Ford 2006 Escape Hybrid Owner's Manual page 286

Maintenance and Specifications
5. Using the hole in the splash
shield, remove the check plug from
the side of the transmission.
If this is the first check of the
transmission fluid, it may be
necessary to remove the perforated
section of the splash shield (as
indicated on the splash shield).
6. Be sure the engine has been stopped for at least 3 minutes before
performing the fluid level check.
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