10-30 or 10-40 weight oil. The lower weight oil should be used in the winter to prevent the oil from gumming up the engine.
Either a F4A-EL or C4DE depending on what engine you have.