Ford Escort has a Power Steering fluid capacity of one point. The manufacturer recommends that you never overfill the power steering fluid.
Power Steering Pump Reservoir.
It probably needs power steering fluid added.
According to the 1998 Ford Escort Owner Guide : ( Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid is used as the power steering fluid )
If it doesn't specifically say power steering fluid only you can use Mercon automatic transmission fluid.
What fluid? Power steering fluid? What year?
Genuine Mitsubishi Power Steering Fluid (Capacity is about 1.3 quarts)
You can use any kind of PS fluid you want as long as it's labeled, "Power Steering fluid".
Use mercron automatic tranmission fluid and do not overfill.
The power steering reservoir simply adds fluid capacity to the power steering system. This allows for lower fluid temperatures, and serves as a place for the fluid to be stored when it's not circulating.
Unless the cap on the reservoir says use Power Steering Fluid only use Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid.
I was looking at the 1999 Ford Escort Owner Guide ( for North America ) It shows that Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid is used as the power steering fluid So , the answer would be ( Yes )
Use a turkey baster to suck old fluid out, refill with new fluid.