Ford Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

The following items must be checked before proceeding:

Know and Understand the Concern

In order to correctly diagnose a concern, first understand the customer complaint or condition. Customer contact may be required in order to begin to verify the concern. Understand the conditions as to when the concern occurs. For example:

• Hot or cold vehicle temperature.
• Hot or cold ambient temperature.
• Vehicle driving conditions.
• Vehicle loaded or unloaded.

After understanding when and how the concern occurs, proceed to verifying the concern.

Verification of Condition

This section provides information which must be used in both determining the actual cause of customer concerns and carrying out the appropriate repair procedures.

The following procedures must be used when verifying customer concerns for the transaxle:

Determine Customer Concerns

NOTE:If noise/vibration, check for dependencies: rpm, vehicle speed, shift, gear, range or temperature.

NOTE:Some transaxle conditions may cause engine concerns. The torque converter clutch not disengaging will stall the engine.

• Hot or cold vehicle operating temperature.
• Hot or cold ambient temperature.
• Type of terrain.
• Vehicle loaded/unloaded.
• City/highway driving.
• Upshift.
• Downshift.
• Coasting.
• Engagement.
• Noise/vibration — check for dependencies, either rpm dependent, vehicle speed dependent, shift dependent, gear dependent, range dependent, or temperature dependent.

Check Fluid Level and Condition

CAUTION:The vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level is below the bottom hole on the fluid level indicator and the outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F).

NOTE:Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. If your vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic, during hot weather, or while pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to cool before checking.

The transmission fluid level should be checked at normal operating temperatures, 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F), on a level surface. You can check the fluid level without driving if the outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F). When the vehicle has not been driven, and the outside temperature is above 10°C (50°F), the fluid level should be between the holes on the indicator. If the transmission fluid is to be checked when the fluid is at room temperature, the fluid level indicator could indicate that fluid should be added if the indicator is misread. If fluid is added at this time, an overfill condition could result when the vehicle reaches operating temperature of 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F).

Fluid Level Check

 

Item

Part Number

Description

1

—

Do not add if above the crosshatched area

2

—

Fluid level at room temperature 10°C-35°C (50°F-95°F) (Do not add fluid)

3

—

Fluid level at operating temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F)

4

—

Do not drive if below this area and outside temperatures are above 10°C (50°F)

High Fluid Level

Fluid levels above the safe range may result in transmission failure. An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift or engagement concerns and possible damage. High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition. A fluid level that is too high may cause the fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts. This will cause erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of fluid from the vent tube and possible transmission malfunction and/or damage. If an overfill reading is indicated drain and refill the transmission.

Low Fluid Level

Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid level is below the hole at the bottom of the fluid level indicator, or not on the fluid level indicator and the outside temperatures are above 10°C (50°F). A low fluid level could result in poor transmission engagement, slipping, malfunction and/or damage. This could also indicate a leak in one of the transmission seals or gaskets.

Adding Fluid

CAUTION:The use of any other type of transmission fluid than specified could result in transmission malfunction and/or damage. An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift or engagement concerns and possible damage.

Before adding fluid be sure that the correct type is being used. The type of fluid that should be used is found on the fluid level indicator, on the handle, in the owner manual, and in the Specification section in this section.

If fluid needs to be added, add fluid in .25L (1/2 pint) increments through the filler tube. Do not overfill the fluid.

Fluid Condition Check

1. Check the fluid level.

2. Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be dark reddish, not brown or black.

3. Hold the fluid level indicator over a white facial tissue and allow the fluid to drip onto the facial tissue and examine the stain.

4. If evidence of solid material is found, the transmission fluid pan should be removed for further inspection.

5. If the stain is a foamy pink color, this may indicate coolant in the transmission. The engine cooling system should also be inspected at this time.

6. If fluid contamination or transmission failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the transmission fluid pan, the transmission must be disassembled and completely cleaned. This includes the torque converter and cooler lines.