Ford Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

CAUTION:Whenever a transaxle has been disassembled to install new parts or because the valve body sticks from foreign material, the torque converter and transmission fluid cooler must be cleaned by using a suitable cleaner. Under no circumstances should an attempt be made to clean converters by hand agitation with solvent.

When internal wear or damage has occurred in the transaxle, metal particles, clutch plate material or band material can be carried into the torque converter and transmission fluid cooler. These contaminants are a major cause of recurring transaxle concerns and must be removed from the system before the transaxle is returned for repair.

Transmission Fluid Cooler Flow Test

NOTE:The transaxle linkage adjustment, fluid level and line pressure must be within specification before carrying out this test. Refer to Section 307-05 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle External Controls for transaxle linkage adjustment procedure. For transmission fluid level checking procedures, refer to Preliminary Inspection in this section. For transaxle line pressure testing, refer to Special Testing Procedures in this section.

1. Remove fluid level indicator from fluid filler tube.

2. Place funnel in fluid filler tube.

3. Raise vehicle on hoist and position suitable safety stands under vehicle.

4. Remove cooler return line (rear fitting) from fitting on transaxle case.

5. Connect one end of a hose to the cooler return line and route the other end of the hose up to a point where it can be inserted into the funnel at the fluid filler tube.

6. Remove safety stands and lower vehicle. Insert end of hose into funnel.

7. Start engine and run at idle with transaxle in NEUTRAL range.

8. When fluid flowing from hose is all liquid, an adequate amount of fluid should be observed (approximately 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of liquid delivered in 15 seconds). If adequate flow is observed, test is completed.

9. If flow is not adequate, stop engine. Disconnect hose from cooler return line and connect it to converter-out line (front fitting) on case.

10. Repeat Steps 7 and 8. If flow is now liberal, carry out back flushing and cleaning procedures in Cleaning and Inspection. Refer to diagnosis of transaxle fluid cooler, Section 307-02 Transmission/Transaxle Cooling. If flow is still not liberal, repair the pump or converter.

Transmission Fluid Cooler Tube Replacement

When fluid leakage is found at the transmission fluid cooler tubes or installation of new cooler tubes is necessary, refer to Section 307-02 Transmission/Transaxle Cooling.