You may want to go to a car parts store, or book store, and get a repair manual for your car. They cost about $16.00 Or, go to a Public Library.
Ford escort has a power steering fluid capacity of one point. The manufacturer recommends that you never overfill the power steering fluid.
According to the 1998 Ford Escort Owner Guide : ( Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid is used as the power steering fluid )
Power Steering Pump Reservoir.
If it doesn't specifically say power steering fluid only you can use Mercon automatic transmission fluid.
It probably needs power steering fluid added.
Unless the cap on the reservoir says use Power Steering Fluid only use Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Use mercron automatic tranmission fluid and do not overfill.
You can use any kind of PS fluid you want as long as it's labeled, "Power Steering fluid".
Use a turkey baster to suck old fluid out, refill with new 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 )
under the hood on the left side near the front is a pump -the cap should say power steering fluid on the top (daddmac)
put it in the thing next to the oil thing.