How can I clear / get it to go off the check engine light on my 2001 ford escort. Also, no matter where I look for a repair manual for this car I find nothing, they all seem to end at the year 2000, why is that?

The light is coming on to tell you something is going wrong. Find out what the DTC is and we'll help you find what's wrong.
Read this, too:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/when-asking-about-your-vehicle-303903.html

I have a 2001 ford escort 4 cylinder ( 2.0 L I think ) and when I scan tool it because of the check engine light it says cylinder 4 miss fire, what could be the cause of that? I put in new plugs recently and they look good still.

S.N.

Did you use the exact Motorcraft plugs that came in the car? Were they single platinum plugs gapped to specs? Did you apply dielectric grease to the porcelein and top of the electrode? If you have a coil-on-plug setup, is the spring from the coil dead center over the spark plug?

You may also need to replace the coil.

DTC stands for Diagnostic Trouble Code. The connector is located under the driver's side of the dash.

A misfire can also be caused by a failed injector or other mechanical issue, like a damaged valve train.

This link may help:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-11.html#post2028083