either the tranny has too much oil in it or the o-ring around the dipstick tube is wore out or missing
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
hehehe... "dipstick"... teehee
It would go in the dipstick tube for the transmission.
You wouldn't want to do that because starting with the 2002 model Ford Explorer ( four door ) there is no automatic transmission fluid dipstick / dipstick tube that would allow you to put in automatic transmission fluid at home
You would add transmission fliud thru the dipstick opening.
The BMW 750il has a "sealed for life" ZF transmission. There is no dipstick. Still would recommend changing fluid & filter every 100k.
The type should be engraved in the automatic transmission fluid dipstick . ( if you have the 5 speed manual transmission it would have Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid in it from the factory )
Find the transmission dipstick, which is usually brightly colored and toward the back of the engine. Remove the dipstick, being careful not to spill or drip any fluid. Wipe off the dipstick with a clean rag, just as you would do when checking the engine oil.
Where the dipstick goes in underneath the battery tray.
You would add ATF through the dipstick tube.
The manual transaxle ( transmission ) on your Ford Escape does not have a fluid level dipstick like the automatic would normally have ( it is probably checked at the FILL PLUG on your transmission , underneath the vehicle )
Usually, I would remove the dipstick for the transmission and a funnel that is small enough to fit in there and that's how I add transmission fluid. You have to make sure you add the right amount and use the specified transmission fluid for that car.