The engine and transmission must be a normal operating temperature before attempting to read the fluid level on the dipstick. Drive the car a few miles, then while stopped with the brakes applies, put it in each gear slowly and return to Park in the same manner. Leave the engine running, then check the dipstick level. If it is low, add a little bit at a time and recheck the level. You will do great harm to the transmission by overfilling it, so that is why to add a little amount at a time to make sure it does not get over filled.
Should be a plug at the side of the transmission- fill to this level
On a 1997 Mercury Tracer : The AUTOMATIC transmission fluid dipstick would be on the side of the transmission ( transaxle ) in the area of the brake fluid reservoir . The manual transmission ( transaxle ) does not have a dipstick
4.1 Qt.s
No check , Just drain and add 2.83 qt. ATF in the speedo hole !
According to the 1997 Mercury Tracer Owner Guide : For the automatic and manual transaxle ( transmission ) ( Motorcraft MERCON Multi Purpose automatic transmission fluid )
PULL THE DIPSTICK ! * The dipstick is located between the engine and battery on the driver's side.
Dexron/mercon
On the 93 escort, brother to Tracer, there was only a breather valve at the top of the transmission and fluid needed to be added by removing an access bolt OR it had a small yellow dipstick at the top of the transmission.
Down the tube that holds trans dipstick.
I believe it's dextron/mercron II
I have a 89 tracer with a 5 speed manual transmission. When I had the transmission oil changed they removed the speedometer cable from the transmission and filled it through the odometer drive mounting hole. I laughed at the mechanic but he said that was the only way to do it. If there is no other hole to check the oil I guess you may have to pull the odometer cable to check it!!! Hope this helps you out. RG
Auto: fill through dipstick tube Std. Plug at side of transmission - fill to this level