Ford Repair: My transmission, fluid drains, torque converter

Question
I have a 1994 Ford Escort LX 1.9L engine.  The problem is that when i try to accelrate my car takes a long time to move and then it feels like the car skips and jurkes a little. but when my father took the car for a run my car wouldnt accelrate in my drive way.  I dont think its my timing belt but i dont know. or could it be that my car need transmission fluid and if so where do i put the transmission fluid? would you be able to help me with this problem?  Please infom me as soon as possiable.    

Thank You,
Ike  

Answer
I would check your transmission fluid level, assuming you have an automatic transmission and the engine is running good.  It is common on older Escorts to have Torque Converter leak-down. The fluid drains from the Torque Converter when the engine is off and the vehicle has been sitting for a while. It takes a few seconds to fill back up after the engine is started and transmission shifted into gear.  If the fluid is low it will take longer and the transmission will engage harshly ("skip and jerk").  You fill the transmission through the dipstick tube. Check the fluid with the engine running at normal operating temperature and the transmission in park.  Be very careful not to overfill, it's a lot easier to add more fluid than to remove some.  If the transmission fluid is leaking you'll want to fix the leak, or check and fill the trans regularly.

I hope this helps,
Dave